Asheville, North Carolina was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, causing residents to be without essential services such as food, water, electricity, and medical care. Many urgent care facilities in the area were forced to close due to the storm, leaving residents with limited options for healthcare. Fortunately, FastMed Urgent Care locations in Candler, Asheville, and Hendersonville have started to reopen, providing much-needed medical assistance to the community. For Elena Gherasim, a mother from West Asheville, having a FastMed Urgent Care close by was a tremendous relief when her son developed a severe allergic reaction after using contaminated water in their home.
FastMed’s Candler location opened its doors on Saturday, becoming the last of five hurricane-affected clinics to resume operations. Other urgent care centers in Boone and Wilkesboro also opened shortly after the storm. These facilities are operating with temporary water systems until water is restored in the affected cities. The urgent care centers are essential in providing easy access to healthcare for residents who have been struggling to find medical assistance in the aftermath of the hurricane. The company understands the importance of reopening quickly to serve the community during the recovery process.
Mission Hospital, the primary healthcare facility in the area, has been gradually recovering from the storm’s impact on its water infrastructure. The arrival of more food supplies, water trucks, and mobile bathrooms has helped the hospital in serving patients despite the challenges. The Asheville FastMed clinic, located in the heavily damaged Biltmore Village, treated a few patients on Friday and remained relatively quiet on Saturday. The urgent care center in Hendersonville has been treating approximately 40 patients a day since reopening, with a focus on lacerations, general illness, and bee stings.
FastMed spokesperson Andrew Sawyer emphasized the importance of providing convenient and accessible healthcare to the community as they navigate the recovery process. The urgent care centers have seen an increase in patients needing emergency prescription refills due to primary care offices being closed. The goal for FastMed during this time is not volume, but rather to be available and supportive of the community in their time of need. The Mercy Urgent Care has also reopened multiple locations across the region, further expanding access to medical care for residents affected by the hurricane.
For Elena Gherasim, the reopening of the FastMed Urgent Care was a lifesaver, allowing her son to receive prompt medical attention without having to endure long waits at the emergency room. The urgent care facilities have become vital resources for residents in western North Carolina who are in need of immediate medical care following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. With an increased focus on providing accessible healthcare services, these facilities are playing a crucial role in supporting the community during the recovery process.
