NASW-NC has posted our full statement here: https://bit.ly/HeleneSocialWorkResponse

Statement from NASW-NC: Disaster Response Resources for Western North Carolina

The catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene has completely wiped out many towns and communities across Western North Carolina and has led to tremendous loss of life. The region has suffered significant infrastructure damage caused by flooding and high winds, destroying roads and bridges so that people are unable to get in or out of the region. Power, water and cell service continues to be out in most of the region. Because of the lack of communication services, the full scope of the destruction is still unknown.

The North Carolina National Guard has been activated and North Carolina has received Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Helene providing immediate federal assistance for 25 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokees - a quarter of the state of North Carolina. The declaration means that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be able to speed additional help to the state and provide individual assistance to people living in those counties, as well as public assistance to reimburse local governments, state agencies, and non-profits or other eligible organizations for funds spent repairing facilities and infrastructure.

The staff of the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina (NASW-NC) has been in communication with some social work members and universities in the impacted area but are still waiting to hear from others because of the lack of cell service and electricity in the region.

NASW-NC is a member of the North Carolina Disaster Behavioral Health Coalition and we are actively meeting during this disaster and recovery to relay as much information as possible. The primary focus of the American Red Cross in the United States right now is Western North Carolina. In addition to mobilizing relief efforts, they are beginning to deploy American Red Cross trained disaster mental health providers. They will be in need of more licensed mental health volunteers in the coming days and we will share that information on how to become a trained volunteer.

What can social workers do now?

The best thing individuals can do to help Western North Carolina is not to travel to Western North Carolina. Patience is imperative. On Sunday, September 29, Interstate 26 south of Asheville was opened but remains the only major thoroughfare into the region due to damage to Interstate 40 and other routes. State transportation officials continue to urge people to avoid travel anywhere in western North Carolina as about 390 roads and dozens of main highways remain closed due to flooding, downed trees, landslides or storm damage. The N.C. Department of Transportation is prioritizing work to reopen interstates, U.S. and state highways before getting to secondary routes, but the department also is working with utility companies and local emergency officials to find alternative routes and to assist in maintaining access to shelters and restoring power. 

There are still many ways to help NOW!

This will be a long-term recovery effort and Western North Carolina will need the assistance of the social work profession during this tragic time.

NASW-NC has created a website with continuously updated information about how to donate, volunteer and contribute to the rescue and recovery efforts specifically for Hurricane Helene victims here: https://www.naswnc.org/helenerelief

NASW-NC also has North Carolina Disaster Resources for Social Workers including mental health resources related to disasters here: https://www.naswnc.org/DisasterResources

For the latest updates and information from the State of North Carolina, check these resources: 

• ReadyNC.gov for power outage and shelter information.  
• DriveNC.gov for road closings and travel conditions. 
• NCDPS.gov/Helene for the latest information on storm response/recovery. 
• https://fiman.nc.gov/#/ Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network for real-time river flood gauge 
  
  Please contact NASW-NC with additional information to share with social workers here about recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene: director.naswnc@socialworkers.org 

Thank you to the members of NASW-NC for supporting the advocacy work we do. We would not be able to advocate for the social work profession or social justice issues in North Carolina without a robust and engaged NASW membership. 

Learn more about NASW-NC membership here.

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