In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina faces not only the physical and economic challenges of recovery, but also the pressing need for a renewed focus on the state’s already strained early childhood education infrastructure. Childcare teachers are the workforce behind the workforce, enabling families to return to work, businesses to reopen, and vital services to resume. As communities rebuild, it is essential that legislators prioritize policies that strengthen childcare resources to support families’ and businesses’ recovery in Western North Carolina and ensure statewide economic stability and growth.

In the wake of the hurricane, the NC Center for Health and Wellness and Social Bridging NC have produced two resources to support older adults and others affected by this event across the region, including responders and others working on the relief efforts: A webpage of curated long-term resources and a mini-guide of best practices for providing trauma-informed support through wellness checks in person or by phone.

Western North Carolina nonprofit JMPRO Community Media has launched the WNC Hurricane Helene Audio Storyline podcast. It’s purpose is to hear what people are saying and promote solidarity, build a qualitative account of the strengths and challenges of regional disaster response, let others know what it has been like for residents, and encourage long term support of the region.

On Oct 4th, Dogwood Health Trust announced more than $30 million dollars in initial funding for Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Western North Carolina to support deployment of resources and response to urgent needs, assessment, navigation and legal services associated with FEMA response and maintaining critical health services across the region.