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If you are a lactation support provider in Western North Carolina and need financial support, please click here to complete the form.

Free Infant Feeding Help for Families Affected by Hurricane Helene

The hotline is open 24/7, every day of the year.

Call 888-588-3423 or text "BFHOTLINE" to 839863 for free help.

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If you have questions about feeding your baby and are affected by Hurricane Helene, free help is available! Families can call or text the Appalachian Breastfeeding Network Hotline anytime for support. This free service is funded by the Ohio Department of Health to assist families during this tough time. North Carolina is thankful for their help in making sure breastfeeding families get the support they need.

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Infant Feeding Crisis Response: Hurricane Helene in WNC

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, families in Western North Carolina are facing an unprecedented crisis. The storm has severely impacted infrastructure, leaving many families with limited access to basic necessities, including infant feeding supplies. As lactation professionals and advocates, it is our duty to respond swiftly and collaboratively to support these families in need.​

Transition to Long-Term Recovery

This page outlines the collective efforts, resources, and immediate actions NCBC is taking to address the urgent infant feeding needs across the region. The NCBfC SAFE Team is transitioning to sustained support as of October 23, 2024, focusing on building sustainable support networks while maintaining critical supply distributions. We encourage all NCBC members and partners to learn more about the NCBfC SAFE Infant Feeding Initiative and to participate in any way possible to help alleviate the crisis and ensure that families have the support they need. â€‹

Key Links and Resources

      (Traveling to the facility as a registered volunteer? Some GPS systems may direct
       you more accurately using 21 Young Rd. Both addresses are part of the same facility.) 

Volunteer Coordination

NCBC continues to seek Infant Feeding Specialists to support the efforts in Asheville, NC. We need trained support to provide outreach and education at shelters where mass distributions of formula and bottles are taking place. This is an ongoing effort and a rapidly changing situation. 

Volunteers Heading to Asheville

Important Notice for Volunteers Heading to Asheville:
Only those signed up should go to Asheville. Do not travel to emergency areas unless registered. Volunteers who are already signed up will receive detailed instructions and assignments. Please ensure you have filled out the necessary forms and are prepared for the conditions on the ground. ​
 
Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for information on:

  • Preparing for the visit,

  • Finding lodging

  • What to bring and wear,

  • Checking in,

  • The daily schedule,

  • Bringing human milk donations, and more!

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Volunteer Check-In:
Volunteers need to check in each morning and watch the training video before going to their assigned shelter..
Check-in is at 9:30am at The Forgery, 19 Young Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787.  

  • Note: Many volunteers are reporting that the address 21 Young Rd works better with their GPS systems. Both addresses are within the same welcoming area. 

  • Reminder that only registered volunteers should arrive to ensure organized, effective deployment. To register, complete the sign-up form here. 

  • More information about getting to The Forgery is available in Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).​

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Volunteer Training:
The training session on Safe Infant Feeding was recorded. This training is vital for those planning to assist on the ground or remotely during the hurricane recovery.  A link to the recording will be provided with volunteer information. Volunteers should view the recording before checking in on their scheduled volunteer day and time. 
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Volunteer Communication:
A Google group has been created to keep volunteers informed about the hurricane relief efforts. This will be our primary communication hub. Email ncbfc@breastfeedingcommunities.org if you want be added to the list. It means 10 emails per day. We suggest enabling digest emails for easier tracking. â€‹

Immediate Needs

Important Update: We Are Accepting Supplies for the SAFE Infant Feeding Sanitation Kits!
Here is a list of supplies needed for the SAFE Infant Feeding Kits. Learn more about these life-saving kits: https://www.ncbfc.org/safe

  • Plastic Totes, Tubs, or Bins with Lids

    • Size: Shoebox size with lid, slightly larger is acceptable.

    • Rubbermaid bins with lids work.

  • Bleach (1.43 quarts/48 ounces or smaller)​

    • 100% bleach. Must be REGULAR bleach. Best types are TEAL Cloragen or regular Clorox.

    • NO Splash-free/Splash-less/"No Splash"; NO Fragrance; NO Fabric Protectant,; NO other additives. 

    • Must be in original packaging.

    • Containers smaller than 48 ounces.

  • Silicone Bottle Brushes​​

    • Should have a nipple brush too.

    • The nipple brush is needed to clean the teat part of the bottles.

  • Liquid Dish Soap (8 oz or smaller) containers​

    • 8 oz or less.

    • Travel-size ok, but medium is better. NOT full-size.

    • These smaller sizes are ideal for portability and safety during travel.

  • Disposable Cups​

    • Bathroom-size/dixie cup sized disposable cups.

    • Paper is preferred.

    • At least 10 per kit. Place in a sandwich bag.

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​Mail supplies to: The SAFE Infant Feeding Team at The Forge,ry 19 Young Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787. The storage location for the Infant Feeding Sanitation Kit supplies is The Forge.

Lactation Support is Critical.

Breastfeeding saves lives, and we ardently promote breastfeeding. It is the healthiest and safest option for infant nutrition.
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Our Teams provide lactation information and support to expectant families and those who need help to begin or continue to breastfeed. It is the healthiest and safest option for infant nutrition. We also train relief workers to ensure that they do not undermine breastfeeding. Relief workers learn that giving formula to families that already are breastfeeding or to expectant families can undermine breastfeeding. We encourage and support breastfeeding for the health and safely of the child.

How You Can Help 

Provide Infant Feeding Sanitation Kit supplies (supplies listed above).
Send to: The SAFE Infant Feeding Team at The Forge, 19 Young Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787
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Financial contributions also are important and will help us sustain these efforts for the long term. Your generosity makes a direct impact on families in Western North Carolina:
Donate
 
Join the NCBfC SAFE Team!
We need Infant Feeding Specialists and dedicated volunteers to support the mission in Asheville and surrounding area. Please sign up for the role that fits you best:
NCBfC Safe Team Sign Up Form

Do You
Need Help?

For Lactation Support Providers in Western North Caroline:
If you need financial assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out:
Request Financial Aid
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Request Help or a Visit from the NCBfC SAFE Team
To request a visit or to let us know about a family or site in need, contact the NCBfC SAFE Team directly at safe@ncbfc.org, or call (828) 809-3301, or complete the form:
NCBfC SAFE Infant Feeding Needs

Additional RESOURCES

Please scroll down for additional resources

Resources for Lactating Families and Support 
Providers

For breastfeeding families:​

For support providers:

Additional Resources for Families

These resources have information and help for families:​​

Additional Resources for Disaster Recovery

Here are some resources that may be useful for disaster recovery:

Final Call to Action

Now, more than ever, families in Western NC need our support. We are calling on all NCBC members and partners to step up and help provide critical infant feeding support during this time of crisis. Whether through donations, volunteer efforts, or telehealth services, your involvement is crucial.
 
Thank you for your continued dedication to improving the health and well-being of families across North Carolina. Together, we can make a difference.
Warm regards,
North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition | Contact Us

Additional RESOURCES
Kit Supplies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I volunteer to help with safe feeding support in disaster-affected areas?

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You can sign up to volunteer by filling out the form here. There are tabs across the top for the weeks/months. Once you register, you will be provided with further instructions on how to assist. Please note that volunteers are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.​

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After signing-on and before your shift, please complete the following steps to ensure you’re fully prepared:

  1. Watch the CDC Infant Feeding in Emergencies video.

  2. Read the CDC Infant Feeding and Emergencies Toolkit.

  3. If you're delivering supplies or driving, please ensure your vehicle is ready for transport.

  4. Remember to update your sign-up if your plans change.

Your time and effort are critical in supporting families during this emergency. Whether you're providing direct support, assembling kits, or delivering supplies, your help is invaluable to the success of our response.

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2. Are there housing options for SAFE Infant Feeding Team volunteers?

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Here are some accommodation options in the Weaverville area. They are close to the Forgery, where you will meet each morning. (See question 4 below for more information about the Forgery and check in.)

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3. When volunteering, what do I need to bring?

 

CHECKLIST of ESSENTIALS:

  • Credentials and ID

Bring a photo ID and any relevant credentials,, if applicable. If you don't have a name tag, you can pin your IBLCE card or other credential to your shirt.

  • Clothing

Wear long pants. It still can be muddy or dusty. Scrubs are not needed. 

Remember to layer! Consider bringing T-shirts or short-sleeved tops, a long-sleeved top for cooler mornings, and a jacket. Temperatures can be super variable (e.g., 70s during the day and in the 40s at night). While it's been warm lately, temperatures will be dropping. 

Suggestion from the field: Wear clothes with pockets, or maybe wear a small front pack. This will be handy to hold cards, sharpies, your phone, and other small items.

  • Footwear

Wear closed-toe shoes. Rubber boots are not needed, although you may prefer to bring hiking or work boots, if you have them. There still is mud and dust.​

  • Masks 

​You can bring a mask to leave in their car. Some areas are super dusty, and a mask might be helpful. You also might need a mask if you are clearing debris. N95 is good for those tasks.

  • Water

Stay hydrated! Bring 1-2 gallons per day of water, depending on your needs. A small bottle to carry with you during the day is helpful.

  • Food and Meal Options

You do not need to bring your own food. Weaverville is open, and there are meal options. Restaurants and grocery stores are open for business, and there are meal support resources, such as World Central Kitchen. Please support local vendors, when possible. 

  • Basic toiletries 

​Bring the items that you will need, such as, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, towel and washcloth. 

  • Sleeping gear (if needed)

  • First-aid supplies (if possible)

  • SAFE Infant Feeding Sanitation Kit supplies

We're ready to start accepting kit supplies again. We have been distributing 100 kits per day and have enough to build an additional 150 kits. Feel free to bring additional kit supplies. The list of supplies are included above, and additional information or can be found on the SAFE Infant Feeding page (https://www.ncbfc.org/safe). 

 

4. Where do we meet?

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Check in is at 9:30am each morning at The Forgery, 19 Young Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787. Note: The address 21 Young Rd may work better with some GPS systems. Both addresses are within the same welcoming area.

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The Forgery has potable water and working toilets. 

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Directions to The Forgery:

When arriving at The Forge (19 Young Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787), turn onto the dirt road. Look for a big yellow house. Drive past the go-kart tire track and park between two large metal buildings. Look for a blue spiral staircase outside to identify the building.

 

The door into the building will be facing you as you head towards the building, and the blue outside stairs will be on the right. Enter the Forgery. Once inside the building, head to the left to the door under the car and second blue stairs. It's the 'blue room' -- the command center for volunteer check-ins and kit pick-ups. 

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5. What is the schedule?

  • 9:20 AM: Arrive and park in front of The Forgery: 21 Young Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787

  • 9:25 AM: Complete the mandatory virtual check-in using the Google form: Check-in Form

  • 9:30 AM: Join the virtual morning meeting via Zoom: Zoom Meeting Link

  • 9:45 AM: In-person training for first-time volunteers at The Forgery.

  • 10:00 AM: Kit pick-up at The Forgery.

  • 10:30 AM: Deployment to assigned locations. You will check in and out at each location: Check-in/out Form. Note: Sundays are often slower in the morning due to church services. You may spend the early hours organizing supplies, cleaning, and prepping until 12:30 PM when communities become more active.

  • 4:00 PM: Check-out at the end of the day using the Google form: Check-out Form

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6. What are the road conditions? 

 

The interstate between Asheville and Tennessee still is blocked, so we recommend traveling south instead. For real-time updates on road congestion, we suggest checking Apple Maps or Google Maps before you head out or go to the NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT) website for Helene detours.

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7. What if I'm bringing human milk donations?​

 

Milk donations have reopened! Please let us know if you are interested in donating breast milk to the families of Western North Carolina. We can put you in contact with the appropriate folks to get milk into the right hands. Thank You for your consideration. 

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8. What are the requirements for milk donations?

 

Donors must complete a simple disclosure form, which includes contact information and a brief health history. 

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Milk should be stored in sterile bags. Please ensure that each bag of milk is clearly labeled with the following:

  • Donor's name

  • Date of collection

  • Quantity in ounces

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9. How can I help if I can't travel to the disaster area?

 

If you’re unable to physically volunteer, you can still help by spreading the word on social media, donating funds to support Lactation Support Providers impacted by the hurricane, or helping with logistics remotely. Follow @jayne.carpenter on Instagram for live updates and share posts to raise awareness.

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10. How long is the need expected to last?

 

The need for feeding support will likely continue as long as the area is recovering from the disaster.  The situation is evolving rapidly, and every bit of help counts. 

© 2024 by North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition

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IMPORTANT: The content of the NCBC site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, certified lactation consultant, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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