As natural disasters, power outages, and rising energy and insurance costs become increasingly prevalent, Community Health Center Leaders nationwide are grappling with a critical question: Are their centers adequately prepared to face these challenges? Many Community Health Centers have already taken proactive steps by adopting micro-grid solar solutions. These systems allow them to generate electricity during power outages or natural disasters, ensuring they can maintain continuity of care and continue their vital role as first responders.
However, as health centers move toward clean and renewable energy solutions, another pressing question emerges: Are Community Health Centers prepared for local and state energy benchmarking requirements? In support of the United States’ transition to clean and renewable energy, many states now mandate that public and private buildings report their annual energy consumption data. While this introduces an additional compliance requirement for health centers, it also serves as a crucial step in evaluating whether a solar and renewable energy solution is beneficial.
The challenges and opportunities facing Community Health Centers are vividly illustrated in the aftermath of the 2017 Tubbs Fire, as documented by Gabriela Aoun Angueira in an AP article on June 11, 2024. AP article
The Tubbs Fire, a devastating blaze that claimed 22 lives and destroyed 5,600 buildings, occurred 70 miles from Alliance Medical Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center in California. During this crisis, Alliance Medical Center found itself overwhelmed as workers from nearby vineyards sought help for burns, smoke inhalation, and other emergencies.
The disaster severely disrupted the center’s operations. Staff were unable to access electronic health records or fill prescriptions, and refrigerators storing $30,000 worth of vaccines ceased functioning. “We’d be fine if we never had to live through that again, but the reality is we will,” said Sue Labbe, CEO of Alliance Medical Center. “But we’ll be prepared now.”
In May, the clinic, which serves 13,000 patients annually—primarily underinsured and uninsured essential workers in the wine country’s fields, hotels, and restaurants—deployed a new rooftop solar and battery storage system. The installation of numerous solar panels across the south- and west-facing sections of the clinic’s green roof now generates sufficient power for clinical areas, the server room housing electronic records, and the refrigerators essential for preserving medications. Additionally, batteries stored in metal closets in the building’s back parking lot ensure up to 15 hours of operation after sunset.
Natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes are occurring with increasing frequency across the country. Alliance Medical Center, like many other Community Health Centers, recognizes that while it cannot avoid these events, it can be better prepared. The implementation of renewable energy solutions is a significant step towards resilience.
For more information on how renewable energy can help Community Health Centers become more resilient, visit www.energypathways.co.
