On September 24, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall and began its path of destruction across the Southeast. What began as an urgent, rapid response to the storm’s destruction has since become a sustained mission to help communities not just recover but rebuild for the long term.
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, here’s how our Disaster Response Team helped impacted communities:
- 65,000+ hygiene kits distributed
- Almost 400 individuals received medical care
- $2.2 million in medicines and supplies delivered
You can watch some incredible videos and read some impactful stories from this response by visiting our hurricane response overview page.
The initial crisis eventually passed, but the struggles for these communities remained. That’s why we made a long-term commitment to provide sustained support as they worked to rebuild their lives.
The Power of a Single Test
One of the most powerful examples of this lasting impact is a new point-of-care lab we helped to establish at Friends in Need health clinic in Upper East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Thanks to this lab, staff can now provide quick and accurate diagnostic testing.
Recently, a patient with no typical signs of a Strep A infection was correctly diagnosed by the new equipment. The accurate diagnosis meant the patient could receive the right treatment immediately.
The lab is also making a difference in managing chronic conditions. One patient, with an A1c level of 11, received a test, education, and follow-up care that helped them reduce their A1c by 8% by their next visit. This is more than just a number; it’s a life-changing step toward better health.
Access to Medicine Delivering Health and Hope
Our sustained work also includes providing medicines and supplies to partners like NC MedAssist through our Access to Medicine program. They see firsthand the impact these donations have on daily lives.
“The donated over-the-counter medications are vital in supporting the health of uninsured and underserved individuals,” the clinic said. “They help manage common ailments like colds, allergies, and pain, reducing the need for costly urgent care visits.“
NC MedAssist also shared with us the powerful, often emotional, gratitude they witness, like the young mom-to-be who was “so excited today to find the pre-natal vitamins” because she had run out and couldn’t afford more.
From crisis to lasting care, we are helping to create a healthier, more resilient future for communities still recovering. We are grateful to all our supporters, donors and partners who make this work possible.