OKLAHOMA CITY – A ten-person emergency response team from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is on its way to North Carolina to provide support following Hurricane Helene.

North Carolina requested assistance through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a national interstate mutual aid agreement that enables states to share resources during disasters, over the weekend.

Areas of aid from the OSDH team will include:

  • Public health support in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
  • Public health nurse shelter support
  • Environmental health support

“A critical part of public health is responding to disasters and emergencies,” said Commissioner of Health Keith Reed. “Our team is well-trained and prepared to respond to a multitude of situations within Oklahoma and other states when needed. I am very proud to work alongside these dedicated individuals who have put their lives on hold to help others in need.”

“We are praying for the people of North Carolina and those across the Southeast that were impacted by Hurricane Helene,” said Gov. Stitt. “When our fellow Americans are facing a tough situation, Oklahomans are first in line to lend a hand. That’s the Oklahoma Standard. I’m grateful for each person who has offered to step up and help those impacted by this devastating storm.”

The team is slotted to support for 15 days, starting upon arrival on Wednesday.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.

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