In a direct response to the recent devastation brought by Hurricane Helene, North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley visited Henderson and Buncombe counties to both survey the damage and connect with the affected communities. According to a recent press release from the NCDHHS, Kinsley, accompanied by Senators Jim Burgin and Julie Mayfield, started by meeting those relocated to shelters and later inspected the operational status of local health and social services.
Their journey began in Fletcher, N.C., where the group visited state-operated shelters and later moved to the Henderson County Department of Public Health to meet with officials. The health crisis post-Hurricane Helene hasn't been light, as the region has received substantial supplies — 400,000 gallons of water and 98,000 hot meals for Buncombe County, and 140,000 gallons of water and 50,000 hot meals for Henderson County. But more than supplies, mental health emerged as a priority, a cause for concern that cannot be alleviated with material provisions alone. Secretary Kinsley's "heart goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one or is facing the devastating impacts of this storm,” was a sentiment anchored in the reality of the collective trauma experienced.
Furthermore, Secretary Kinsley underscored the importance of mental health support in the aftermath of the storm. The state has increased staffing at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and provided additional contact points for those in distress such as the Disability Disaster Hotline and the Disaster Distress Helpline. Mobile Crisis teams were also mentioned as resources for those needing immediate mental health intervention.
One critical post-disaster concern has been the safety of water with over 300,000 people depending on private wells in the flood-affected areas. To address this, NCDHHS has been distributing free private well water collection kits and coordinating with FEMA and the EPA to facilitate local testing of water safety. Secretary Kinsley's visit shines a light on the ongoing recovery efforts and the multi-faceted approach of the state's response, including health services, food assistance, and essential utility restoration.
For those looking to apply for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), which can provide up to $975 for a family of four, applications are open until October 24, 2024. Eligibility details and application procedures are available online, and impacted individuals are encouraged to explore this aid to help with food purchases post-disaster.
