ASPR’s Response to Typhoon Bavi 2026

New and Notable

July 9, 2026: Waiver or Modification of Requirements Under Section 1135 of the as a result of the Consequences of Typhoon Bavi Social Security Act
July 9, 2026: Determination that a Public Health Emergency Exists in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Territory of Guam as a Result of the Consequences of Typhoon Bavi

On July 9, 2026, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) for the U.S. territories of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to address the health impacts of Typhoon Bavi.

With this declaration, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) health care providers and suppliers have more flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries in these two U.S. territories. CMS emergency waivers and Section 1135 flexibilities already in effect for Guam and CNMI following Typhoon Sinluku and they remain available while CMS implements additional authorities under the new declaration.

ASPR Deploys Teams of Public Health and Medical Responders, Supplies, and Equipment

Before the storm made landfall, ASPR pre-deployed a Health and Medical Situational Assessment Team (HMSAT), including ASPR regional emergency response personnel, to Guam and CNMI. This forward posture enables ASPR to quickly support federal, territorial, and local response efforts as damage assessments are completed and health and medical needs are identified.

HHS emPOWER Program

The HHS emPOWER Program is available to identify the number of Medicare beneficiaries in affected zips codes who rely on electricity-dependent durable medical equipment and certain healthcare services, such as dialysis, oxygen tank, or home health.  The tool is used to help anticipate, plan for, and respond to the needs of at-risk individuals in potentially impacted areas. 

Supporting Behavioral Health 

The HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers free crisis counseling through the Disaster Distress Helpline. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. To connect with a trained counselor, call or text 1-800-985-5990.