Public Health Emergency Declared in Washington After Severe Storms

Dec 25, 2025, 2:36 AM

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The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has declared a public health emergency for Washington state following a series of devastating storms that have caused significant flooding, landslides, and mudslides across the region. This emergency declaration aims to enhance healthcare access and support recovery efforts in the wake of the natural disasters that began impacting the area on December 9, 2025.

This declaration comes on the heels of an emergency declaration by President Donald Trump, which was issued on December 12, 2025. Trump's declaration unlocked federal assistance for various counties affected by the storms, including Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, and Yakima. The assistance is also extended to the Samish Indian Nation and other Tribal Nations within the specified jurisdictions.

John Knox, HHS' Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), emphasized the department's readiness to assist state and local response efforts. He noted the potential healthcare impacts stemming from the severe storms and highlighted the importance of ensuring that residents have continuous access to necessary care during and after the crisis.

To facilitate this, HHS has activated its emPOWER program, which provides critical data on Medicare beneficiaries who rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment, such as dialysis machines and oxygen tanks. This information is vital for prioritizing at-risk individuals during power outages and other disruptions caused by the storms.

In addition to healthcare access, the HHS declaration allows for greater flexibility in Medicare and Medicaid services to address urgent needs arising from the emergency. This flexibility is crucial as communities work to recover from the extensive damage caused by back-to-back atmospheric rivers that have led to historic flooding and infrastructure disruptions.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson had previously declared a statewide emergency on December 10, 2025, in response to the severe weather conditions. He subsequently directed $3.5 million in state aid to support residents affected by the flooding and activated assistance programs for quicker emergency relief.

As recovery efforts ramp up, HHS is also providing emotional support through the Disaster Distress Helpline, which offers 24/7 crisis counseling in multiple languages. Residents can reach out for assistance by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990, ensuring that mental health resources are available alongside physical health support during this challenging time.

The HHS declaration and the accompanying federal assistance are critical steps in addressing the immediate healthcare needs of those impacted by the storms. As the situation evolves, state and federal agencies are working collaboratively to ensure that residents receive the necessary support to recover and rebuild.

In summary, the public health emergency declared by HHS underscores the severity of the situation in Washington state and the commitment of federal and state agencies to provide essential healthcare services and support to affected communities.

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