Neal Statement on Puerto Rico Fatalities from Hurricane Maria
Springfield, MA,
May 29, 2018
Springfield, MA - Congressman Richard E. Neal today released the following statement after a study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that at least 4,645 people died in Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. “The report published by the New England Journal of Medicine that at least 4,645 people died in Hurricane Maria instead of the official government count of just 64 is staggering. According to the report, many of the deaths are directly connected to lack of health care available to the community’s most vulnerable - the chronically ill and elderly. It is imperative that the Trump administration ensures federal funds are reaching those in need so that infrastructure that supports utility services critical to health care delivery is secure now and for the future. I will continue to stand with the people of Puerto Rico so they have what they need to recover and rebuild from Hurricane Maria and as they prepare for hurricane season right around the corner.” ## |