By EMS1 Staff
WASHINGTON — A public health emergency was declared for Louisiana in response to Hurricane Harvey.
HHS.gov reported that Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price declared a public health emergency and has also taken action that gives HHS’ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and their health care providers’ greater flexibility in regard to meeting emergency health needs.
“As Louisiana and Texas contend with the historic flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, HHS is committed to doing all that we can to ensure that those affected by this storm receive the vital assistance and support they need,” Secretary Price said. “The people of Louisiana who rely on Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP for their health care needs can be confident that this declaration will allow their care to continue despite the toll this disaster has taken in their communities.”
HHS has also deployed around 550 personnel to the impacted areas to help with emergency needs.