Pharmacy update in response to Hurricane Helene

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is actively engaging with pharmacies across the state to ensure western North Carolina receives the pharmacy care they so desperately need in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

We have lifted ‘refill too soon’ limitations on medications, so members can refill their lost medications even if it’s under 30 days since they last filled. When making trips to the pharmacy, members can also ensure they are getting all medications in as few trips as possible, leveraging the Medication Synchronization Program.

Members can request early prescription refills to restore lost or missing medications and opt to transfer their prescriptions to a different pharmacy if their regular pharmacy is not available.

If original prescriptions were filled at a common pharmacy chain (Walgreens, Walmart, etc.), members can go to any open pharmacy chain location and ask the pharmacist on duty to request the prescription from their regular pharmacy. Members who had their original prescriptions filled at an independent pharmacy should contact Customer Service for assistance at the number found on the back of their ID card.

Members can locate a pharmacy that is open in their county of western NC on the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy website.

Where can impacted pharmacies seek support and resources?

If your pharmacy experiences any damage due to this natural disaster, the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists (NCAP) Foundation Disaster Relief Fund can help with costs for repairs. Impacted pharmacy owners can apply for a disaster relief grant.

The NCAP has also compiled a comprehensive list of resources for impacted pharmacies seeking support.

Where can open pharmacies in impacted areas of western NC let others know they are open?

If you are a pharmacy in one of the counties affected by Hurricane Helene and are open and available to provide services to patients, please notify the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. The Board will post availability for the public to access. Please either send an email to North Carolina Board of Pharmacy with pharmacy details and address or complete this form(PDF) and email it to the Board.

NC Board of Pharmacy staff are receiving notice from pharmacies in western North Carolina that are operating and serving patients. The Board will continue posting updates as they receive them.

How can pharmacies help those impacted?

The NC Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) are looking for pharmacists to assist with medical response operations in western NC related to Hurricane Helene. Pharmacists interested is assisting, please use this form to sign up. Deployment for at least three consecutive days is preferred. Please use the comments section to provide details about your availability. If you have questions, please send an email to the OEMS.

The North Carolina Association of Pharmacists (NCAP) has also compiled a comprehensive list of resources for pharmacies looking to help.