Hurricanes Helene and Milton 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. Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Milton struck Florida, bringing more flooding and destructive tornadoes to areas still recovering from Helene. Our teams are working tirelessly to provide essential aid and healthcare services in the affected regions.

Key Highlights of Our Hurricane Relief Efforts:

  • 6,475 hygiene kits

  • Provided medical care to more than 300 individuals in western North Carolina using mobile medical vehicles.

  • Delivered 12,000 hygiene kits to Florida communities affected by Hurricane Milton.

  • Shipped over $2.2 million in medicines and essential supplies to support hurricane relief efforts.

Your generous donation can help us continue providing life-saving aid to those affected by these devastating storms. Donate today.

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.

Our response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Sep. 24, 2024
Sep. 26, 2024
Sep. 26, 2024
Sep. 27, 2024
Sep. 28, 2024
Sep. 30, 2024
Sep. 30, 2024
Oct. 2, 2024
Oct. 4, 2024
Monitoring Helene
Monitoring Helene

Monitoring Helene

HHI’s Disaster Response Team begins actively monitoring Tropical Storm Helene and proactively reaching out to partners in the region to offer help.

Immediate Impact
Immediate Impact

Immediate Impact

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

Team Preparation
Team Preparation

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.

MMU Deployment
MMU Deployment

MMU Deployment

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

Needs Assessment
Needs Assessment

Needs Assessment

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

Hygiene Kit Distribution
Hygiene Kit Distribution

Hygiene Kit Distribution

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

North Carolina Focus
North Carolina Focus

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.

Medical Team Deployed
Medical Team Deployed

Medical Team Deployed

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

Medical Team Stationed
Medical Team Stationed

Medical Team Stationed

Our medical team and mobile medical vehicles began treating patients in Haywood County, North Carolina.

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.