Hurricane Helene leaves western North Carolina hospitals overwhelmed, federal relief arrives

Hospitals in western North Carolina have been overwhelmed since Hurricane Helene caused devastation across the region.

Helene’s aftermath has put a strain on Mission Hospital in Asheville. However, the hospital got federal relief from tents outside, which allows hospital staff to take care of more people.

“This is a free-standing medical unit that could be built anywhere,” said Byron Piatt, who works as the team commander for a disaster medical assistance group.

The group is in Asheville from New Mexico to help relieve some pressure from the hospital.

“We always know that everybody gets overwhelmed when an incident occurs to them,” Piatt said.

The group helps treat several different patient issues. Black Mountain resident Marcus Allen had a toothache on Tuesday.

Piatt also said they treat trauma patients using chest tubes, intubation and higher level care.

The unit is making life-saving work more efficient, Piatt said.

The idea is to free up time and efforts inside the hospital for the most dire emergencies.

After Helene hit on Sept. 27, Mission Hospital was 200% over capacity. By Oct. 2, it dropped to 20% over capacity.

As of Tuesday, the hospital is nearly back to standard operations.

Allen said he has a lot on his mind after the storm.

“I feel blessed for sure,” Allen said. “We were in the eye of the storm.”

“Really, the best way is to bring support in from outside the area to assist, to help them get back on their feet and to help them recover efforts,” Piatt said.

Mission Hospital’s emergency prescription program

Due to the size and scope of Helene, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) activated the emergency prescription assistance program [EPAP] for certain counties in western North Carolina.

It means uninsured residents living in impacted counties can request a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy.

The prescriptions can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.

The program also pays for replacement of some types of durable medical equipment and supplies like canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.

Vaccinations provided by retail pharmacies also may be covered under the EPAP.

Visit the ASPR’s website for more information or call 1-855-793-7470 or 1-800-876-1089.

Helene aftermath: More resources

Residents needing prescription refills can bring their canisters to:

• Madison High School at 5740 US-25 in Marshall
• Boone Drug and Healthcare at 345 Deerfield Road in Boone
• 535 Morris Road in Brevard
• 315 Bethel Church Road in Mocksville

Anyone needing emotional support can call the National Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.