After a disaster, communities come together to rebuild, which may include relief assistance. However, it’s important that well-intentioned donations meet the needs of those who have been affected.  Kathy Lehman-Huskamp, MD, FAAP, FACEP, a pediatric emergency medicine physician and professor at the Medical University of South Carolina shares her experience during Hurricane Helene’s aftermath on the Ashville, NC community As community needs shifted over time, Lehman-Huskamb collaborated with local partners to create a targeted donation effort using “wish lists.” The conversation emphasizes the importance of being responsive to the changing needs of a community after a disaster. 

Kathy Lehman-Huskamp, MD, FAAP, FACEP, is an associate professor in pediatric emergency medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. Her areas of expertise include disaster medicine with a particular emphasis on hospital emergency management and high-risk infectious disease response teams.  Lehman-Huskamp was the last chair of the Disaster section of the American College of Emergency Physician's (ACEP) Disaster section and currently holds the position of chapter disaster liaison of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) South Carolina chapter disaster liaison while serving on national disaster response committees for both ACEP and AAP. 

Related Resources 

Hurricane Season is Coming 

Hurricane season poses significant risks to children, families and healthcare systems. Explore curated resources to help clinicians, caregivers and communities prepare, respond and recover effectively. 

The Disaster Medicine Handbook: A Quick Reference  

This guide supports hurricane readiness by breaking down core disaster response concepts (preparedness, surge capacity, triage, crisis standards of care, reunification, and ICS) that hospitals and communities rely on before, during, and after major storms. 

Pediatrics & Obstetrics Module Collection – Weather Emergencies and Disasters 

EMS providers play a vital role in natural and manmade disaster response, from hurricanes and floods to nuclear incidents. North Carolina ranks among the most impacted states, with frequent severe weather and three active nuclear reactors posing additional risk. This course prepares EMS professionals to respond quickly, safely, and effectively during large-scale emergencies—enhancing readiness, coordination, and public safety. Strengthen your disaster response skills and be ready to serve your community when it matters most.