Hello Acupuncturists,
Thank you for filling out the Google form. TAC has a few thoughts in mind to help support you and the community affected by Hurricane Helene. This weekend, I was able to contact two acupuncturists who have offered to serve as hubs in East TN for any donations coming in from vendors or locals who want to provide acupuncture-specific supplies. These hubs will be places where you can pick up supplies for a mobile clinic if you wish to offer community acupuncture in this area for those affected by Hurricane Helene.
- Chantel Brooks – Johnson City, TN
Lotus Chinese Medicine
2201 Ferguson Rd, Suites 5-6 RM3, Johnson City, TN, United States
Contact: 423-943-8514
- Serina Scott – Morristown, TN
Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
400 East Economy Rd., Suite 2
Morristown, TN 37814
Contact: (423) 736-2089
- Alexandria Russell- Knoxville/Maryville TN
Supplies can be mailed or dropped off to make community acu kits
Contact Alex.
Email:
Phone: 937-474-3442
Much of this will be a grassroots effort. TAC will not be able to schedule shifts, but we do have more supplies coming; they just need to arrive. As they come in, we will assemble kits.
From there, we will:
- Drop them off at the locations listed above for you to pick up, or
- If you let TAC know you have an event set up, we will mail a kit to the address you provided.
This past Saturday, I worked in Carter County to make some connections. The donation hubs, food services, shelter areas, and churches seem like a good start. These areas are generally well-maintained, and people are coming there. I really wanted to offer acupuncture to those at Happy Valley High School, but the school board wanted to know more about us first. I will follow up with them, but there may be some red tape (which is fine—we want to make a good connection and a lasting impression). If any of you make connections in Carter County and provide acupuncture, please let TAC know.
On Sunday, I was in Cocke County supporting the TAC event for Free Community Acupuncture in Morristown. We had a good turn out there and had Serina, Bonnie, and student Elizabeth to help out. After that, I drove around Newport, TN, and connected with Crossroad Community Church, which is a donation hub. They have many volunteers, first responders, and community members coming for various reasons. Most are suffering from exhaustion, fatigue, physical and emotional stress, pain, and skin scrapes/rashes. Many had been volunteering for eight days straight. They are open to acupuncture and would greatly appreciate support while they continue their work.
Here are a few thoughts:
– If you want to do this work, our resources, Facebook, local connections, and other areas may provide useful information, but things are changing rapidly. Sometimes just driving around and asking will open doors. However, please be safe, know your areas, and go prepared (with food, water, and fuel). Do not interfere with emergency personnel.
– Always bring everything you will need (including the acupuncture/CNT/travel kit, consent forms, license, and malpractice insurance), as well as personal food, water, sunscreen, bug spray, and clothing layers. Some locations will be outside, while others will be indoors. As we gather more information about where we can go, we will know more.
– Bring a little extra to give. Many are requesting medical supplies. I tried to bring something to give away everywhere I went.
– Be open to having conversations and finding ways to help in whatever way possible. Sometimes we need to do some education and outreach before providing acupuncture. Don’t underestimate the value of this type of connection. Being helpful is the best thing we can do (in a safe way, of course).
We have training with AWB this morning. Please draw from that and modify/share your experiences as you go. This effort will continue for months, and TAC would like to support acupuncturists who want to volunteer for as long as we can.
I appreciate all of you who signed up with TAC. For those who still wish to volunteer, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/o1UTumanmKoBYqTQ6 .
As more information develops, and depending on what we learn, TAC will provide further updates.
Supporting Eastern Tennessee After Hurricane Helene: The Impact of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene has left a devastating mark on Eastern Tennessee, affecting countless lives and communities. With heavy rains, flooding, and destruction, many families are in urgent need of support as they navigate the aftermath of this natural disaster. The resilience of the people in our region is remarkable, but the road to recovery will be long and challenging.
The following counties in Eastern Tennessee have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Sevier, Unicoi, and Washington and there could be more.
If you live in or near these areas, your support can make a meaningful difference.
How You Can Help
At the Tennessee Acupuncture Council (TAC), we believe in the power of community and collaboration. As licensed acupuncturists, students, and supporters, we have a unique opportunity to make a significant impact during this crisis. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Volunteer Your Time and Skills
Licensed acupuncturists and students can offer their expertise in community health initiatives. Whether through providing acupuncture sessions, supporting volunteers/emergency workers/communities, or educational resources, your skills can help promote healing and well-being in affected areas. TAC is currently enrolled and is receiving training from Acupuncturists Without Borders.
For Acupuncturist and students wanting to get involved fill out this form: Tennessee Acupuncture Council Hurricane Helene Volunteer Information and Relief Form
- List Community Needs
Consider Needs and support of these areas affected. We do not want to get in the way of allowing emergency workers/crews and other personnel to help meet the community’s needs. Make a list of what areas need and keep TAC updated. Share information about the impact of Hurricane Helene and the ongoing needs of our communities on social media and within your networks. Awareness is crucial in mobilizing support and resources. - Donate Supplies
Basic necessities, such as food, clothing, and hygiene products, are in high demand. Organize supply drives within your clinics or communities to gather items that can be distributed to those affected by the hurricane. - Join the Tennessee Acupuncture Council
As a member of TAC, you’ll be part of a larger movement dedicated to supporting our communities, advocating for our profession, and ensuring access to acupuncture and holistic health treatments during times of crisis. Your membership helps strengthen our collective voice.
Donations
- Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is registered as a 501©3 nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law, tax identification number 58-1450139. Currently all donations when a financial gift is made via Gift Options, the donor may check the second box which reads “Yes, this is an honor or memorial gift”. Once the box is checked, the donor can input “in honor of Miranda Genese Hill Scholarship Foundation”.
- To TAC By Mail- If you are a vendor or company wanting to mail samples or donations for TAC outreach/community events please email: for the best mailing address and to get your resources where they need to go. Thank you!
Resources for Assistance
Here are some important resources for those affected by Hurricane Helene:
– American Red Cross: Provides shelter, food, and support for those impacted by disasters.
– FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency): Offers assistance programs and resources for recovery. Additional information regarding these resources can be found at: www.disasterassistance.gov. The FEMA helpline: 1-800-621-3362.
– TEMA (Tennessee Emergency Management Agency): Provides updates, resources, and support for those affected by emergencies in Tennessee.
– Local Community Resources: Reach out to local shelters, food banks, and community centers for immediate assistance and support options.
– East Tennessee Foundation: is uniquely positioned to advise philanthropy across our region and provides multiple giving options to support current and future needs.
– United Way Tennessee : has created a fund to specifically help those affected by Helene. You may designate your donation to a local United Way or where it is needed most at the discretion.
–Appalachian Voices Resource Guide – State-by-state breakdown of emergency management resources, shelters, donation drop-off locations, verified organizations accepting donations and more. (KY, NC, SC, TN, VA)
– Appalachians for Appalachia – County-by-county breakdown of local resources, travel advisories and more. (NC, TN)
– Small Business Association Resources: Emergencies
–Hurricane Helene Information and Updates | Representative Diana Harshbarger
http://harshbarger.house.gov/
Together, We Can Make a Difference
The recovery process will take time, but together, we can help Eastern Tennessee rebuild and heal. As practitioners and supporters of acupuncture and holistic medicine, we have a unique role to play in promoting wellness and resilience in our communities.
For more information on how to get involved or to make a donation, please designate your donation “Hurricane Helene Community Support”.
Let’s come together to support Eastern Tennessee in this time of need! TAC is also coordinating with the American Society of Acupuncturist, Acupuncturists Without Borders and other states impacted by the Hurricane.
Contribute to GOLDEN NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE, HERBAL & MEDICAL SUPPLY in support of their efforts to provide treatment supplies to LAcs in NC’s disaster areas.
Resources:
1. Emergency training this Tuesday, October 8th. This training will run for 6 hours from 11 AM – 5 PM Eastern Time. It is worth 6 NCCAOM PDAs. Here is the Zoom information you will need: Topic: AWB Emergency Training for the Southeastern United States
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