The Moment When Care Didn’t Quit: UNC Health’s Response to Hurricane Helene
On Friday, September 27, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, flooding roads, knocking out power and leaving homes in darkness. Amid the devastation, UNC Health teams showed extraordinary courage, compassion and resolve, ensuring their communities received the care they needed despite the storm’s fury.
Hometown Heroism
The hurricane’s impact was unlike anything many had seen. Roads washed away, debris blocked access and entire areas lost power. Yet, the obstacles didn’t stop UNC Health teammates from stepping into action.
For Matthew Robison, DO, when floodwaters swept his car off the road, he swam to safety and hitchhiked back to his hospital, essentially moving in to be there for patients. If he needed help, he knew others did too.
In Yancey County, a city with no hospital, native Alyssa Tilly, MD, sprang into action when residents requested her help through social media. Alongside local nurses and the Burnsville Fire Chief, Dr. Tilly helped set up a fully operational field hospital in just 48 hours. For many, this was the only access they had to urgent care and essential medications that were lost in the storm.
“I just grew up here and wanted to help and show up in a tangible way,” said Dr. Tilly. “It’s been incredible to see the community come together.”
Some stayed at hospitals for days, even sleeping in their cars to be as close as possible to provide care for those who needed it most. This was their moment to do what they do best — protect their neighbors from anything threatening their health and well-being.
Resilience in Action
When the storm upended routines, the ability to adapt became the heartbeat of survival. In kitchens where power outages limited equipment to a single burner and oven, dietitians became chefs, crafting thousands of meals. Administrative teammates left their desks behind to clear landslides with shovels and grit. Psychiatric nurses stepped into oxygen tents to provide critical care and manage overflow.
Together, they proved that flexibility wasn’t just an asset, but the very core of resilience. That’s something that will stick with William Salaun, MD.
“What I’ll remember most is how everyone came together, no matter their role,” he said. “The stories go far and beyond.”
For many, the sacrifice ran deep. Some worked nearly 20 days straight, not knowing whether their own families were safe. And still, they showed up, driven by something greater than themselves — the health and safety of North Carolina.
Compassionate Support Across the Community
UNC Health’s response to Hurricane Helene wasn’t just about providing medical care. It was about stepping outside of roles to help rebuild and support the community during its most critical time. For those who stepped in to help, like Dr. Tilly and countless others, the work didn’t end when the storm passed. Many continue to volunteer, inspired to keep showing up for their communities.
Stories like this show that even in moments that are far from the everyday, there’s no limit to what we can overcome. For more moving stories like this one, sign up for our newsletter, and get inspiration delivered right to your inbox.
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