Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response

HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response leading @ASPRgov. Tweets prior to 1/20/2025 were from the former ASPRs.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

Starting at 10:00 AM ET/9:00 AM CT: @HHS_ASPR Knox and joins public health and medical experts following the arrival of American passengers from the MV Hondius. https://t.co/5ytkkosA59

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

This week in Puerto Rico, I saw partnerships enhancing regional preparedness. Thanks to Hospital Universitario Ramón Ruiz Arnau and VA Caribbean Healthcare System, ASPR NDMS DMAT, pharmaceutical caches, & mobile lifesaving kits are centralized, secured, and ready for deployment.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

NDMS DMAT & pharmaceutical caches & mobile lifesaving kits are centralized and ready for deployment, thanks to recent partnerships with Hospital Universitario Ramón Ruiz Arnau and with VA Caribbean Healthcare System. Storage of these caches helps make our assets more rapidly deployable and strengthens regional preparedness and response capabilities in the territories.

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

To every Medical Reserve Corps (@MRC_ASPR) volunteer: you make your community stronger, healthier, and more resilient. Thank you for your service.

PAHPA reauthorization is key to maintaining this vital capability and supporting those who serve.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

Supporting State and local resilience, the Medical Reserve Corps (@MRC_ASPR) is training residents and building readiness at the local level. In the latest edition of the ASPR Blog, find out how MRC strengthens community resilience and why PAHPA reauthorization is critical for the program. https://t.co/sNHDPJS3Pf

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

This week, I was pleased to meet with @govbryan to discuss EMS modernization, enhancing healthcare resilience, and systems integration. Our conversation lays the groundwork for additional collaboration to enhance disaster resilience in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

Thank you, @Jenniffer, for warm welcome and meaningful dialogue. Puerto Rico’s pharmaceutical sector remains a key pillar of national security, and I look forward to continuing to work together on enhancing both disaster preparedness and pharmaceutical supply chain resilience.

[Jenniffer González @Jenniffer]

Today we held a meeting with John Knox, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), along with Sandra Carpio, Caribbean Area Office Director; Megan Hoffmann, Senior Advisor; Julie Oxner, Director of Legislative Affairs; and Jorge Rodríguez, Army War College Fellow, to strengthen coordination between Puerto Rico and the federal government in preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies.

Together with Secretary of Health of Puerto Rico Dr. Víctor Ramos and Carlos J. Ríos, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, we discussed the resilience of our healthcare system, integration with emergency management, the strengthening of medical capabilities, and Puerto Rico’s strategic role in the United States pharmaceutical supply chain.

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Hoy sostuvimos una reunión con John Knox, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary de la Administración para la Preparación y Respuesta Estratégica (ASPR), junto a Sandra Carpio, directora de la Oficina del Caribe; Megan Hoffmann, asesora senior; Julie Oxner, directora de Asuntos Legislativos; y Jorge Rodríguez, fellow del Army War College, para fortalecer la coordinación entre Puerto Rico y el gobierno federal en preparación, respuesta y recuperación ante emergencias.

Junto al secretario de Salud, Dr. Víctor Ramos, y Carlos J. Ríos, subsecretario del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio, dialogamos sobre la resiliencia de nuestro sistema de salud, la integración con manejo de emergencias, el fortalecimiento de capacidades médicas y el rol estratégico de Puerto Rico en la cadena de suministro farmacéutica de Estados Unidos.

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

This week, I saw firsthand the work that @SRMedicalCenter is doing to safeguard health in #USVI & across the Caribbean. SRMC’s leadership in special pathogen and operational preparedness are powerful examples of turning tough challenges into lasting resilience.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

Schneider Regional Medical Center is building the systems and strengthening the coalitions needed to respond to threats caused by high consequence infectious diseases, hazardous chemicals, and natural disasters. This year, the Center received a Special Pathogen Treatment and Network Development (STAND) Award, providing it with the funding needed to become a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center.

@HHS_ASPR Knox met with @SRMedicalCenter leaders to discuss building resilience in the U.S. Virgin Islands and across the region.

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

Thank you to @USVIFEMS & @USVIDOH for today's thoughtful discussion on USVI’s preparedness challenges. Together, we discussed lessons from Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the solutions you have developed since those storms. I look forward to continued collaboration.

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

It is a key priority for the United States Government to invest in efforts that strengthen the preparedness and resiliency of state and local governments. ASPR’s investments supported training for these graduates and it will enhance Maryland’s ability to respond to emergencies.

[Medical Reserve Corps @MRC_ASPR]

Supporting State and local resilience, 7 volunteers graduated from Caroline County MRC’s 1st Citizen Preparedness Training. Training supports community preparedness and ensures personnel have the tools to support future local emergency response operations. https://t.co/X23BxfRDLi

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

Using the authorities granted under #PAHPA, we are proud to partner with @UNMC to strengthen preparedness in Nebraska & the surrounding region. For 20 years, we have built the capability to isolate, transport, and treat patients while protecting providers from deadly pathogens.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

🚨 Emergency Prescription Support 🚨 Uninsured residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands impacted by #Sinlaku can replace their 30-day supply of certain prescription medications, durable medical equipment, and medical supplies through the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program.

Refills may be authorized in 30-day increments for as long as the program remains active. For help, call 855-793-7470 (TTY 800-876-1089).

Find out if you could qualify for support: https://t.co/Q4ATeJpino

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

Millions depend on metoprolol. Hospitals use propofol as a sedative during surgeries every day.
@ASPRgov has taken steps to onshore both products, helping protect us from shortages and their cascading consequences.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

ASPR is directly supporting domestic manufacturing and supply chain resilience by teaming up with API Innovation Center (APIIC) to establish domestic manufacturing of metoprolol and propofol. https://t.co/jOxL9OMYmj

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

Emergencies expose the weak spots in any system. By continuing to invest in health care readiness and provide clear guidance, we are laying the groundwork that enables hospitals and health care systems to respond calmly, effectively, and with patients at the center.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

Through the Hospital Preparedness Program, ASPR helps health care systems protect the health care workforce, provide patient care during disasters, and fill other gaps in health care readiness. The Fiscal Year 2026 / Budget Period 3 Hospital Preparedness Program Continuation Guidance is now available to help awardees enhance our nation’s health security. For additional details, please read ASPR’s press release. https://t.co/aDMhQDOaFL

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

In the wake of the Potomac Aircraft Collision, the dedicated men and women of DMORT and VIC built a bridge — between loss and peace, between uncertainty and closure, between devastation and healing.

Thank you for your service to the nation and its families.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

After Flight 5342 crashed into the Potomac in January 2025, NDMS’s DMORT and VIC deployed. DMORT worked side by side with DC's Chief Medical Examiner to process remains. VIC worked with the Family Assistance Center, talking to families and gathering information on unidentified victims. Both teams played a key role in helping the families of the 67 victims begin to find closure.

In honor of their outstanding service, @dcfireemsfound and Families of Flight 5342 presented them with a plaque and challenge coin.

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

ASPR's latest investment in onshoring secures domestic production of thebaine, a cornerstone of pain management, alcohol use disorder, and overdose reversal. American lives deserve American reliability.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

ASPR continues to support onshoring and domestic manufacturing. Today, ASPR is supporting an award to help combat the opioid crisis & reduce dependence on foreign pharmaceutical suppliers. https://t.co/hL6O5T1wVP

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

The RISC 2.0 Toolkit is already helping 3,500 healthcare systems identify threats, assess vulnerabilities, understand consequences and criticality, and share their findings. Learn more about this free tool at https://t.co/aE6Zp8jDJG.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

A new tool is now available to help hospitals, healthcare facilities, and public health organizations strengthen cybersecurity using a NIST-based assessment. Learn more about the free RISC 2.0 Cybersecurity Module to help strengthen cybersecurity and safeguard patients: https://t.co/PKqRWrfRKa

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

This week, @ASPRgov saw firsthand how our investments support onshoring & U.S. manufacturing. We’re building a stronger pharmaceutical supply chain & more jobs for Americans.  Our partnership with @manusbio has already produced Artemisinin, an essential medicine, here at home.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

ASPR supports onshoring and domestic manufacturing. During a recent site visit to one facility, @manusbio GA facility, Congressional staff saw:

✅The site where key components of an influenza antiviral will be produced.
✅Ongoing domestic production of key starting materials for an anti-malaria drug.
✅Decreased dependence on foreign pharmaceutical supply chains.
✅More jobs for Americans.

Learn more about ASPR's program to make essential medicines here at home under the Defense Production Act Title III Program: https://t.co/Dmgq7r9ftb

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

State and local communities are resilient. They deserve flexibilities to mitigate disasters. Since 2020, over 65,000 personnel have been reassigned to save lives. Authority matters & so does #PAHPA reauthorization.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

Temporary reassignment authority strengthens state and local resilience and enables rapid response during emergencies. This authority ensures states have the flexibility to use existing staff to protect their communities more effectively. https://t.co/GbHtV8phZG

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

Onshoring and supporting domestic manufacturing of critical pharmaceuticals is a national health security issue. Today, ASPR took action. Together with @ManusBio, we are bringing production home, reducing dependence on foreign partners, and taking steps to lower drug costs.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

Today, we took action to onshore and support the manufacturing of critical medical products, alleviating potential shortages in the future. The U.S. has relied on China exclusively for Shikimic Acid, a key starting material for Oseltamivir. That ends today. In partnership with @ManusBio, we’re bringing production of Shikimic Acid home—reducing risk, strengthening supply chains, and creating jobs. https://t.co/LbeLaZX86Y

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

In an emergency, there are no second chances. @Hawaii_EMA’s team of dedicated professionals who stand the watch every day showed us Hawaii's EOC and discussed how we can support them when disaster strikes.

We are proud to work with you to strengthen resilience in Hawaii.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

When disaster strikes Hawaii, @Hawaii_EMA responds. @HHS_ASPR John Knox met with HIEMA leadership to discuss ways to strengthen state and local resilience in Hawaii.

Operating from Diamond Head Crater, HIEMA runs Hawaii's primary EOC, coordinating emergency response across the islands 24/7 and advising the Governor on emergency declarations.

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

This week in Hawaii, I joined our state partners to better understand disaster response and investments in state and local resilience. Our mission: forge strong collaboration and improve resilience. Partnership brings with it the promise of lives saved during future disasters.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

Mahalo to our colleagues at the @DOTHawaii, @HawaiiDOH, and @Hawaii_EMA for sharing your knowledge of disaster response operations in your state. Together we are strengthening state and local resilience.

[Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response @HHS_ASPR]

Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs) exist to close gaps in special pathogen preparedness before an outbreak. @MedStarWHC's ASPR-supported biocontainment unit is a critical national asset for high-consequence infectious disease readiness.

[HHS ASPR @ASPRgov]

With ASPR' support, @MedStarWHC built a biocontainment unit that fills a gap in special pathogen preparedness. This state-of-the-art facility can be used to treat patients with high-consequence infectious diseases safely – protecting patients, clinicians, and the American people.