ProtectingHomeHealthCareWorkers:AChallengeto PandemicInfluenzaPreparednessPlanning

Thehomehealthcaresector is a critical element in a pandemic influenza emergency response. Roughly 85% of the 1.5 million workers delivering in-home care to 7.6 million clients are low-wage paraprofessionals,mostlywomen,anddisproportionately members of racial and ethnic minorities. Home health care workers’ ability and willingness to respond during a pandemic depends on appropriate communication, training, and adequate protections,