NCCHCA Member Login

test

Helene Recovery Resources

updated 10.25.24

As reports come in from our Community Health Center organizations and NCCHCA staff, we are devastated by the destruction left by Helene throughout Western NC. Many are left without water, power, cell service, passable roads, or the medications or oxygen you may need. We’re holding you in our thoughts and beginning to coordinate with partners on recovery support for our members.

Please report site damage and closures as you are able to ep@ncchca.org for HRSA reporting.

Subscribe to NCCHCA’s weekly newsletter.

Emergency Resources

FEMA Assistance

Affected individuals residing in counties affected by the disaster can now apply for assistance with FEMA in the following three ways:

CHC Resources (see detailed daily updates below):

Ways to Help:

____________________________________________________________________

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Digest Dec. 10, 2024

FEMA Issues $292 Million in N.C. Public Assistance Grants

FEMA extends free hotel stays for Helene survivors in North Carolina

HUD extends the stop of foreclosures in areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

 

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Digest Nov. 26, 2024

Hurricane Helene Survivors in Macon County can now apply for cash grants, assistance locally
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended its reach to Macon County, North Carolina with a recently opened FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.

Residents who were impacted by the wrath of Hurricane Helene can apply for cash assistance under the following program:

There is also a Legal Assistance program available to applicants at no cost.
The typical legal services include:

The Macon County Public Health Center is open daily from 8 p.m. until 7 p.m. It’s located at 1830 Lakeside Drive in Franklin, North Carolina.

Pisgah Legal Services host trainings on various topics related to the disaster.  
Those trainings can be accessed via the links below:
Consumer Protections
FEMA Appeals
Housing Rights

Human trafficking risk has been rising in western North Carolina since Helene
Our Voice supports human trafficking survivors in Buncombe, McDowell and Transylvania counties. Call its 24/7 crisis hotline at 828-255-7576.

Our Voice emphasized that it does not send unsolicited text messages from the crisis line number, the nonprofit said on Facebook earlier this month. An unknown party has been using the crisis line to send suspicious messages.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24/7 in more than 200 languages at 1-888-373-7888. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

You can also email the hotline at help@humantraffickinghotline.org. All communication with the hotline is confidential.

For more resources, visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline website.

Llame a la Línea Nacional Contra la Trata de Personas, las 24 horas del día, 7 días a la semana en más de 200 idiomas al 1-888-373-7888. Si está en peligro inmediato, llame al 911.

Usted puede enviar un correo electrónico a help@humantraffickinghotline.org. Toda comunicación con la línea directa es confidencial.

Para más recursos, visite el sitio web de la Línea Nacional Contra la Trata de Personas.

FEMA Encourages Hurricane Helene Survivors to Check Your Furnace and Appliances as Winter Comes
As temperatures continue to drop, take this time to check your heating system, water heater, furnace, and other electrical appliances that might have been damaged by Hurricane Helene. If your appliance isn’t working and isn’t covered by your insurance, you may be eligible to receive help from FEMA to repair or even replace it.
To apply for FEMA assistance, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA App on your phone. If you use a video relay service or captioned telephone service, give FEMA your number for the service. For in-person assistance, visit your local Disaster Recovery Center. The registration deadline is Monday, December 2, 2024.

FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program Until Dec. 12

Support an Eviction Moratorium in WNC—Sign the Open Letter to State Leaders 
WNC needs an immediate eviction/foreclosure moratorium for 90 days and adequate rental assistance from the state of North Carolina.

This form, prepared by Just Economics of WNC, is intended to retrieve permission and information to include the names of elected officials and community leaders in rural WNC counties who support calls to pose an immediate eviction moratorium and prevent the growing crisis.

You can review the open letter by clicking here.

 

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Digest Nov. 19, 2024

Medicaid Stabilization Payments

Questions about AmeriHealth stabilization payments can be submitted to their FQHC inbox: “Shared-PNM ACNC FQHC” <PNM_FQHC@AmeriHealthCaritasNC.com>

AmeriHealth’s Hurrican Helene webpage with additional resources

 

Helpful Resources

FEMA announces changes to Disaster Recovery Center hours

Victim assistance centers aid those impacted by Helene

 

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Digest Nov. 12, 2024

FEMA extends deadline to apply for assistance

FEMA has announced that the deadline for 39 counties in North Carolina to apply for assistance has been extended.

Those affected by the storm and still needing assistance can apply for FEMA through Jan. 7, 2025.

Homeowners and renters in the following counties may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for serious needs, displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses:

Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, which is the quickest way to apply.

FEMA announces $428 million in additonal aid for NC

FEMA has approved an additional $428 million for North Carolina’s Hurricane Helene recovery efforts for individuals and governmental usage.

Of the approved aid, $225 million is earmarked for about 123,000 households and individuals in direct financial assistance. The other $203 million is slated to be handed off to the state for community rebuilding projects.

FEMA is accepting appeals if you think your awarded aid was insufficient. If you believe you need more aid, click here for more information. Be sure to include receipts and other materials that show expenses in excess of what FEMA has already awarded you.

If you haven’t yet applied for assistance, FEMA says applications are still available for need-based aid, with the deadline for applications extended to Jan. 7, 2025. To apply, visit disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362.

The Cane Creek Disaster Recovery Center was closed Friday and has been replaced by a new center in Asheville Mall at 3 South Tunnel Road. The Asheville Mall Disaster Recovery Center can help people apply for financial assistance, small business loans and more.

Temporary housing options are planned to continue, according to FEMA. The federal agency is already providing temporary housing for more than 4,450 households in 25 North Carolina counties. If you need housing assistance, visit FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing Assistance website.

If you need legal assistance with disaster-related problems, Legal Aid for North Carolina is offering free legal services to homeowners and renters on how to proceed with insurance claims and other legal questions.

If you are out of work in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, FEMA is hiring locals to help with recovery efforts. To apply for these positions, visit USAJOBS and type in the keywords search bar “FEMA” and list the location as “North Carolina.” Available locations may include Asheville, Raleigh and Hickory.

Trustworthy, Vetted Nonprofits to send donations

  1. Elk River Helping Hands
  2. Mountain Strong – Yancey & Mitchell County Relief Team
  3. Hospitality House
  4. Feeding Avery Families
  5. F.A.R.M Cafe
  6. Casting Bread
  7. Buladean Community Center
  8. MANNA Foodbank
  9. Foothills Food Hub
  10. Hunger and Health Coalition
  11. Anchor Ridge
  12. Reconciliation House
  13. Red Cross
  14. United Way of North Carolina
  15. World Central Kitchen
  16. Wine to Water
  17. Wild South
  18. BeLoved Asheville
  19. Operation Carolina Christmas
  20. Lake Logan
  21. PATH WNC
  22. Hearts with Hands
  23. W.A.M.Y Community Action
  24. Spark Point
  25. North Carolina Community Foundation
  26. Rural Organizing and Resilience
  27. Piedmont Animal Rescue
  28. Sister Kitten
  29. Misfit Mountain
  30. Asheville Humane Society

 

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Digest Nov. 5, 2024

Contribute to the Health Center Disaster Relief Fund

NCCHCA is accepting donations to our Disaster Relief Fund to deliver needed support to community health centers and staff impacted by Hurricane Helene. Eleven community health centers in western NC have been impacted by property damage, displaced staff, lack of water and power, and lost revenue, all of which are essential for daily operations and sustainability.

 

Despite suffering from Helene, these health centers have been serving on the frontlines of Helene response and recovery. Support these health care heroes and help them rebuild. Learn more and donate here.

Join El Futuro

This Wednesday, November 6, as we host a bilingual, drop in space for reflection and conversation about the experience of supporting the Spanish-speaking, WNC community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

El Futuro will be holding a second session on November 22, 2024.

Registration link is listed below.

Governor Cooper has waived certain DMV fees and requirements in Helene-affected counties

Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order to support North Carolinians with DMV fees impacted by Helene.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced it will waive certain fees and ease restrictions in western North Carolina counties that Hurricane Helene impacted. This is coming after Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 323.

Among the counties these fees will be waived, Nash County here in the east is included.

The following fees will be waived in the affected counties from Sept 27 until Dec 31:

The following late fees will be waived from Sept. 26 until Dec. 31:

According to the DOT, any of these waived fees that were already paid in full will be refunded. No action by the customer will need to be taken to receive their refund, says the department. The refund may take 4-6 weeks to be processed.

FEMA Administrator Announces Community Liaison Hiring Program As Helene Recovery Continues

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell recently joined Gov. Roy Cooper to visit a community care station in Asheville where the administrator announced the community liaison hiring program in the state.

The agency will hire community-based staff to serve as liaisons between North Carolina survivors and FEMA to ensure needs are met throughout the recovery.

North Carolina’s recovery continues progressing with power being restored to most customers while roads are reopening as debris is cleared. Over $130 million has gone to more than 91,000 households in the state for assistance like making home repairs and paying for a temporary place to stay. Nearly 4,600 survivors have participated in FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program where they stay in hotels as they work on their recovery plans.

FEMA encourages Helene and Milton survivors to apply online as this remains the best way to apply for disaster assistance. Here are the ways to apply for federal assistance:

Supplemental Disaster Benefits Issued to People Receiving Food and Nutrition Benefits in 23 Counties Impacted by Hurricane Helene

In response to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is providing one-time disaster supplement benefits to help households already receiving Food and Nutrition Services in 23 counties. This supplemental payment was automatically loaded onto participants’ Electronic Benefit Transfer cards Sunday and are now available for use. There is no action FNS participants need to take to receive the benefit.

 

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Digest Oct. 29, 2024

Support for Children

Need help explaining this disaster to children? Creating a Family, a WNC nonprofit, hosted a webinar to offer resources on how to help children through this difficult time. Watch the webinar here. Be sure to check out the additional resources provided in the webinar description.

Local Resources and Volunteer Opportunities: Western Carolina University has compiled a list of resources and volunteer opportunities by county and organization. You can view the list here

Disaster Recovery Resources Webinar presented by Legal Aid of NC

NCCHCA hosted a virtual training with Legal Aid of NC on October 29th.  The training covered ways to help individuals with disaster recovery assistance resources, including FEMA.  The topics covered in the training were–

  1. Understanding FEMA Assistance: An overview of the types of assistance available and the eligibility criteria.
  2. Navigating the Application Process: Guidance for clients on applying online and via phone, including the necessary documents required at the time of application.
  3. Resources Beyond FEMA: Information on local resources for assistance with FEMA inquiries and connecting clients to other support programs (e.g., DSS, Local HD, CBOs).
  4. Follow-Up Procedures: How clients can track their application status and guidance on the appeals process after a denial, as well as instructions for receiving funds if approved.
  5. Language Resources: Availability of translation services for FEMA applications, particularly for Spanish-speaking families.

The recording and the slides are linked below.

Disaster Recovery Resources Webinar presented by Legal Aid of NC

FEMA for NCCHCA (1).pdf

 

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Digest Oct. 25, 2024

D-SNAP Application Deadline Extended
NC DHHS approved a one-day extension for D-SNAP applications in Alexander, Buncombe, Haywood, Macon and McDowell counties. Residents in these five counties have until Friday, October 25 at 4:00pm to apply in person for D-SNAP benefits at the D-SNAP location in their county. Anyone who is in line by 4:00pm on Friday, October 25 will be able to complete their application and interview on Friday.

Additionally, individuals who pre-registered for D-SNAP by 4:00pm on October 24, but were unable to reach the call center to complete their interview, will receive a call from DSS by November 1 to complete their application. Learn more.

 

Contribute to the Health Center Disaster Relief Fund
NCCHCA is accepting donations to our Disaster Relief Fund to deliver needed support to community health centers and staff impacted by Hurricane Helene. Eleven community health centers in western NC have been impacted by property damage, displaced staff, lack of water and power, and lost revenue, all of which are essential for daily operations and sustainability.

Despite suffering from Helene, these health centers have been serving on the frontlines of Helene response and recovery. Support these health care heroes and help them rebuild. Learn more and donate here.

 

NCGA Passes Another Limited Helene Package, but No Funding for FQHCs
The NC General Assembly unveiled and passed The Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 – Part II, a $644 million relief package. A full legislative summary of the bill can be found here, while WRAL provides a high-level summary here. While funding for FQHCs was not included in the Helene relief package, funding for FQHCs may be under consideration for the next Helene relief package that the NC General Assembly will consider in the session that begins on November 19.

 

Helene Relief Grants

Community Foundation of Western NC- Emergency and Disaster Response Fund
Funding is available to organizations that provide emergency relief to those affected by Hurricane Helene, specifically frontline human service needs. Initially, $25,000 grants will be awarded on a rolling basis.

Golden Leaf Hurricane Relief Grants
Golden LEAF is making resources available to organizations to support immediate relief for individuals and families including home repairs, addressing unmet needs, and helping individuals transition out of FEMA supported housing programs. Golden LEAF expects most awards not to exceed $100,000.

 

New Schedule for Helene Recovery Digest
Beginning the week of October 28, the Helene Recovery Digest will be published on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the Thursday updates included in Focal Point–NCCHCA’s weekly newsletter. To ensure you continue receiving Helene Recovery updates, please subscribe to Focal Point.

 

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Digest Oct. 23, 2024

Medicaid Recertifications and Terminations
NC Medicaid has paused recertifications (renewals) for Medicaid beneficiaries residing in counties impacted by Helene. Medicaid coverage for these beneficiaries will continue. Medicaid beneficiaries who have relocated outside of North Carolina due to the disaster are considered residents of North Carolina for Medicaid eligibility purposes. 

The impacted counties include: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey.

Helpful Resources

How to Help Farmworkers Impacted by Hurricane Helene

 

 

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Digest Oct. 22, 2024

View the full message and the Helene Recovery Digest Archive on NCCHCA’s WEBSITE.

Reply to: ep@ncchca.org 

Subscribe to our weekly Focal Point newsletter here.

Recording of Applicant Briefing on FEMA Public Assistance
NC Emergency Management has uploaded a recording of an Applicant Briefing for those considering applying for FEMA Public Assistance to reimburse eligible expenditures. FQHCs are eligible private nonprofits for FEMA Public Assistance.

AppHealthCare Offers Well Testing 

Residents of Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga counties can request well testing kits from AppHealthCare. 

Check out these “how to” videos for step-by-step information on wells following flooding:

 For specialized medical supplies for medically fragile kids: 

Sesame Workshop: Resources After a Hurricane 

https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/support-after-a-hurricane/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFr19VleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfLnMgfbasgQucT20fRf2vnCgCgyeL9kZAew_i6SbWfJnMDNHA6gH8Ekzw_aem_DtymvT0f78IDg4DgM0zrMA

Updates From MANNA FoodBank on Operations, Distribution, and D-SNAP

MANNA is resuming regular distribution operations, delivering much-needed food, water, and supplies to their network of over 220 partner agencies across 16 counties in Western North Carolina.

Urgent Baby Supplies Distribution – October 22-24, 2024

To meet the urgent need for baby supplies following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, MANNA FoodBank is organizing a special event to distribute critical baby items to families in need.

Hurricane Helene Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) Information

Residents of 25 Western North Carolina counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in zip code 28719 who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene may apply for a one-time benefit to help buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).

Eligibility Requirements:

Pre-registration: Eligible households can pre-register online for assistance starting October 15, 2024 via the ePASS pre-registration tool at epass.nc.gov. After pre-registration, applicants will receive a confirmation number and will need to call 1-844-453-1117 between October 18-24 to complete the application interview.

Residents are encouraged to apply for D-SNAP by phone on their assigned day by last name. 

How to Apply (October 18-24, 2024): Apply via ePASS, by phone, or in person at designated locations. For more details, visit: NCDHHS D-SNAP Information

 

MANNA Food Bank Update

MANNA remains committed to supporting our community through these difficult times, and we continue to rely on the generous contributions of donors and volunteers. Please visit mannafoodbank.org for more information or to toward our relief efforts.

Mountain Ways Foundation Assistance Application Now Open 

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants who live in designated counties in Tennessee and Western North Carolina that are disaster-declared due to the 2024 flooding of Hurricane Helene are eligible to receive assistance. Designated counties include:

Western North Carolina: Ashe, Avery, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, Yancey, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

For more information on Mountain Ways and the relief and recovery assistance program, visit our FAQ page.

 

NCDHHS Provides Free Well Disinfection, Well Water Collection Kits

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has announced free well disinfection and well water collection kits are available for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Local health departments in western North Carolina will distribute kits for households with private wells that were flooded or damaged by the storm.

Excessive rain and flooding can cause water in private wells to become contaminated, meaning the water can make people sick if it is consumed. After a flood, private wells must be assessed for damage, repaired, disinfected and tested before use to ensure the water is safe. It is critical people do not drink or use water from a private well that has been damaged or flooded until it has been properly disinfected and tested after the storm.

The NCDHHS Division of Public Health has assembled well disinfection and well water collection kits for distribution through select local health departments. Private well owners living in the communities served by the following local health departments who have flooded or damaged wells can pick up free kits beginning Tuesday, Oct. 22. Participating local health departments include:

Each well kit includes the necessary supplies to disinfect and collect a well water sample for testing, including step-by-step instructions. Flooded or damaged wells must be disinfected first before collecting a sample for testing. Private well owners should return the sample back to their local health department for testing. The local health department or testing lab will provide results back as quickly as possible. Private well owners who live in an impacted area not listed above should contact their local health department for well disinfection and testing assistance.

For help understanding test results, use the online Be Well Informed tool (select North Carolina) or contact the NCDHHS-DPH Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch at 919-707-5900 or oeeb@dhhs.nc.gov.

Well disinfection and well water collection kits can be picked up at the following dates and times:

Additional dates and times will be provided by the local health departments.
For information regarding Hurricane Helene including additional resources and flexibilities in place, please go to www.ncdps.gov/Helene and www.ncdhhs.gov/helene.

The link below also provides the above information in spanish.

NCDHHS Provides Free Well Disinfection, Well Water Collection Kits | WKYK


NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Digest Oct. 21, 2024

View the full message and the Helene Recovery Digest Archive on NCCHCA’s WEBSITE.

Reply to: ep@ncchca.org 

Subscribe to our weekly Focal Point newsletter here.


Outreach and Enrollment Event October 22nd at Marshall Library in Madison County

NCCHCA outreach team members will be on site at the Marshall Library tomorrow, Tues., Oct 22 from 9am-6pm to provide information about disaster assistance programs that are available including:

– Disaster SNAP nutritional benefits (DSNAP) – *Deadline to apply is this Thurs., Oct. 24*

– Medicaid and ACA enrollment

– Medicaid Managed Care (and care management services)

– Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) program updates

Contact Bonnie at monsalveb@ncchca.org for more info about this event.

FEMA will be onsite at the Marshall Library Oct 22, too.

Event Flyer: 

https://www.ncchca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Madison-County-Outreach-Oct-2024.jpg


Laundry Services

TIDE Loads of Hope Laundry Truck are up in running in three locations. These facilities will operate 10 am – 4 pm daily, or until daily capacity is reached. 

Locations:


Tillis, Warnock Lead Bipartisan Push for President Biden to Kickstart Disaster Funding Effort

Last week, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the White House to rapidly submit a government funding request to Congress that will fully cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton so that affected communities can begin to heal. The Senators have previously called for Congress to return to Washington from the October in-state work period to approve federal disaster relief legislation.


Housing Repair Support from Community Housing Coalition

HURRICANE HELENE Support Flyer Housing Coalition home repairs.pdf


60 Minutes Segment on Western NC

https://www.cbsnews.com/60-minutes/


NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Digest Oct. 18, 2024

NC Medical Board Waives Supervision Requirements for NPs and PAs working, volunteering in Western NC

At an October 14 emergency meeting, the NC Medical Board voted to ease certain licensure and supervision requirements for NPs, PAs, and physicians wishing to provide medical care in the areas of Western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene. Read more about the details here.

NC Medicaid Expediting Wrap Payments to Impacted FQHCs

NCCHCA has requested that NC Medicaid prioritize any outstanding wraparound payments and cost settlements to WNC FQHCs affected by Helene. For affected FQHCs, NC Medicaid is expediting a new quarterly managed care wraparound payment for any managed care claims paid from July-September 2024; although real-time FQHC wraparound payments started in August, any claims paid during this quarter for FQHC visits with an earlier Date of Service would be eligible for a wrap payment. Medicaid hopes to deliver payments within the next 3-4 weeks.

WellCare Initiates Medicaid Stabilization Payments to WNC Providers

WellCare reportedly has initiated provider stabilization payments to impacted Medicaid providers in WNC. To calculate the grant payment amounts, WellCare is monitoring provider claim submission activity and comparing that to historic trends and automatically making payments to providers to fill any gap without requiring a formal request. WellCare plans to continue replicating this process every two weeks until service delivery approaches historic norms or the and/or in partnership with the provider, WellCare determines that the payments are no longer needed or appropriate given the future direction of the practice.

The other three Medicaid Standard Plans with contracts in Western North Carolina (Healthy Blue, UnitedHealthcare, and AmeriHealth Caritas) have pledged details to come soon on their process and approach to stabilization payments. It is not clear whether they will utilize an automatic process similar to WellCare or another process that requires affected providers to request payments. NCCHCA continues to work with PHPs to identify their stabilization process and minimize burden on FQHCs. 

Overview of NC Medicaid Flexibilities & Potential Stabilization Payments 

These slides from yesterday’s NC AHEC Medicaid Back Porch chat review the current Medicaid flexibilities related to Helene, including those related to: 

Trainings on Disaster Mental Health Care

If you are interested in gaining more knowledge about disaster mental health care, there are several training opportunities available to help you prepare for supporting individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene:

Resources

 

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Digest Oct. 17, 2024

Governor Cooper Signs Executive Order to Increase Unemployment Benefits after Helene
As part of the response to Helene, unemployed workers in North Carolina can receive larger weekly benefits under an executive order signed by Governor Cooper. The weekly unemployment benefits will increase from a maximum of $350 per week to $600 per week. The state’s unemployment benefits are capped at 12 weeks, but workers who lived or worked in the impacted counties can qualify for up to 26 weeks of federal benefits.

The change applies statewide due to federal law, but the majority of the benefits will go to workers in counties affected by Helene.

North Carolina Temporarily Improves Access to Food Assistance for Counties affected by Hurricane Helene – Including Justice-Involved Individuals

People who are typically not eligible for SNAP because of restrictions, including a drug-related felony conviction, can now temporarily obtain food assistance under the Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) program. Eligible individuals must register by phone or in-person beginning October 18, 2024 through October 24, 2024

Click here for a printable D-SNAP flier for patients listing locations they can apply in person for benefits by Thursday, Oct. 24. This was created by NCCHCA Regional Support Specialist Ariah Brown.

NC Justice Center has developed videos for special populations who will now be able to access food stamps and who usually are not:  immigrants, and justice-impacted people.

Safety Measures for Heating Homes 

As cooler weather arrives in western North Carolina, the NC Department of Health and Human Services urges individuals, families and communities impacted by Hurricane Helene to take safety precautions when heating homes, buildings or other enclosed spaces.

Golden LEAF Resources 

Golden LEAF is making resources available to organizations to support immediate relief for individuals and families including home repair, addressing unmet needs, and helping transition out of FEMA supported housing programs. Governmental entities and 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofits are eligible to apply. 

At this time, Golden LEAF expects most awards not to exceed $100,000. Grant funds may not be used to provide cash or loans to survivors, to purchase land, or for grant administration. Costs incurred or paid prior to the award date are not eligible. Please review the Application Guidelines document linked below for details regarding eligible uses of funds.

Briefing on HHS’ Response to Hurricane Helene’s Damage on Baxter International’s NC Facility
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, HHS leaders, and leaders from Baxter International Inc. will provide a briefing on HHS’ response to the effects of Hurricane Helene on Baxter’s manufacturing facility in North Cove, North Carolina. Speakers will discuss efforts by HHS and Baxter to mitigate any gaps in supply, minimize disruption to patient care, and support restoration to normal operations as soon as possible.

When: Friday, October 18, 2024
Time: 1:30 – 2:15 PM
Register: To register please click here.

 

 

 

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Digest Oct. 16, 2024

Subscribe to our weekly Focal Point newsletter here.

 

NC DHHS Updates

Main page for resources – Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources | NCDHHS

 Hurricane Helene Provider Resources | NCDHHS

Fact sheets

Communicable Disease and Other Health Concerns Following Hurricane Helene – NEW guidance for providers around health risks, prevention strategies and clinical considerations when they are caring for patients.

Infection Prevention Resources – Natural Disaster

Guidance for Outpatient Healthcare Facilities Experiencing an Interruption in Water Service

Building a Portable Handwash Station

Notices and Alerts

NCDOL Memo – Applicability and Enforcement of OSHA Standards in Disaster Declared Areas – NEW statement by Department of Labor on OSHA standards during a disaster

Health Information Exchange (NCDIT)

Medicaid Provider Bulletins

 Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)      NEW

 To be eligible for D-SNAP, a person must:  

 People are encouraged to apply for D-SNAP by phone at the D-SNAP Virtual Call Center at 1-844-453-1117 or complete a pre-registration online using the ePASS Pre-Registration Tool, which will open on Oct. 15 for pre-registration and close on Oct. 24. Once applicants complete the pre-registration, applicants will be issued a confirmation number and will need to call 1-844-453-1117 between Oct. 18 through Oct. 24 to complete the interview part of the application. People can also apply at a D-SNAP location in their county. For a full list of places to apply and for more details, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/dsnap. Please note if you live on the Qualla Boundary in the 28719 zip code and you wish to apply in person, DSNAP applications are being taken on the Qualla Boundary at 1526 Acquoni Road, Cherokee, NC 28719. 

 Residents will be notified if they have been approved within three days of their application and will be able to pick up their EBT card in person at any of the D-SNAP locations or have their card mailed to them overnight at the address they list in the application. 

 Residents are encouraged to apply for D-SNAP by phone by calling on their assigned day by last name.  

 

Formula and Diapers

In partnership, we’ve sent over 10,000 cases of baby formula to impacted counties.

 House Bill 149, the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024, was passed by the NC General Assembly and signed by Governor Cooper.  This included NCDHHS flexibility requests to help the people of Western North Carolina

 

 Mental Health Resources

 

Provider Flexibilities

NC Medicaid has published a provider bulletin Hurricane Helene Policy Flexibilities to Support Providers and Members – Oct. 11, 2024, updating flexibilities implemented by NC Medicaid due to the Hurricane Helene Public Health Emergency. The flexibilities in this bulletin are effective from Sept. 26, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024 (unless otherwise communicated by DHHS). Additional updates will be provided as they become available. 

 This bulletin replaces in full the Update on NC Medicaid Temporary Flexibilities Due to Hurricane Helene – October 1, 2024 bulletin. New sections added from the previous bulletin are:

 Information on the flexibilities in place for Hurricane Helene can be found on the NC Medicaid Bulletins webpage.

 

CDC HAN: Disruptions in Availability of Peritoneal Dialysis and Intravenous Solutions from Baxter International Facility in North Carolina

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform healthcare providers, pharmacists, healthcare facility administrators, and state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments of a supply disruption of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and intravenous (IV) solutions from the Baxter International’s North Cove facility in North Carolina, due to Hurricane Helene. The supply disruption may impact patient care and require adjustments to the clinical management of patients. Healthcare providers, pharmacists, healthcare facility administrators, and state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments, regardless of supply chain disruptions, should immediately assess their supply and develop plans and mitigation strategies to reduce the impact on patient care.

Facilities can implement strategies early to conserve their fluid supplies and avoid waste to reduce the impact on services. Strategies must ensure patient safety, timely and effective safety notifications, and education of healthcare personnel and patients. Emergency medical and outpatient services must be included in these strategies.

 


NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Daily Digest Oct. 15, 2024

 

Hurricane Helene Provider Resources

 

Coping With The Impact of Helene- Mental Health Resources

  1. Hope4NC (1-855-587-3463) is a FREE, 24/7 warm line from NC DHHS for providers affected with stress, grief, and/or mental fatigue from Hurricane Helene response efforts.
  2. BetterHelp is offering 3 months of virtual therapy services for FREE to anyone impacted by Hurricane Helene. Go to: https://www.betterhelp.com/voucher/ and enter the code: hurricane-helene-support
  3. SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990
  4. List of NC mental health clinicians offering FREE therapy services (virtually or in person) to anyone whose mental health has been impacted by Hurricane Helene.
  5. 988 is available 24/7 via call or text for anyone struggling with a mental health crisis.

NC MedAssist Hurricane Recovery Aid
NC MedAssist is working with local and state partners, as well as disaster relief organizations, to ensure individuals can access their medicine. Call 704-536-1790 or email info@medassist.org for more information.

Uninsured patients that enroll into the NC MedAssist Free Pharmacy Program for prescriptions are automatically approved and enrolled for 60-days. There is no fee to apply or receive the free prescriptions. They can enroll over the phone or online, 866-331-1348 or 704-536-1790.

Voting in Helene-Impacted Areas

https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/upcoming-election/helene-recovery-and-voting

Funding Resources from Dogwood Health Trust

  1. If you are part of Impact Health’s Health Service Organization (HSO) network, you will receive an application directly from Impact Health about support.
  2. If you are in Avery, Mitchell or Yancey counties doing on-the-ground relief efforts, please reach out to AMY Wellness Foundation.
  3. If you are in Burke, McDowell, Polk and Rutherford counties, please inquire with the Gateway Wellness Foundation about relief grantmaking.
  4. If you are a member organization of WNC Communities, please reach out to them first via their website.
  5. If your organization is not connected to any of the organizations listed above, apply with the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for initial $25K emergency and disaster relief grants for frontline human service needs and costs associated with providing emergency relief services to individuals or eligible organizations affected by the storm.

Email impactgrants@dht.org or visit the Hurricane Helene Resources Landing Page with questions.

Disaster SNAP benefits

Residents in 25 western counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply for help buying food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).

Beginning October 18, D-SNAP will open to individuals and households who are not currently receiving Food and Nutrition Services benefits who were impacted by Helene. People can pre-register for assistance beginning October 15. The application period closes on Oct. 24, 2024.

Eligible households will be notified within three days of completing the application and will receive a one-time benefit on an Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT card to help buy food. For more information and details about eligibility and how to apply, visit the NCDHHS website.

 

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Daily Digest Oct. 14, 2024


Disaster Resources

Coping With The Impact of Helene- Mental Health Resources – Google Docs

A list of resources including for children & caregivers, PTSD, and pro-bono mental health services. 

Safe Infant Sleep – Emergency Situations 

 

Resources to Care for the Mental Health of Your Staff

This Coping With The Impact of Helene- Mental Health Resources document was pulled together by a peer and has a good basis of information to knowing available mental health resources for all impacted communities from Hurricane Helene. I do want to call out some notable resources to benefit your staff managing to balance the devastation of their personal lives with the demands of serving their community.

  1. Hop4NC (1-855-587-3463) is a FREE, 24/7 warm line from NC DHHS for providers affected with stress, grief, and/or mental fatigue from Hurricane Helene response efforts.
  2. BetterHelp is offering 3 months of virtual therapy services for FREE to anyone impacted by Hurricane Helene. Go to: https://www.betterhelp.com/voucher/ and enter the code: hurricane-helene-support
  3. SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990
  4. This is a list NC mental health clinicians willing to step up and offer FREE therapy services (whether virtually or in person) to anyone whose mental health has been impacted by Hurricane Helene.
  5. 988 is available 24/7 via call or text for anyone struggling with a mental health crisis. 

 

Local Information on Voting in Helene-Impacted Areas

Scroll down for recent releases on this page:

https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/upcoming-election/helene-recovery-and-voting

 

Funding Resources from Dogwood Health Trust

The Dogwood Health Trust Released the Guidance below on who to approach first for funding:

  1. If you are part of Impact Health’s Health Service Organization (HSO) network, you will receive an application directly from Impact Health about support.
      
  2. If you are in Avery, Mitchell or Yancey counties doing on-the-ground relief efforts, please reach out to AMY Wellness Foundation.
      
  3. If you are in Burke, McDowell, Polk and Rutherford counties, please inquire with the Gateway Wellness Foundation about relief grantmaking.
      
  4. If you are a member organization of WNC Communities, please reach out to them first via their website. Currently, their phones are not operational.
      
  5. And, if your organization is not connected to any of the organizations in 1-4 above, you are encouraged to apply with the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for initial $25K emergency and disaster relief grants for frontline human service needs and the extraordinary costs of providing emergency relief services to individuals or eligible organizations affected by the storm.

We hope this guidance about initial relief funding is helpful to you. Dogwood will make announcements about additional relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts in the future. If you have any questions, you can email impactgrants@dht.org or visit our Hurricane Helene Resources Landing Page

 

FEMA Disaster Assistance Team Hot Springs and Marshall

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team here to assist individuals with completion of assistance applications and provide answers to questions regarding FEMA assistance will be stationed at the following locations at these dates and times:

 October 13, 2024

 October 14, 2024

 October 15, 2024

 *Door to door visits may begin the week of October 14, 2024


NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Daily Digest Oct. 11, 2024

Please report site damage and closures as you are able to ep@ncchca.org for HRSA reporting.

Helene Recovery Resources
NC DHHS has compiled a list of important resources in English and Spanish that can be shared with individuals affected by Helene.

From NC Nonprofits– Paying Employees During Emergencies & Natural Disasters

Guidance around federal laws and regulations for employers when deciding how and when to pay employees during an emergency or natural disaster:

IRS provides relief for those affected by Helene
The IRS announced disaster tax relief for all individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. Taxpayers in the affected areas have until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, including 2024 individual and business returns normally due during March and April 2025, 2023 individual and corporate returns with valid extensions and quarterly estimated tax payments.

Applicant Briefings for FEMA Public Assistance Grants

  1. Below are dates and two links under each date; these links are to register for the applicant briefing of your choice
  2. The first link represents a 10 – 11:00 am EST applicant briefing registration
  3. The second link will be 2 – 3:00 pm EST applicant briefing registration
  4. You may attend more than one of these if you like.

 Monday October 14, 2024

https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/0fdad94a-7d6c-4af3-84ad-38612ae8fbe4@7a7681dc-b9d0-449a-85c3-ecc26cd7ed19

https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/a2cb66cb-fba8-4acd-9f6c-6ac837f20c1a@7a7681dc-b9d0-449a-85c3-ecc26cd7ed19

Wednesday October 16, 2024

https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/48189799-0ebe-46e2-bb56-6feec5a908b9@7a7681dc-b9d0-449a-85c3-ecc26cd7ed19

https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/ec068037-e0f0-4fd3-8b2b-0896c61bc252@7a7681dc-b9d0-449a-85c3-ecc26cd7ed19

Reminder: The deadline to apply for FEMA Public Assistance Grants is October 28, 2024.

 

Replacing Lost Documents

When applying for FEMA assistance, North Carolinians may need to provide proof of identity, residence, and other documentation. Below are some steps to help with replacing important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm:

Tapping Retirement Savings After Tropical Storm Helene
Learn more about employees’ ability to tap into their 401(k) or other qualified retirement plan savings to meet immediate needs in the aftermath of Helene.

 

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Daily Digest Oct. 10, 2024

Please report site damage and closures as you are able to ep@ncchca.org for HRSA reporting.

Funding Opportunities

Emergency and Disaster Response to Hurricane Helene:  Grants Resource Guide

Innovative Funding Partners (IFP) has assembled this grants resource guide containing funding opportunities to assist local organizations’ disaster relief and recovery efforts. 

Gov. Cooper signs $273 million Helene relief bill in first wave of funding

Governor Roy Cooper announced the signing of the first wave of funding going towards relief efforts. The bill, voted Wednesday by NC lawmakers across the entire state, is worth $273 million.

Here is how the bill breaks down:

The bill expands accommodations created by the North Carolina State Board of Elections from 13 impacted counties to all 25 counties federally declared as impacted by Helene.

FEMA Recovery Teams In Person Oct 11 

FEMA Disaster Assistance Survivor Teams will be at these locations from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on October 11 to meet face-to-fact with survivors. 

What to Expect After Applying with FEMA

Flier about steps to apply for FEMA assistance & what to expect after applying. 

Medicare Beneficiaries DME Replacement 

CMS will permit individuals with Medicare who have lost or realized damage to their durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies as a result of the hurricane to receive replacements of such items and services. This will help to ensure beneficiaries can continue to access the needed medical equipment and supplies they rely on each day. People with Medicare can contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for assistance.

Resources from Trillium 

Trillium has created a tool to report and track service and financial disruptions.

Providers can notify Trillium of service disruptions to members via the Stabilization payment request submission form. If funding is being requested, providers will need to fill out the Disaster Expense Reimbursement Request Form and attach it to the Smartsheet. Upon receipt of the form, Trillium will review and process the request as quickly as possible. Please contact TrilliumFinance@TrilliumNC.org with questions about the process, or to receive updates on the progress of a submission.

Providers experiencing service and/or financial disruption due to conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene should complete the Stabilization payment request submission form as well as the Disaster Expense Reimbursement Request Form above. Questions regarding the process and information required should be directed to TrilliumFinance@TrilliumNC.org.

Hurricane Helene Recovery Communications Toolkit

NC DHHS has developed information for communities affected by the storm. Simplified versions and full versions are provided both in English and Spanish.

Topics include: mental health, mold clean up, septic repairs,well disinfection. 

National Health Service Corps- Call if Accommodations Are Needed 

NHSC or Nurse Corps participants or sites affected by Helene or Milton: BHW offers flexibilities to help you meet program requirements. Call 1-800-221-9393.

Cleanup Crisis Hotline

WNC residents can receive free services like cutting fallen trees, tarping roofs and mitigating mold with the help of Crisis Cleanup by calling 844-965-1386. The hotline is open through 10/11/2024. and can connect people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and the faith-based community who may be able to assist. 

Medicaid Managed Care Back Porch Chat, Hurricane Helene | Response & Recovery Updates

Thursday, October 17 | 4-5 p.m Registration

Please join this informative webinar on Thursday, October 17 where we will share Hurricane Helene response and recovery effort updates from NCDHHS and NC Emergency Management. This includes updates on the current work around flexibilities.  

NCDHHS Urges Well and Septic Safety Following Hurricane Helene

NCDHHS is urging WNC households who rely on a private well for their drinking water and were impacted by Hurricane Helene to continue to use bottled, boiled or treated water until private wells can be disinfected and tested for dangerous bacteria. More info and resources.

 

 

NCCHCA’s Helene Recovery Daily Digest Oct. 9, 2024

Please report site damage and closures as you are able to ep@ncchca.org for HRSA reporting.


View Open Medical Practices in WNC 

The North Carolina Medical Board is working with NC DHHS and dozens of stakeholder groups (including NCCHCA) to gather information about which Western NC medical practices are open in the wake of Hurricane Helene. View this webpage for open practices. CHCs that wish to update their practices can refer to the email from Mel Goodwin-Hurley on October 8 for an easy to update spreadsheet. 


SBA Resources for Helene Recovery Webinar, October 10, 2024, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

The NC Chamber is hosting a complimentary webinar on Thursday, Oct. 10: “SBA Resources for All Businesses Impacted by Helene.” Register here

Every business (any size) within the declared areas, private nonprofit organization, or resident affected by Helene can apply online or at the opened Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) managed by SBA or Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) managed by FEMA. 


EMERGENCY VERIFY CREDENTIAL FOR OUT-OF-STATE PHARMACISTS 

Pharmacy has exercised its authority to waive certain requirements of the North Carolina Pharmacy Practice Act to facilitate the provision of patient care during a declared emergency. The Board’s emergency waiver is now in effect and is found here. That waiver allows pharmacists who hold a license in good standing in another state to practice in North Carolina during the period of the declared emergency. NABP has established an emergency Verify credential that out-of-state pharmacists wishing to practice in North Carolina during the Helene emergency may obtain without cost. Instructions for obtaining an emergency Verify credential are found here.

An out-of-state pharmacist must obtain an emergency Verify credential to practice during the emergency. Once obtained, no further communication with the Board is needed. The Board will maintain a list of out-of-state pharmacists holding the emergency Verify credential found here.


State Medical Support Shelters

NC Office of Emergency Medical Services has opened State Medical Support Shelters (SMSS) to manage individuals requiring non-acute medical care by physicians, nurses, etc. All patients MUST be triaged prior to acceptance to ensure they meet the criteria for placement.

Contact the OEMSSupportCell@dhhs.nc.gov or the State Emergency Operations Center at 919-825-2427.


Financial Support Available for Providers Impacted by Hurricane Helene

NC Medicaid and the health plans are committed to supporting providers impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. The following financial supports may be available to providers, even if they are unable to submit claims or perform services:

Providers in need of financial supports should work directly with health plans to learn what supports each plan is offering and their associated process(es). NCCHCA is in the process of engaging the plans in an effort to ensure FQHCs can access these supports and do so with minimal burden. 

For health plan contacts, click here


Helene Fact vs. Rumor

There are many false reports and misinformation being shared on social media about the response to Hurricane Helene. Do your part to stop the spread of rumors. For reliable updates, visit the NC Department of Public Safety website to get storm information from trusted sources like the State Emergency Response Team and the National Weather Service. 


Medical Volunteering

For clinical personnel who wish to volunteer their support in Western NC, please complete this survey to indicate your information and availability. A member of the North Carolina State Emergency Response team will reach out as staffing needs are identified. This link is NOT for individuals who are already not affiliated with the North Carolina State Medical Response System (SMATs, MRC, Hospitals, EMS Agencies). 


Seven Things for Immigrants to Know in Time of Disaster

View this informational flier from the NC Justice Center in English and Spanish


NC DHHS Mental Health After Disaster Flier 

NC DHHS has published a flier with resources in English and Spanish.  


Federal Emergency Prescription Assistance Program 

The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, or EPAP, helps people in a federally-identified disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. This program helps people and communities better cope with a disaster and reduces stress on the healthcare system. People who are eligible for EPAP can file a claim at more than 72,000 retail pharmacies across the United States and its territories for prescription items that were lost, stolen, or destroyed because of a disaster. EPAP is open for certain Helene-impacted North Carolina counties. Pharmacists and the public should monitor this site for developments.
Additional EPAP resources:
What You Need to Know about: The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (hhs.gov)
Lo que debe saber sobre: El programa de asistencia para medicamentos en casos de emergencia (hhs.gov)
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) Fact Sheet (hhs.gov)
Hoja Informativa: Programa de Asistencia para Medicamentos de Emergencia (EPAP) (hhs.gov)


State Health Plan Resources 

The State Health Plan has put together a list of resources available to assist members in the impacted areas.


Kidney Community Emergency Response 

CMS activated the Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) program and working with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network 6 (Georgia, North Carolina) and Network 7 (Florida), which is responsible under a contract with CMS for assessing the status of dialysis facilities in potentially impacted areas of the impacted states. Visit the Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) program website: kcercoalition.com/ Contact: The ESRD Network 6 (Georgia, North Carolina) toll-free hotline is 1-800- 524-7139 and ESRD Network 7 (Florida) toll-free hotline is 1-800-826-3773.

 


Helene Recovery Daily Digest- October 8, 2024

View the full message and the Helene Recovery Daily Digest Archive on NCCHCA’s WEBSITE.

Please report site damage and closures as you are able to ep@ncchca.org for HRSA reporting.


Help for Helpers

In a disaster, it’s essential that first responders and volunteers have the resources they need—when and where they need them.

If you are a first responder or volunteer experiencing stress, emotional fatigue, a mental health crisis or just need someone to talk to, you can call the Hope4NC Helpline, 1-855-587-3463. Hope4NC is free, confidential, and available 24/7. 

Hope4NC is a Crisis Counseling Program which will provide immediate support and crisis counseling services for responders and volunteers providing Hurricane Helene disaster response. 


Scam Alert

Don’t give information to Scammers! Two health care providers in Western NC recently shared patient reports that unauthorized individuals had called them to request their Medicare information. Stay alert and do not give personal information out to cold callers.


Unemployment Assistance

Employees whose jobs were lost or interrupted by Helene may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

After the federal government declared a disaster for parts of Western North Carolina due to Helene on Oct. 1, DUA benefits became available in 25 counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The counties are as follows:

People in these counties have 60 days from Oct. 1 to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance at des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is Dec. 2.

DUA is a federal program that provides temporary payments for people who, as a direct result of a disaster, no longer have the job, are unable to reach their place of employment, cannot work because of an injury caused by the storm, were unable to begin employment or self-employment due to the storm, or have become the major supplier of household income due to a storm-related death.

Am I eligible for DUA?

People, including self-employed, or business owners may be eligible for DUA if:

What do I need to apply?

How do I apply?

More info: https://www.des.nc.gov/dua 

 


Emergency Relief Information for Immigrants from the NC Justice Center

The NC Justice Center has shared information for immigrants during times of natural disaster and other emergencies:

Spanish: https://www.ncchca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/7-things-for-immigrants-to-know-flyer-SPANISH-v1-004.pdf

English: https://www.ncchca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/7-things-for-immigrants-to-know-flyer-v1.pdf 


Free Legal Assistance Available for North Carolina Survivors of Tropical Storm Helene

 A toll-free legal aid hotline is now available for survivors of Tropical Storm Helene in North Carolina.

Disaster Legal Services, which allows callers to request the assistance of a lawyer, is a partnership between the North Carolina Bar Association and Foundation, Legal Aid of North Carolina, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Low-income survivors with disaster-related legal questions may call the disaster legal assistance hotline at 866-219-5262. Callers should identify that they are seeking storm-related legal assistance, ask for Disaster Legal Services assistance, and identify the county in which they are located. Survivors who qualify for assistance will be matched with North Carolina lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal help.

Legal assistance is available for the following issue areas:

Individuals who qualify for assistance will be matched with North Carolina lawyers who have volunteered to provide free, limited legal help. Survivors should be aware that there are some limitations on disaster legal services. For example, assistance is not available for cases that will produce a fee (i.e., those cases where fees are paid part of the settlement by the court).


Major Disaster Declaration

A total of 26 North Carolina counties and tribes have been approved to receive federal assistance in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene. The counties are: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (additional counties may be added later).

People who sustained property damage, need immediate emergency assistance for essential items (like food, baby formula, or water), or need immediate housing assistance as a result of Tropical Storm Helene are urged to apply for FEMA assistance, as they may be eligible for federal and state disaster assistance. People can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Applicants may also call the FEMA Helpline (1 800 621 3362). Tropical Storm Helene survivors are also encouraged to review Legal Aid of NC’s resource website at www.legalaidnc.org/disaster.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available for eligible applicants. SBA helps businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged personal property. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

For more information, individuals may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/hurricane-helene. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

For more information on North Carolina’s recovery, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4827and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety website at https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/hurricane-helene.


Beware of Fraud

Both FEMA and the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office are warning North Carolina residents of the risk of fraud and common scams in the wake of the severe weather. Common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations, and fake offers of state or federal aid. North Carolinians are urged to ask questions and require identification when someone claims to represent a government agency.

Survivors should also keep in mind that state and federal workers never ask for or accept money, and always carry identification badges with a photograph. There is no fee required to apply for or to receive disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), or the state. Additionally, no state or federal government disaster assistance agency will call to ask for your financial account information. Unless you place a call to the agency yourself, you should not provide personal information over the phone as it can lead to identity theft.

Those who suspect fraud can call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 (toll-free). Complaints may also be made to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Hotline at 877-566-7226.


Partner Organizations

The following organizations have joined forces to establish a toll-free phone line for North Carolina Tropical Storm Helene survivors to request free legal assistance, and to provide volunteer attorneys to handle cases arising from hurricane-related damage.

North Carolina Bar Association and Foundation – The North Carolina Bar Association is a voluntary organization of lawyers, paralegals and law students dedicated to serving the public and the legal profession. The North Carolina Bar Foundation provides support to the Disaster Legal Services pro bono project and North Carolina Bar Association volunteers. The NCBA Young Lawyers Division, often referred to as the service arm of the NCBA, is involved in a multitude of worthwhile projects and public service endeavors, including Disaster Legal Services.

Legal Aid of North Carolina – Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide, non-profit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people in order to ensure access to justice and to remove legal barriers to economic opportunity.

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division – The ABA YLD, the largest national organization of young lawyers, provides leadership in serving the public and the profession, and promotes excellence and fulfillment in the practice of law. Its parent organization, the ABA, is the national voice of the legal profession and one of the largest voluntary professional membership groups in the world.

Federal Emergency Management Agency – FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. Through an agreement with the American Bar Association, FEMA underwrites the cost of operating toll-free legal assistance lines for survivors in areas designated as federal disaster sites.

Contact:  
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Alicia Edwards
Disaster Relief Project
aliciae@legalaidnc.org

NC Bar Association
Kim Bart Mullikin
NC Bar Foundation
foundation@ncbar.org

American Bar Association
Elizabeth “Brooks” Savage
ABA YLD District 9 Rep.
elizabeth.savage@osbm.nc.gov


FEMA Hurricane Assistance for Nonprofits

Individual assistance is directly eligible to individuals and families affected by disasters, who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. There may need to be a damage assessment before funds are granted. Temporary housing can also be provided during home repairs. Individual assistance can include repairing uninsured/underinsured homes, renting temporary housing during repairs, repair/replacement of personal property and vehicles, moving and storage, medical, dental, child care, funeral and other miscellaneous items. 

Public Assistance provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, and local governments, non-profits and specific types of private non-profits so communities can respond to disaster recovery.

Grants Portal: https://grantee.fema.gov/ 

SBA Disaster Loans

Info on Small Business Administration Disaster Loans that CHCs should qualify for.  Only #2 and #3 would apply to CHCs.

Here is info on the terms of the loans.  The Economic Injury Disaster Loans (2.75% for 30 years, max of $2 million) have much better terms than the Business Physical Disaster Loans (one year deferment, then as high as 8% for no more than 7 years, up to $2 million.):

 This is where the CHCs should start the application process for SBA loans.

4 ways to apply: 

– Online: easiest and fastest way to avoid long waits and apply immediately after a disaster is federally declared. Apply for assistance on disasterassistance.gov 

– FEMA App

– Call 800-621-3362

– In person at a disaster recovery center that can be found on fema.gov/drc

Disaster assistance isn’t limited to one specific type or amount. Serious Needs funding is a new type of standard assistance. $750 to help with immediate needs (not damages) such as food, medications, shelter, baby needs, etc. 

Tips for Public Assistance Program 


FEMA PA Mitigation: Public assistance also provides mitigation funding allowing for mitigation measures (resiliency) to be incorporated during the permanent repair phase of damaged facilities. This funding is also available immediately after a disaster declaration. 

Q&A

What are reasons applications may be denied: Only denied if there is proof that needs have already been met by external efforts and there is no longer a need from FEMA. Can also be denied if the application states they are the home owner but is in fact a renter. Owner of the property would need to submit an application. 

If an individual applies for assistance with Helene response but is later hit by another disaster, i.e. upcoming Hurricane Milton, they are eligible to apply again for damages furthered by second disaster. 

Undocumented individuals are not eligible to apply for assistance. Assistance is available for citizens or qualified immigrants. 

Preparing for Hurricane Milton

Gather supplies for your family including food, water, medications, flashlights, chargers, IDs and Insurance documents.

Vaya Health has published a list of walk in centers that help people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. https://www.vayahealth.com/resources/hurricane_helene_walk_in_flyer/


Helene Recovery Daily Digest- October 7, 2024

Please report site damage and closures as you are able to ep@ncchca.org for HRSA reporting.

 

For ALL counties in WNC: Assistance with Recovery from Home Damage:

If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.

Individual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST.


HIE Access

The NC HealthConnex team is committed to supporting those most in need in western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene. The NC HealthConnex Clinical Portal is a web-based application that allows providers to access critical clinical information such as medical history, medications and treatment plans for displaced patients.

Here are some steps you need to gain access based on your current participation status with the NC HIEA.

If you currently have a Full Participation Agreement:

If you have a Submission Only Participation Agreement:

If you do not have an agreement on file with the NC HIEA:

If you are a user of the NC HealthConnex Clinical Portal and experience any issues over the weekend, you will need to call the Help Desk at 919-531-2700.


Madison County Resources

https://www.madisoncountync.gov/helene-updates.html


Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Flexibilities

Starting Friday, October 4th, people and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program can use their benefits to purchase hot food. This temporary flexibility applies to all 100 counties in North Carolina and the nearly 700,000 households enrolled in the FNS program. 

North Carolinians in the FNS program can purchase hot food, including food prepared for immediate consumption, from authorized Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) retailers using their EBT card.. All authorized EBT vendors in the state have been notified about this change, which will remain in effect until Nov. 3, 2024.

North Carolina has been approved for a waiver that provides additional time for FNS participants residing in the affected disaster areas to report a food loss as a result of Hurricane Helene to their local Department of Social Services office due to displacement, transportation issues or other storm-related hardships through October 26, 2024.

For information about the FNS program, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/fns or visit epass.nc.gov.

For information regarding Hurricane Helene and additional resources and flexibilities in place, please go to www.ncdps.gov/helene and www.ncdhhs.gov/helene.


WIC Participants Displaced by Hurricane Helene Can Transfer Benefits

Assistance is available for participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) who were impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Families with WIC who have relocated due to the storm can go to any NC WIC agency to transfer benefits or receive a new eWIC card. WIC participants who purchased breastfeeding supplies, breast pumps, and food with current WIC benefits but lost them in the hurricane can request replacements.

If your WIC card is lost, stolen or damaged and you are unable to visit a local WIC clinic, call eWIC Customer Service at 1-844-230-0813. WIC cards will be replaced by regular mail in five to seven days.


Blue Ridge Health List of Resources 

Blue Ridge Health has compiled a list of resources and information on their website: https://www.brchs.com/resources


Volunteer and Donation Info

UPDATED: NCCHCA is working on launching a donation fund to support recovery for all of our impacted health centers in Western North Carolina. For your reference, I also am sharing donation funds I have found (so far!) posted by our impacted health centers. I apologize for any I missed.

For comprehensive recovery information for CHCs, refer to our complete Helene Recovery Daily Digest archive (hint: use ctrl+f to search the web page by keyword).

Directly Support Impacted Health Centers:

Mountain Community Health Partnership:

A link to the MCHP donation portal is at the top of their website landing page: Healthcare | Mountain Community Health Partnership | Western North Carolina

Blue Ridge Health:

A link to donate and to find local resources are in a pop-up box on the Blue Ridge Health homepage: Home

High Country Community Health:

Donation link: https://www.highcountrycommunityhealth.com/donate/community-relief

Needed items: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1058854896026783&set=pcb.1058854952693444

Western North Carolina Community Health Services:

Post: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1020754379848574&set=a.721973926393289

Direct donation link


From NC.Gov:

If you would like to volunteer, visit nc.gov/volunteernc.

Please direct your physical donations to verified and reputable organizations that are already working in the area like the American Red Cross. A State representative has shared amazon wish lists with needed items, linked to below. Bulk items (e.g., pallets of water) will be sent directly to the affected area while individual items will be collected at a warehouse until we have more information about where they can make the most impact. The lists are sorted into categories:


STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR ISSUES STANDING ORDER FOR PHARMACISTS TO DISPENSE EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTORS

To assist with Helene recovery, State Health Director Betsey Tilson has issued a standing order authorizing pharmacists licensed in North Carolina or practicing in North Carolina pursuant to the Board’s emergency waiver to dispense epinephrine auto-injectors to:


BOARD AND DRUG CONTROL UNIT STAFF PROVIDE REASSURANCE ON PHOTO IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DISPENSING CERTAIN CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TO HELENE-AFFECTED PATIENTS

North Carolina law requires production of a photo identification prior to dispensing Schedule II controlled substances, and certain Schedule III controlled substances. More information on that requirement here. Board staff have conferred with staff at NCDHHS Drug Control Unit about this requirement in Helene-affected areas and for Helene-affected patients. If a patient impacted by Helene presents with a prescription that ordinarily requires identification, do the best you can. If the patient is known to you or has any form of identification, that’s acceptable. If the patient is not known to you and has no type of identification (which is likely to be the case for some folks displaced by Helene), use your best professional judgment. If, in the exercise of that judgment (which should include checking the CSRS if possible), the prescription is clinically appropriate and the patient (or person picking up for the patient) is the appropriate recipient, dispense without concern over identification.

The bipartisan State Board of Elections on Monday unanimously approved a long list of emergency measures to help Helene victims vote in the 2024 election and ensure election officials can provide accessible, safe, and secure voting options for residents of Western North Carolina. The measures have been adopted in these counties: 

  1. Ashe
  2. Avery
  3. Buncombe
  4. Haywood
  5. Henderson
  6. Madison
  7. McDowell
  8. Mitchell
  9. Polk 
  10. Rutherford
  11. Transylvania
  12. Watauga
  13. Yancey

Some of the measures approved:

  1. In-person voting:
  1. Facilitate in-person early voting by allowing county boards of elections to modify their approved early voting sites, days, and hours through a bipartisan, majority vote.
  2. Allow county boards to modify Election Day polling places by bipartisan, majority vote. This provision also allows county boards of elections, with the approval of the State Board executive director, to open a polling place in another county, provided that materials, tabulators and voting processes are kept separate for each precinct’s voters at that location.
  3. Allow county boards — by bipartisan, majority vote — to set up their board of elections office to permit any voter in the county to vote at that site, in the event voters are unable to get to their Election Day precinct voting site or are unsure of their voting location. Some county offices may also serve as an early voting site, which allows any voter of the county to vote during the early voting period.
  1. Absentee voting:
    1. Allow voters to request and receive an absentee ballot in person at their county board of elections office up until Nov. 4 — the day before the election. As always, the voter or voter’s near relative or legal guardian is required to complete an absentee request form with the required personal information for the voter, and that information must be verified by the county board as with any absentee request.
    2. Allow voters to drop off completed absentee ballots at Election Day polling places operated by the voters’ county board by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
    3. Allow voters or their near relatives or legal guardians to hand-deliver completed absentee ballots to another county board of elections in North Carolina or the State Board of Elections office, as long as the ballot is received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. The county or State Board then would ensure that those ballots are delivered to each voter’s county board of elections by Nov. 14 — the day before county canvass — to be counted. A log and chain of custody will be maintained to secure these ballots.
  2. View the full resolution here: 10/7/24 NCSBE Election Law Changes Western NC

Helene Recovery Daily Digest- October 4, 2024

With conditions remaining dire in many parts of Western NC, we are thankful to those who are coordinating resources and relief. The NCCHCA Leadership team is coordinating outreach to each of the 13 health centers in the 25 disaster counties. Please report site damage and closures as you are able to ep@ncchca.org for HRSA reporting.

Updated Community Resources:

List of Organizations Providing Hot Meals, Water and other Resources by County.docx

This PDF (updated Oct. 3) includes info on accessing prescription refills, dialysis, food, and water in Western NC, provided by our member Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC).


Local resources compiled by the Asheville Citizen Times (updated Oct. 4)

FOOD & WATER DISTRIBUTION

Food in the form of Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) and bottled water are available at two distribution sites today. Two MRE packages per adult, and one per child will be allowed per day. Cases of bottled water are available, one case per family per day. Distribution will last until 7 p.m. or until supplies run out.

Asheville Middle School, 211 S. French Broad Avenue, Asheville

Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Road, Asheville

Other Water Distribution sites – open until 7pm, or supplies run out

Bulk water at Pack Square Park (70 Court Plaza) – Some containers are available but please bring your own if possible.

New! Bulk water at Lucy Herring Elementary (98 Sulphur Springs Rd) – Some containers are available but please bring your own.

SMALL DONATIONS

Harrah’s Cherokee Center – 87 Haywood St – front door is accepting small donations, including water, nonperishable food, personal care items, infant care, pet food supplies, disposable plates and utensils, clothing, and cleaning supplies, including buckets. However, it cannot accept anything requiring refrigeration or flammable liquids. Hours and Days of Operation: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., seven days a week

CELLULAR SERVICE

Temporary Verizon cellular satellite trailers are located at the Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin Street and  Groce United Methodist Church at 954 Tunnel Road. These towers offer limited cellular reception within several city blocks of where it is parked. Additionally, T-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks in Asheville, providing cellular service along with Wi-Fi and charging stations at: Asheville Middle School at 211 S French Broad Ave, and Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center at 285 Livingston St.

SHELTERS

General public shelter at WNC Agricultural Center (pets accepted) – 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher

General public shelter at AB Tech – 6 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville, NC 28801 (use Victoria Road entrance)

Medical emergency shelter at AB Tech – 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801

Old Gold’s Gym – 1815 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803


NC DHHS Updates (Oct. 4, 2024)

Timely Reporting Waiver – Approved  

On October 1, 2024, North Carolina was approved for a waiver that provides additional time for Food and Nutrition Services participants residing in the affected disaster areas to report a food loss as a result of Hurricane Helene to their local Department of Social Services office due to displacement, transportation issues or other storm-related hardships through October 26, 2024. The waiver applies to Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Henderson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.  

Hot Foods Waiver –  Approved

Starting, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, FNS participants can temporarily use their benefits to purchase hot food, including food prepared for immediate consumption, from authorized Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) retailers using their EBT card. This ensures families who are not able to prepare food at home due to displacement or power outages still have access to warm meals. FNS participants statewide will be able to purchase hot food through Nov. 3, 2024, and do not have to apply for the benefit. A map of retailers that accept EBT is available here.


Hurricane Helene CMS Approved Waivers for North Carolina

To support states and providers in states dealing with a PHE, CMS has approved a set of blanket waivers and other flexibilities which are in effect through the end of the Hurricane Helene PHE declaration for North Carolina. For the Hurricane Helene emergency, all North Carolina counties are included as affected counties.

These waivers include:

Replacement Prescription Fills • Medicare payment may be permitted for replacement prescription fills (for a quantity up to the amount originally dispensed) of covered Part B drugs in circumstances where dispensed medication has been lost or otherwise rendered unusable by damage due to the disaster or emergency. 

Practitioner Locations • CMS is temporarily waiving requirements that out-of-state practitioners be licensed in the state where they are providing services when they are licensed in another state. CMS will waive the physician or non-physician practitioner licensing requirements when the following four conditions are met: 1) must be enrolled as such in the Medicare program; 2) must possess a valid license to practice in the state, which relates to his or her Medicare enrollment; 3) is furnishing services – whether in person or via telehealth – in a state in which the emergency is occurring in order to contribute to relief efforts in his or her professional capacity; and, 4) is not affirmatively excluded from practice in the state or any other state that is part of the 1135 emergency area.

The list of blanket waivers approved by CMS for North Carolina are listed here.

Providers who need to request additional flexibility from CMS can submit a request for additional waivers via the CMS 1135 Waiver Portal.

Contact: NC Department of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) at 919-855-3750


NC Board of Pharmacy: FQHCs Can Utilize NPs and PAs to Dispense Drugs, incl. from Mobile Units, without Pharmacist Physically Present:

NC Board of Pharmacy confirmed on Oct.3 that NPs (Nurse Practitioners) and PAs (Physician Assistants) are permitted to dispense prescription drugs at FQHCs, especially on mobile units. This is because:

  1. Current rules do allow NPs and PAs to dispense drugs from places holding pharmacy permits so long as there is oversight by a pharmacist-manager (they do not need to be physically present), and
  2. During this disaster response period, the NC BOP will consider the FQHC’s mobile unit as an extension of the FQHC’s existing, permitted pharmacy. 

HRSA Guidance for Impacted 340B Providers 

We recognize that circumstances surrounding disaster relief efforts warrant flexibility for entities eligible for participation in the 340B Program. Therefore, eligible entities in Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas may immediately enroll for the 340B Program during the Public Health Emergency Declaration by the Secretary, rather than having to wait for the normal quarterly registration period. We believe this will enable these entities to meet the needs of the residents affected by these disasters.

Contact: If you are in the listed states and would like to enroll, email the 340B Prime Vendor Program or call 1-888-340-2787.


Message from HHS

HHS has taken the following proactive measures to help support the needs of the region:


Starlink Hurricane Helene Relief

Starlink aims to enable anyone impacted by a natural disaster to be able to access internet connectivity.

For those in areas that were impacted by Hurricane Helene, Starlink is available and temporarily offering free service for the first month.

If you are impacted by Hurricane Helene, or are looking to enable rapid assistance for responding to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, and need to access this 30 day free service option, please visit: https://www.starlink.com/support/article/58126733-e4d2-db62-b919-9da261a4e096 


Helene Resources for NC Nurses: https://impexium-ncna.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTcwMjAyMCZwPTEmdT0xMDg4ODM3Njg1JmxpPTExMTU1MTA3NA/index.html


NC Medicaid printable resource flier (English): https://www.ncchca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/NCDHHS-Hurricane-Helene-Newsletter-Printable.pdf

Recursos Para el Huracan Helene (Espanol): https://www.ncchca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/NCDHHS-Hurricane-Helene-Newsletter-SL-Printable.pdf


 

Helene Recovery Daily Digest- October 3, 2024

As Western NC begins the long road to recovery and rebuilding, we’re holding you in our thoughts and coordinating with partners on recovery support for our members. The NCCHCA Leadership team is coordinating outreach to each of the 13 health centers in the 25 disaster counties. We have started a Helene Recovery Daily Digest, abbreviated in the email below and in more detail on our website here.

Please report site damage and closures as you are able to ep@ncchca.org for HRSA reporting.

Health Care Specific Information

CMS Resources

Resources & Flexibilities to Assist with the Public Health Emergency in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, & South Carolina

CMS to Provide Hurricane Helene Public Health Emergency Accelerated Payments to Medicare Fee-for-Service Providers and Suppliers

NC Medicaid Flexibilities 

Medicaid announced flexibilities which are active from Sept. 26 through Oct. 15:

Additional detail, including documentation requirements, is available in the NC Medicaid Bulletin issued on Oct. 1, 2024.

Update from Board of Pharmacy- Emergency Refills 

Dentists from Out of State

If a practice needs emergent dental support and able/wanting to use a provider from out of state, the practice can call The State Board of Dental Examiners directly (919-678-8223) with the out of state providers information to expedite and allow for temporary special circumstances to provide care.

Nursing Licensure Flexibilities

The Board of Nursing has implemented waivers to increase the workforce in Western North Carolina specifically addressing:

  1. Emergency Temporary Reinstatement of Inactive and Retired RNs and LPNs
  2. Emergency Temporary Reinstatement of Expired License
  3. Emergency Temporary Licensure by Endorsement

These waivers are in effect as of Oct 3, 2024, and will automatically expire on Dec 31, 2024. All applicants seeking to practice nursing pursuant to this waiver shall be required to submit an application to the Board. Employers can verify licensure here or via the national licensure databank NURSYS.

Nurses Can Volunteer for State Medical Assistance Team/Medical Reserve  Corp

Registered nurses who are interested in deployment with the State Medical Assistance Team (SMAT) / Medical Reserve Corp (MRC) can complete this survey.

Direct Relief Support Update

Direct Relief will visit WNC next week (Oct 7-11). They plan to visit health centers to learn more about their emergency response activities, what medicines and supplies are needed for their patients, and continue to coordinate donations based on their requests. They will also have emergency medical packs, hygiene kits, and other supplies on-hand to distribute.

Resources & Updates 

NC Dept of Public Safety

NC DPS website with information on shelters, cleanup efforts, power outage updates, and more Hurricane Helene | NC DPS with links to county specific information.  Find Open Red Cross Shelters (in addition to shelters listed on DPS website) Disaster Shelters | Find Shelters | American Red Cross

Starlink Satellite Internet 

CHCs looking to procure a Starlink satellite internet system, please contact Amy at Appalachian Network Service: amy@appnetonline.com.

Connecting to New Cell and Temporary Towers 

The NC Weather Authority shared that people in WNC are being asked to turn their phones off then turn back on so they can try and reconnect to the new cell towers and temporary towers. Also, go into settings and turn on Data Roaming to attempt connection.

Boil Water Advisories North Carolina boil water advisories issued by Carolina Water Service can be found here.

Rescue Request Form 

Fill out a rescue request here.  

 Disability and Disaster Hotline

The hotline provides information and resources to people with disabilities, families, allies, and organizations assisting disaster impacted individuals with disabilities. Call or text at 800-626-4959 or hotline@disasterstrategies.org

Guides to Finding Essentials and Navigating Asheville

Missing Persons

If you call NC211 (1-888-892-1162) to report a missing person or request a welfare check, press 1 once you are connected to reach an operator. Have all information available (name, location, health conditions, etc.) to complete the request. Call volumes are high, but operators are processing requests as quickly as possible. Also, if you have connected with someone who is listed as missing, please call NC211 to report you found them.

Helene Recovery Daily Digest- October 2, 2024

Oct. 2, 2024

As Western NC begins the long road to recovery and rebuilding, we’re holding you in our thoughts and coordinating with partners on recovery support for our members.

Please report site damage and closures as you are able to ep@ncchca.org for HRSA reporting.

The NCCHCA Leadership team is coordinating outreach to each of the 13 health centers in the 25 disaster counties. We have started a Helene Recovery Daily Digest, the second edition of which is below and on our website here.

Pharmacy Updates

Extra Prescription Refills 

The North Carolina Department of Insurance released a bulletin reminding health benefit plans of their obligation to comply with regulations for providing extra prescription refills during a declared state of emergency.

Temporary Housing Resources

This group has been created to help those with available rentals, housing, and rooms connect with those affected by Hurricane Helene in WNC needing temporary housing.

Temporary Housing Facebook Group

AmeriHealth Mobile Wellness Bus to Visit Asheville 

AmeriHealth mobile wellness bus is en route to the wellness center in Asheville (10/02/2024) We have supplies for the community and plan to begin distribution at 2:00 pm on Wed., Oct. 2. Email to mobilewellness@amerihealthcaritasnc.com or 919-980-2461.

LOCATION:
216 Asheland Ave, Asheville
Phone: 828-707-9057
Hours: Open Monday – Friday,
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
AmeriHealth Region 1 events calendar

Legal Aid of NC Helpline and Resources 

Legal Aid of NC has several resources to help individuals immediately and in long term recovery. Call the Legal Aid NC Helpline at (866) 219-5262 to learn more about how LANC may be able to assist you with disaster recovery. Find additional help online at www.legalaidnc.org/get-help

Helene Recovery and Voting Info

Find information for North Carolina voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.

TDAP or TD Vaccine for Emergency Response Workers 

The NC Immunization Program will provide Tdap or TD vaccine for emergency response workers and individuals at increased risk for tetanus. Disaster survivors and emergency response workers are eligible to receive state-supplied outreach Tdap vaccine at any LHD in NC, regardless of their insurance status. More information.

Bilingual Tenants Rights after a Disaster and Info on FEMA Benefits for Immigrants

Please find our refreshed information about Tenants Rights After a Natural Disaster and FEMA Benefits for Immigrants and Tenants in English and Spanish at this website: https://www.ncjustice.org/publications/resources-for-natural-disasters/

More: Resources for Natural Disasters – North Carolina Justice Center (ncjustice.org)

Madison County Updates- Specific Updates & Resources for Madison County

Schools have been closed until further notice.

Food Distribution:

Food and water supplies are being routed to area volunteer fire departments to move them closer to each community. Residents can pick up there.

Donations can be taken to Cooperative Extension – 258 Carolina Dr. – they are doing limited distribution at this site.

Resources also available at Beacon of Hope – waived income requirement – open 12-4 – 5111 US Hwy 25/70 and Little Ivy Baptist Church in Mars Hill (1053 Crossroads Parkway – 828-779-1991)

 Groceries:

 Senior Meal Sites:

The following meal sites will be open on Friday, 10/4 – Marshall, Shelton Laurel, Center Community, Upper Laurel

 Gas:

Water:

Bottled water and bulk water (if you bring your own food container) at the Mars Hill Fire Dept. on Main St.

Water is available at all volunteer fire departments and at cooperative extension.

 Shelter:

If you need shelter, the Madison Early College (5734 US 25-70 Hwy., Marshall) is the site for most of the county. They are not a food distribution site.

Clothing and Household Items (Non-food):

Accepting donations at the cafeteria of Madison High School

Residents who have been displaced or have lost their household goods are welcome to select what they need from the Madison High School cafeteria, open at 9am.

 Trash:

Medical:

 Mental Health:

Madison County Mental Health Support Line – 828-206-3290 – available 10am-7pm, 7 days a week, beginning 10/2 – not a crisis line – you will be connected to a trained counselor

Mental Health Emergency – Mobile Crisis – 888-573-1006

Community Gatherings:

Welfare Checks:

  

Helene Recovery Daily Digest – October 1, 2024

As Western NC begins the long road to recovery and rebuilding, we’re holding you in our thoughts and coordinating with partners on recovery support for our members.

Please report site damage and closures as you are able to ep@ncchca.org for HRSA reporting.

The NCCHCA Leadership team is coordinating outreach to each of the 13 health centers in the 25 disaster counties. We have started a Helene Recovery Daily Digest, the second edition of which is below and on our website here.

 

Announcements

Hurricane Helene and HOP Impact

Impact Health is actively collaborating with NCDHHS, Prepaid Health Plans, HOP Care Managers, HSOs, and other HOP entities to address the short- and long-term effects of the hurricane on the region. Due to limited access to internet, power, and water, many HSOs will temporarily suspend services for at least this week. Please expect slower response times and a temporary halt in existing HOP services across the WNC region. Impact Health will reconnect with the HSOs early next week and will share any relevant updates regarding HOP services.

 

Food and Resources

MANNA FoodBank is hosting food/water distribution at the WNC Farmers Market from Wednesday 10/2 – Saturday 10/5, 1:00-4:00pm.

Review Local Resource Guide by Asheville-based organization (Google Doc)

 

Funding Opportunities and Supply Donations

Donation Request Form from CVS Health

CVS Health has provided a donation request form for community health centers and other nonprofits to request assistance. NCCHCA will work with partners to track member requests; please notify Brendan Riley upon applying through the form: https://forms.office.com/r/Fd9MZgDatp

 

Locating Missing People

For those trying to connect with family members, call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check. Additionally, people in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS(1-800-733-2767).

 

HRSA Updates

Deadline Extensions for Those Impacted

HRSA will grant a deadline extension to complete your New Access Points (NAP) application in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHBs), if needed. Contact bphcehbwaivers@hrsa.gov with your organization name, location (explain the impact), and EHBs tracking number or H80 grant number (if you have it). Remember to include your email and phone number so HRSA can reach you.

If you are an H80 with a budget period start date of March 1, 2025, or a look-alike (LAL) with a start date of January 1, 2025, we will grant an extension for your Budget Period Progress Report or LAL Renewal of Designation/Annual Certification. Contact HRSA via the BPHC Contact Form, including an explanation of the impact.

 

Update on Pharmacy Openings

Thanks to Western North Carolina Community Health Services (an impacted Community Health Center in Asheville) for sharing this resource maintained by the NC Board of Pharmacy. The site lists pharmacies by county that have confirmed they are operating and serving patients. The list can be found here and was most recently updated at 9 AM Oct. 1, 2024: https://www.ncbop.org/emergencyoperatingpharmacieshelene.html.

However, we share this without knowing about the patient experience and ability to fill scripts without a script in hand. There are reports that patients are unable to fill scripts without a handwritten, hard copy in hand due to electronic systems being down and/or delayed. 

 

Water Safety and Planning Guides from the CDC

Emergency Water Supply Planning Guide for Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities Toolkit

Make Water Safe (Boil advisories)

 

NC Chamber of Commerce Update with Resources

Moving People, Resources, or Equipment
Until further notice, roads in Western NC (generally anywhere west of Hickory, NC) are closed to all traffic other than emergency services and pre-approved shipments coordinated through the N.C. Emergency Management Business Emergency Operations Center (NCEM-BEOC).

Therefore, if you plan to move people, resources, or equipment into western North Carolina, you MUST coordinate plans and movements through the NCEM-BEOC.

You can email your supply logistics or movement requests to: BEOC@ncdps.gov, make sure to begin your Subject Line with: Logistics Support.

 Please include the following info:

Small Businesses and Local Chambers
The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s National Disaster Help Desk can help businesses and organizations both in the impact area and looking to support the impact area. It can be reached at 888-MY-BIZ-HELP (or 888-692-4943).

Additionally, they offer this online resource to help businesses take care of their employees’ needs, communicate the impact, address financial matters (e.g., insurance, disaster assistance), restore operations, and organize recovery.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also has this resource on SBA disaster loans available.

 

Farms and Agribusinesses

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has activated its hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Farmers can also find recovery resources here.

 

Homeowners and Renters

North Carolina homeowners and renters in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET daily. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages.

 

Public Safety
The N.C. Department of Public Safety has compiled a list of resources here.

 

Donating, Volunteering, and More

Message from NC DHHS:

As of now, please refrain from sending physical donations or volunteers to western NC. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, connect with an accredited organization.

Monetary Donations Are Needed Most At This Time. Please give to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help communities recover from Helene.

Other ways to donate or volunteer

Other ways to help: 

WFAE, Charlotte’s NPR news source, compiled this list of organizations that are currently providing relief and accepting support. Additionally, the McDowell Chamber of Commerce and McDowell Chamber Community & Business Impact, Inc. are taking donations here and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is accepting contributions here.

 

News

Helene damage and recovery: Where things stand in North Carolina (NC Newsline)

Thousands of pounds of food, fresh water arrives in western NC as massive clean-up begins (NC Newsline)

 

Mon, Sept. 30 Daily Update

As reports come in from our Community Health Center organizations and NCCHCA staff, we are devastated by the destruction left by Helene throughout Western NC. Many are left without water, power, cell service, passable roads, or the medications or oxygen you may need. We’re holding you in our thoughts and beginning to coordinate with partners on recovery support for our members.

Please report site damage and closures as you are able to ep@ncchca.org for HRSA reporting.

The NCCHCA Leadership team is coordinating outreach to each of the 13 FQHCs in the 25 disaster counties. We are also starting a Helene Recovery Daily Digest, the first of which is below:

 

Updates from NCCHCA partner call on 9.30.24

Taina Lopez, NACHC, tlopez@nachc.org, 301-741-1459

Taina is working with the PCA on gathering information and urgent needs from the affected health centers in the region. The International Medical Corps is on the ground in Buncombe County, with available providers and mental health staff available to assist health centers.

Bryant Goodine, HRSA, bgoodine@hrsa.gov

HRSA is gathering information from the PCA and health centers in the affected region.

Annie Vu, Direct Relief, 805-879-4949, avu@directrelief.org

Direct Relief is available to work with affected health centers in Western NC to provide emergency shipments of medications, vaccines and other needs. Will be able to ship via FedEx with express shipping. 


Message from Buncombe County Officials

Buncombe County will start distributing water starting at 2 p.m. today, Monday, Sept. 30. A one-day supply of bottled water will be available for each individual in a household, with distribution sites operating as drive-through locations, but walk-ups will be accommodated. 

The locations are:

 – William W. Estes Elementary School – 275 Overlook Road, Asheville 

– Sand Hill Elementary – 154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville (Please enter via Acton Circle)  

– North Windy Ridge Intermediate School – 20 Doan Road, Weaverville 

– Fairview Elementary School – 1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview 

The County anticipates continuing these distribution efforts in the coming days, with expanded hours and available supplies as they become available. 

Assistance is also available from the City of Asheville at Pack Square Park. Drinking water will be distributed beginning at 1 p.m. until dark or when the supply runs out. Each person will be provided 1 gallon of water per person, with a maximum of 5 gallons per family. 

Each person who accesses the water distribution at Pack Square must bring their own container. For the safety of everyone involved, traffic will be directed around the park and the distribution site will be walk-up only.

Other resources:


FEMA Assistance

Affected individuals residing in counties affected by the disaster can now apply for assistance with FEMA in the following three ways: 

 According to FEMA’s press release, homeowners and renters in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can apply. You can apply using the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA’s helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and help is available in most languages.

Here’s what you need when you apply: 

If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 


UPCOMING: Operations Update – Hurricane Helene Zoom Call

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 | 3:30 PM – 4:30 p.m.

Click here to register

The FEMA Individual Assistance Division’s Voluntary Agency Liaisons, FEMA Response Operations and the DHS Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships will co-host a VOISE Partner Operations Call to provide situational awareness, updates, and resource allocation from national partners, FEMA, and other agencies supporting response efforts for Hurricane Helene. 

The virtual meeting will focus on FEMA Operations’ Community Lifelines – critical information on the most fundamental services in the community: Safety & Security, Food, Hydration & Shelter, Health & Medical, Energy, Communications, Hazardous Materials, and Water Systems.


Medicaid Flexibilities Under State of Emergency

On Sept. 26, NC Medicaid issued the bulletin, NC Medicaid Temporary Flexibilities Due to Hurricane Helene, which lays out details about and provides instructions for flexibilities Medicaid is providing during the emergency, including waiving prior authorization requirements for medically necessary drugs and services. Currently, the flexibilities last through Wednesday, October 2, but DHHS will likely update this soon.

Read the bulletin for details about the following flexibilities:

State resources:


HRSA Emergency Information: Key Resources for Health Centers

Your health center, whether directly impacted or not, is able to add a temporary site to support your response efforts if your center is within or adjacent to the geographic area of a declared emergency or other emergency situations, and plan to add a temporary service site within or adjacent to your health center’s service area.

Contact HRSA as soon as possible but no later than 15 calendar days after initiating emergency response activities at a temporary site. 

Of note, FTCA coverage will only apply to medical, surgical, dental, or related functions provided by covered individuals on behalf of the health center at temporary locations approved within the health center’s scope of project. To initiate the Change in Scope request use the BPHC Contact Form (preferred) or email BPHCOHCPMHCESupport@hrsa.gov to submit a temporary service site request. 

Programmatic and grant flexibilities may be available on a case-by-case basis for health centers affected or impacted by an emergency. Examples can include, but are not limited to re-budgeting existing grant funding and extending deadlines, or postponing an OSV. Submit a request through the BPHC Contact Form, Category: General/Other HRSA, Sub-category: Other Topics. 

If you cannot access the BPHC forms or email, please call Health Center Program Support at 1-877-464-4772 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday).


HRSA Will Grant NAP Deadline Extensions Upon Request due to Helene

Upon NCCHCA request, HRSA will grant a New Access Point deadline extension for organizations that are unable to submit their application due to the impact of Hurricane Helene. HRSA asks that these organizations email bphcehbwaivers@hrsa.gov with the following information: organization name, location (explain the impact), EHBs tracking number or H80 grant number (if accessible), and contact person email and phone number .


Farmworker Assistance


Mental Health Support and Emergency Services

Disasters are a time when our mental health requires additional care. Anyone who needs someone to contact for support can reach out to the following resources:


Missing persons reports

To report a person believed to be missing or unaccounted for, voicemails can be left for the Buncombe County Family Assistance Center at 828-820-2761.

The county also created a form bit.ly/3TLSLNK — to notify Buncombe officials of loved ones who aren’t accounted for.


Resident-Reported Local Resources (as of Sept. 30)

Click for a list of local resources compiled by a community organization in Asheville.

Active Wi-Fi locations include:

Buncombe County Health Department: 40 Cox Ave, Weaverville, NC

Citizen Vinyl: 14 O’Henry Ave, Asheville, NC

DoubleTree Hilton Downtown: 199 Haywood St., Asheville

Asheville Shelter, Ferguson Building: 340 Victoria Road, Asheville

Food Distribution Sites

Monte Vista Hotel (Food and WiFi): 310 W State St, Black Mountain, NC

Bears Smokehouse: 135 Cox Ave, Asheville

Groceries

Food Lion: 179 Paragon Pkwy, Clyde, NC

Trader Joe’s: 120 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Ingles Markets (Cash Only): 575 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC

Walmart: 1636 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC

Publix: 165 Weaver Boulevard

Gasoline

Arden Quality Plus: 2273 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC

Sheetz: 5440 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC

Getting cash at ATMsMany stores are unable to take credit or debit cards because of communications disruptions. If you need to get cash, note that lines at working ATMs can be long.


Radio stations broadcasting local updates:

Asheville – 88.1

Black Mountain – 107.5

Brevard – 101.5

Bryson City – 94.7

Cullowhee – 89.7

Franklin – 91.3

Hendersonville – 99.3

Highlands – 103.3

Murphy – 88.5

Sylva, Dillsboro – 91.5

Tryon – 101.5

Waynesville-Clyde – 89.7

Waynesville-Hazelwood – 102.9

Mars Hill 90.5


Donations / ways to help


FTCA Limitations for Volunteer Providers in Emergency Situations

(click here for more details from a national partner)

Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Resources:

Remember that any FTCA protections from your health center WILL NOT carry over to the provider volunteering at another health center. The impacted health center would need to follow the:


Rules on 340B Drug Discount Program in Emergencies

(click here for more details from a national partner)


HRSA Reporting

If any of your clinics are expected to experience any damages, closures, or other issues related to the weather, please provide NCCHCA’s Emergency Preparedness coordinator, Monica Cruz, with the information below. 

CHCs Need Helene Recovery Support - Give Now

Western NC health centers have stepped up to provide incredible service to their communities, acting immediately after the storm to re-open sites, deliver supplies, and volunteer in shelters, public housing complexes, and senior living centers, bringing care to their most vulnerable neighbors. Now it’s our turn to support these health care heroes and help them rebuild their communities:

Donate to the Disaster Fund