HHS Announces New Health and Medical Recovery Resources for CNMI Following Typhoon Bavi
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 20, 2026) — As communities in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) transition from response to recovery following Typhoon Bavi, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), is expanding federal health and medical support. The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) and other recovery resources will help meet ongoing community needs while federal medical teams sustain hospital operations.
To help meet the ongoing health needs of affected communities, ASPR has activated the EPAP for residents of Saipan, Rota, and Tinian in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The program helps uninsured individuals replace essential prescription medications and certain medical equipment lost or damaged due to Typhoon Bavi.
EPAP enables eligible individuals to receive up to a 30-day supply of prescription medications at no cost from participating pharmacies. Refills may be authorized in 30-day increments for as long as the program remains active. In addition, EPAP can cover replacement of select durable medical equipment (DME) and supplies, including items such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood glucose meters, and test strips. Certain vaccinations administered at retail pharmacies may also be eligible.
ASPR has also deployed a six-person Disaster Behavioral Health Team to support the behavioral health needs of affected communities and responders. Working alongside territorial officials and federal partners, the team will provide behavioral health expertise, technical assistance, and support throughout recovery operations.
A National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Health and Medical Task Force (HMTF) provided clinical support at Commonwealth Health Center in Saipan, providing care to more than 350 patient encounters while helping sustain essential health care services following Typhoon Bavi. Additional surge support remains available if requested as recovery needs evolve.
"Recovery means helping communities restore the health services people rely on every day," said John Knox, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. "Whether supporting hospital operations, expanding access to prescription medications, or providing behavioral health expertise, ASPR is committed to helping our territorial partners recover safely and restore access to essential health services."
People experiencing emotional distress related to Typhoon Bavi can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 1-800-985-5990 or texting TalkWithUs to 66746. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing confidential support in more than 100 languages. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may access the service through videophone.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a wide range of health and safety resources on its website, specifically addressing storm recovery.
On July 9, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. declared a public health emergency for Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands following Typhoon Bavi. The declaration followed President Trump's emergency declarations and supports the federal government's ongoing health and medical response and recovery efforts.
For the latest information on HHS response and recovery activities, visit www.aspr.gov.
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