Hurricanes Milton & Helene: Support, Medical Access, Recovery Efforts

October 11, 2024 at 8:30 AM

In the wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, we at the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) want to take a moment to let you know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time. Our hearts are with all those affected in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, where so many are facing overwhelming challenges—especially in accessing vital medical care.

At NBDF, we understand how critical it is for individuals living with blood and bleeding disorders to have consistent access to medical support, even in times of crisis. We are committed to supporting you in any way we can. We’ve compiled resources to help you find the medical care you need, despite the closures and disruptions caused by the storm. Whether it’s through telemedicine, mobile clinics, or accessing neighboring facilities, we’re here to guide you toward the best options available.

This is a challenging time for all, but please remember that you're not alone. Together, we can get through this, and NBDF is here to support you every step of the way. Our community is strong, and by coming together, we will help rebuild and recover.

For those of you looking for ways to contribute to recovery efforts or find assistance, we’ve shared important information on local shelters, how to contact loved ones, and ways to donate or volunteer. In the face of adversity, our collective strength and compassion will make all the difference. Remember to connect with us on social media to receive timely updates and information. 

Alternative Ways to Access Medical Care

With many medical offices closed due to storm damage or power outages, community members may need to seek alternative means of care:

1. Telemedicine Services: Many healthcare providers are offering remote consultations. Check with your regular physician or hemophilia treatment center about virtual appointment options.
2. Mobile Clinics: Some organizations are deploying mobile health units to affected areas. Stay informed about these services through local news and community updates.
3. Neighboring Facilities: If safe to travel, consider seeking care at medical facilities in nearby areas less affected by the storm.
4. Emergency Preparedness: Ensure you have an adequate supply of factor concentrates and other necessary medications. If supplies are running low, contact your healthcare provider or local hemophilia organization for assistance.
5. Community Support: Connect with local bleeding disorder support groups. They may have information on temporary care centers or can assist in coordinating care.

How to Find Help

Many areas remain inaccessible due to storm damage, and we understand connectivity may be challenging. Please use whichever method is most accessible to you. If you need help, please consider these options: 

1. Shelters: If possible, make your way to a nearby shelter. 
2. Red Cross Emergency App: Download this app to find service locations. 
3. Website: Visit here for up-to-date information on how to find help after Hurricanes Milton and Helene. 
4. Social Media: Follow your local Red Cross and emergency officials for updates. 
5. Local News: Monitor broadcasts for shelter locations and emergency information. 
6. Phone Assistance: If you can't access online information, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

Finding Friends and Family After Hurricane Helene 

Are you having trouble finding or contacting a family member or friend in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene? The Red Cross is offering assistance. Click this link to access the Hurricane Helene Reunification website. You will then go to the link for the state where the person you are looking for lives. Provide as much detail as you can to assist the Red Cross in potentially locating your missing loved one. 

Supporting Affected Regions

There are several ways you can contribute to the recovery efforts:

Volunteer: Once it's safe, consider volunteering with local cleanup efforts. Check with organizations like the Red Cross or local community centers for opportunities.

Donate Supplies: Many areas need non-perishable food, clean water, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies. Contact local donation centers to find out what items are most needed.

1. To donate to the Red Cross for Hurricane Milton, Click Here

Blood Donation: If you're able, consider donating blood. Storms often disrupt regular blood donation schedules, leading to shortages. Click here for more information

Regional Recovery Efforts: There are many ways that you can help each community.

1. Florida’s Response and Recovery Efforts
   1. FloridaDisaster.org managed by the Division of Emergency Management provides resources for residents affected by Hurricane Helene. 
   2. To contribute to the Florida Disaster Fund
   3. Press release on Helene from Governor Ron DeSantis
2. Ways to Help After Hurricane Milton
   1. The Florida Disaster Fund is the state’s official private fund to assist communities recover during emergencies.
   2. Local aid group, Feeding Tampa Bay, is collecting food donations and distributing emergency meals to residents affected by the storm.
   3. The United Way of Florida is accepting donations to its Disaster Recovery Fund to provide support to communities that have been impacted by both hurricanes Helene and Milton.
   4. Greater Good Charities is providing nearly 50 truckloads of aid to Florida communities in response to hurricanes Helene and Milton.
   5. Team Rubicon provides help by clearing roadways, removing debris left by storms, and home repair.
   6. The American Red Cross said it has “hundreds of disaster workers” on the ground providing shelter, food and supplies to communities that have been affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
   7. Convoy of Hope, a humanitarian, faith-based organization based out of Springfield, Missouri, have volunteers in Perry, Florida, who have packed more than 3,000 bags of groceries and relief supplies to distribute to those affected by Hurricane Milton.
   8. Airlink works with partners to deliver aid and personnel to communities during disasters.
3. Georgia’s Response and Recovery Efforts
   1. Updates from Governor Kemp
   2. Shelter and Feeding Locations
   3. American Red Cross
   4. The Salvation Army
   5. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
   6. Report Damages
   7. If you need assistance cleaning damages from Hurricane Helene, call Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386.
   8. To volunteer and help in Hurricane Helene’s recovery efforts 
4. North Carolina’s Response and Recovery Efforts 
   1. To donate to the NC Disaster Relief Fund to Help with Helene Recovery: This fund supports long-term recovery efforts for North Carolina homeowners and communities. Donations to the fund are tax-deductible. How to donate: 
      1. Text FLORENCE to 20222
      2. Visit, https://bit.ly/3ByqTqo
      3. Mail a check to: North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund 20312 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-0312
5. South Carolina’s Response and Recovery Efforts
   1. Updates from Governor McMaster’s office
   2. South Carolina has created the Helene information line at the following number: 1-866-246-0133. People who have questions about the storm can call operators with the State’s Public Information Phone System 24 hours a day. 

The Hemophilia Alliance Foundation Disaster Relief Fund 

To help address the challenges that occur for those affected by bleeding disorders and the organizations that serve them during an emergency or natural disasters, the Hemophilia Alliance Foundation has launched the Disaster Relief Fund. 

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