NC MedAssist Launches Critical Healthcare Support in Response to Hurricane Helene

Charlotte -- October 22, 2024: Press Release:  NC MedAssist In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, NC MedAssist

has launched a comprehensive relief effort to meet the urgent medication needs of communities across Western North Carolina. As the only statewide charitable pharmacy, NC MedAssist is providing essential over-the-counter medications, prescription assistance, and other vital healthcare supplies to individuals and families affected by the storm.

Hurricane Helene left widespread destruction in its wake, severely impacting access to critical healthcare services and medication access. NC MedAssist immediately responded to an overwhelming number of requests for assistance. These efforts were bolstered by generous support from global and statewide organizations like Direct Relief, Heart to Heart Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, and The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina whose financial and in-kind contributions have enabled NC MedAssist to rapidly scale its response.  

“Our mission has always been to ensure that no one in North Carolina goes without access to life-saving medication, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Brenda Vass, CEO of NC MedAssist. “In times of crisis, like Hurricane Helene, this mission becomes even more urgent. We are deeply grateful to our staff and partners for stepping up in this critical moment to help us serve vulnerable communities.”

Key Relief Initiatives Include:  

Medication Care Packages: NC MedAssist is assembling and distributing Medication Care Packages, including pain relievers, allergy medications, digestive aids, and children’s medications. These packages are designed to support between 100-300 individuals in shelters and communities hard-hit by the storm.  These packages are either delivered by partners like Carolina Complete Health or shipped to the organization.
Prescription Support: Through its free prescription medication program, NC MedAssist is providing ongoing prescription support to uninsured individuals, addressing both immediate and long-term healthcare needs.  Current patients may refill any prescription that they may have lost in the floods.
Partnerships and Outreach: Collaborating with local clinics, safety-net organizations, mobile pharmacies and hospitals, NC MedAssist is ensuring that essential supplies like insulin, Epi-pens, and nicotine replacement therapies reach those who need them most.
A Growing Need for Support

As NC MedAssist plans for long term relief efforts, but aware that need for resources may outpace available supplies. The organization anticipates providing over-the-counter medication to benefit more than 100,000 individuals and enrolling many uninsured residents into its free prescription program.

However, the challenges are significant. Remote and rural areas have been particularly hard-hit, and NC MedAssist works with collaborative partners and donors to help sustain and expand its outreach.

“Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location or circumstances, can access the medications they need,” added Vass. “But we can’t do it alone. We are asking for the community’s support to help us continue this vital work.”

How You Can Help

To support NC MedAssist’s Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, individuals and organizations can:

Donate to the Hurricane Helene Recovery Response Fund. Just $250 can provide a care package that serves up to 200 people.
Volunteer to help assemble Medication Care Packages for distribution to safety-net organizations across Western NC.
Organize an OTC Drive or contribute via NC MedAssist’s Amazon Wish List to collect over-the-counter products for those in need.

For more information on how to get involved, please visit medassist.org/hurricane-relief or contact Andria Tindall at atindall@medassist.org.

About NC MedAssist

NC MedAssist is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to providing access to life-saving medications to uninsured, low-income residents of North Carolina. Through its free pharmacy program, NC MedAssist dispenses prescription medication and over-the-counter products, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the care they need. Since its founding, NC MedAssist has helped thousands of individuals manage their health and improve their quality of life.