PRESS RELEASE”
Mountain Community Health Partnership (MCHP) recently welcomed representatives from the global health and disaster relief organization, Americares, as part of the nonprofit’s first-ever airlift held in the continental United States. The visit brought Americares supporters and donors to Western North Carolina to witness firsthand the ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene and to engage directly with organizations serving communities impacted by the storm.
The airlift provided an opportunity for Americares supporters to learn about the long-term challenges facing mountain communities and the critical role local organizations continue to play in disaster recovery nearly two years after Hurricane Helene devastated the region.
During the airlift, Americares supporters visited MCHP’s Celo Health Center, where they heard firsthand accounts of the storm’s impact from MCHP leadership and staff. Participants learned how MCHP continued delivering essential healthcare services despite widespread flooding, damaged infrastructure, transportation disruptions, and personal losses experienced by many healthcare workers.
“While the floodwaters have receded, the effects of Hurricane Helene continue to be felt throughout Western North Carolina,” said Tim Evans, MSW, Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Community Health Partnership. “We were honored to welcome Americares and their supporters to our community. Their commitment to understanding the challenges our patients, staff, and neighbors continue to face demonstrates the power of partnership in helping communities recover and rebuild.”
As part of the airlift experience, Americares supporters also participated in volunteer projects with community partners, including Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) and UNETE. Together, volunteers packed 300 food boxes that were later distributed to families in need through a community health fair.
According to Americares President and CEO Christine Squires, the visit reinforced the strength and resilience of Western North Carolina communities. “Health workers and clinic leaders shared what it has taken to keep their doors open and continue caring for patients even as many of their staff were dealing with their own losses,” said Squires. “What stayed with me from this trip was the deep sense of trust, belonging and connection across the community. We are grateful to the Western North Carolina community for welcoming us and showing what it truly means to care for one another.”
Americares has been supporting Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts across Western North Carolina since the storm struck in September 2024. The organization works globally to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; increase accessibility, availability, affordability, and acceptability of medicine and medical supplies; improve and expand health services; and prevent disease and promote good health. Since it was established in 1979, Americares has provided over $24 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States.
MCHP remains committed to ensuring residents throughout Yancey, Mitchell, and surrounding counties have access to high-quality healthcare services while continuing to support the region’s long-term recovery efforts.
About Mountain Community Health Partnership
Mountain Community Health Partnership is a federally qualified health center serving Western North Carolina since 1947 through locations in Yancey and Mitchell counties. MCHP provides comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy, and care management services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Mountain Community Health Partnership at (828) 688-2104 or visit www.mchp.care.
