Hurricane Season
Afya is preparing and responding to what is projected to be a challenging hurricane season. We are currently providing support to the Southeast United States following the destruction and loss of life caused by Hurricane Helene. Right now, Afya is assessing the impact of Hurricane Milton.
As an organization with 16 years of expertise, Afya is well-equipped to respond effectively to disasters and remain on the ground to provide enduring support. In partnership with the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), our Disaster Preparedness efforts focus on prepositioning supplies, supporting local needs, and delivering life-saving aid. Afya also has well-established partnerships with governments and local organizations that help ensure rapid and effective responses when hurricanes strike. Every shipment is tailored to the expressed needs of practitioners on the ground.
As hurricanes become more frequent and intense, the question is not if they will strike, but when – and how we can mitigate the effects related to human suffering. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted that this year’s hurricane season would be “above average” with four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.
ACTIVE RESPONSE: MILTON & HELENE
Afya continues to respond to the healthcare needs of people whose lives were torn apart by Hurricane Helene af across six states, leaving a trail of destruction spanning 600 miles. The death toll has reached 130 and counting, with hundreds still unaccounted for. Millions are without power, and flooding and landslides have severely impacted infrastructure.
In response, Afya has partnered with Distribute Aid as we prepare our first shipment to North Carolina. Afya is committed to supporting the evolving needs of the region to strengthen long-term recovery. By focusing on both immediate and sustained health outcomes, we aim to enhance resilience in the affected communities.
PHASE I: Immediate Response Milton
Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, and the storm caused over 4 million people to be without power, communities to be inundated with water, devastating the infrastructure and livelihoods of the Floridan community.
Afya is working with community-based and health organizations for the assessment of community needs in the impacted regions. We’ve staged supplies in our warehouse for delivery following the disaster and are preparing to send at least 10 cargo truckloads of critical medical and humanitarian supplies within the upcoming weeks.
PHASE I: Immediate Response Helene
Afya continues to respond to the needs of communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Afya partnered with local organizations to conduct comprehensive needs assessments and oversee the distribution of essential supplies to impacted areas. Our first shipment is now being distributed to communities in urgent needs of the Southeast. A second shipment is staged to depart for Georgia shortly, while a third shipment is in preparation and will be ready for dispatch next week.
We remain committed to meeting the immediate needs of impacted communities with humanitarian and medical aid while supporting long-term recovery efforts.
Help save and rebuild lives
To learn more about Afya’s response to Hurricane Season or how you can restrict your donation to any active response, please contact donor_support@afyafoundation.org
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW.
SUPPORT OUR DISASTER RESPONSE FUND TODAY.
Support our Disaster Response Fund
Afya’s disaster response model centers on supporting local healthcare infrastructure during crises. Our Disaster Response Fund allows swift action enabling us to respond effectively to crises large and small. Your donation will make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by these devastating events and, equally critically, help prepare for any to come.
NOW is the time to act. Remember, Afya is there to DELIVER when disaster strikes—thanks to your support.