CARE Act

HR 1961, the CARE Act, requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create an after-action program to review and improve responses to public health emergencies. This program, to be implemented within two years, mandates HHS to analyze coordination with state/local partners, logistics, infection prevention, and recovery strategies, and report findings to Congress. The bill also requires HHS to establish a risk communication strategy within one year to ensure clear, targeted messaging for at-risk populations during health emergencies. It authorizes $3.5 million for the initial implementation of these programs. The law directly affects HHS agencies and their partners, including state health departments, tribes, and non-governmental organizations involved in emergency responses.