Resources for Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene

Oct 1, 2024

Position Title: Health Access Manager

Reports To: Executive Director

Status: Full-time, exempt

Location: North Carolina: hybrid/remote with statewide travel

Hiring Salary Range: $62,000–$68,000

Supervisory responsibilities: None currently

About the North Carolina Alliance for Health

The North Carolina Alliance for Health brings together community voices, bipartisan leaders, businesses, and partners across the state to advance practical policy solutions grounded in local experience and designed for statewide impact. Together, we improve health outcomes while reducing long-term healthcare costs, expanding access to care, strengthening the workforce, and helping communities thrive. 

About the Role

As federal funding cuts and policy shifts threaten public health and Medicaid coverage, the North Carolina Alliance for Health (NCAH) is committed to fighting for North Carolinians’ continued access to affordable care. In alignment with NCAH’s commitment to public health and ensuring health access for all, the Health Access Manager will lead and coordinate Keeping NC Medicaid Strong – a statewide coalition focused on protecting and advancing Medicaid in North Carolina.

This role requires strong skills in coalition management, stakeholder communications, and policy analysis. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, a skilled communicator, and committed to access to care in North Carolina.

Key Responsibilities

  • Coalition Management & Leadership

    • Manage NCAH’s health access portfolio, with a primary focus on Medicaid policy and related public health issues. 
    • Convene and grow a diverse coalition of organizations, advocates, and community partners.
    • Facilitate Keeping NC Medicaid Strong coalition meetings by setting agendas, supporting discussions, and ensuring follow-through on action items.
    • Work with the Executive Director to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including advocacy groups and community leaders.
    • Manage project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and grant requirements; identify risks and recommend adjustments to keep work on track. 
    • Engage Medicaid beneficiaries, grassroots organizations, and communities most affected by health access barriers in campaign planning, messaging, and advocacy. 

 

  • Policy & Legislative Work

    • Monitor and analyze federal and state policy developments affecting Medicaid and health access; advise leadership on emerging opportunities and threats.
    • Draft policy briefs, talking points, and testimony targeted to a variety of audiences.
    • Represent the coalition with media and relevant public forums.
    • Work closely with the Executive Director to influence policy outcomes.

  • Advocacy & Campaigns

    • Implement advocacy campaigns, including grassroots mobilization and digital outreach.
    • Prepare coalition members for legislative meetings, press events, and other advocacy opportunities.
    • Track campaign progress and report on outcomes to the coalition and funders.

  • Communications & External Relations

    • Serve as a representative for NCAH’s healthcare access work in meetings with key stakeholders, funders, and the media, providing timely updates, reporting recent developments, and sharing relevant information.
    • Translate complex Medicaid and healthcare policy issues into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
    • Collaborate with the communications team to draft fact sheets, advocacy toolkits, talking points, and digital content.
    • Support coalition members in amplifying unified messaging.

  • Organizational Management

    • Work with the Executive Director to support Medicaid-related grants, including budget tracking, deliverable management, and funder reporting.
    • Ensure projects are executed effectively, on time, and in alignment with NCAH’s strategic goals.
    • Contribute to funding proposals, funder cultivation, grant reports, and sustainability planning for NCAH’s health access portfolio. 
    • Develop annual goals, strategies, work plans, and performance measures for NCAH’s health access portfolio in collaboration with the full team.
    • Establish and track campaign goals, performance indicators, partner engagement, policy progress, and outcomes; use findings to improve strategy and support funder reporting.
  • Team Participation & Collaboration

  • Work closely with NCAH staff, consultants, and coalition partners to align strategies and coordinate communications.

    • Uphold NCAH's mission, vision, and values in your daily work.
    • Foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
    • Support colleagues across projects by contributing expertise in policy, advocacy, and coalition management.

 

Qualifications

  • Minimum two to four years of health policy advocacy or NC Medicaid program experience.
  • Strong project-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines, budgets, and deliverables.
  • Familiarity with the North Carolina General Assembly, state agencies, and state policymaking processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to facilitate diverse groups, navigate differing perspectives, and build consensus.
  • Commitment to racial, geographic, disability, and economic equity.
  • Ability to work independently and adapt to rapidly changing policy conditions.
  • Willingness to travel within North Carolina and occasionally work outside regular business hours.

 

How to Apply: To apply, send your resume and cover letter to admin@ncallianceforhealth.org by September 4, 2026.

We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene across North Carolina. Many of our communities are facing devastating and significant challenges in the storm's aftermath. In this difficult time, we want to share some resources that may provide relief and support to those in need. Please take a moment to review the information below that was shared by the NC Budget Center, MomsRising, and other partners. Share it with anyone who could benefit from these services. We will continue to update the list. If you have a resource you want to share, please email katie@ncallianceforhealth.org.

Last Updated 10/22/24

Emergency Food Assistance (D-SNAP) – Residents in 25 western counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians households who reside in the 28719 zip code impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply for help buying food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) which will begin on October 18, 2024, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced today. D-SNAP is open to individuals and households not currently receiving Food and Nutrition Services benefits who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. NCDHHS estimates more than 150,000 people will apply for up to $120 million in D-SNAP benefits. The application period will close on Oct. 24, 2024. If you or someone you know may be eligible, call the DSNAP Virtual Call Center at 1-844-453-1117.

Full Press Release: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2024/10/14/residents-western-north-carolina-can-apply-help-buying-food-following-hurricane-helene

Helene Communications Toolkit - The Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources Communications Toolkit is now available to share flyers in different formats and printable resources, including D-SNAP flyers and social media images: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/hurricane-helene-recovery-resources/hurricane-helene-recovery-communications-toolkit.

Re-opening of Child Care Facilities - NCDHHS is supporting childcare facilities to reopen as safely and quickly as possible after Hurricane Helene to ensure families in storm-impacted communities have access to childcare services. More than 200 facilities in the 25 major disaster counties in western North Carolina were impacted by the storm, with 55 centers having damage that will prevent them reopening for the foreseeable future. Visit our website to read the full press release, now available in English and Spanish.

New Printable/Downloadable Materials Available – Hurricane Helene flyers are now online in a central location: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/hurricane-helene-recovery-resources/hurricane-helene-recovery-communications-toolkit. They include both fully designed versions and simplified versions, which are best for printing, in both English and Spanish. Please feel free to share this link. We will continue to add materials as they are available. Check out our newest resources:

Septic Repairs Flyer

o   English: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/septic-repairs-simple/download?attachment

o   Spanish: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/septic-repairs-simple-spanish/download?attachment

·        Restaurant Emergency Operations

o   English: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/restaurant-emergency-operations-simple/download?attachment

o   Spanish: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/restaurant-emergency-operations-simple-spanish/download?attachment

·        Well Disinfection

o   English: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/well-disinfection-simple/download?attachment

o   Spanish: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/well-disinfection-simple-spanish/download?attachment

·        Well Disinfection and Sampling Videos

o   Disinfecting Private Well (with Bleach) Video: https://youtu.be/cUKxtAbdbEg

o   Disinfecting Private Well (with Sodium Hypochlorite) Video: https://youtu.be/XSLghnJ2PtQ

o   How to Collect a Well Water Sample Video: https://youtu.be/auyj9ljU6Gw

We also have a Provider Resources page with up-to-date factsheets, notices and alerts: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/hurricane-helene-recovery-resources/hurricane-helene-provider-resources

Home Heating Safety - As cooler weather arrives in western North Carolina, NCDHHS is urging individuals, families and communities impacted by Hurricane Helene to take safety precautions when heating their homes, buildings or other enclosed spaces. Using gas or wood-burning heat sources without proper safety measures can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards, especially if fuel sources or appliances have been damaged by the storm. Read more safety tips here:

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2024/10/15/ncdhhs-urges-safety-measures-heating-homes-western-nc-temperatures-drop

Well and Septic Tank Safety – NCDHHS advises people in western North Carolina who use private wells and were affected by Hurricane Helene to keep using bottled, boiled or treated water until their wells are disinfected and tested for harmful bacteria. They also recommend taking safety steps with septic systems impacted by the storm before resuming normal use. For more information, please see the full septic/wells press release, now available: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2024/10/10/ncdhhs-urges-well-and-septic-safety-following-hurricane-helene

Behavioral Health — Millions in North Carolina have been affected by Hurricane Helene. Natural disasters are traumatic and there’s no right or wrong way to feel. After a hurricane, it's crucial to seek mental health support if needed and to stay connected with family and friends once communication is restored. Read the full press release on behavioral health resources for persons impacted by Helene: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2024/10/10/behavioral-health-resources-available-people-impacted-hurricane-helene

Restaurant Reopening — NCDHHS and local health departments are working with restaurants and food establishments impacted by Hurricane Helene to help them reopen and feed their communities. Local and state public health staff are working to help them reopen safely while infrastructure continues to be repaired or rebuilt in western North Carolina counties. Read the full press release on restaurant emergency operation plans here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2024/10/11/restaurants-impacted-hurricane-helene-can-apply-operate-under-emergency-operations-plans.

Stay Up-To-Date: We encourage everyone to subscribe to NCDHHS press releases and newsletters by visiting https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news and submitting your information through the Press Release Sign Up form, where you will be prompted to enter information about yourself and your organization."

Additional Resources, Partners and Website:

Ready NC Website: Plan. Prepare. Stay Informed. | Ready NC

Open Shelters in your area: Open Shelters | Ready NC

County Emergency Management Agencies:

County Emergency Management Agencies | NC DPS

FEMA Disaster Assistance: Home | disasterassistance.gov

Crisis Services: NC DHHS: Crisis Services

988 Lifeline: 988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988.

Peer Warmline: Get Support - You're never alone. | Promise Resource Network

Help for Helpers Hope4NC website: Hope4NC Helpline | NCDHHS or by phone 1-855-587-3463

NCDHHS Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources: Hurricane Helene | NC DPS

Locate a pharmacy near you: EmergencyOperatingPharmaciesHelene (ncbop.org)

Opioid Treatment Programs near you: Central Registry Map (thecentralregistry.com)

Gov. Cooper's Executive Order for Hurricane Helene: governor.nc.gov/executive-order-no-318/open

Executive Order- Board of Pharmacy Emergency Waiver: open (nc.gov)

Vaya Health Helena Recovery: Helene Recovery | Vaya Health

Disaster Distress Helpline: Hurricane Helene - Partners Health Management (partnersbhm.org)

Connections E-Recovery App: Self Sign-Up Form (connectionsapp.com)

WHAT'S GOING ON?

 

    • FEMA has begun taking applications for the Individual Assistance Program, which includes money for emergency housing at hotels, immediate recovery needs and more. Call 800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov for more information or to get started on an application.

    • Do not travel in or to Western North Carolina. I-40 is impassable in multiple locations. I-26 is closed at the Tennessee state line. There are many closed roads that are not listed. All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited. Gas stations are also empty. (Source: NCDOT)

    • Cell service is still spotty across western North Carolina, but new towers are being stood up regularly and "disaster roaming" has been enabled so that phone can connect to any available network. Tip: If your cell coverage drops, try restarting your phone to force it to search for a new network. Also, you may be able to access OnStar in "crisis mode" if you have a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle.

HOW CAN I GET HELP FOR SURIVORS?

 

    • Call 9-1-1 for rescue or other life-threatening situations. Call 2-1-1 for shelter and supplies.

    • American Red Cross: Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) if you need assistance, including shelters.

    • Crisis Cleanup: Call 844-965-1386 to be connected with volunteer organizations who can assist with issues like trees, debris, tarps, and mucking out. Note: Crisis Cleanup cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, insurance, or FEMA registration.

    • Disability & Disaster Hotline: Call/Text: +1 (800) 626-4959 or email hotline@disasterstrategies.org. The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies' Hotline provides information, referrals, guidance, technical assistance and resources to people with disabilities, families, allies, and organizations assisting disaster impacted individuals with disabilities and others seeking assistance with immediate and urgent disaster-related needs.

    • Locating loved ones:

       

        • Call 2-1-1 for their reunification service. 

        • Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to locate people in their shelters.

        • In Buncombe County: Call 828-820-2761 (Buncombe County Register of Deeds). More information is available at BuncombeReady.gov.

    • FEMA has begun taking applications for the Individual Assistance Program, which includes money for emergency housing at hotels, immediate recovery needs and more. Call 800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov for more information or to get started on an application.

    • Veteran Disaster Assistance: See attached, forwarded to me by AARP.

HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER?

 

    • Do NOT self-deploy! Do not travel to impacted areas without coordinating with local and state officials. Half of all roads are blocked or broken. You will likely run out of gas, and gas stations are empty in western NC.

    • Sign up as a shelter volunteer. VolunteerNC is looking for volunteers to help serve our state with disaster services. Learn more here.

    • Sign up to answer calls to Crisis Cleanup hotline. English and Spanish volunteers ARE DESPERATELY needed for the hotline. Info is located here.

    • Other volunteer sites will be posted to this website as they become available.

HOW CAN I DONATE?

 

    • If you do want to collect supplies, make cleanup kits ("flood buckets"), with these items. Contact NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster at sert@ncvoad.org or make an offer here.

    • Coordinate movement of supplies with the state Business Emergency Operations Center to ensure you have access. You can email your supply logistics or movement requests to BEOC@ncdps.gov, Begin Subject Line with Logistics Support.

       

        • Please include the following info:
          ·  What are you moving? Why you need special access.
          ·  When do you plan to move and from where?
          ·  Where are you going?
          ·  When will they arrive at the "border to Western NC" and where?

    • Appalachian Helene Response Fund: Donate directly to mutual aid efforts or a recovery fund facilitated by Appalachia Funders Network. Recovery fund donations go through Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky; donors can designate support for NC in notes.

    • Emergency and Disaster Response Fund: Support relief efforts by frontline nonprofits in 18 WNC counties and the Qualla Boundary, administered by the Community Foundation of Western NC.

    • NC Counts Coalition: Help NC Counts get emergency supplies delivered directly to community-led organizations, including those serving immigrants in WNC, via trucks and planes.

    • Organizing Resilience: Provide direct relief through mutual aid and community groups, support economic recovery and small businesses, and promote systemic change to prevent future disasters.

WNC School Information

School closure list.

Many sites are providing pickup meals, distributing supplies, and providing internet and power access to those in need. School closure list can be found here.

 

    • Buncombe County Schools are closed for the entire week, Monday Sept. 30 through Friday Oct. 4. They have an extensive list of resources for families on their website.

       

        • Water and meals ready to eat (MRE) are available noon to 4 p.m. daily at the following schools:

           

            • North Windy Ridge Intermediate

            • Sand Hill-Venable Elementary

            • Fairview Elementary

            • Estes Elementary

            • Cane Creek Middle School

            • Leicester Elementary

            • Asheville Middle

    • Watauga County Schools

       

        • If you are in need of water, food, cleaning supplies, toiletries, paper goods or other household items, please come to Watauga High School from the hours of 8A- 6P.

        • A child care site will be available at Hardin Park School for students in grades K-6. The site will be open from 9A-4P and we will serve breakfast, lunch and a snack. In addition, we will also do our best to provide a bag of non-perishable food to take home. Registration will be available on site beginning Tuesday, October 2nd. Transportation services are not available at this time.

        • Please be aware that our schools are currently attempting to reach out to all families and conduct welfare checks. If you have not heard from someone at your school or a school system employee by Wednesday morning, you are encouraged to reach out to your school site or the district office at 828-264-7190.

        • Finally, if you are in need of internet access to complete your FEMA Application, we have computers set up at Watauga High School in the front office to assist. We also have public wifi access available at Green Valley, Hardin Park and Watauga High School.

    • Haywood County Schools will be closed for both staff and students for the remainder of the week. A 48 hour notice will be given prior to reopening of school for students and staff. Community resource centers will be open at both Jonathan Valley Elementary and Bethel Elementary beginning Wednesday, October 2nd from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. These centers will have non-perishable food and water. Hot meals will be available at no cost through curbside pickup for children 18 and under from 9:00-6:00 at these two locations (weekdays only).

    • Jackson County Schools: FREE meals will continue to be served daily through Friday, October 4th from 11:30-12:30 at Blue Ridge School, Smokey Mountain Elementary, and Smoky Mountain High School.

    • Macon County Schools: Electrical and communication services have improved throughout Macon County. Supplies and shipments are arriving into our area including routine fuel shipments. Therefore, in the best interest of our students, Macon County Schools- Franklin, Highlands, and Nantahala will operate on a regular schedule beginning tomorrow, Thursday, October 3, 2024. Afterschool Edventure will also begin services for students on Thursday, October 3. The Macon County School System has worked diligently with the Macon County Emergency Management staff to make this decision. As we navigate returning to school, accommodations and provisions will be made as needed to best support and serve our students and families now and in the days ahead.

    • McDowell County Schools: As of 10/4/24, many schools have power and water and staff are reporting to work on a two-hour delay.

    • Polk County Schools: All schools remain closed. Information on resource availability can be found here.

    • Rutherford County Schools:

    • Cherokee County Schools is pushing out information on meal pickup on their Facebook page.

Communications:

 

    • T-Mobile Access Increase in WNC

       

        • “T-mobile is bringing SatCOLT (satellite cell on light trucks) to Asheville. These SatCOLTs provide cellular voice and data, along with Wi-Fi (so people can use Wi-Fi calling no matter their carrier).

        • Our crews have overcome extremely challenging conditions and limited site access to restore 132 sites and position 149 portable generators in the last 24 hours and their work will continue today. In addition to the SatCOLT in Hendersonville, we’ve activated another at the Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville and are working to place others at the Mission Hospital in Asheville, the Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Murphy and in Cherokee to support the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.”

For support for infant feeding during emergencies from the CDC:

 

For caring for your child in a disaster:

 

Farms and Agribusinesses
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has activated its hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Farmers can also find recovery resources here.

Small Businesses and Local Chambers
The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s National Disaster Help Desk can help businesses and organizations both in the impact area and looking to support the impact area. It can be reached at 888-MY-BIZ-HELP (or 888-692-4943). Additionally, they offer this online resource to help businesses take care of their employees’ needs, communicate the impact, address financial matters (e.g., insurance, disaster assistance), restore operations, and organize recovery.The U.S. Small Business Administration also has this resource available

Rutherford County Resources:

 

    • Meals, Showers, and Water:

       

        • Ingles in Lake Lure: Meals available from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm and 5:00 to 6:30 pm.

        • Father's Vineyard: 724 Oakland Rd, Spindale, NC - Open 8:00 am to 1:00 pm for showers and phone charging. Fill water containers (up to 5 gallons per family). Serving spaghetti from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 1st.

        • Spencer Baptist Church: 187 N Oak St, Spindale, NC 28160 - Water container filling available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

        • Drinking Water: Broad River Water Authority and the Town of Forest City have tested and verified that water is safe for drinking.

    • Missing People: To report missing loved ones or request a welfare check, call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) or email EOC@rutherfordcountync.gov.

    • Home Damage: If your home is damaged and you need assistance with clean-up, contact Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386 for access to volunteer organizations.

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