After the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, urgent care facilities such as FastMed have started to reopen, providing much-needed access to healthcare for residents who have been struggling with limited resources. For Elena Gherasim, having a FastMed Urgent Care facility open nearby was a “huge blessing” as she sought medical attention for her son who developed a rash and swelling on his neck. It was suspected that contaminated water from their home led to an allergic reaction in her son, prompting the need for medical assistance. The urgent care centers in Candler and Asheville are operating on temporary water systems and generators until full services are restored in the cities. The company stressed the importance of opening these facilities as quickly as possible to support the community in their recovery efforts.
The primary hospital in the area, Mission Hospital, has been gradually recovering from the impact of the storm on its water infrastructure. More supplies and resources have been brought in, including water trucks, mobile bathrooms, and handwashing stations. The FastMed clinic in heavily damaged Biltmore Village in Asheville saw a few patients on Friday, while the Candler location treated a small number of individuals as well. Urgent care centers like these have been essential in providing accessible healthcare to those in need, especially with primary care offices being closed or limited in their services after the storm. With the goal of offering convenience and ease of access to healthcare, FastMed is focused on being available for the community and meeting their immediate medical needs.
The urgent care center in Hendersonville has seen an increase in patient volume since reopening, with about 40 patients seeking treatment daily. The most common cases include lacerations, general illnesses, bee stings, and emergency prescription refills. Many patients have turned to urgent care facilities for quick and efficient healthcare services as they deal with the aftermath of the hurricane. Mercy Urgent Care has also reopened multiple locations in the area, further expanding access to medical assistance for residents. For Gherasim, having the clinic open nearby meant quicker access to treatment for her son, without the need to wait in long emergency room lines at Mission Hospital.
Despite the challenges faced by the community in the wake of Hurricane Helene, the reopening of urgent care facilities like FastMed and Mercy Urgent Care has provided a lifeline for many residents in western North Carolina. With limited access to food, water, and electricity, having convenient healthcare options available has been crucial for individuals seeking medical attention. As these clinics work to support the community’s recovery, their focus remains on providing easy and accessible healthcare services to those in need. By opening their doors quickly and efficiently, these urgent care centers are playing a vital role in helping residents navigate the aftermath of the storm and get the medical assistance they require.
As the primary hospital in the area, Mission Hospital continues to recover and provide essential care to patients. With the support of urgent care facilities like FastMed, residents have been able to access medical assistance for a variety of conditions, ranging from minor injuries to general illnesses. The reopening of these clinics has not only helped alleviate the strain on healthcare providers but has also ensured that individuals in the community have access to vital healthcare services during a challenging time. Moving forward, the continued availability of urgent care facilities will be crucial in supporting the ongoing recovery efforts in western North Carolina and meeting the healthcare needs of residents as they rebuild and heal from the impact of the storm.
