HHS Declares Public Health Emergency in Georgia Due to Hurricane Helene

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced a public health emergency on Friday for Georgia in response to the health impacts caused by Hurricane Helene.

The department will send additional emergency personnel and resources to support state and local response efforts. An emergency declaration had already been made for Florida on Thursday. Hurricane Helene is recorded as one of the most powerful hurricanes to impact the United States, being tied as the 14th most powerful since records began and the 7th most powerful to hit Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center.