October 28, 2014
Mariah Timms
News Writer
Nation
In a brief press conference at about 3 p.m. ET, President Obama addressed the national conversation about America’s response to the disease abroad and also the possibility of the outbreak spreading to the U.S. Overall, he made a statement of reassurance of fears and support for the volunteer health worker corps. The Disaster Assistance Response Team, deployed to the area in early August has been increasing treatment units and burial teams, expanding the medical supply pipelines and installing educational campaign infrastructure in conjunction with health workers from many countries. Obama called the work of these Americans and others “typical of what American does best,” and stated that “when others are in trouble, when disaster or disease strikes, America helps.” Obama thanked all aid workers for their dedication and compassion. The President also cautioned that the U.S. must “stay vigilant at home” until the outbreak is stopped at the source, and do all possible to “applaud, thank and support” health workers abroad. Obama will hold another press event tomorrow with aid workers both returning from West Africa and about to leave for the area.
A full transcript of the statement will be linked to this article when available.
