Emerging Public Health Needs for Climate Smart Technology in Connecticut Affordable Housing

This report describes the pressing need for climate smart technology in affordable housing in Connecticut and beyond. Investing in climate smart technology for affordable housing is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of residents who rely on home medical devices (HMDs). By enhancing the resilience of these buildings, Connecticut can better protect medically vulnerable people and reduce the strain on emergency services during extreme weather events.

This report was prepared by the Yale Schools of Medicine and Public Health and Operation Fuel in collaboration with the Connecticut Insurance Department, the Connecticut Green Bank, and Clean Energy Group, with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Energy Storage Solutions program, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office.

Key Report Findings:

• Many residents depend on multiple HMDs for critical health needs, including dialysis machines, ventilators, oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, and electric wheelchairs.
• Residents often face financial strain due to high energy costs associated with running multiple HMDs.
• Residents employ various strategies in preparation for and during outages, such as stocking up on supplies, using alternatives for refrigeration, and relying on social networks or emergency services for support.
• Power outages cause significant anxiety and stress among residents, exacerbating their health and safety concerns. Where housing facilities have plans in place to support residents in case of power outages and communicate those plans effectively, residents feel less anxious.

Key Report Recommendations:

• Broaden the definition of HMDs to include all devices critical for health management, mobility, and communication.
• Individual residents should receive alerts to prepare for power outages.
• Include health aides and nurses in planning efforts due to their on-the-ground experience with HMD users.
• More resilient buildings would reduce the burden on emergency services and hospitals during outages.
• Solutions must consider both physical health and emotional distress caused by power outages.
• Housing providers should develop and communicate detailed emergency plans to all residents.
• Buildings should provide common areas powered by backup energy sources for residents during short outages.
• Encourage property managers to share best practices and strategies.
• Utilize available local, state, and federal incentives and financing to implement climate smart technologies.
• Foster collaboration between healthcare, insurance, public, and philanthropic sectors to fund climate smart technology investments.