US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the state of Hawaii on Friday declared a Public Health Emergency for the state of Hawaii. Xavier Becerra, the Secretary of US Health and Emergency Services, made this announcement in response to the devastating wildfires that have claimed the lives of many people and left numerous others displaced.
According to the HHS official website, Public Health Emergency has been declared to address the health impacts of the wildfires and gives the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
“We are working closely with state and local health authorities, as well as our partners across the federal government, and stand ready to provide additional public health and medical support.” said Secretary Becerra.
Initial team of 13 responders including an assessment team from the NDMS Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) are also deployed by Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to support emergency response efforts in Hawaii. The team will coordinate with the federal public emergency management agency and local authorities.
“The deadly wildfires that have impacted Maui this week have brought untold destruction and loss to the island,” said Dawn O’Connel, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response l. “ASPR has deployed highly trained response personnel to Hawaii as part of the combined federal and state response to these fires. We are committed to supporting the people of Hawaii during this difficult time,” he added.
Meanwhile, the authorities also released a helpline number service to provide immediate counseling to anyone affected by the wildfires in over 100 languages. Victims can call on 1-800-985-5590 to avail the services.
Large-scale wildfires have been sweeping the US state of Hawaii, a famous tourist spot and an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean which is known for its natural beauty since Tuesday (August 9), with the death toll reaching 80 as per various news reports. August 9 incidents have particularly affected Maui island with significant damage to the town of Lahaina.
