In the wake of destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is taking action.  

Blue Cross NC is working with local organizations, as well as state, federal and local officials, to understand the needs of our communities and determine how we can best support them with immediate relief, recovery, and long-term rebuilding. As part of this work, Blue Cross NC and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation (Blue Cross NC Foundation) are donating more than $2.5 million to local, regional and statewide relief and recovery efforts, including support for food, shelter, and supplies. 

“Our family, friends and neighbors in western North Carolina are facing unbelievable loss, and we are here for them – making it easier to get the health care they need and providing immediate relief and supplies,” said Blue Cross NC CEO Dr. Tunde Sotunde. “We will continue to be there for our customers, employees, and communities as we navigate the challenges ahead together. This is how we take care of each other in North Carolina.” 

Working With Local Organizations 

Community organizations have mobilized to get resources to North Carolinians in need. Blue Cross NC, the Healthy Blue Medicaid managed care plan and the Blue Cross NC Foundation have partnered with organizations on the ground in western North Carolina to ensure they have the support they need to continue their work.   

For example, food is a critical need for those impacted. Darnell Farm is a working farm in Swain County that serves as a hub for prescription food boxes. Healthy Blue provided funding to purchase milk, bread and food supplies to serve 2,000 families. Diaper Bank of NC is distributing diapers and other baby supplies across western North Carolina. Healthy Blue purchased 900 units of formula for distribution through the Diaper Bank, helping to meet an urgent need in the region. WNC Food Systems Coalition is distributing emergency food supplies in McDowell, Buncombe and Macon counties, and Interfaith Assistance Ministry is working with NC Medicaid to provide food and supplies to Henderson County families. 

Ensuring vulnerable children and families are safe and supported is also a need in western North Carolina. Foster Family Alliance is actively helping resource families in need of assistance due to the impact of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Healthy Blue partnered with them to provide short term housing needs for foster families displaced by flooding. Crossnore Communities for Children provides homes for foster children in Avery, Henderson and Forsyth counties, as well as training and support for families. Healthy Blue rented a generator to provide power to a cottage housing eight young children in Avery County. 

Supporting Regional & Statewide Efforts 

The Blue Cross NC Foundation is donating $1 million to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund at United Way of North Carolina for rapid response, recovery and long-term rebuilding. Additional funding is being provided to the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, the American Red Cross and the Diaper Bank of North Carolina. 

Community Support 

Blue Cross NC is also using its resources across the state to help and connecting employees to donation and volunteer opportunities. Blue Cross NC’s Corporate Center in Boone is open to the public to charge their devices, use the bathroom and access the internet. Computers are available for requesting disaster assistance, contacting loved ones and other urgent needs. In collaboration with county leadership, Healthy Blue’s mobile medic is also regularly transporting supplies to the region. 

Helping Members Access Care 

To provide immediate relief, Blue Cross NC is increasing the availability of health care services and helping members access the care they need as quickly as possible. More information on these actions is available at www.bluecrossnc.com/helene, and doctors, hospitals and other providers can find the latest updates on the Provider News Page. 

Additional updates and developments will be shared at www.bluecrossnc.com/helene. Members can also call the number on the back of their member ID cards or 888-206-4697 for help getting care.