Hurricane Florence Relief Efforts
Beginning November 15, 2018
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
It has been nearly two months since Hurricane Florence slammed into North Carolina with strong winds and days of torrential rains that caused extensive damage to homes and businesses, major flooding, and the deaths of at least 53 individuals. The devastation of the storm exacerbated longstanding racial and economic inequalities in some of the most vulnerable communities in the Southeastern region of the State and amplified the impact of existing environmental hazards including coal ash waste ponds and waste from industrial hog farms. The impacts from the storm itself coupled with the toxic environmental conditions it has created have widespread public health implications and recovery will be ongoing for many weeks and months to come. In a recent Summit of the NC Environmental Justice Network, several communities were identified as still deep in recovery efforts.
Sharrelle Barber, ScD, MPH, assistant research professor, has been actively engaged with recovery efforts. With her help, and in support of our School’s mission to promote health as a human right, the Dornsife School of Public Health will partner with the NC Poor People's Campaign to help meet some of the most immediate needs of two communities deeply impacted by the storm — Duplin County, located just 50 miles North of Wilmington and Scotland County, located just 40 miles south of Fayetteville.
During the remaining month of November and early December (through December 15), we will collect and package items that will be shipped to these communities to support them in their recovery efforts. Below is a list of priority items we will be collecting and two ways to contribute.
List of Priority Items
- Tarps to cover leaky roofs
- Insect repellant
- Underwear/boxers, y-shirts, socks
- Toiletry Items (toothpaste/toothbrushes, soap, etc.)
- Yard rakes and yard tools
- Large trash bags
- Brooms and mops
- Drinking water
- Feminine hygiene products
- Non-perishable foods
2 Ways to Donate
- Purchase items and bring them to collection sites on the 2nd and 5th floors of Nesbitt Hall.
- Purchase items via our Amazon wishlist OR choose your own items and ship them to Nancy Colon-Anderson.
Shipping address:
Nancy Colon-Anderson
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Nesbitt Hall, 534
3215 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Contact Information
Sharrelle Barber, ScD, MPH and Nancy Colon-Anderson
nc96@drexel.edu