Recovery is well underway across areas impacted by Hurricane Helene in 2024. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) has stood by our members and communities from immediate relief to long-term recovery.
While progress is evident, the path to full recovery is ongoing – and Blue Cross NC is here for the long haul.
Our North Star, our purpose, is to improve heath for all and ensure that people get care when they need it. We’ve committed to being there for western North Carolina as long as needed.
Colleen Briggs
President of the Blue Cross NC Foundation and Vice President of Corporate Responsibility
To support impacted communities, Blue Cross NC has worked with local organizations to understand their needs and support recovery.
- Committed in partnership with Healthy Blue and the Blue Cross NC Foundation, more than $6.8 million to 71 organizations for Hurricane Helene relief.
- Donated more than 140,000 essential supplies, including diapers, cleaning products, and medications.
- Contributed 43,000+ supplies, $57,000+ in donations, and countless volunteer hours by our employees.
To provide immediate relief for members in designated disaster areas, Blue Cross NC helped members access health care as quickly as possible.
- Early prescription refills and extended premium payment timelines.
- Telehealth access and mental health resources for impacted members.
- Proactive outreach to members with critical health needs, including dialysis, oxygen therapy, transplants, and prenatal/postnatal care.
You can share stories of resilience and recovery through a community archives project in western North Carolina.
There are still ways to get involved in the Hurricane Helene recovery effort. Find out how you can join with WNC Recovery.
Since April 2025, the Blue Cross NC Foundation has awarded nearly 30 grants to organizations working to rebuild infrastructure, restore services, and strengthen community well-being across the region.
The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) launched a farmer relief grant program and expanded fresh food access in 23 mountain counties. Its Appalachian Farms Feeding Families program supported more than 50 farms and hundreds of families through early childhood centers and local restaurants.
The North Carolina Community Health Center Association (NCCHCA) coordinated emergency funding and launched a Disaster Relief Fund. NCCHCA supported 43 health centers statewide, including nine in western NC. Grants are helping rebuild clinics, support staff, and expand mental health services.
AMY Wellness Foundation deployed rapid-response grants and formed recovery groups in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties. New funding is supporting infrastructure restoration, emergency preparedness, agricultural recovery, and direct family support.
Recovery is more than rebuilding – it’s about resilience. We remain dedicated to listening, learning, and working alongside our western North Carolina communities. Read more about our work to support recovery following Hurricane Helene on our Media Center.
Committed more than $6.8 million in relief to 71 organizations
Donated more than 140,000 essential supplies
To support western NC's recovery from Hurricane Helene, we're hosting a food drive to get healthy foods into the hands of families in need. Support the western NC relief efforts by donating food and you can claim up to four free tickets to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Blue Cross NC 250 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, October 4. Tickets are available while supplies last.
Bring your food donation to any Blue Cross NC location to claim your tickets.
Donate healthy non-perishable foods like canned beans, vegetables, and fruits.
Donations benefit MANNA Food Bank and other local food bank locations.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy and no-cost services available to you.
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