In the tranquil area surrounding Celo Health Center in Burnsville, North Carolina, a haunting reminder of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact remains etched in the landscape. A towering “flood tree,” located a short walk from the health center, stands as a testament to the powerful force of nature that swept through on September 27, 2024. Marked with wooden plaques indicating the levels of past floodwaters, the most recent marker for Helene rises to an astonishing height of 38 feet, dwarfing all previous records. It symbolizes the catastrophic changes that affected not only the geography of the area but the lives of its residents as well.
Over eight months have passed since the floodwaters ravaged communities across western North Carolina, yet the aftermath remains visible. Now, discussions about rebuilding have become commonplace. Organizations like Direct Relief have engaged with local health centers to focus on recovery efforts and the care patients require during this challenging period.
For Mountain Community Health Partnership (MCHP), which operates six facilities in the region, the loss of its Micaville location due to flooding has presented ongoing challenges. The leadership team is strategizing on rebuilding initiatives, while acknowledging that the community remains in an early state of recovery.
The storm left chaos in its wake—power and water sources were knocked out, homes and vehicles washed away, and people became trapped indoors. By early April 2025, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services had reported 107 storm-related fatalities, highlighting the severe impact on local populations. As the area continues to recover, health centers in Appalachia are identifying new pathways to deliver care and assist residents in overcoming these hardships.
During a recent discussion with administration figures, including CEO Tim Evans of MCHP, he pointed towards the river basin, recalling a small bridge that needed reconstruction after the storm. He spoke about the resilience displayed by local residents, who banded together in the days following the disaster. They offered food and support to anyone in need, sometimes serving meals to as many as 60 people at a time. “Locally, just about anybody in the county would give you the shirt off their back,” Evans shared, his voice resonating with emotion.
Fortunately, the Celo location, elevated on a hill, was spared from significant flooding, allowing staff to provide care from the parking lot. In the unsettling days that followed the storm, a helicopter delivered vital supplies, enabling the facility to restock medications and address immediate medical issues, such as administering tetanus shots and treating wounds.
As MCHP’s Micaville site faced continuous hurdles due to flooding, services were temporarily relocated to their Bakersville and Celo locations. With their federally qualified health center (FQHC) status, MCHP guarantees that any resident seeking care will receive assistance, irrespective of their financial situation—especially during emergencies.
The health center caters to a diverse range of patients, including many who struggle to afford healthcare. Yancey County’s poverty rate stands about 10% above the statewide average, while median household income in nearby Mitchell County lingers below $60,000. This economic context accentuates the importance of MCHP’s services to the local community.
After floodwaters rendered the Micaville location inaccessible, MCHP’s staff had to adopt unconventional methods to stay connected. With limited access to communication tools, they left messages on doors and windows, detailing their location and sharing essential updates. “If you’ve been here, leave us a note. And here’s the Wi-Fi password if you need it,” recalled LaCosta Tipton, Chief Operating Officer, describing their resourcefulness during a crisis.
By Sunday afternoon post-Hurricane Helene, the realization dawned that staff wouldn’t be able to access the Micaville site anytime soon. “It was quite overwhelming,” Tipton expressed, recounting the dire conditions they faced. Water had permeated the building, creating an environment ripe for dangerous mold. Tragically, two vehicles utilized for patient transport were found submerged in eight feet of water.
In the weeks that followed, MCHP staff made finding their colleagues and patients a top priority, working diligently to locate 140 individuals from their list. “It was hard,” Tipton reflected. Thankfully, many managed to find temporary shelter with friends and family.
For six to eight weeks, operations were conducted from the parking lot of the center’s remaining facilities until power and water services were reestablished. Remarkably, MCHP managed to maintain staff pay during this difficult transition.
As the months unfolded, the health center faced additional hurdles, including misinformation surrounding recovery resources and aid from government entities. Despite these challenges, MCHP remains committed to moving forward.
Evans reported significant financial investments made prior to Helene’s devastation, nearly $1.2 million dedicated to renovating the Micaville site. Planning is underway to begin construction of a new facility in June, designed to be a state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot center featuring more exam spaces, dedicated medical and behavioral health wings, and an on-site pharmacy. While the plans initially included dental health services, financial constraints mean those aspirations will have to wait. “Right now we’re learning to say no or maybe someday,” Evans stated, as the center focuses on sustaining its operations and providing support to the community.
The story of Mountain Community Health Partnership is a poignant reminder of the resilience demonstrated by communities facing natural disasters. Since 2019, Direct Relief has supported MCHP with over $138,000 in medical aid, ensuring they had access to essential medicines and supplies in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Moreover, they secured more than $440,000 in financial support to assist with immediate post-storm costs and help fund the rebuilding of the health center.
As Mountain Community Health Partnership sets its sights on a brighter future, it embodies the spirit of community resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming odds, a symbol of hope for the people of western North Carolina.
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