Vaya Health

Mold can be a serious health risk following the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. During mold removal, the levels of mold in the air can increase dramatically, which can put your health at risk. For larger areas of mold (more than 30 square feet), it’s best to contact a mold cleanup professional. If you have allergies, asthma, respiratory issues, or a weakened immune system, please avoid mold cleanup to protect your health. For those involved in cleanup, be sure to wear an N-95 respirator, protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection to minimize exposure. More detailed guidance, including safe cleaning steps, can be found in the NCDHHS fact sheet on mold cleanup and prevention, here: https://lnkd.in/enT_Wj_T. For additional resources following Hurricane Helene, visit our Hurricane Helene Recovery page at https://lnkd.in/eTZWqfZu

Supporting mental health is crucial during challenging times. Vaya’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Richard Zenn, recently shared essential tips for self-care and recognizing when to seek help. Signs that you may need extra support include overwhelming emotions like fear, sadness, or frustration; changes in appetite or energy levels; difficulty sleeping or concentrating; physical symptoms such as headaches or body pains; and increased substance use. Remember, help is available. Here’s how to access resources shared by Vaya Health: Text or call 988 to speak with a trained mental health professional; call 1-855-PEERS NC for North Carolina’s Peer Warmline to talk with someone living in recovery; call Vaya’s Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127 for crisis assistance; and first responders can reach out to Hope4NC at 1-855-587-3463 for support. For additional resources, please visit https://lnkd.in/eTZWqfZu.

Listening Circles hosted by Resources for Resilience are now available through Nov. 22. Join weekdays from 12 noon to 1 p.m. to discuss how you’re doing, recognize who or what is helping, and share tools to ease some of the overwhelming stress you’re experiencing. Drop in on Zoom at https://bit.ly/WNCListens or call 646-876-9923 (Meeting ID: 847 0135 3002). Sessions take place from 12 noon to 1 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

The risk of contracting viral and bacterial respiratory infections is heightened following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We are sharing some preventative tips to help keep you and your loved ones healthy. To prevent respiratory illnesses, it is recommended to get your flu and COVID vaccines, maintain distance in crowded areas, and flush unused faucets to prevent Legionnaire's disease. For diarrheal illnesses, practice good hand hygiene, use sanitizers when soap isn’t available, and be cautious with food and water to avoid contamination. To reduce the risk of wound infections and tetanus, ensure you’re up to date on your tetanus vaccination, keep wounds clean and covered, and seek medical care for any signs of infection. For additional resources, visit https://lnkd.in/eTZWqfZu.

Reminder to apply for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits before the Oct. 24 deadline! Residents in 25 western NC counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians affected by Hurricane Helene are eligible for a one-time benefit to help purchase food. Eligible households can apply by phone or in person. To apply by phone, call the D-SNAP Virtual Call Center at 1-844-453-1117 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or between 9 a.m. and noon on Saturday and Sunday. For more information on in-person locations to register, visit: https://lnkd.in/d97fwBPB Be sure to submit your application before the deadline! Additional Hurricane Helene resources are available, here: https://lnkd.in/eTZWqfZu

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.