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Information and Resources for Providers & Families After Hurricane Helene

Update October 10, 2024

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers resources and support to ensure children receive quality medical care and other health and safety needs following a major disaster. An opportunity exists for AAP chapters, other national professional societies, and related organizations to request funding when children, families, or pediatric medical providers have needs that cannot be met through current chapter/professional society funds, other federal assistance, or funding opportunities. Click the link for more information AAP Friends of Children Fund Disaster Recovery Program – Application

Preference will be given to members in one of the counties the Governor declared as disaster areas: The Major Disaster Declaration provides Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (Categories A and B) to Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Lowndes, McDuffie, Montgomery, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Washington, and Wheeler Counties. 

The Declaration also provides Individual Assistance only to: Bryan, Butts, Camden, Charlton, Elbert, Glynn, Long, Newton, Rabun and Wayne Counties.

October 2, 2024

Governor Kemp has declared a State of Emergency for all 159 counties in Georgia in response to Hurricane Helene. Click here to see the executive order. Georgia FEMA information is available at Hurricane Helene | Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency

The Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics extends our heartfelt condolences to all the families and community providers impacted by the devastation from Hurricane Helene. We would also like to express our sincere respect for the many individuals who are providing emergency support and rescue efforts on the ground. We are here to support one another, so please reach out with any concerns.

We have gathered resources below to assist you, patients, families, and your community.

 

Donations - Validated Sites:

  • Pediatric Foundation of Georgia, we are currently redirecting all funds donated from now until October 20, 2024, to provide aid to practices affected by Hurricane Helene, which struck on September 26. Donate here.
  • The HUB for Community Innovation (the “HUB Augusta Collaborative” EIN: 87-1694356) will receive any deliveries at 631 Chafee Street, Augusta, GA 30904 (706-926-0557). Any monetary donations should go through the Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area and be specified for the HUB (click here).
  • Metro Atlanta-based Food Security for America (FSA), which serves low-income communities across Georgia, is raising money to provide food, water and other supplies to Augusta residents impacted by the storm. Click here to donate.
  • American Red Cross – To make financial donations go to HelpSalvationArmy.org or call 1-800-Sal-Army.
  • Send Relief, the Atlanta-based global nonprofit, is working with the Salvation Army to establish feeding sites in impacted areas including Valdosta, Augusta and Statesboro. Click here to donate.
  • The Atlanta-based nonprofit, Caring For Others, has activated its ‘All Hands Mission’ in partnership with Convoy of Care to provide relief efforts and supplies to help residents in Augusta and Valdosta. Click here for more information.
  • Atlanta-based CARE is also providing emergency relief in Georgia and other states hit by the storm. Those efforts include providing cash assistance to help families meet their essential needs such as food, medicine and hygiene supplies; support to help rebuild and taking steps to protect the most at-risk populations, including women and girls. To learn more go to my.care.org.
  • AmeriCares, a health-focused nonprofit, has set up a webpage to receive donations.
  • RomeGaCares, a local nonprofit out of the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, is heading to east Georgia to clear debris, tarp buildings and bring pallets of water to nine counties in the area. Monetary donations can be mailed or dropped off at RomeGaCares, 2526 New Calhoun Highway, Rome, Ga. 30161.

Shelter:

  • Georgia FEMA resources and information is available at here.
  • American Red Cross – The American Red Cross has opened shelters in several hurricane-stricken areas. To view the listing, click here. You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) if you need assistance. It’s staffed 24 hours a day.
  • Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta has provided Camp Mikell in Toccoa as a refuge for people in need of temporary housing while waiting for utility services to be restored. The camp has power, hot water, and access to well-stocked stores and gas stations. To arrange for temporary housing for up to two weeks at Camp Mikell, please contact amp Executive Director Jessica LeFiles  at jessi@campmikell.com or Amanda at amanda@campmikell.com. People can also call 706-886-7515.
  • FEMA toolkit with resources for messaging, post-landfall of Hurricane Helene. FEMA Assistance Available for Survivors in 30 Additional Georgia Counties.
  • SAMHSA Disaster Response & Recovery – SAMHSA toolkit with disaster response and recovery information – perhaps the pediatric focused resources attached could be included in the messaging (10 pages, information in multiple languages.)
  • The Salvation Army – The Salvation Army has established several sites in various hurricane-stricken areas today, offering meals to those in need. Please click here to view listing.
  • Crisis Cleanup – Crisis Cleanup is a collaborative disaster work order management platform that improves coordination, reduces duplication of efforts, improves efficiency, and improves volunteers’ experience. If you need assistance cleaning damages from Hurricane Helene, call Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386. 

Prescription Medications:

Feeding and Nutrition for Patients, Families, and Providers:

Trauma-Informed Mental Health Resources for Patients, Families, and Providers:

Environmental Risks:

 

Respectfully,

Nicola Chin, MD, FAAP, Chapter President

Natalie Lane, MD, FAAP, Chair on Emergency Medicine Committee

Anne Mellinger-Birdsong, MD, FAAP, Chair on Environmental Health & Climate Change

Evan Brockman, MD, MPH, FAAP, Chair on Child & Adolescent Mental Health Committee

Shreeti Kapoor, MD, FAAP, Vice Chair on Child & Adolescent Mental Health Committee