The North Carolina Healthcare Foundation
The Disaster Relief Fund: Supporting the healthcare community
The background
A History of Giving
The NC Healthcare Foundation established its Disaster Relief Fund to help hospital employees who suffered significant property loss. In recent decades, North Carolina and North Carolina hospitals have been dramatically affected by hurricanes, flooding, fires and other natural disasters. From Hurricane Fran and Floyd in the 90s to the recent Hurricane Matthew and Florence, major storms are becoming more frequent. Hurricane Florence and its subsequent flooding caused nearly $17 billion in damage to North Carolina. Hurricane Matthew in 2016 caused $4.8 billion in damages and when adjusted for inflation, Hurricane Floyd in 1999 caused between $7 and $9.4 billion in damages.
The Impact
Caring for those who care for you
“In times of need, the public turns to their hospital and health system as a trusted destination for care,” NCHF Chair and Cone Health CEO Terry Akin said. “When a disaster happens, we see our employees make remarkable personal sacrifices to ensure that care continues in their communities. This fund is an opportunity not only to provide help to those folks who are most impacted by this storm, but also to acknowledge the importance of the entire health care team.”
The challenge ahead
Preparing for what's next
The NC Healthcare Foundation was grateful for the opportunity to help hospital employees in the impacted regions during this challenging time. We now need to rebuild our reserves for the next disaster. We would like to grow our disaster fund to not only help hospital employees but also help local healthcare communities. We also would like to contribute to efforts led by other hospital associations when major disasters occur.
Disaster Relief Fund By the Numbers
This is why we give
Helping our healthcare heroes… that’s what it’s all about.
During and after Hurricane Florence, hospital and health system employees in southeastern North Carolina stayed on the job day and night to care for their communities. Jim Davis, Assistant VP of Nursing at CarolinaEast Health System in New Bern, describes what it means to be prepared to care.
In the wake of the devastation from Hurricane Matthew, North Carolina hospitals and health systems put their communities first. This video is a tribute to employees and administrators who demonstrated what it truly means to be prepared to care.
NCHA celebrates the healthcare heroes in our hospitals and health systems who put their patients and communites ahead of themselves during Hurricane Matthew and its aftermath to ensure that care never stopped.
Impact Stories
Read how your donation made an impact on the recovery of our healthcare colleagues.
Our flooded house was a wreck, it looked like a war zone. The Disaster Relief Fund has been a tremendous help to me and my husband. We have been able to buy mattresses and living room furniture, a washer and dryer. You have touched the lives of so many and eased the pain of the effects of devastation of the storm.
Nancy Hoover
Medical Laboratory Technician, CarolinaEast Health System in New Bern
We did not have flood insurance, so please know how grateful we are for the help you gave us. We had to redo our entire crawl space and 1st floor and replace most of our belongings, plus vehicles, tractor and a woodworking shop. Thanks for your help. We are forever grateful.
Sandy and John Mahosky
Radiology Technicians, New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington
We had water in our house that damaged the entire main floor. We lost all our furniture and kitchen cabinets. The drywall and insulation had to be removed. We lost our HVAC and all the ductwork. Life is more important than things. I’m thankful for how many individuals, companies, and organizations came together to help.
Janice Samples
Medical Technologist, Pender Memorial Hospital in Burgaw
In the news
New Hanover Regional Medical Center kept functioning through Florence
Wilmington Star News, September 25, 2018
Resilience in the wake of Florence
The OuterBanks Voice, September 26, 2018
Resilience in storm’s wake
Greenville Daily Reflector, September 23, 2018
Inside Hurricane Florence’s wrath: The remarkable story of how CarolinaEast weathered the storm
The Daily Briefing, September 21, 2018
CRHS nurse recounts harrowing helicopter takeoff at the height of the storm
The News Reporter, September 22, 2018
Florence brought brotherhood through tense times at hospital
The News Reporter, September 30, 2018
A day in the life of a physician assistant during Hurricane Florence
The Q City Metro, September 16, 2018
Brody School of Medicine’s impact felt post-Florence
ECU News Service, September 28, 2018
In the Center of the Storm
John Gizdic’s Blog, October 16, 2018