Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources

NCDHHS staff are working as quickly as possible to connect with communities and partners across the state to understand the impacts, and provide support, resources, and care to North Carolinians in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. NCDHHS is ensuring that healthcare facilities and state and county shelters have the water, food, medical supplies, and staff needed to care for North Carolinians and patients. Find resources below related to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. This information will continue to be updated as recovery moves forward. Go to the NCDHHS website to see Hurricane Helene-related news. 

More response information from NC Dept. of Public Safety

Recovery Resources

Disaster Recovery

Dangers to avoid, drinking water safety, well safety, food safety, and more.

List of Operating Pharmacies

With some exceptions, pharmacists can dispense a one-time emergency supply of up to 90 days when they are unable to reach the medical provider and a one-time emergency refill of up to a 30-day supply of the prescribed medication.

List of Open Medical Practices

A directory of medical practices in western NC that are open or partially-open, as reported to the NC Medical Board.

NC Medicaid Temporary Flexibilities and Resources

Information for NC Medicaid beneficiaries and families impacted by Hurricane Helene, including help accessing care and the latest program flexibilities.

State Operated Healthcare Facilities

NCDHHS is taking steps to respond to the effects of Hurricane Helene at its western facilities, reporting all patients and residents are safe.

Protected Areas

Shelter, aid, and other emergency assistance is provided regardless of immigration status.

Hurricane Helene Recovery Communications Toolkit

Information for communities affected by the storm.

FNS and WIC Resources

FNS Flexibilities

Flexibilities NCDHHS is seeking from our federal partners to support food and nutrition services for participants impacted by Hurricane Helene.

WIC Information

How to replace your WIC card, check your balance, transfer benefits from another state and more.

Mental Health Resources

This storm has been catastrophic for so many North Carolinians. There is real, physical danger, and then there is an emotional toll and a strain on mental health. It is traumatic and I want you to remember that there is no right or wrong way to feel.
- NCDHHS Secretary, Kody H. Kinsley

Crisis Services

Crisis services include 988, Mobile Crisis Teams and Behavioral Health Urgent Care.

Disaster Distress Helpline

The Disaster Distress Helpline is the first national hotline that provides year-round disaster crisis counseling. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Opioid Treatment Programs

A map of the Opioid Treatment Programs with location, contact information and hours of operation

Help for Helpers

First responders can call the Hope4NC Helpline, 1-855-587-3463.

Resources to Help People with Disabilities

If you are impacted by Hurricane Helene and need help, call or text the Disability and Disaster Hotline at 800-626-4959, or email hotline@disasterstrategies.org.

Communication Tool

Use this one-page document to help someone communicate with you or to communicate with someone.

Accessibility in Shelters

A checklist to help evaluate accessibility in shelters.

Communication Resources with People Who Have Hearing Loss

Guidance for communicating effectively with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals.

Ready.Gov for Disabilities

National website to help people with disabilities during disasters.

Ways to Help

The best way to help right now is to donate money. Contributions to the NC Disaster Relief Fund go to local groups who know what is needed on the ground in their communities. If you have already gathered items to donate, please work through one of these organizations. 

We strongly discourage people from delivering supplies to Western NC themselves right now. Many roads are unsafe for travel and available routes must remain open for ongoing rescue and relief operations. Read a joint news release about the best ways to donate. 

Donate to Hurricane Recovery

The NC Disaster Relief Fund is now accepting contributions for hurricane damage. Contributions help with the unmet needs of hurricane victims.

Volunteer to Help

VolunteerNC is looking for volunteers to help serve our state with disaster services.

Feeding Assistance

Help with food assistance.

Donate to a VOAD

Donate to the NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

Hurricane Helene News Releases

Storm-Related Deaths - The number of verified storm-related fatalities for Hurricane Helene (updated daily).