ASPR’s Response to the Typhoon Sinlaku 2026

On April 17, 2026, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy declared a public health emergency in two U.S. territories, Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to address the health impacts of Typhoon Sinlaku. Now, 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.

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

ASPR has deployed a Health and Medical Task Force from the National Disaster Medical System, an Incident Management Team, disater behavioral health team, and a health care system assessment team. We are working with our territorial and federal partners to assess public health and medical needs in the wake of the storm and determine how federal support can be most effective. Additional teams of responders remain on alert.

Emergency Prescription Assistance Program

If you are uninsured and living in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and you have been impacted by Typhoon Sinlaku, you may be able to get free prescription medications, medical supplies, and/or medical equipment through the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP).

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. 

ASPR Telemedicine

The ASPR Disaster Telemedicine Program provides rapid deployment of virtual personal to enhance continuity of care and we are making these resources available during our response to Typhoon Sinlaku.

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.

Technical Assistance

We encourage communities in all typhoon prone areas to use ASPR TRACIE's resources to plan to protect health.