WorkCare Doctor Flies in Hurricane Aid Drop

WorkCare Hurricane Aid
  • Published
  • 8 October 2024
  • Category
  • News

Contributed by John Longphre, M.D., M.P.H.

I commute weekly via airplane from North Carolina over the Appalachian Mountains to provide medical services at WorkCare’s onsite clinic at UCOR in Oak Ridge, TN. I fly over several little mountain airports along the way.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I wanted to do something to help flood victims during my commute home. On the spur of the moment, I made the executive decision to do a taco drop (along with some other supplies) on behalf of WorkCare. I flew my little antique plane to the Avery County Airport near Spruce Pine, NC. Nearby is Burnsville, where our client Glen Raven operates the textile mill that made the first U.S. flag to be planted on the moon.

hurricane aid

As my idea gained traction, the response from the private pilot community was incredible. At 6 p.m., as the sun was getting low, the sky was still filled with low-level aircraft flown by pilots eager to drop off their hurricane aid. The number of privately owned helicopters was particularly impressive. Helo pilots are the real heroes of this disaster. (There are many YouTube videos of helicopter pilots airlifting mountain people – young and old – to safety.)

The photo of the supply hangar shows all the supplies that were collected on the day of my commute home, nearly all of it airlifted via private aircraft of all types, including small single-engine planes, heavy twin engine propellor planes and helicopters.

The folks in this area are in a hard way. I heard several tragic stories of people losing everything and being unable to leave due to washed out roads. A lot of people have to get around by walking. Authorities estimate it will take months to reopen parts of Interstate 40 in Tennessee and North Carolina. Those we were able to help were extremely grateful.

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida today, I cannot stress enough how important it is for businesses, communities, families and individuals to be prepared for a disaster. This includes having a fully stocked first aid kit, access to fresh water and personal medications, and detailed escape and communications plans.

The damage from Hurricane Helene is extensive and the death toll is climbing. Yet, in the midst of all of this loss, the generosity of the volunteers who took to the skies gives me hope.

Dr. John Longphre is Senior Vice President at WorkCare. Learn about him and others on our leadership team here.