Low Country

Low Country Regional HPFP Meeting

The session, “Pivoting from Response to Preparedness: Supporting Vulnerable Populations through Disaster,” took place on August 27 in Monck’s Corner and focused on disaster preparedness and response, guiding policymakers on how communities can support older adults and those with disabilities in the Lowcountry. Legislators, policymakers and other attendees heard from experts about preparedness and response, accessibility and potential solutions that they can bring back to their communities.

Attendees received information from South Carolina’s Emergency Management Division’s Chief of Preparedness, Andrew Phillips, and a panel of experts on services and policy opportunities for the Lowcountry region to better accommodate the aging and disabled population during disasters. The panel included:

• Marie Bevins, emergency support function 8 and external plans lead, South Carolina Department of Public Health Bureau of Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Julia Barrett-Martinelli, executive director, AccessAbility.
• Luke Estes, manager of mobile integrated health, South Carolina EMS Association Community Paramedicine/Mobile Integrated Healthcare Committee Chairman