2026 Emergency Preparedness Symposium Recap

The 2026 Emergency Preparedness Symposium brought together emergency management leaders, clinical teams, and operational staff for a dynamic day of learning and collaboration. Hosted in Los Angeles, the event gave health center professionals from across the region the opportunity to gather in person, strengthen local networks and share real‑world strategies for preparing their communities for the unexpected.

Attendees connected with peers facing similar regional challenges—from wildfires and extreme heat to power outages, cyber threats, and public health emergencies. These conversations helped build a stronger, more coordinated network of professionals committed to protecting patient safety and maintaining continuity of care.

The symposium sessions highlighted the evolving landscape of emergency preparedness for community health centers. Presenters shared best practices in areas such as:

• Strengthening emergency operations plans

• Building a culture of readiness across an organization

• Preserving continuity of care immediately following an emergency event

• Integrating into regional disaster coordination plans

Hands-on activities allowed participants to compare approaches, troubleshoot challenges, and learn from one another’s experiences.

The 2026 Emergency Preparedness Symposium reinforced the critical role health centers play in community resilience. By coming together in Los Angeles, participants strengthened their collective readiness and shared tools that will help safeguard patients and staff in the face of future emergencies.