Alabama nurse Lisa Jones and her team of eight nurses have been working tirelessly to provide aid to displaced residents of North Carolina, following the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. Jones reported that many of those impacted are suffering from severe mental health struggles, with some experiencing strokes and other issues due to the stress of the situation. The team is working 12-hour shifts at an American Red Cross shelter in Hendersonville and will remain in the state until Nov. 4 as part of the Emergency Medical Aid Compact.
Alabama Public Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris praised the efforts of the team and noted that the devastated areas in North Carolina have a high number of older adults and people with disabilities, which further exacerbates the mental health vulnerabilities of those impacted. Despite the challenging circumstances, Jones finds the work to be rewarding and is motivated by her desire to help people.
Hurricane Helene has already caused significant devastation, with a death toll surpassing 230 and damages estimated to be in excess of $50 billion. The lack of flood insurance among homeowners outside of Florida has also contributed to the economic losses of those impacted. Jones and her team are doing their best to provide assistance to those in need and offer support during this difficult time.
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