United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced today that HHS emergency medical personnel are prepared to provide assistance to families and communities in Hurricane Frances’ path. Secretary Thompson also directed the Department to make all necessary emergency response resources available to states, communities, hospitals and others in need of public health assistance.

HHS is working with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal partners to be prepared to deploy more than 300 public health and medical professionals to Florida to provide care and assistance in the wake of Hurricane Frances. That includes 180 nurses, 50 nurse practitioners and physician assistants, 30 emergency medicine physicians, 25 respiratory therapists, 25 certified nurse assistants and paramedics and 15 radiological technicians.

"We are monitoring Hurricane Frances around the clock, and emergency professionals are already in Florida to immediately assess and respond to the storm," Thompson said. "Our full emergency response teams are ready to go at a moments notice, and HHS is fully prepared to work with states, communities, hospitals and families to provide the necessary aid and support