We have compiled a number of resources that may be helpful in supporting patients, families, communities, and colleagues as they cope with the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Clinical Resources
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has numerous resources to help communities, families and children navigate the impacts of natural disasters, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. Many thanks to our colleagues for compiling and sharing these resources:
Hurricane Response Resources
- Parent Guidelines for Helping Children after a Hurricane (En Español)
- After the Hurricane: Helping Young Children Heal
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (En Español: ASL)
- Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents (En Español)
- Trinka and Sam: The Rainy Windy Day—e-book for young children (En Español)
- College Students Coping After a Hurricane
- Teacher Guidelines Helping Students After a Hurricane
- Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen (En Español)
- Tips for Parents on Media Coverage of Traumatic Events
- Once I Was Very Very Scared (En Español)—e-book for young children
- After the Injury—website for families with injured children
- Health Care Toolbox—website for pediatric health providers working with injured children
- Pause-Reset-Nourish (PRN) to Promote Wellbeing (En Español)—for responders
- Here for Each Other: Family Guide (from Sesame Street)
Resources on Traumatic Grief
- Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
- Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
- Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
- The Power of Parenting: How to Help Your Child After a Parent or Caregiver Dies
Helplines
Disasters are a time when our mental health requires additional care. Anyone needing support can reach out to the following resources:
- SAMHSA'S Disaster Distress Helpline to support emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. The helpline is open to anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. This includes survivors of disasters; loved ones of victims; first responders; rescue, recovery, and relief workers; clergy; and parents and caregivers. You may call for yourself or on behalf of someone else.
- Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (for Spanish, press "2")
- Available 24/7
- Free and confidential
- The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for mental health support from a trained mental health professional
- Call or text 988
- Available 24/7
- Free and confidential
- NC’s Peer Warmline to speak to a peer living in recovery from mental health or substance use issues
- Call 1-855-PEERS NC
- Available 24/7
- Free and confidential
Additional Resources
To stay informed on the state's response and resources, please refer to the following pages:
- Information on NC Medicaid Temporary Flexibilities Due to Hurricane Helene — NCDHHS blog
- Information on road conditions, power outages, shelters, and more — ReadyNC.gov