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Health and Social Services Recovery Support Function

The Health and Social Services (HSS) RSF restores and improves health and social services networks to promote the resilience, health, independence, and well-being of the whole community pre- and post-disaster. The HSS RSF implements the federal framework to support locally led recovery efforts focused on health care systems, human services, behavioral health, public health/environmental health, and education. 

HSS is one of six RSFs, established under the National Disaster Recovery Framework, that support recovery efforts of states, local governments, tribes, and territories (SLTT) before, during, and after disasters. The HSS RSF is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Led by HHS’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the HSS RSF is coordinated by a National Coordinator, Deputy National Coordinator, and staff from ASPR’s Office of Community Mitigation and Recovery based both at ASPR headquarters and in HHS’ 10 regions, who respond to support SLTT recovery efforts when activated by FEMA.  

Mission Statement

The HSS RSF assists locally led recovery efforts in the restoration of the public health, health care and social services networks to promote the resilience, health and well-being of affected individuals and communities. NDRF, 2016

Examples of Health and Social Services (HSS) Support Include:

  • Operational Planning – Develops plans for the transition from post-incident recovery operations back to steady-state operations and incorporates those into existing preparedness and operational plans.
  • Implementation Strategy Development – Addresses recovery issues for health, education, and human services with cross-cutting priorities related to: the needs of children, youth, and families; integration of older adults and people with access and functional needs; climate resilience and sustainability; and equity in post-disaster outcomes.
  • Training, Subject Matter Expertise, and Technical Assistance – Performs needs assessment and develops courses of action to support SLTT recovery strategies, with particular focus on specialized technical assistance, scientific subject matter expertise, peer-to-peer support, and programmatic technical assistance.
  • Resource Identification – Assists SLTT partners in identifying specific federal resources that can help address key health, human services, or education challenges identified in the SLTT recovery strategy.

Coordinating Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Primary Agencies: Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)/FEMA/National Preparedness and Protection Directive and Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)