CORE Posters Fall 2025

Rural Disaster Response in Focus: Structural Lessons from Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia Lily Beatty 1 , Lea Lenker 1 , Jesiah Dean 1 , Shuvojeet Paul 1 , Hanna Santolla 1 , Elizabeth Tucker 1 , Kayah Tucker 1 , Jessica Nicholson 2 , Dr. Bernard Kadio, MD, PhD, MPH 2 1 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine 2 Preventine Medicine Department, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Group X

Descriptive Epidemiology

Results

Abstract

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene struck Southwest Virginia, displacing hundreds of residents and disrupting rural communities. The Virginia Disaster Assistance Team (VDAT) and several community-based organizations mobilized to provide relief. This study applies a cross-sectional design to examine both the disaster’s impact and the structural responses in this rural setting. The research team participated in community events in partnership with VDAT to better understand disaster response activities and community dynamics. Key informant interviews with VDAT assessed the extent of community disruption and evaluated how the response was organized, funded, and implemented. Findings highlight persistent challenges in coordination between government agencies and community organizations, reflecting pre-existing gaps in rural public health disaster management. At the same time, neighbors, churches, and local groups proved essential in guiding VDAT resources toward those most in need. Because Hurricane Helene marked the first natural disaster deployment of VDAT, both the strengths and shortcomings of rural disaster response systems were revealed. These insights provide important lessons for improving disaster preparedness and response in rural regions.

Time: Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 27, 2024, as a Category 4 storm. Disaster response from local community members and organizations began immediately, but VDAT counselors were not mobilized until December 8th, 2024 .

Barriers and Vulnerable Populations Elderly residents and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations were among the hardest hit. Local businesses faced rebuilding challenges with limited visibility in recovery planning. Community Perceptions of FEMA Few residents applied for FEMA assistance, citing distrust rooted in past disasters. Hurricane Helene magnified this pre-existing social issues making residents less likely to seek help from FEMA-connected sources. VDAT instead served as the more visible and trusted resource. Emotional and Psychological Responses Residents frequently expressed fear, frustration, and financial stress , compounded by medical issues and poor weather during the winter season following the hurricane. Reports of post-traumatic stress were common, though gratitude toward community support remained strong. Team members themselves were affected but found counseling beneficial to their own coping process. Although the primary focus of VDAT was to provide support through crisis counseling, they connect residents with local organizations, churches, businesses, and service providers to ensure comprehensive support.

Place: Impacted counties in Southwest Virginia included Giles, Pulaski, Radford, and Montgomery .

Person: The Virginia Disaster Assistance Team (VDAT) reached approximately 790 individuals , with 249 households directly affected by flooding and displacement.

Word cloud representation of how Hurricane Helen impacted the community.

"It is like a Camcorder is replaying the scenes when going to bed at night" — S.C. VDAT Counselor and Victim of the Disaster

100% of the impacted population was reached as of September 2025.

Discussion

Mobilization lag: The two-month delay highlights need for faster team deployment of government disaster response agencies Recovery centers: Establish medical disaster hubs in impacted areas for immediate care VDAT recognition: Team now has infrastructure and name recognition to respond more effectively in the future Elderly outreach: Must develop targeted methods to reach older adults, who were most affected but least served initially Local partners: Churches, neighbors, and community groups act first — providing them with resources and training strengthens disaster response

Pulaski County Department of Social Services Family Fun Day.

Devastation After Hurricane Helene. Gentry's Landing Campground in Rich Creek, Virginia after Hurricane Helene struck Southwest Virginia.

Response Structure: VDAT reports directly to the DBHDS (Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services) who works under FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). Alongside these government agencies, local churches, organizations, and neighbors were integral in disaster response. Funding: VDAT was established through a $1.29 million Federal Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program grant, funded by FEMA with support from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Funding supported crisis counseling, outreach, and behavioral services for affected residents. Processes: • Door to Door (249 households reached) • Community Events (8 community events) o Local Sporting Events, Claytor Lake Festival, Blacksburg Farmer's Market

Context Hurricane Helene led to a direct and indirect economic impact of estimated $2 Billion across Southwest Virginia. In response to Hurricane Helene, VDAT was deployed for the first time to assist with natural disaster recovery. The team worked to identify impacted households, provide emotional support and connect residents with local and state recovery resources. Their goal was to address the behavioral health needs of disaster survivors through community-based outreach, crisis counseling, public education, resource and referral linkages, and other supportive behavioral health services to survivors of natural and human-caused disasters.

References

Governor Glenn Youngkin requests additional federal assistance for Southwest Virginia’s Hurricane Helene impacts . Seal Pin for 74. (n.d.). https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news releases/2024/november/name-1036636-en.html

VDAT . New River Valley Community Services. (2025, March 27). https://www.nrvcs.org/2025/02/07/vdat/

The authors express gratitude to Mr. Robert Weber, Disaster Assistance Team Lead, and Mrs. Sherri Cox, Disaster Assistance Team Counselor, of the Virginia Disaster Assistance Team for their help and support. Acknowledgments

Needs/Services Most Often Requested: • Food insecurity • Emotional Support • Residential Damage & Site Clearance

• Phone Calls • VDAT hotline