“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” said Mike. “I’m glad to be safe, but I need my medication; I’m struggling.”

Recovery from Hurricane Helene is ongoing and continues to present many challenges for those living in the Asheville area and the overall Carolinas, including access to vital, lifesaving medications.

This is Mike Brennan, an Army veteran who took shelter at the WNC Agricultural Center after being evacuated due to flooding. Mike was one of dozens who was anxiously awaiting medications to treat health conditions, all while connectivity, service capability, and road accessibility continued to present frustrating challenges in the aftermath of Helene.

Help, though, was on the way.

American Red Cross volunteers identified over 60 shelter residents and veterans who were hoping for transportation to the nearest VA for help with medications. After Red Cross teams began coordinating with Veterans Affairs, the VA presented a plan to safely get two pharmacists on the road to visit both the AB Tech and the WNC Agricultural Center shelters themselves to connect with veterans and provide prescriptions to those in need.

Following the initial visit, the Red Cross teams in partnership with the VA began providing prescription services to veterans at the two shelters, with over 100 prescriptions filled and more on the way. They're also in the process of helping veterans located at another shelter in the affected area.

The Red Cross and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs partners are continuing the work of providing support, aid, and recovery assistance to those impacted by Helene. Download the Red Cross Emergency app to find service locations or visit redcross.org/gethelp to learn more of our Helene response and our support for military, veterans, and their families.