"Emergency Planning"

Emergencies, hospital visits, evacuations, power outages, and unexpected travel disruptions can be stressful for anyone — but for people with Classical Homocystinuria, Cobalamin Disorders, Severe MTHFR, and related special dietary or medication needs, preparation has extra layers. This interactive breakout session will help individuals and families think through what they need before an emergency happens, including medical letters, medication and formula supplies, low-protein food planning, emergency contacts, hospital communication, and Medical ID tools.

Using HCU Network America's Emergency Preparedness Toolkit as a guide, participants will identify gaps in their current emergency plan, begin building or updating their personal checklist, and practice how to communicate key medical and dietary needs in urgent situations. The session will focus on practical, real-life planning so participants leave with clear next steps and greater confidence.

Learning objectives

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

- Identify the core pieces of an HCU emergency plan, including an emergency letter, medical records, medications, formula, low-protein foods, and provider contact information.
- Explain what information should be shared with hospital or emergency staff, including diagnosis, treatment needs, diet/formula needs, medications, and risks such as blood clots or nitrous oxide avoidance.
- Begin customizing an emergency supply checklist for their own household.
- Set up or update at least one emergency communication tool, such as a phone Medical ID, printed emergency card, or medical ID tag.
- Name one concrete action they will complete after the conference