Connecticut State Department of Public Health

The Federal Government has reopened COVIDtests.gov. Every household can order four over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for free. These tests are intended for use throughout the 2024 holiday season to detect currently circulating COVID-19 variants. Please visit COVIDtests.gov for your free test.

Access and Functional Needs Populations

State and local health departments must plan individually and collaboratively to meet the needs of access and functional needs (AFN) populations in emergencies. These populations are individuals with and without disabilities that may need assistance due to a temporary or permanent condition(s) that can hinder their ability to act during an emergency. Planning efforts will minimize the disproportionate impact disasters and public health emergencies can have on access and functional needs populations. Planning includes providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) for identified disproportionately affected populations in jurisdictions across Connecticut. In the event of a public health emergency, agencies and organizations should take into account the public health and medical needs of at-risk individuals, such as, but not limited to, children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with access and functional needs.

Below are links to resources and information that can assist agencies and organizations when conducting inclusive emergency preparedness planning with their communities.

Access & Functional Needs Categories

The following links provide resources and communication tips relative to specific access and functional needs (AFN) populations.

Planning Resources

 

 

For more information about any of these topics, contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response:

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response

410 Capitol Avenue, MS #13 OPHPR

Hartford, CT 06134

 

Main Desk: (860) 509-8282

General Fax: (860) 509-7160

Office Email: dph.phep@ct.gov

Office website please click here.