In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our community has been left reeling. The storm's destruction has been far-reaching, with lives tragically lost and thousands of homes and businesses severely damaged. The road to recovery will be long and filled with challenges, as we confront the reality of rebuilding both physical spaces and the spirits of those affected. Amidst the devastation, the SWAGÊÓƵfamily is humbled and deeply grateful for the ways we have been able to assist, providing relief in the face of such overwhelming loss.
As medical facilities and homes across Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina were forced offline due to flooding, fallen trees and widespread power outages, the need for alternative spaces to care for patients quickly became evident. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) transformed a conference room into a ward for patients who were no longer in critical condition but still required medical care. Simultaneously, the University of South Carolina Upstate (USCU) graciously transformed their college basketball gym into a temporary ward for home-bound community members left without access to essential medical devices during the outage.
VCOM-Carolinas medical students volunteered in shifts around the clock to assist in the newly established wards. With compassion and dedication, they stepped forward to help those recovering from the storm's aftermath, even as they themselves faced damaged homes and power outages. Many of the patients, though stable, were still in vulnerable health, needing monitoring day and night, assistance with basic care and emotional support as they coped with the disaster. The work was challenging, but our students rose to the occasion, offering not only their skills but also their empathy to those who needed it most.
One staff member, reflecting on the students' involvement, shared, "We saw our students not just as future doctors, but as healers and community members. They were there in a moment of crisis, standing alongside experienced healthcare professionals, ready to give their all. It was a reminder that medicine is about more than knowledge—it's about being present for people in their time of need."
Beyond the temporary wards at SRHS and USCU, the SWAGÊÓƵdomestic outreach team continued efforts elsewhere in the community. St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic, a long-time partner of VCOM, was among the facilities affected, as flooding rendered the clinic inoperable. The SWAGÊÓƵMobile Medical Unit was deployed to St. Luke’s parking lot, where medical students, faculty and local volunteers provided free medical care and screenings to those affected by the storm. The team worked tirelessly, ensuring that basic healthcare needs were met even as many homes remained without power and clean water.
Seeing the outpouring of support from our students during this time has been inspiring and so heartwarming to witness. They are truly such compassionate and selfless individuals with servants’ hearts, and I feel deeply honored to get to work with them.
The clinic’s temporary setup also featured an on-site pharmacy and distributed free groceries—items specifically chosen for their ease of preparation without electricity. Local food trucks joined the effort, providing over 400 hot meals, offering some small comfort to those facing the uncertainties of recovery. The atmosphere was somber but full of quiet gratitude as neighbors came together to share meals and help one another through the crisis.
These efforts were made possible not only by the work of VCOM’s students and faculty locally but by the generosity of the larger community. Glenn and Michelle Cobb of Blacksburg, Virginia, reached out to friends and neighbors, gathering donations of bottled water, electrolyte drinks, fresh produce, batteries, cleaning supplies and more. VCOM-Virginia assisted by delivering some of these supplies via two flights to a core clinical rotation site in one of the hardest-hit areas. Their selfless act of kindness allowed SWAGÊÓƵto extend its reach and provide crucial resources to those who otherwise might have gone without.
While we are proud of the work that has been done, we remain deeply humbled by the community response. It is clear that no one can navigate this recovery alone. The efforts we have been a part of are just one small piece of a much larger picture—one painted by the compassion and resilience of people coming together in a time of unimaginable hardship.
As power is restored and the cleanup begins, the reality of the damage becomes clearer. SWAGÊÓƵremains committed to serving these communities as they recover and rebuild, standing alongside them as more needs arise. Rebuilding will take time, and the scars left by Hurricane Helene will not be easily healed. Yet, in the midst of this destruction, we have witnessed the best of humanity: neighbors helping neighbors, strangers extending a hand to those in need, and communities uniting in the face of adversity. For that, we are profoundly grateful.
