Governor Kehoe Signs Executive Order 25-24 Allowing Missourians Affected by Tornadoes and Severe Storms to Continue Receiving Prescribed Medications

MAY 20, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-24 to further assist affected individuals whose prescriptions were lost or destroyed, whose records are not available, or whose original prescribing physician is unavailable, to be able to continue to receive prescribed medications.

"To ensure the health and safety of those impacted by these recent devastating storms, we must ensure that Missourians are able to continue receiving prescribed medications in a timely manner," Governor Kehoe said. "This executive order grants the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the State Board of Pharmacy discretionary authority to temporarily waive or suspend rules and regulations which will allow medical professionals to better assist those affected by storms. We thank the medical professionals across our state who are playing a critical role in helping Missouri communities recover."

Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19 in preparation for severe weather. The State of Emergency declaration in Executive Order 25-19 was subsequently extended by Executive Order 25-22 and Executive Order 25-23.

Executive Order 25-24 will expire on June 30, 2025, unless otherwise terminated or extended. To view the Order, please click here.

Additional May 16 Severe Storm Response Updates:

Yesterday, Governor Mike Kehoe also requested President Trump issue a federal Emergency Declaration to expedite FEMA assistance and requested that FEMA participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessmentsfor City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and 6 Southeast Missouri Counties.

A federal Emergency Declaration provides federal resources to support state response operations to protect lives, safeguard public health and provide for public safety. It does not delay or affect the process of pursuing a federal Major Disaster Declaration, which would provide Individual Assistance to help homeowners and renters, and Public Assistance, which would reimburse local governments for emergency response costs, debris removal, and repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure. Individual Assistance and Public Assistance require joint preliminary damage assessments by teams made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local emergency management officials, extensive documentation, and a federal review process that can take weeks to complete.

Beginning Wednesday, May 21, six teams will survey and verify documented damage in Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, St. Louis, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne counties and the City of St. Louis to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses. Initial damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing, potentially resulting in a request for PDAs for Public Assistance in the future.

Yesterday, Governor Kehoe also directed the Missouri National Guard provide a Liaison Officer (LNO) to assist the City of St. Louis with evaluating and advising local officials on potential appropriate missions for the Guard. This LNO reported to the St. Louis Emergency Operations Center this morning.

The State of Missouri will continue to provide resources and personnel to St. Louis based on resource requests from the city and identified missions to meet the city’s needs. The Missouri National Guard maintains coordination with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to respond if critical capability gaps occur in the local agencies’ response efforts.

State assistance so far has included the Missouri State Highway Patrol assisting with law enforcement, search and rescue efforts and traffic control; an 84-person Type 1 Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team from Missouri Task Force 1 assisting with highly technical search and rescue efforts; SEMA sending regional coordinators and specialized personnel to assist with mass care, feeding and housing, donations management, and volunteer management. SEMA has also sent tarps and other supplies to assist with immediate needs.

SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.

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