Federal officials have declared a public health emergency in Washington state as severe storms, flooding, landslides, and high winds continue to threaten communities. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. approved the declaration to ensure uninterrupted medical care, granting Medicare and Medicaid providers greater flexibility to meet emergency health needs.
The move follows widespread flooding and infrastructure damage, including a levee failure that could impact tens of thousands of residents. Federal agencies are supporting state and local responses with data tools to identify vulnerable residents who rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment, along with round-the-clock mental health support through the Disaster Distress Helpline.
