Report Shows that Many Florida Health Centers are in Need of Emergency Backup Power Capabilities

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is prone to natural disasters. A recent report shows that many health centers there are in need of backup power capabilities to ensure residents can receive needed healthcare services during these crises.

Hurricane Ian hit southwest Florida on Sept. 28th, 2022, and caused several power outages that affected 3.28 million residents. Almost 150 people died, including some who died after power disruptions compromised their ability to utilize electricity-dependent medical equipment. And weather-related power outages increased by 78 percent from 2011-2021 (compared to 2000-2010).

The Florida Association of Community Health Centers (FACHC) partnered with Clean Energy Group to conduct a survey on emergency backup power capabilities at Florida’s 800-plus community health centers. FACHC aimed to assess which health centers had emergency power sources, evaluate the types of emergency power currently utilized by health centers, and build awareness of available options to increase resiliency.