Note: This blog has been updated from a prior version to reflect new information from Tennessee.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact and the expected force of Hurricane Milton, long term care providers and staff need our unwavering support. Everyone impacted is in our thoughts, and there is more that can be done. AHCA/NCAL has received several updates regarding provider support in North Carolina and Florida and will continue to share further updates about additional resources or relief funds as they become available.
North Carolina Health Care Association Announces Hurricane Helene Relief Fund
The North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association (NCHCFA) has received numerous requests from members asking how they can directly contribute to the employees of western North Carolina skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) affected by Hurricane Helene.
In partnership with FutureCare NC, a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization affiliated with NCHCFA, the state association has organized a process for donations via the FutureCare NC Hurricane Helene Relief Fund. These donations will be provided to the most highly impacted SNFs for the express purpose of assisting their employees.
There are several ways to donate:
- Venmo: @FutureCareNC
- Online: FutureCare NC Hurricane Helene Relief Fund
- Make a check payable to FutureCare NC and mail to:
- FutureCare NC Hurricane Helene Relief Fund: 6325 Falls of Neuse Rd., Suite 35-259, Raleigh, NC 27615
Please reach out to
Eric Kivisto at NCHCFA with questions.
Tennessee Health Care Association Announces Hurricane Relief Fund
The Tennessee Health Care Education Foundation (THCEF), a non-profit 501(c)(3), has announced an effort is to assist long-term care staff who have suffered great loss, hardship and other severe challenges in the wake of the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
They have started the THCEF Tennessee Hurricane Flood Relief Fund and have a goal of $100,000 in donations to help individuals and their families who critically need assistance to help rebuild their lives. All donations will be used to provide temporary housing and essential supplies like food, clothing, water and other resources not covered by other relief funding to staff members of nursing homes and assisted care living facilities directly impacted by Helene.
Those who would like to contribute to the fund can do so by clicking the link here.
If you or someone you know are eligible and would like to request assistance from the fund, please click here to access the application. The deadline to apply for funding is Oct. 30, 2024.
Florida Health Care Association Continues Hurricane Relief Funding
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, we are keeping everyone in its path in our thoughts and hope that everyone will stay safe.
As a reminder, the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has established a Hurricane Relief fund through its Florida Health Care Education and Development Foundation to support affected employees of FHCA member centers. The goal is to assist as many employees as possible through generous donations. All donations received will go directly to those in need.
Donations can be made
online or via
mail. More information is available on the FHCA Hurricane Relief Fund
website.
Additional Resources
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is supporting providers and suppliers impacted by Hurricane Helene by providing accelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers, including SNFs, effective October 2, 2024. Additionally, HHS declared Hurricane Helene a public health emergency, making Section 1135 CMS waivers available to providers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina. More information about both resources can be
found here.
AHCA/NCAL will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates about any additional resources or relief funds.