One year after Hurricane Helene, the heart of the mountains is still strong

Western North Carolina is more than just a place on the map; it is part of my story. The mountains, the people, and the sense of community have shaped my perspective in ways that continue to influence how I approach my work with our Medicaid managed care plan, Healthy Blue.

When Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, it left behind damage that tested the strength of our communities. But a year later, something even more important continues to inspire awe: the strength and resilience of our state's people, who rallied then and who continue to stand with the region today. Local organizations mobilized to meet urgent needs. Utility workers worked tirelessly to restore power. State transportation workers repaired roads and bridges. And our universities stepped in to support students and families.

That spirit of unity continues to inspire me.

Those stories are powerful, and they deserve to be heard. This week, UNC-Asheville and media organizations from across the state are hosting an event to commemorate the anniversary and honor the stories of strength that emerged from the storm. The Heart of the Mountains is a chance to reflect, share, and recommit to the work of recovery. Those impacted by Helene can also share stories online, creating a history of the region’s recovery and resilience.

At Healthy Blue, we are proud to have supported many of the community partners who helped shape that history and who've worked to ensure that many of those stories turned from tragedy to healing. We leant a helping hand to organizations like Mountain Community Health Partnership, which distributed critical medical supplies like bandages, insulin, medicine, and oxygen, and more, to areas where clean water and care were hard to come by. Their work was a lifeline for many, and it continues today.

Recovery and rebuilding don’t end with the headlines.

We know that the region continues to experience great need. There are many ways you can help.

Support the ongoing recovery with your dollars and your time. Right now, our Beyond Blue Neighborhood Centers are collecting food to support Manna Food Bank and other local food banks. Learn more about how you can get involved with Hurricane Helene recovery support.

This anniversary isn’t about looking back – it’s about looking forward.

It’s about remembering what we’re capable of when we come together. And it’s about continuing to build a future where every community has the support it needs to thrive.

Western North Carolina showed us the heart of the mountains. Let’s keep that heart beating strong.