In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are encouraging nurses, physicians | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:

    RALEIGH     In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are encouraging nurses, physicians, behavioral health professionals and others interested in volunteering to help people impacted by the storm to get connected with the appropriate resources and organizations.

    "North Carolinians are resilient and we will all work together to recover from this disaster," said DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. "The outpouring of support from people across our state has been incredible and we want to make it as easy as possible for people to find opportunities to volunteer."

    How nurses can help: To get involved in relief efforts, nurses should contact the American Red Cross of Eastern North Carolina. More information is available at www.redcross.org/enc and on their 'Become a Volunteer' webpage. Out-of-state nurses interested in volunteering should also register with their state's Emergency Management Department.

    How physicians can help: Physicians interested in volunteering should refer to resources offered by the NC Medical Board.

    How behavioral health professionals can help: Both in-state and out-of-state behavioral health professionals can help by registering with the North Carolina Psychological Association's Disaster Response Network and by contacting the American Red Cross of Eastern North Carolina, which is coordinating mental health volunteers.

    Social workers in North Carolina seeking information on how to help should refer to information offered by the North Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

    How anyone can help: Others willing to help are encouraged to get connected with one of many volunteer organizations assisting with relief efforts. To find volunteer opportunities, visit www.volunteernc.org, the North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) website at www.ncvoad.org or the American Red Cross' 'Become a Volunteer' webpage. To donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit: www.governor.nc.gov/donate-florence-recovery.

    In addition, DHHS has more information about volunteering online at www.ncdhhs.gov/hurricane-florence-recovery-volunteers.

      NC Department of Health and Human Services

• 2001 Mail Service Center
• Raleigh, NC 27699-2001
• news@dhhs.nc.gov •(919) 855-4840