With the 2025 hurricane season officially underway as of June 1, forecasters are predicting an active season that demands heightened preparedness across vulnerable communities. Multiple sources including Colorado State University and The Weather Channel, project 13 to 19 named storms, 7 to 10 hurricanes, and up to 5 major hurricanes. These numbers should be a wake-up call for all of us, especially those living in the Gulf Coast and Carolinas states, to make sure we’re as prepared as possible.

With warmer waters, combined with the possibility of La Niña conditions, could fuel more intense storms that arrive earlier than expected. So, even though June 1 is the official start, we might see activity before then. This means now is the time to review your emergency plans and check in on your loved ones and neighbors, especially those with access and functional needs.

At Healthcare Ready, we’ve spent nearly two decades working at the intersection of healthcare, emergency preparedness, and equity. Through strong partnerships with government agencies, community-based organizations, and the private sector, we help build resilience before, during, and after disasters. One of the most effective tools we offer is RxOpen, which tracks the status of pharmacies and dialysis centers during disasters. When hurricanes hit, knowing whether a facility is open or closed can mean the difference between health and crisis, particularly for those managing chronic conditions.

We also help prevent and mitigate disruptions to the healthcare supply chain. That includes monitoring for potential medication shortages and supporting healthcare providers so they can maintain continuity of care. For those with medical conditions, it’s critical to have an emergency kit ready—complete with medications, backup power for medical devices, and a plan for refrigerating necessary drugs during power outages.

We always urge people to sign up for alerts—not just from your local emergency management office, but also from Healthcare Ready’s Alert Hub and our event-specific reports. These resources are especially helpful during storm season. We also help people navigate programs like EPAP (Emergency Prescription Assistance Program), which provides essential prescription drugs and medical equipment during disasters.

As we prepare for what could be a challenging season, we also want to highlight the importance of access to disaster response. Disasters disproportionately impact underserved communities due to structural inequities and limited access to resources. That’s why we’ve developed tailored resources that can be used by public health departments, community health centers, and other grassroots organizations. Whether it’s for pediatric populations, patients with chronic illnesses, or people navigating social vulnerabilities, we’re here to support.

Throughout the season, Healthcare Ready will be sharing updates, threat assessments, and situation reports. These will include analysis of healthcare and supply chain impacts so that you, your organization, or your community can make informed decisions. And if you’re in need of help during a response, you can always reach our hotline. If we can’t help directly, we’ll connect you to someone who can.

You can stay informed by visiting our website or following us on X and LinkedIn. We’ve also compiled some additional resources to help you prepare:

• RxOpen – Track pharmacy and dialysis facility status in affected areas.
• Rx On the Run – Print your prescriptions and emergency contacts.
• HcR Disaster Tip Sheet – resources to help stay prepared during a hurricane or tropical storm.
• EPAP – Learn how to access emergency medications when activated.
• FEMA Recovery and Resilience Resource Library – Explore federal disaster recovery tools.
• gov – A national campaign with personal preparedness guides.

Preparedness is something we all share responsibility for. By taking small steps now—assembling a kit, staying informed, checking on others—we can collectively increase our resilience