The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has unveiled a significant boost in resources with $2.9 million in federal funding aimed at enhancing crisis counseling services for those affected by Hurricane Helene. This funding, distributed through the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is designed to address behavioral health needs in disaster-stricken communities.
This influx of funds will facilitate the expansion of the Hope4NC initiative, which focuses on recruiting, hiring, and training crisis counselors, behavioral health therapists, and certified peer support specialists within the 25 counties declared as major disaster areas post-Hurricane Helene. Impacting approximately 1.8 million residents, the hurricane wreaked havoc on September 26, 2024, and in its aftermath. The Hope4NC Helpline, available 24/7 at 1-855-587-3463, currently serves first responders and volunteers in distress. The new funding will broaden the crisis response team to reach more individuals affected by the hurricane.
“There is no right or wrong way to feel when a disaster hits, and people will continue to experience the emotional impact long after the storm has passed,” stated NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “Helping western North Carolinians rebuild means also helping them heal – crisis counselors are critical to recovery efforts so people can get the care they need, when and where they need it.”
The crisis counseling offered through Hope4NC is intended to be a free and anonymous service for those impacted by Hurricane Helene, mirroring efforts seen after Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. After receiving training, crisis counselors will facilitate connections to recovery resources and provide emotional and educational support. They will meet survivors in their preferred locations, such as homes, libraries, or churches, thanks to the collaboration between SAMHSA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Catastrophic disasters like Hurricane Helene are very unique and significant stressors for everyone—adults, children, first responders, older adults, and people with disabilities,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “Together with state and federal partners, we are creating a robust network of helpers to make sure people know the signs and symptoms of mental distress and where to get help for themselves, a loved one, a co-worker, or a neighbor.”
To ensure that immediate support reaches those most in need in western North Carolina, Hope4NC’s crisis counseling will include in-person outreach at shelters, homes, and other locations to meet storm survivors, provide assessments, and offer counseling services with referrals to traditional behavioral health services as necessary.
Each Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization serving the storm-affected communities will receive a share of the funds to hire and train personnel in their areas. For instance, Vaya Health, with the largest impacted service area, will receive $1.2 million to hire over 50 crisis counselors to support ongoing recovery and behavioral health services. For a list of current behavioral health walk-in clinics in storm-affected areas, visit the Vaya Health resource page.
NCDHHS remains dedicated to supporting recovery and relief efforts in response to Hurricane Helene, including addressing the mental and emotional impacts of the storm. For those needing mental health support, help is available via call, text, or chat to 988. Additional resources can be found at ncdhhs.gov/helene or the NCDHHS DMHDDSUS Resource Page for those affected by Hurricane Helene.
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