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Increasing Crisis Counseling Services for People Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Raleigh -- October 24, 2024: NCDHHS Press Release: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced $2.9 million in federal funding to help increase crisis counseling services for people impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The funding is part of the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program administered by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is available to states to address behavioral health care needs and support relief for people in disaster-impacted communities.
The funding will be used to expand the Hope4NC initiative to recruit, hire and train crisis counselors, behavioral health therapists and certified peer support specialists in the 25 counties declared major disaster areas following Hurricane Helene. Approximately 1.8 million people live in these areas and were impacted by the storm that brought catastrophic damage on Sept. 26, 2024, and in the days following. Currently, first responders and volunteers experiencing stress or mental health crisis can call the Hope4NC Helpline at 1-855-587-3463 24/7. The additional funding will expand the crisis response workforce to increase access to more people who are impacted by Hurricane Helene.
"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," said 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."
Crisis counseling through Hope4NC will be a free and anonymous resource for people impacted by Hurricane Helene and will mirror NCDHHS efforts following Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Florence. Following training, crisis counselors will be available to connect survivors with recovery resources and to offer emotional and educational support. They will meet storm survivors wherever is most convenient, whether at home or in their community at a library, church or other preferred location. The program is made possible by SAMHSA in partnership with 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."
Each of the Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organizations that serve storm-impacted communities will receive a portion of funds to hire and train staff in their catchment areas. For example, Vaya Health has the largest impacted service area and will receive $1.2 million to hire more than 50 crisis counselors to support ongoing storm recovery efforts and behavioral health services. For a full list of behavioral health walk-in clinics currently operating and available right now to people in storm-impacted areas, visit the Vaya Health resource page .
NCDHHS is committed to continuing to support recovery and relief efforts following Hurricane Helene, including helping people cope with the mental and emotional impacts of the storm. For anyone who needs mental health support — including just someone to talk to — help is available right now through a call, text or chat to 988. For additional resources, visit ncdhhs.gov/helene or the NCDHHS DMHDDSUS Resource Page for people impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The funds will be used to expand the Hope4NC initiative to recruit, hire, and train crisis counselors, behavioral health therapists, and certified peer support specialists in the 25 counties declared as major disaster areas following Hurricane Helene. Approximately 1.8 million people live in these areas and were impacted by the storm that caused catastrophic damage on September 26, 2024, and in the days following. Currently, first responders and volunteers experiencing stress or a mental health crisis can call the Hope4NC Helpline at 1-855-587-3463 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The additional funds will allow for the expansion of this crisis response workforce to increase access to more people affected by Hurricane Helene.
Hope4NC Crisis Counseling will be a free, anonymous resource for those affected by Hurricane Helene and will mirror efforts NCDHHS implemented after Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Florence. Following training, Crisis Counselors will be available to connect survivors with recovery resources and offer emotional and educational support. They will also meet with storm survivors at a location most convenient to them, whether at home or in their community, at a library, church, or other preferred location. The program is made possible by SAMHSA in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
To ensure these services reach those most in need of immediate support in Western North Carolina, Hope4NC’s crisis assistance will include in-person visits to shelters, homes, and other locations to meet with storm survivors, provide assessment and outreach services, and refer them to traditional behavioral health services as needed.
NCDHHS is committed to continuing to support Hurricane Helene relief and recovery efforts, including assisting people coping with the mental and emotional impacts of the storm. For anyone in need of mental health support, including reaching out to someone to talk about their experience, help is available now via call, text, or chat at 988. For additional resources, visit ncdhhs.gov/helene or DMHDDSUS's resource page for people affected by Hurricane Helene.