Blue Ridge Community College Closed After Hurricane Helene

Blue Ridge Community College: October 5, 2024: The following was posted on social Blue Ridge Community College Page:

 In light of the recent devastation caused by the hurricane and tropical storm, Blue Ridge Community College will be closed until further notice to ensure the safety and well-being of those in our community.

As we begin to recover, the well-being of our students and employees remains our highest concern. We are actively working to verify their safety through available channels. Students and employees will soon receive a survey via text and email to assess wellness and any physical needs.

Mental health remains a key focus as many continue to face trauma and critical needs.
• For employees, the Employee Assistance Network (EAN) remains available to those who may need help during this difficult time. The EAN can be reached by phone at 800-454-1477. • Students and their families in need of crisis support can access the Student Assistance Program (SAP) 24/7. The SAP offers virtual, telephonic, chat and in-person sessions, access to state and national relief organizations and relocation/housing services. Students and their families also have access to unlimited telephonic support through the trauma team, which can help with coping strategies during difficult times. For additional assistance or to arrange onsite support, call 800-633-3353. Blue Ridge students can visit mygroup.com and navigate through the following menus: Current Participants, Student Resources and Student-Life Services. The username is “blueridgecc” and the password is “guest.”

We are deeply grateful to our local authorities for their tireless efforts in assisting those in need. To support our college community, we have compiled a list (in the original message at www.blueridge.edu/alert) of county and city websites, making it easy to access up-to-date information and resources.

Our intent is to reopen Blue Ridge Community College as soon as possible when essential services are restored and when we can expect safe travel to and on our campuses. Since we share much of the same public infrastructure, we are working closely with our area’s public schools and other educational institutions to ensure a smooth transition back to learning.

As with most areas, our campuses experienced widespread loss of power, road access, water, and internet connectivity, and we are actively working to restore access for a safe return. Since last week, we’ve made great strides in clearing fallen trees and opening roadways. We have also restored power in almost all of our campus buildings. There is more work to do, and we will keep you updated on this progress.

Communication continues to be a significant challenge in our area with inconsistent or no internet or cell service for many. We will post regular updates to www.blueridge.edu/alert, but also to our pages on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X.

Finally, the College has received multiple inquiries about how to support our students and community during this difficult time. In addition to the wonderful work underway by area relief and volunteer organizations, our Educational Foundation is now able to accept donations via their website to help meet the increasing number of needs that surround us. The College invites supporters nationwide to visit www.blueridge.edu/foundation to give online through our “Greatest Need Fund.”

Together, we will navigate these challenging times and rebuild our beloved homes, towns and cities. We extend our deepest sympathies to those who have experienced great and tragic losses. Throughout this journey, Blue Ridge Community College remains committed to our neighbors as we recover and heal as a community.

Image: Blue Ridge Community College