Navigating Future Practice: Disaster Preparedness
Disasters, whether natural or human-made, can strike at any moment, profoundly affecting our communities, homes, workplaces, and the ability to care for ourselves and others. As the roles of registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered continue to evolve, it's crucial to explore how they can lead in fostering a culture of disaster preparedness. This brief from the Council on Future Practice delves into the unique challenges and opportunities RDNs and NDTRs face before, during, and after disasters, especially in a world where virtual care is becoming more common.
RDNs and NDTRs have a vital role in ensuring that nutrition care is a key part of disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. This brief provides essential insights and questions that you can use to strengthen your leadership role within healthcare and multidisciplinary teams, helping to build resilient and prepared communities. Whether you're just beginning to explore disaster preparedness or looking to deepen your knowledge, this brief will guide you in anticipating future challenges and positioning yourself as a leader in disaster response and recovery.
Resources to Help Before a Disaster
- Ready.Gov
- HHS Monthly Climate and Health Outlook
- Climate.Gov Social Vulnerability & Community Resilience Index
- FEMA Planning Guides
- HHS Protecting Vulnerable Patient Populations from Climate Hazards: A Referral Guide for Health Professionals
- HHS Climate Change and Health Equity
Resources to Help During a Disaster
- USDA Disaster Resource Center
- CDC Disaster Resources
- FNS Food Safety Emergency Response
- CDC Resources for Emergency Health Professionals
Resources to Help After a Disaster
If there is a trend affecting nutrition and dietetics practice that you feel the Council on Future Practice or House of Delegates should explore, please submit your feedback.
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