In partnership with the McCormick Tribune Foundation, the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security hosted a conference entitled Vulnerable Populations: Emergency Planning, November 5-7 in Washington, D.C. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita underscored the need to include vulnerable populations – the poor, the isolated, the elderly,the disabled, children, immigrants, and refugees in emergency planning. Researchers, advocates, and emergency responders from across the Country assessed the status of emergency preparedness for vulnerable populations. Conference participants developed a National Action Plan designed to ensure that vulnerable populations are prepared in the event of a catastrophic emergency. See Vulnerable Populations & Emergency Preparedness website.
