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For Immediate Release
March 20, 2025
RALEIGH, N.C. - Within four days of Hurricane Helene devastating wide portions of western North Carolina, the North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA) and its 501(c)3, the North Carolina Foundation for Nursing (NCFN), launched a fundraising campaign to give aid directly to nurses impacted by the storm. With the fundraising window closed and final aid distributions enroute, NCNA is pleased to announce that the NCFN Nurse Recovery Fund was able to collect and distribute more than $66,000 to over 250 nurses.
Many nurses lost houses or vehicles and still figured out how to get to work at local hospitals or clinics. Some had their workplaces damaged and went for weeks without work; some lost their jobs entirely. The NCFN Nurse Recovery Fund was designed to help those nurses get back on their feet. All funds raised through the campaign were given directly to eligible nurses to use as needed.
“A massive landslide completely destroyed my home moving it downhill about 300 yards before crashing and caving in, while me and my family were in it,” said one of the recipients. “The landslide also covered mine and my husband’s vehicle.”
NCNA and NCFN solicited applications via multiple channels statewide to ensure as many impacted nurses as possible had the opportunity to apply for aid. A blinded scoring system helped determine levels of impact, with the NCFN Board of Trustees ultimately providing some aid to all 251 nurses who qualified. Recipients received payments ranging from $50 to $2,500.
“We know we cannot fix everything for our colleagues who lost so much – but we felt strongly that it was important for the nurses impacted by Helene to see that their fellow nurses had their backs,” said NCNA President Trish Richardson, MSN, BSBA, RN, NE-BC, CMSRN. “We understand how important it is for them to find a sense of normalcy in their lives, and our hope is that these checks can offer some relief and support in their recovery journey.”
"NCFN is fortunate to have the support of NCNA members and donors, who understand the impact that any amount of money can have on the nurses in Western NC, both in their personal and professional lives, during such a devasting time,” said NCFN President Gail Shue, DNP, RN.
221 donors financed the Helene campaign, with several large donations helping NCNA and NCFN break previous fundraising records:
“I read about your organization online, when I was doing research into local organizations helping our neighbors in Western NC. We wanted to ensure our donation would be used directly for hurricane relief efforts and when we read about the Foundation helping nurses specifically, it was a no-brainer,” said one anonymous donor. “We wanted to help the helpers! We have a heart for nurses in this family. My mother was an RN in Public Health, Surgical, ER, and Home-Health for over 30 years and our daughter is currently a Junior in ECU's Nursing Program. We're happy to support the Foundation and NC Nurses.”
NCNA and NCFN launched a similar campaign in 2018 after Hurricane Florence devastated the southeastern part of North Carolina. That campaign generated more than $25,000 that was distributed directly to more than 130 nurses.
Fundraising efforts for the NCFN Nurse Recovery Fund formally ended on December 31, 2024, and disbursements were sent out to recipients from November 2024 through early March 2025. Typically, donations to NCFN fund programming such as scholarships for nursing students; all new donations will go towards those primary objectives. To contribute to the North Carolina Foundation for Nursing, visit the NCFN Donations Page.
MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Cowperthwaite, CAE, APR
Director of Communications & Outreach
(919) 821-4250 or chriscowperthwaite@ncnurses.org
ABOUT NCNA
As the leading professional organization for North Carolina’s registered nurses, we equip nurses at all stages to thrive in an ever-changing healthcare environment. NCNA helps keep North Carolina nurses on the cutting edge of nursing practice, policy, education, and more. Join us as we work to advance nursing and ensure high-quality healthcare for everyone.
Established in 1902, NCNA provides continuing education, networking and legislative advocacy for registered nurses throughout North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.ncnurses.org.
MISSION STATEMENT
The North Carolina Nurses Association serves the changing needs of its members, addresses nursing issues, and advocates for the health and well-being of all people.