A Message from NCMS CEO Chip Baggett
Who would have ever thought the perfect storm would hit our mountains? Western North Carolina is reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Infrastructure is in shambles. Entire towns have been destroyed. Our physician and PA colleagues are dealing with yet another unprecedented crisis, while many are also dealing with significant damage to their own homes. NCMS has sprung into action doing what we do best; convening, coordinating, and supporting our physicians and PAs in their role as the backbone of our communities.
What is needed right away?
First, we appreciate the immediate response from those of you willing to help in the impacted areas. As NCMS physicians or PAs, you can engage in these activities through two coordinated paths with the Office of Emergency Management.
- Option 1 is working through your hospital if you are an employed physician or PA. Hospital- to-Hospital Credentialing is the most direct way for you to be deployed to an impacted facility to provide force multiplication or relief for frontline teams. The hospitals are coordinating directly on needs and assignments with the Office of Emergency Management.
- Option 2 is for North Carolina licensed physicians and PAs who would like to serve. NCMS can facilitate that process for you by emailing Rokita Pitts at [email protected] . She will respond to you with specific instructions on how to get in the queue with Emergency Management, assist you with managing expectations, and provide a point of contact if you have any questions or are not hearing back from the State.
- A final option is for out-of-state physicians and PAs who want to help but are not licensed in NC. They will first need to apply for a Limited Volunteer License through the NC Medical Board. After receiving approval from the NC Medical Board, they can then complete this document to express interest and request assignment through NC Emergency Management.
Recovery is a long road.
The level of destruction is not yet fully realized, but the NCMS Foundation has already activated its NCMS Disaster Relief Fund. This fund is dedicated to helping community practices recover and remain in place for their communities. We provided direct funding assistance during Hurricane Florence, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and other episodic disasters. We are currently setting up a process for requests that will be published soon. We are actively seeking additional funding for what expect to be significant needs across WNC. Donate today by clicking here.
Finally, NCMS is providing ongoing coordination with our County and Specialty Society partners to assure that we are all informed and coordinated in our response to this disaster. NCMS staff are taking part in daily briefings with the State Operations Center. Volunteer leaders are stepping up to engage in recruitment and fundraising.
We are strongest when we work together in organized medicine. Thank you for trusting us to work along side you through this challenge. NCMS will be with you every step of the way.
Sincerely,
Chip