Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
Twitter (@DirectRelief)
Facebook (@DirectRelief)
Instagram (@DirectRelief)
Republishing Images:
Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.
Maintain correct caption information.
Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
Do not digitally alter images.
Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.
Other Requirements:
Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.
For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.
Direct Relief staff delivered medical support to NC MedAssist, a charitable pharmacy in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Oct. 7, 2024, as part of Hurricane Helene response efforts. NC . (Photo by David Uttley for Direct Relief)
When Hurricane Helene swept inland in late September 2024, record-breaking rainfall, flash floods and landslides devastated western North Carolina, East Tennessee and southwestern Virginia, leaving thousands without electricity, clean water or access to basic health care.
Direct Relief responded immediately — delivering emergency medicines and supplies, granting emergency funds, and supporting outreach teams reaching patients in cut-off areas. One year later, needs have shifted but essential drivers of community health — stable housing, food access, behavioral health and reliable care pathways — remain acute across Helene-affected communities.
Direct Relief’s sustained support over the past twelve months totals $45.1 million in medical and financial assistance across six states, including $4.6 million in funding to 26 community organizations and $40.5 million in donated medical aid to 137 organizations (about 7 million defined daily doses of medications).
Direct Relief continues to work alongside local organizations to restore health services, stabilize housing, support mental health and build long-term resilience.
by the Numbers
$45.1 Million
in medical and financial assistance provided to communities affected by Hurricane Helene in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia over the past twelve months
$4.6 Million
in funding to 26 community organizations
$40.5 Million
in donated medical aid and supplies to 137 organizations
7 Million
defined daily doses of medications for respiratory conditions, diabetes, mental health, cardiovascular issues, and skin-related injuries
North Carolina
Rapid Response Anchored In Long-Term Partnerships
Direct Relief’s response to Hurricane Helene builds on a decades-long commitment to improving health access throughout the US. North Carolina has long been a major recipient of Direct Relief’s ongoing support. That existing presence enabled rapid deployment of mobile clinics, emergency grants and medicine shipments immediately after Helene, and provided the foundation for Direct Relief’s sustained recovery work. The figures listed above reflect Direct Relief’s comprehensive support since Hurricane Helene devastated the region.
From Emergency Relief to Long-Term Recovery
In the early aftermath of Helene, Direct Relief prioritized rapid deployment of medicines and supplies to affected clinics and evacuation sites. As communities began the long road to recovery, the focus evolved: helping clinics restore services, addressing mental health needs, stabilizing housing, and investing in infrastructure and resilience.
This shift reflects the reality of long-term disaster recovery—where health, housing, and access are deeply interconnected, and rebuilding must be driven by those who know the needs best: local organizations.
Direct Relief helps Mountain Community Health Partnership in Burnsville, NC with medicine and emergency supplies as beneficiaries recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Dr. Patricia Hall, Chief Medical Officer
Research shows that the mortality and health burden of hurricanes is not limited to immediate storm deaths; long-term excess mortality can be orders of magnitude higher due to disrupted care, displacement and socioeconomic shocks. That long tail reinforces the need for sustained investments in chronic-care continuity, housing stability, mental health, and resilient clinic infrastructure.
Restoring Healthcare Access
Flooding from Helene disrupted access to care in multiple rural counties, damaging clinic infrastructure and disrupting operations. Direct Relief provided emergency grants, shipments of requested medications, mobile medical kits, and operating support to keep rural clinics functioning.
One year later, Direct Relief continues to support facilities like the Micaville Health Center, which is rebuilding after severe flood damage. The center’s story, featured in “Still Recovering from Helene’s Aftermath”, highlights the vital role of community clinics in disaster recovery.
Power, Clinic Closures, And The Hidden Health Toll
Power outages were a major driver of clinic closures and lost care. Direct Relief’s Lights Out research documents widespread outages and service disruptions after Helene (surveyed clinics reported tens of thousands of canceled visits and millions in lost revenue), underscoring the link between lost power and long-term health harms.
Power outages across several states in the southeast US outline the path Hurricane Helene took as it traversed inland. Photo: NOAA/CIRA
Mental Health & Community Wellness
Emotional recovery has been a major need across Helene-impacted areas. Direct Relief supported Resources For Resilience (RFR) with a $90,000 grant to provide trauma-informed training for frontline healthcare workers, caregivers, and community groups. Workshops offer bilingual access and hands-on tools for managing stress, grief, and uncertainty during recovery.
Emotional recovery has been a major need across Helene-impacted areas. Direct Relief supported Resources for Resilience (RFR) with a $90,000 grant to provide trauma-informed training for frontline healthcare workers, caregivers, and community groups. Workshops offer bilingual access and hands-on tools for managing stress, grief, and uncertainty during recovery.
“
We are so grateful for our new partners whose support allows us to share our Resiliency Tools more widely and strengthen recovery in the communities that need it most.”
Ashley Putnam, Director of Programs & Partnerships of Resources For Resilience
Housing and Community Stabilization
In Swannanoa Valley, the loss of housing from Helene created a crisis that touched every aspect of community health. Direct Relief supported Swannanoa Communities Together (SCT) with an $85,000 emergency grant to stabilize more than 150 households through rental assistance, FEMA navigation, and trauma-informed casework.
“
Housing loss and displacement led to a community-wide crisis. Direct Relief recognized the health impact of displacement and helped us support people in stabilizing their homes and lives.”
Beth Trigg, Swannanoa Communities Together
Food Access and Social Determinants Of Health
Access to nutritious food remains a core challenge for rural families recovering from Helene. Through a $500,000 grant, Direct Relief supported the WNC Food Systems Coalition (WNCFSC) to deliver weekly boxes of fresh, locally sourced food across five counties, paired with health navigation from CHWs embedded in clinics.
“
We’re making systems work for the end user, rather than expecting people to navigate a maze on their own.”
Dana Choquette, Executive Director of WNC Food Systems Coalition
Partner Spotlight: Community Health Network Doula Program
The Community Health Network of Western North Carolina (CHN) launched a clinic-connected community doula program to address gaps in maternal care. Supported by a $400,000 grant from Direct Relief, the program trains and embeds doulas within rural clinics to assist with prenatal care, perinatal mental health, and culturally responsive services.
“
Our maternal health system here in Western North Carolina was fragile before Hurricane Helene and is even more strained today. Direct Relief’s investment in a rural doula workforce is helping us build that bridge.”
Carrie Pettler, Executive Director of Community Health Network of Western North Carolina
Even one year later, the impacts of Hurricane Helene continue to ripple through communities. Housing remains limited. Behavioral health needs are growing, especially in children and young adults. Infrastructure is still being rebuilt. Barriers to care persist and are exacerbated for many who faced challenges before the storm.
The organization Swannanoa Communities Together in North Carolina has acted as a resource hub for residents, many of whom are still in temporary housing situations after Hurricane Helene swept through last September. (Courtesy photo)
Direct Relief remains committed to standing alongside communities in Western North Carolina—supporting locally led, clinic-connected work with equity at the center—to strengthen rural health access and help build systems that endure through the next storm and beyond.
Giving is Good Medicine
You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.
Receive Alerts
This form needs Javascript to display, which your browser doesn't
support. Sign up here instead
