STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST REGARDING ACTIVATION OF THE NATIONAL DISASTER MEDICAL SYSTEM

February 1, 2010

Contact:

GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394

“Florida is grateful to our federal partners for taking steps to activate the National Disaster Medical System. The quick response to my letter last week to Secretary Sebelius will ensure that critically injured survivors of the Haiti earthquake will continue to receive the medical care they so desperately need.

“As Floridians, we continue our commitment to welcoming more than 19,000 people from Haiti, including another flight of critically injured people arriving this afternoon. To date, 526 individuals have received critical medical services in Florida, and we continue working alongside our federal partners to address their needs. Florida’s hospitals, doctors, nurses and medical teams are at the forefront of caring for survivors, both here in Florida and in Haiti. For their tireless efforts, I commend their dedication to promptly and compassionately serving those in need.”