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Massachusetts Value:
State has an Enhanced State Hazard Mitigation Plan approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that uses a social vulnerability index that accounts for older adults and people with disabilities
Massachusetts Rank:
State has an Enhanced State Hazard Mitigation Plan approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that uses a social vulnerability index that accounts for older adults and people with disabilities
Yes
No
No Data
Top State(s): California, Colorado, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington: Yes
Bottom State(s): Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming: No
Definition: State has an Enhanced State Hazard Mitigation Plan approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that uses a social vulnerability index that accounts for older adults and people with disabilities
Data Source and Years(s): AARP Public Policy Institute, Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard Report Series, 2023
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of AARP Public Policy Institute, Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard Report Series, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2026.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) evaluates state plans to reduce long-term risk from natural disasters. It approves states that meet specific requirements as official enhanced state hazard mitigation plans. The enhanced plans increase access to FEMA resources and promote coordinated mitigation programs among departments and agencies. States that qualify can access 5% more funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program during a disaster to better respond and provide relief.
Although not required, many states opt to use a social vulnerability index to identify and plan for locations with vulnerable populations. As states create enhanced plans and seek yearly approval, older adults disproportionately impacted by natural disasters are important to consider. The frequency and severity of natural disasters are increasing, and older adults are experiencing increased mortality rates due to higher rates of low immunity, preexisting conditions and limited mobility. The American Public Health Association has named the following as key climate health threats for older adults:
The AARP Disaster Resilience Tool Kit, developed in partnership with FEMA, guides various local partners in reducing the risk of natural disasters for older adults. The toolkit includes recommendations for advocacy, community, government and other organizations, including:
While no goals are specific to enhanced state hazard mitigation plans, HealthyPeople 2030 has several objectives to improve emergency preparedness.
Lynch, Victoria D., Jonathan A. Sullivan, Aaron B. Flores, Xicheng Xie, Sarika Aggarwal, Rachel C. Nethery, Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou, Anne E. Nigra, and Robbie M. Parks. “Large Floods Drive Changes in Cause-Specific Mortality in the United States.” Nature Medicine 31, no. 2 (February 2025): 663–71. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03358-z.
Stanton, Melissa. “AARP Disaster Resilience Tool Kit.” Washington, D.C.: AARP, 2022. https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/2022/AARP%20Disaster%20Resilience%20Tool%20Kit-singles-060122-.pdf.
Vespa, Jonathan, Lauren Medina, and David M. Armstrong. “Demographic Turning Points for the United States: Population Projections for 2020 to 2060.” Current Population Reports. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Census Bureau, February 2020. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2020/demo/p25-1144.html.
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
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