North Carolina Health Center Rises Stronger: Rebuilding After Helene’s Devastation

In a peaceful patch of woods near Celo Health Center in Burnsville, North Carolina, a towering tree stands as a chilling reminder of Hurricane Helene’s ferocity. This “flood tree” marks past floodwaters with wooden plaques detailing the heights reached in various storms, the latest being Helene on September 27, 2024. Its flood marker is alarmingly high at 38 feet, a haunting symbol of the destruction that reshaped lives and landscapes.

More than eight months later, communities in western North Carolina are still dealing with the aftermath. Direct Relief recently met with local health organizations focusing on recovery efforts. For the Mountain Community Health Partnership, which operates across six locations, the loss of its Micaville site poses a significant hurdle. As leaders plan a rebuild, the area lingers in a state of early recovery.

In the wake of the storm, staff at the health center faced tough days searching for coworkers and loved ones. Power and water were knocked out, homes were destroyed, and many found themselves stranded. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported 107 storm-related deaths by April 2, 2025. Despite ongoing challenges, health centers in Appalachia are determined to restore care for their patients.

Tim Evans, CEO of Mountain Community Health Partnership, shared how the local community came together in adversity. Though streets were devastated, neighbors cooked meals together for those in need, often serving 50 to 60 people at once. “Just about anyone in the county would give you the shirt off their back,” Evans expressed, his eyes welling with emotion.

The health center remained functional after the storm, with its Celo location spared due to higher ground. In the days following Helene, a helicopter delivered essential medical supplies, allowing staff to provide critical services, including tetanus shots and wound care. Even after losing Micaville, they temporarily shifted services to other locations, helping anyone who came for care, regardless of their ability to pay.

In Yancey County, where the center operates, the poverty rate is about 10% higher than the state average. The area has fewer than 20,000 residents spread over 312 miles, while nearby Mitchell County has a population under 15,000. Many local residents struggle to afford healthcare, making the health center’s role crucial.

Communication during the storm’s aftermath was challenging. Without phone service or internet, staff left sticky notes on doors to share updates. LaCosta Tipton, the chief operating officer, said, “It was quite overwhelming.” Floodwater caused extensive damage to their facility, leading to dangerous mold and destruction of medical supplies. Thankfully, everyone survived, although some relocated temporarily with family and friends.

As recovery continued, misinformation about aid and resources complicated efforts. Evans noted that federal and state support has been tough to navigate. Despite these setbacks, they are forging ahead. The health center had previously invested nearly $1.2 million in renovations for the Micaville location. Now, plans are underway for a new 20,000-square-foot facility to better serve patients with medical and behavioral health services. Although they originally planned to include dental health, funding constraints mean it will have to wait.

With over $138,394 in medical support from Direct Relief since 2019, the health center has also received more than $440,000 in financial aid post-Hurricane Helene to cover immediate costs and support the building of the new site. They are focused on sustaining operations as they rebuild.

As communities recover from the immense physical and emotional toll of Hurricane Helene, the resilience of the people and the continued support from organizations like Direct Relief illustrate a path forward. In times of crisis, the bond among neighbors often shines brightest, a crucial strength as they navigate the road ahead.

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