Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Aug. 6 declared a public health emergency for Washington state after massive wildfires in the Spokane area.
Kennedy said he spoke with Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and assured him that his department would work with state and local leaders to support frontline healthcare professionals and help communities affected.
“Today, I declared a Public Health Emergency for Washington State, giving hospitals and healthcare providers the flexibility they need to respond to these devastating wildfires and protect lives,” the health secretary said in a post on X.
“We stand with the people of Washington, and we will not let them face this crisis alone.”
The move followed Ferguson’s announcement on Aug. 4 that the federal government had granted his request for an emergency declaration, authorizing federal partners to deploy personnel and resources to support the state’s response to the wildfires.
This is a developing story that will be updated.
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