Hurricane Disaster Response

Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the Southeastern United States, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The storm’s destructive path impacted multiple states, but western North Carolina bore the brunt of its fury. Historic flooding wiped out entire communities, leaving residents without power, water or roads. Heart to Heart International responded to the need by deploying a mobile medical team to North Carolina and distributing medicines and hygiene kits in the five states affected by the storm.

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Below are stories of tragedy, triumph and service told by HHI medical staff, volunteers and patients:


Hurricane Helene’s aftermath has brought a wave of respiratory issues to North Carolina. Homes are flooded, mold is growing, and people are turning to indoor fires for warmth. This dangerous combination is causing serious breathing problems. HHI’s medical team is working tirelessly to provide relief. We’ve rushed additional respiratory-related medicines and inhalers from our warehouse to NC.


Tetanus can be a serious complication after natural disasters. That’s why it’s crucial to get a tetanus shot if you’ve been injured or if you could be exposed to contaminated debris during the clean-up stage of recovery. HHI’s medical team is providing essential medical care, including tetanus vaccinations, to those affected by Hurricane Helene.


Hygiene kits are a crucial part of HHI’s relief efforts. These kits may seem small, but they can make a big difference. They provide basic necessities that can help restore a sense of normalcy, prevent disease, and improve overall health and well-being. HHI has distributed more than 50,000 hygiene kits to those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Sarah Banks Public Health Director from Haywood County, North Carolina, talks about partnering with Heart to Heart International to help provide healthcare services for residents affected by Hurricane Helene.

Athea Moore recounted her harrowing survival of Hurricane Helene to HHI’s medical team. She risked her own safety and trudged through six feet of floodwater to save her beloved animals, including her therapy dog, Kio.

HHI volunteer nurse Roger shares the inspiring story of a remarkable 89-year-old retired nurse who was injured during Hurricane Helene. She found comfort and healing with HHI’s medical team and was incredibly grateful for the care she received. Her resilient spirit brought joy and inspiration to the entire team.

Have a look back at the steps toward our response to
communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton below:

Oct. 3, 2024 | Medical Team Stationed

Our medical team and mobile medical vehicles were stationed in Haywood County, North Carolina, to provide direct patient care.

Oct. 2, 2024 | Medical Team Deployed

Our team of medical volunteers and Mobile Medical Van were sent to Western North Carolina.

Sep. 30, 2024 | North Carolina Focus

A second assessment team was deployed to North Carolina to evaluate the flooding situation and determine how best to assist impacted communities.

Sep. 30, 2024 | Hygiene Kit Distribution

More than 22,000 hygiene kits were prepared for shipment to partners and health clinics in the affected states.

Sep. 28, 2024 | Needs Assessment

Our team assessed the affected areas of Florida and Georgia, identifying significant damage and needs.

Sep. 27, 2024 | MMU Deployment

An additional team deployed with the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) to be ready for an immediate response.

Sep. 26, 2024 | Team Preparation

HHI’s Disaster Response Team readied for deployment by sending an advance team to Florida to coordinate with local partners and assess needs.

Sep. 26, 2024 | Immediate Impact

Hurricane Helene made landfall in western Florida as a Category 4 storm, causing widespread destruction and flooding.

Looking Ahead

The destruction caused by Hurricane Helene and Milton is immense, and the need for support is great across multiple states. HHI remains committed to providing essential medical care and medical and hygiene supplies to those affected, ensuring that our aid reaches those most in need.

How You Can Help

Your support is crucial in our efforts to provide essential aid and relief to those affected by storms like Hurricane Helene and Milton. Together, we can make a difference and help rebuild lives in the aftermath of disasters.

Support Hurricane Relief