Helene forced closure of Planned Parenthood in Asheville, affecting hundreds of patients

Asheville, NC - In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, Planned Parenthood in Asheville has been forced to suspend its services, leaving hundreds of patients to reschedule their appointments. The storm's impact has been felt across Western North Carolina, causing widespread disruptions in healthcare services.

The Storm's Devastating Impact

Tropical Storm Helene brought historic rainfall and flooding to the region, pushing hospitals into "managed chaos" as described by local officials. The storm's deluge of rain and wind has wreaked havoc on infrastructure, causing power outages and water system failures. Mission Hospital in Asheville, one of the region's largest medical facilities, was particularly affected. The hospital operated on a backup generator for several days before power was restored, but water and sewer systems remained inoperable, severely limiting the hospital's ability to perform basic functions like hot food preparation, toileting, and showering.

Planned Parenthood's Suspension

Planned Parenthood in Asheville is one of the leading providers of high-quality, affordable healthcare in the region. The organization offers a wide range of services including family planning, STD testing, and abortions. However, with the suspension of its services due to Tropical Storm Helene, hundreds of patients have been left without access to these essential health services.

Services Affected

• Family Planning: Patients who had appointments for birth control and reproductive health services are now forced to reschedule.
• STD Testing: Individuals who were scheduled for STD testing and treatment are facing delays.
• Abortions: Women who were seeking abortion services are among those most affected by the suspension.

Community Response

In the face of such disruptions, community organizations and healthcare providers are coming together to provide relief. Mission Health, which operates Mission Hospital, has brought in staff from across the country to assist with the crisis. HCA Healthcare, the parent company of Mission Health, has supplied over 20 tanker trucks of water daily to support the hospital's operations. Additionally, Samaritan’s Purse, a disaster relief organization, has set up emergency medical tents in parking lots at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Avery County and Watauga Medical Center in Boone to provide oxygen for those without power at home.

Long-term Consequences

The suspension of Planned Parenthood's services due to Tropical Storm Helene not only affects current patients but also has long-term implications for reproductive health in the region. According to Planned Parenthood, North Carolina is one of the few states where abortion is accessible after six weeks of pregnancy. The organization plans to spend $10 million on North Carolina's election to protect access to abortions and ensure that women have the right to make their own reproductive choices.

Patient Rescheduling

For those affected by the suspension, rescheduling appointments will be a necessity. Planned Parenthood advises patients to call their health center directly to reschedule their appointments. The organization also offers online booking for certain services, making it easier for patients to find alternative times.

Conclusion

Tropical Storm Helene has brought significant challenges to Western North Carolina, including the forced closure of Planned Parenthood in Asheville. While the suspension of services is a significant setback for reproductive health in the region, it is clear that the community is coming together to provide support. As the region recovers from the storm's impact, it is crucial that healthcare services are restored as quickly as possible to ensure that all residents have access to essential health care.

References

• Western NC hospitals challenged but operational in Helene's wake (North Carolina Health News)
• Abortion in North Carolina: Planned Parenthood plans 'unprecedented' $10M campaign (WUNC)
• Birth Control, STD Testing & Abortion - Asheville, NC (Planned Parenthood)