Hurricane HeleneQuick Guide:How to Help | Patient Care | Trainings | Updates from the State | Mental Health Support Last updated 11/22/24 Tell Us What Your Needs AreNCPA offers its support to our members affected by the storm. Please use [email protected] to communicate your personal and professional needs. As you assess your situation, please let us know what we can do to help. We are working with the State, NC Medical Board, NC Medical Society and others to assess which practices are open to any degree and what their immediate needs are. For those in the impacted region of the state, we are asking that you complete TWO surveys. Both surveys must be completed and submitted separately.
How to HelpDo not self-deploy. Travel and resources in Western North Carolina remains limited. Please stay off the roads to allow emergency responders, utility crews and supplies can get through. Volunteer Opportunities The American Red Cross seeks Disaster Mental Health Volunteers. They are expediting those living within 60 miles of the affected area. There are licensure requirements, significant disaster mental health training is required and 10-14 day deployments are part of the volunteer time. This volunteer opportunity will not be immediate but this will be an ongoing need. Click here for a guide to becoming an American Red Cross Volunteer. The North Carolina Psychiatric Association (NCPA), in conjunction with the NC Psychological Association, the National Association for Social Work - NC Chapter, and the NC Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, have compiled a list of mental health providers offering free or sliding-scale services. If you work in a health system with facilities in the affected region and would like to volunteer, check with your health systems administrators. Donate to NC Disaster Relief Fund Governor Roy Cooper is encouraging donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help communities recover from catastrophic damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene. Donations made to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund will go to nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of storm victims such as food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies. All of the donations made will go to disaster relief. To donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations can also be mailed to: NC Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0312. Donate to a National Organization You can donate financially or donate blood through the American Red Cross. Donate to a Local Organization The NCMS Foundation Disaster Relief Fund is collecting funds to help practices impacted by Hurricane Helene. TrainingsJust In Time Training was prepared by the North Carolina Disaster Behavioral Health Committee. This hour long video training provides overview of entering shelter, what to expect, structure of shelter, how to be most effective in shelter setting. Disaster and Preventative Psychiatry: Protecting Health and Fostering Community Resilience will cover topics such as: the basic concepts in disaster and preventive psychiatry, psychological and behavioral effects of disasters, risk and vulnerability to disasters, psychological first aid, risk and crisis communication, leadership consultation and preparedness for disasters. Psychological First Aid is an early intervention to support children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by disasters. For community and mental health providers who plan to continue working with affected communities long-term, review Skills for Psychological Recovery and the SPR Online course. Caring for PatientsLicensure and Telehealth Across State Lines The NC Medical Board has activated emergency licensure for out of state physicians to provide care in NC. If you are licensed in NC and your patients have evacuated to another state, the laws of that state still apply. See the NC Medical Board's FAQ for more information. Waivers Centers for Medicare & Medicaid has approved a list of waivers for North Carolina, the list can be found in the Provider Bulletin Reminder to Providers on Hurricane Helene Approved Waivers for North Carolina issued Oct. 4, 2024. People receiving Medicaid can fill prescriptions early. Effective September 26, Medicaid is allowing for early refills of prescriptions. NC Medicaid enrolled pharmacy providers have been approved to fill these prescriptions early and will follow applicable co-pay requirements, including people who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency. This early refill is being allowed while the Governor’s State of Emergency order remains in place to ensure that all Medicaid beneficiaries have access to necessary medications. Pharmacy Board Flexibilities The NC Board of Pharmacies has a list of operating pharmacies in counties affected by Hurricane Helene. Each of the 25 counties, and the EBCI Tribal Area, have at least one pharmacy open and filing prescriptions.
Veterans Affairs Updates The Asheville VA has a dedicated page disseminating updates for local veterans who may be at risk, as well as staff involved in response efforts, much of this information is useful for citizens of WNC. Information includes WiFi locations, list of shelters, locations offering showering and laundry facilities, veterinary assistance, food/water/baby supplies, and more. Liability Coverage for Volunteers § 90-21.14. First aid or emergency treatment; liability limitation state law indicates that any volunteer should be covered for liability under the good Samaritan coverage, however be cautioned that this language can be up for interpretation. Before volunteering, please check with your insurance carrier and be sure to clarify that you are volunteering for relief efforts. Medication assisted treatment is available. Individuals receiving medication assisted treatment from an opioid treatment program may take home additional doses for treatment or receive guest-dosing at another licensed opioid treatment program. Other locations can be found in the Central Registry. Ensure children with complex medical needs and adults with disabilities or serious health conditions are safe. Case managers are implementing required disaster plans for Community Alternatives Program for Children and Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults. Make it easier for health care providers to participate in Medicaid as part of disaster relief. To ensure there are medical professionals on the ground, health care providers can apply to be a NC Medicaid provider through a temporary, expedited process. Ensure people get medically necessary services. NC Medicaid providers will not need to get prior authorization for medically necessary drugs, equipment and supplies provided during the Hurricane Helene emergency. People covered by NC Medicaid who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency will be reimbursed for medically necessary services. Maintain support for people with traumatic brain injury or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. When direct support is not available due to the emergency, relatives may provide Community Living and Supports, Supported Employment and Supported Living. People who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency may receive Innovations Waiver services without prior authorization, including respite. And NC Medicaid will cover the replacement or repair of homes or vehicle modifications damaged by Hurricane Helene. |