Officials have declared a public health emergency amid severe weather and flooding in Washington state. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr declared a public health emergency for Washington state Wednesday to address the health impacts caused by severe storms, winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides in the area. The department has given the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) greater flexibility to meet medical emergency health needs in Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. ASPR’s highly trained personnel are prepared to support state and local actions to save lives and protect the delivery of health care services.' There is also a Disaster Distress Helpline that provides 24/7 mental health support to Americans experiencing a natural disaster.

Source: Daily Mail December 25, 2025 02:20 UTC