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Hurricane Helene Resources for North Carolina Nurses


Western North Carolina is facing a long recovery process in the wake of catastrophic flooding, landslides, and wind damage from Helene.

This page is designed to be a resource for both nurses who have both been impacted by the storm and nurses who want to help with recovery efforts; NCNA plans to update it as appropriate, so please check back regularly.


NCFN Nurse Recovery Fund

NCNA and the North Carolina Foundation for Nursing (NCFN) have revived the NCFN - Nurse Recovery Fund, which will distribute funds directly to nurses in the western part of the state who are suffering loss or damages.

  • People interested in donating can donate here. The faster we raise money, the faster we can get it into the hands of nurses who need help getting back on their feet. Please share widely with anyone who might be in position to help financially.

  DONATE  

  • Nurses who need to apply for relief aid: Please apply below. NCNA & NCFN will review applications from affected registered nurses and determine who receives assistance based on a sliding scale of needs.

  APPLY  

All money collected by NCFN for this fund will be given directly to the nurses in need. NCNA is donating all of the staff time required to administer funds.


Resources for Nurses Who Want to Help

Many nurses, understandably, want to use their unique skill sets to help with recovery efforts. Please do NOT self-deploy without going through an established organization. NCNA is already coordinating with state officials and other stakeholders to help funnel volunteers through appropriate channels. If any other opportunities open up, we will let you know. For now, we suggest the following options:

Emergency Waivers: on October 3, the North Carolina Board of Nursing implemented waivers in the wake of Gov. Cooper’s emergency declaration for parts of North Carolina. The waivers grant temporary reinstatement of inactive and retired RNs & LPNs, temporary reinstatement of expired licenses, and temporary licensure by endorsement through December 31, 2024. Click here to read more.


Resources for Nurses Living and Working in Disaster Zones

Nurses living and working in the western part of the state may have concerns about licensure issues and employment conditions. The North Carolina Board of Nursing is the appropriate organization to field those questions, and it has already begun publicizing some of its resources. Click here for more information. NCNA is working with the Board of Nursing to submit a request to Gov. Cooper for additional flexibility.


Mental Health Resources

Dear colleagues and friends,

Echoing the message from our Chief Executive Officer Tina Gordon, the NCNA Psych Council would like to extend our deep hope that you, your families, and fellow colleagues are safe and healthy as we manage the aftermath of catastrophic effects of Hurricane Helene.

As the full impact of this disaster unfolds, mental health challenges from this catastrophic event will also become a significant element of recovery. Therefore, we would like to provide a list of resources and support below to assist at this time. It is well known that there is an increased risk of developing a mental illness following a disaster, significant injury, or loss. Additional risk factors include being separated from loved ones or having to leave your home.

There is growing research identifying how people living with serious mental illness may be more likely to develop stress related disorders following extremely stressful life events, than people without serious mental illness. At times of disaster often people experience emotional distress, including feelings of being overwhelmed with anxiety, worry, difficulty with sleeping, and alterations in mood including depression.

One of the most challenging aspects of this disaster has been limited ability for those who care to help due to the limited communication and physical access to people. However, committees are coming together to support one another and offer support. Collaborative actions may include check-ins and especially when a person may have challenges reaching out, offering emotional support and a space for others to share, connecting to necessary mental health services and resources, starting communication networks to provide updates and foster solidarity. Finally, doing what nurses often do best by offering support with a sense of connectivity and belonging.

Please take care everyone and know we are thinking about you.

Angie Trombley, RN, APRN, DNP, APMHNP, PMHNP-BC
Chair, NCNA Council of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurses

Support resources

Click here for coping tips for traumatic events and disasters from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) North Carolina helplines:

Looking for resources and a kind voice? Volunteers are available Monday through Friday from 8:30-5:00 at 800-451-9682.

SAMHSA’s national Disaster Distress Helpline:

  • English: call or text 800-985-5990
  • Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 800-985-5990 presiona “2.”
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: text or call 800-985-5990 using your preferred Relay provider.

This helpline is available 24/7, 365-day-a-year for immediate crisis counseling.

Help Kids Cope: mobile app with scripts and ideas to support children before, during, and after natural disasters.

 

  MORE RESOURCES