ASPR's Response to Hurricane Helene

ASPR Deploys Responders, Medical Supplies and Equipment

As of October 4, 2024, ASPR has deployed approximately 370 medical, public health, and disaster response personnel to support North Carolina communities as part of the government-wide response to the devastation caused by the hurricane. Responders from ASPR’s National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) began providing care on October 1, 2024 and are currently providing care at the following locations:

• In Buncombe County, NDMS responders are providing 24-hour surge support in medical tents for the influx of patients arriving to the Emergency Department at Mission Hospital in Asheville. 
• In Catawba County, a Health and Medical Task Force (HMTF) is preparing to provide care at a state medical support shelter in Hickory.
  
• In Mitchell County, NDMS responders are providing 24-hour surge support in medica tents outside the Emergency Department at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine.  
  
• In Polk County, a HMTF is supporting a second state medical shelter in Mill Springs. 
  
• Two experts from NDMS’ Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team are also in North Carolina providing fatality management support.
  

Additional responders have been deployed to support future medical missions in the hardest hit areas of the state.  ASPR will assist North Carolina until the state determines federal public health and medical assistance is no longer needed.

Emergency Prescription Assistance Program

Uninsured residents in Georgia, North Carolina,​ and Tennessee living in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene can replace their 30-day supply of certain prescription medications, durable medical equipment, and medical supplies from any pharmacy that participates in the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program. 

To learn more about the program, check out the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) website and to find a participating pharmacy near you, use our locator. For help enrolling in the program, call the EPAP enrollment hotline at 1-855-793-7470 (TTY 1-800-876-1089).

Increasing Access to Health Care with Increased Flexibility and Data

In addition, HHS Secretary Becerra has declared public health emergencies in 5 states: South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. These declarations give the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.