New Mexico wildfires yield public health emergency declaration

New Mexico wildfires have resulted in Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra declaring a public health emergency in the state.

“We are working closely with health authorities in New Mexico and monitoring the needs of healthcare facilities to support their efforts to save lives and protect health during this dangerous wildfire, which has been accelerated over the past month by straight-line winds,” HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell said. “With this declaration and waiver, HHS is helping ensure that citizens of New Mexico who rely on Medicare and Medicaid have continuous access to the care they need during this disaster and as their communities recover.”

HHS indicated that air quality and smoke produced by the wildfires pose a significant health threat for those with asthma and other respiratory conditions while increasing healthcare system demands.

HHS regional emergency coordinators (R​ECs) are organizing efforts with New Mexico state and local health authorities and emergency response officials. RECs act as HHS’ primary representatives for emergency response and recovery nationwide at the regional level.

New Mexico public health authorities are deploying de-identified data available under the HHS emPOWER Program to provide information on the number of Medicare beneficiaries relying on electricity-dependent durable medical equipment.

The effort seeks to aid in anticipating, planning for, and responding to the needs of at-risk citizens in potentially impacted areas, per HHS.