Hurricane Dorian Recovery

In conjunction with other state agencies, DHHS is responding to Hurricane Dorian. Even though the storm has passed, DHHS is continuing to help North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Dorian. This information will continue to be updated.  

Stay safe and healthy

  • Keep your well safe. DHHS has steps you can take to protect your private well and recommendations for what to do to ensure your well is safe to use after a flood.

Get needed support

  • Medicaid services. DHHS has received federal authority to make it easier for beneficiaries to access services and for health care providers to deliver care. This includes filling prescriptions early, transfers to another nursing home facility and more. Visit the Medicaid Hurricane Dorian webpage for details.
  • Behavioral health assistance.
    • If you are in need of, or are receiving, behavioral health care, or if you are uninsured or are a Medicaid beneficiary, you can access care by calling your regional behavioral health Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO).
    • Call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. It is available year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. 
    • Learn more about other behavioral health resources available from DHHS and our partners and watch this video on how to handle stress after a natural disaster featuring Dr. Carrie Brown, DHHS' Chief Medical Officer for Behavioral Health & IDD.
  • Help with food. 
    • There are flexibilities for people who receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits and participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
    • If your household does not receive FNS, you can contact 2-1-1 for food assistance.

Volunteer to help

  • The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is accepting contributions for Hurricane Dorian damage. Contributions help with the unmet needs of hurricane victims.

Get the latest information 

Visit the NC Department of Public Safety website for the most up-to-date information on storm recovery. Updates will also be provided on Twitter through these accounts:

In an emergency call 9-1-1. For non-emergency questions call 2-1-1.