Vaya Health

Supporting loved ones in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is crucial for their healing process, as many may feel the weight of trauma and stress. It’s important to be a supportive listener and encourage professional help for those experiencing acute stress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Remember, taking care of yourself is equally important while you support others. To learn more about how to support your loved ones after trauma, visit the Mayo Clinic website at https://lnkd.in/epSy-eT6. For additional resources for you or your loved ones affected by Hurricane Helene, please visit Vaya Health at https://lnkd.in/ek23JHa8.

Hurricane Helene has left many in western North Carolina without access to essential resources, including prescription medications. If you or someone you know needs an emergency refill for non-controlled substances, any open pharmacy can provide a 30- or 90-day refill, even if there are no remaining refills. Visit the NC Board of Pharmacy at https://lnkd.in/ewNirQEH to locate operating pharmacies. For additional information on emergency refill guidelines, insulin storage tips, and accessing out-of-state pharmacies, visit [link to blog]. For more details on recovery and supports, visit Vaya’s Hurricane Helene recovery page at https://lnkd.in/e5Pcbhda.

As temperatures drop, many Hurricane Helene survivors are now in need of cold-weather essentials. Please consider donating coats, blankets, gloves, hand warmers, and other winter gear to help those affected stay warm. You can drop off donations at the following locations in Asheville: 1298 Patton Avenue in West Asheville, Arden Presbyterian Church at 2215 Hendersonville Road in Asheville, and Harrah's Cherokee Center at 87 Haywood Street (open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days a week). For more resources and support, please visit https://lnkd.in/eTZWqfZu

Residents of 25 western NC counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians affected by Hurricane Helene can apply for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) to receive one-time food assistance. Pre-registration starts Oct. 15 through epass.nc.gov. After pre-registering, call 1-844-453-1117 between Oct. 18-24 to complete your interview. For a list of in-person locations and more information about how to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/d97fwBPB. For more Hurricane Helene recovery resources, visit https://lnkd.in/eTZWqfZu.

Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, we are sharing tips for survivors of disasters or traumatic events from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to highlight the importance of mental health during this challenging time. It's common to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected after such events. Pay attention to your physical reactions, like unusual headaches or changes in appetite, and prioritize your overall well-being. It's important to reach out for support when we need it. For more information on managing stress after a disaster, please read more here: https://lnkd.in/enE6QnKf. Please contact our Behavioral Health Crisis Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week for support at 1-800-849-6127. For more information on Helene resources and support, please visit https://lnkd.in/eTZWqfZu.

If you want to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene, please consider donating to the NC Disaster Relief Fund. Your financial contributions go directly to local groups addressing urgent needs in affected communities. If you have items to donate, please work through established organizations instead of delivering supplies directly, as many roads remain unsafe for travel. For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or assist with feeding efforts, visit https://lnkd.in/e5BFJMFk For additional resources related to Hurricane Helene, please visit https://lnkd.in/eTZWqfZu

Replacement benefits are now available for Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in Food and Nutrition Services who were impacted by Hurricane Helene in 23 western North Carolina counties. These recipients will automatically receive 70% of their September benefits back on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, with no action required. This impacts over 200,000 people and includes $24 million in replacement benefits. Check your EBT balance at www.ebtedge.com or call 1-888-622-7328. Benefits can also be used to buy hot food through November 3, 2024. For more information on Helene recovery and resources, visit https://lnkd.in/ehwXFtJZ

Dr. Richard Zenn, Chief Medical Officer at Vaya Health, recently spoke with Blue Ridge Public Radio about the emotional challenges individuals and families face in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, including shock, anxiety, and anger. Extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene can have both immediate and long-term detrimental effects on the mental health of residents. He advises people to "stay aware of your feelings and check in with your loved ones." Dr. Zenn emphasizes the importance of accessing support and reminds us that resources are available for those struggling. For assistance, Vaya Health’s Behavioral Health Crisis Line can be reached at 1-800-849-6127, or you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by texting or calling 988. To listen to the full interview, please visit: https://lnkd.in/ehPWHY3t For additional resources and support, visit https://lnkd.in/eTZWqfZu

The North Carolina Association of Health Plans has released an updated list of FastMed Urgent Care locations open across the state. Some locations now offer both virtual and in-person appointments, marked as “Hybrid.” You can view the list of operational FastMed locations here: https://lnkd.in/eq7kF_WD. For more information about FastMed and additional resources for Helene Recovery, please visit our recovery page at https://lnkd.in/ehwXFtJZ

The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) helps people who do not have insurance in disaster-affected areas access vital prescription drugs, medical supplies, and equipment. For those impacted by Hurricane Helene in certain North Carolina counties, EPAP will soon be available, with claims accepted at over 72,000 pharmacies across the U.S. For more details about EPAP and other helpful resources, visit https://lnkd.in/eTZWqfZu or call our Pharmacy Service Line at 1-800-540-6083. Additional information can be found here: https://lnkd.in/e4S-Z82X