Natural disasters—whether wildfires, earthquakes, or severe storms—pose a unique and urgent threat to society’s most vulnerable: the elderly, people with disabilities, and those dependent on ongoing care. In these moments, the difference between chaos and coordinated safety can hinge on the speed, accuracy, and intelligence of emergency response systems. At Publicis Sapient, we believe digital innovation is not just a tool for efficiency—it is a lifeline that ensures no one is left behind when disaster strikes.
For years, emergency response management in many states relied on manual processes: paper maps, binders of spreadsheets, and the institutional knowledge of a few dedicated individuals. In Oregon, for example, the Department of Human Services’ Aging & People with Disabilities program was responsible for the safety of 47,000 nursing home residents and 20,000 in-home patients. During emergencies, a single staff member would coordinate disaster relief for thousands, shuffling through paperwork to identify which facilities and individuals needed urgent help. This analog approach was fraught with risk—single points of failure, slow response times, and the potential for life-altering mistakes.
Recognizing the imperative for change, the State of Oregon partnered with Publicis Sapient to reimagine emergency response management. The result was a comprehensive digital platform that consolidated disparate processes into a single, secure, and user-friendly system. Manual workflows were digitized, spreadsheets became interactive maps, and all critical data was centralized for real-time access.
This Emergency Response Management solution enables:
The impact of digitizing emergency response management has been profound. In Oregon, responders now know ahead of time which at-home care patients require more than a wellness check, and can act quickly to safeguard those most at risk. During recent emergencies, the system enabled the safe evacuation and tracking of residents and staff across thousands of facilities, with every incident digitally logged and triaged. The peace of mind this brings to families, caregivers, and public officials is immeasurable—and it has allowed dedicated staff to retire knowing the system is future-proofed for the next generation.
Key outcomes include:
The Oregon case is just one example of how Publicis Sapient’s digital solutions are transforming emergency response and social services across the public sector. Whether it’s delivering emergency rental assistance to families on the brink of homelessness, modernizing case management for public defenders, or connecting care providers to rural communities, our approach is rooted in a relentless focus on people.
Our digital platforms are designed to:
True digital transformation means designing for everyone. Our solutions prioritize accessibility, ensuring that digital services are usable by people of all abilities and backgrounds. This commitment is not just a technical requirement—it is a human right, and a core value that guides every project we undertake.
As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, the need for agile, intelligent, and inclusive emergency response systems will only grow. Publicis Sapient stands at the forefront of this evolution, partnering with public sector leaders, emergency planners, and advocates to build solutions that protect the most vulnerable and strengthen community resilience.
Are you ready to reimagine your emergency response capabilities? Let’s work together to ensure that, when disaster strikes, every individual—regardless of age, ability, or circumstance—is protected by the power of digital innovation.
Contact Publicis Sapient today to start your journey toward a safer, more equitable future.