It is difficult to believe the images that we are seeing of the North Carolina Mountains and the surrounding areas. The level of destruction is staggering, and the recovery efforts have only begun. Some of our members are still without power, internet, and other supplies, and we are keeping them in our hearts and prayers. We share their concerns for their families, patients, and communities. Below you will find information about how you can help.
NCAPA Fund to Support PA Students and PA Program Faculty in Impacted Areas
So many lives have been disrupted, and NCAPA is providing an opportunity for our members to help PA students and PA program faculty impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western NC. We have heard from all of these programs, and we are happy to share that all students and faculty are accounted for.
However, they are dealing with the aftermath of flooding and other damage to homes, apartments, and automobiles. We want to provide extra support to these individuals and are inviting our members to contribute to a fund that will support their recovery.
There are several PA programs with campuses in the flooded areas of Western North Carolina:
- Asheville – South College
- Boone – Wake Forest
- Hendersonville – Wingate
- Boiling Springs – Gardner Webb
We know there will be many unexpected expenses throughout recovery, and they will need our assistance. You can make a secure contribution through the link below, and 100% of the funds raised will go to the PA students and PA faculty most in need in the impacted areas.
Volunteering
You have likely seen pictures and videos of the destruction, and we are hearing the stories from those on the ground about the conditions and needs. There are a few important things to consider before volunteering in Western NC.
Please do not show up on your own. Travel in the affected areas is limited, and the roads need to be kept clear for emergency response and recovery efforts. You should connect with an organization, hospital, or the state Office of EMS (OEMS) to coordinate deployment. If you work in a health system with facilities in the affected region and would like to volunteer, you should check in with your health system administrators.
The state is asking other medical volunteers to go through the Office of Emergency Management Services to sign up. The North Carolina Medical Society is also working to facilitate getting medical providers where they are most needed. You can get more information about those efforts here.
Please remember that housing options are likely to be basic and very limited.
Emergency Licensure for Disaster Relief
The North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) has provided the following information:
In response to the Governor’s State of Emergency orders, the North Carolina Medical Board has activated the Limited Emergency License to help facilitate medical professionals volunteering their time and skills to help communities in need.
Physicians and physician assistants with a full North Carolina license are able to volunteer without obtaining a volunteer license. Note that PAs who provide volunteer medical services DO need a supervising physician per NC law. Licensees should check in with the NC Department of Public Safety’s Hurricane Helene relief page for volunteer needs before arriving in the region. Under no circumstances should volunteers self-report to any location to participate in relief efforts.
For out-of-state physicians and PAs that do not currently have a license in North Carolina, there are two easy pathways to temporary licensure under the emergency policy. Visit www.ncmedboard.org/disaster for more information.
Other Ways to Support
There are numerous ways to support this area and contribute your resources. Below are some other options for contributions:
- Red Cross – They are accepting volunteers, blood donations, and financial contributions.
- North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund – This is the homepage for a state fund that is managed by the United Way of North Carolina.
- Local and regional nonprofits and support agencies – This list comes from Blue Ridge Public Radio.
- NCMS Medical Practice Disaster Relief Fund – The North Carolina Medical Society has a disaster relief fund that provides grants to rebuild or repair practices.
Please note: Be mindful about responding to social media posts and other individual fundraising campaigns. While many of these requests are genuine and come from individuals in need, there are also cases of misinformation and scams.
The road to recovery and rebuilding will be long, but the NCAPA believes in the spirit and heart of North Carolina communities to see it through. Please consider contributing to the relief and rebuilding of our beautiful state and communities.
