A curated collection of federal guidance, planning tools, funding opportunities, and peer networks to help community health centers build resilience, prepare for natural hazards, and maintain continuity of care before, during, and after disasters.
Note: Community health centers are authorized to use federal grant funding for emergency preparedness activities and may be eligible for supplemental awards for post-disaster recovery and resilience planning. The resources below can help CHCs identify applicable programs, develop required plans, and access technical assistance from federal and national partners.
Official resources from HRSA, FEMA, HHS, and related federal agencies
BPHC's primary resource hub for health center emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Includes guidance on using Health Center Program funding for preparedness activities, emergency policy information, and links to technical assistance resources for health centers before, during, and after disasters.
Visit BPHC Emergency PreparednessThe data source underlying this platform. The NRI provides census tract-level estimates of natural hazard risk across 18 hazard types, including building loss rates and population loss rates used in Compliance Care CHC's dashboards.
Explore the NRIASPR leads federal public health and medical preparedness and response. Their TRACIE system provides healthcare emergency preparedness resources, tools, and issue briefs directly applicable to health centers.
Visit ASPR TRACIECDC's emergency preparedness and response hub for clinicians and healthcare providers, including the Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA), health alerts, and guidance on preparing for natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and other public health emergencies.
Visit CDC PreparednessTemplates, frameworks, and tools for developing emergency preparedness and continuity of operations plans
NACHC provides emergency preparedness training, webinars, and a Community of Practice for health center staff. Their programs help health centers understand CMS and Joint Commission emergency preparedness requirements and build a culture of resilience. Visit NACHC.org and search emergency preparedness for current offerings.
Visit NACHC Emergency PreparednessFEMA's COOP planning resources and templates help organizations ensure essential functions continue during emergencies. Health centers can adapt these frameworks to meet HRSA program requirements and maintain patient care continuity.
FEMA COOP ResourcesThe Kaiser Permanente HVA tool is widely used by healthcare organizations to assess local hazard risk and prioritize preparedness investments. It helps health centers identify which hazards warrant the greatest attention given their geographic context.
Access the HVA ToolASPR TRACIE is HHS's primary healthcare emergency preparedness information gateway, providing access to thousands of resources, tools, topic collections, and technical assistance for healthcare organizations. Health centers can search for CHC-specific guidance, coalition resources, and all-hazard planning tools.
Visit ASPR TRACIEFederal grants and programs supporting CHC resilience, capital development, and disaster recovery
BPHC Capital Development Grants support health centers in expanding capacity to provide primary and preventive services, including facility construction and renovation. These grants can fund emergency preparedness infrastructure improvements such as backup power systems, structural upgrades, and resilience-related facility hardening.
BPHC Capital Development GrantsHMGP provides funding to states, territories, and local governments — including nonprofit organizations — to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures following a presidential disaster declaration. Health centers in affected areas may be eligible as sub-applicants.
Learn about HMGPBRIC supports states, territories, and communities in undertaking hazard mitigation projects to reduce disaster risk before disasters strike. Health centers may be included in community-level applications submitted by state or local government partners.
Learn about BRICHPP is the primary federal funding source for healthcare system readiness, providing cooperative agreements to states and territories to build healthcare coalitions. Health centers can engage with their regional HPP-funded coalition to access preparedness resources, participate in exercises, and establish mutual aid agreements.
Learn about HPPNational and regional organizations providing technical assistance and peer support to CHCs on preparedness
State and regional Primary Care Associations provide direct technical assistance to health centers on a range of topics including emergency preparedness. Contact your state PCA to access training, planning support, and connections to local emergency management partners.
Find your state PCA directoryHPP-funded healthcare coalitions bring together hospitals, health centers, emergency medical services, and public health agencies to coordinate preparedness and response. Joining your regional coalition provides access to exercises, mutual aid agreements, and shared resources.
Healthcare Coalition ResourcesNACHC advocates for health centers at the federal level and provides policy updates, training, and technical assistance on emergency preparedness. Their annual conference and webinar series cover preparedness topics relevant to FQHC operations.
Visit NACHCNACHC advocates for health centers at the federal level and provides policy updates, training, and technical assistance on emergency preparedness, climate resilience, and disaster response. Their annual conference and webinar series cover preparedness topics directly relevant to FQHC operations and the communities they serve.
Visit NACHCKey actions to strengthen emergency preparedness at your health center