A new online interactive tool will allow community health agencies and emergency management officials respond in health disasters to individuals relying on electronically powered medical equipment to live independently at home.
HHS' emPOWER Map is sponsored by the agency's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. The map shows the number of Medicare beneficiaries' claims for electricity-dependent equipment each month and couples the information with real-time severe weather tracking services.
Using this information, health officials can work to prevent negative outcomes for those whose health equipment is reliant on electricity.
"For people who rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment, prolonged power outages can mean life or death, said Nicole Lurie, MD, HHS' assistant secretary for preparedness and response. "This tool helps communities better anticipate, plan for and respond to these unique needs of this population and improve resilience for the entire community before and after disasters."
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