North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition
NCBfC SAFE Team
North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition
Support and Advocacy for Infant Feeding
in Emergencies Team
Contact: safe@ncbfc.org
Supporting Infant Feeding
in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
NCBfC SAFE Supporting Infant Feeding
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, communities in Western North Carolina are grappling with widespread devastation, including long term water outages, water contamination, and limited access to essential services. Among the most vulnerable in these circumstances are infants and young children who rely on safe, appropriate feeding for their survival and well-being. The NCBfC SAFE Team (North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition Support and Advocacy for Infant Feeding Emergencies Team) is actively working in this region to provide critical infant feeding support, guided by the expertise of Infant Feeding Specialists.
Transition to Long-Term Recovery
The NCBfC SAFE Team continues to be at ground zero, providing life-saving SAFE Infant Feeding Sanitation Kits to families across Western North Carolina who are struggling without access to clean water and now transitioning to longterm support and recovery efforts. The Team is working in partnership with the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition at FEMA centers, community sites, and church distribution networks. We are on the front lines, helping families in some of the hardest-hit areas.
As of October 23, 2024, the SAFE Team has moved from immediate disaster response to long-term recovery efforts.The Team now is working to create sustainable support networks while continuing to provide supplies to families across Western North Carolina.
How to Request Help or a Visit from the NCBfC SAFE Team
If you or someone you know is in need of infant feeding support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the NCBfC SAFE Team is here to help. We are actively visiting shelters, homes, and remote locations to provide critical infant feeding assistance.
You can:
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Let us know about a shelter or community in need: If you are aware of a shelter, community site, or tent city that requires a visit from our Infant Feeding Specialists, please let us know. We will dispatch our team to assess the needs and deliver supplies.
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Request an Infant Feeding Specialist for your site: If you need a trained specialist to visit your shelter, home, or distribution site to provide direct support for breastfeeding, formula feeding, or infant care, you can request assistance, and we’ll prioritize your location.
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Request a home visit: Yes, we visit homes. If you are unable to leave your home due to road conditions, health concerns, or other emergencies, our Infant Feeding Specialists can visit homes to provide urgent support. We are here to help families where they are.
To request a visit or to let us know about a site in need, contact the NCBfC SAFE Team directly at safe@ncbfc.org, or call (828) 809-3301, or complete the form here.
The NCBfC SAFE Team is working tirelessly to ensure that families in Western North Carolina have access to the tools they need to safely feed their infants in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
You can help!
There are a number of ways to support NCBfC SAFE Infant Feeding.
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Donate Infant Feeding Sanitation Kits supplies. (See list of items below.) Mail supplies to: The SAFE Infant Feeding Team, 19 Young Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787
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Make a financial donation to help us to continue to provide critical services to families in need, including advocacy, outreach, and support for local coalitions as they take on a larger role in the recovery.
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Volunteer with the SAFE Team. Sign up here.
Infant Feeding Sanitation Kit Supplies
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Plastic Bins or Tubs with Lids
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Size: Shoebox size with lid, slightly larger is acceptable.
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These bins will hold all the kit supplies and can double as a portable washing and sanitizing station. They also provide clean storage of supplies.
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Bleach (1.43 quarts/48 ounces or smaller)
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Must be regular unscented bleach, such as "Clorox Disinfecting Bleach".
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NO Splash-free/Splash-less/"No Splash" versions; NO added Fragrance; NO Fabric Protectant; NO other additives.
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Just regular bleach.
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Must be in original packaging.
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Containers must be smaller than 48 ounces, as bleach cannot be divided into smaller containers.
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Bleach is essential for disinfecting feeding items and preventing the spread of harmful bacteria.
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Silicone Bottle Brushes
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Should have a nipple brush, too, to clean the teat part of the bottles.
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The brushes are essential for properly cleaning bottles and other feeding equipment, especially in conditions where sterilization is challenging.
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Liquid Dish Soap (8 oz or smaller) containers
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8 oz or smaller. Travel-size ok, but medium is better. NOT full-size.
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These smaller sizes are ideal for portability and safety during travel.
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The regular dish soap is used to clean feeding supplies before sanitizing.
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Disposable Cups
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Bathroom-size/dixie cup sized disposable cups. Paper is preferred.
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Place the cups in a sandwich bag, at least 10 cups per kit.
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The cups provide a safe option for feeding formula or liquid supplements to babies.
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Mail kits and/or kit supplies to:
The SAFE Infant Feeding Team at The Forge,ry
19 Young Rd.
Weaverville, NC 28787.
Breastfeeding Questions? Contact the Appalachian Breastfeeding Hotline
If you’re experiencing breastfeeding challenges or need advice,
call the Appalachian Breastfeeding Hotline at 1-888-588-3423 for help.
The hotline provides 24/7 assistance for breastfeeding mothers and families in the region. If you’re experiencing breastfeeding challenges or need advice, call the Appalachian Breastfeeding Hotline at 1-888-588-3423 for help.
Whether you need supplies, a home visit, or breastfeeding advice, we are committed to ensuring that every family in Western North Carolina has the support they need during this difficult time.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.