Heart to Heart International

Hurricane Disaster Response

Oct. 10, 2024

Heart to Heart International is mobilizing a rapid response team to Florida to assess the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton and identify urgent needs. While our medical teams continue to provide essential healthcare services in western North Carolina, impacted by Hurricane Helene, we are committed to supporting both regions.

Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm, causing widespread damage despite avoiding the most dire projections. Power outages and flooding have been particularly severe, with millions of Floridians losing electricity and some areas experiencing historic levels of rainfall. Sarasota County was inundated with up to 10 feet of storm surge, and St. Petersburg received more than 18 inches of rain—a once-in-a-thousand-year event.

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Watch JP Fisher, HHI’s Director of Disaster Response, as he gave an update on October 9 about our plans to address the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton and continue supporting communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Follow along below for a look back at the steps toward our response to communities affected by Hurricane Helene:

Oct. 3, 2024
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Medical Team Stationed

Our medical team and mobile medical vehicles were stationed in Haywood County, North Carolina, to provide direct patient care.

Oct. 2, 2024
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Medical Team Deployed

Our team of medical volunteers and Mobile Medical Van were sent to Western North Carolina.

Sep. 30, 2024
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North Carolina Focus

A second assessment team was deployed to North Carolina to evaluate the flooding situation and determine how best to assist impacted communities.

Sep. 30, 2024
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Hygiene Kit Distribution

More than 22,000 hygiene kits were prepared for shipment to partners and health clinics in the affected states.

Sep. 28, 2024
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Needs Assessment

Our team assessed the affected areas of Florida and Georgia, identifying significant damage and needs.

Sep. 27, 2024
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MMU Deployment

An additional team deployed with the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) to be ready for an immediate response.

Sep. 26, 2024
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Team Preparation

HHI’s Disaster Response Team readied for deployment by sending an advance team to Florida to coordinate with local partners and
assess needs.

Sep. 26, 2024
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Immediate Impact

Hurricane Helene made landfall in western Florida as a Category 4 storm, causing widespread destruction and flooding.

Looking Ahead

The destruction caused by Hurricane Helene is immense, and the need for support is great across multiple states. HHI remains committed to providing essential medical care and medical and hygiene supplies to those affected, ensuring that our aid reaches those most in need.

How You Can Help

Your support is crucial in our efforts to provide essential aid and relief to those affected by storms like Hurricane Helene. Together, we can make a difference and help rebuild lives in the aftermath of disasters.

Support Hurricane Relief