CFMH and Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief

Hurricane Helene, as you all know, caused so much damage to SW Virginia, NC, Tennessee and many other areas. This hurricane also affected areas within our own footprint. Carilion Giles Community Hospital, Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital and Carilion New River Valley Hospital were all impacted by this disaster.  Our amazing staff at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital quickly jumped into action to help these areas impacted. Supplies were collected and transported, monetary donations were made and some members of our staff volunteered in person in areas that were hit hard.

Our Healthy Franklin County group made up of many non-profits in the community and our very own Carilion Clinic Community Outreach Department pulled together to gather supplies so that we could help Ferrum College host 150 students and faculty from Lees-McRae college based in Banner Elk, NC. Their college campus was completely destroyed. They will be sharing the Ferrum College Campus for an  unknown length of time.  Supplies such as linens, blankets, laundry detergents, snacks, groceries and even money collected from employee children relatives from a lemonade stand was given. 

Our Surgical Services team has been working 12-14 hour days so that our entire system can continue to provide excellent Operating Room services. The CFMH surgical services team has taken on the task of central sterilizing for CNRV while that area is under a boil water mandate. 

The generosity of our CFMH staff is truly unbelievable and heartwarming. I am truly blessed to be a member of this amazing group of healthcare professionals and blessed to be a part of this community and health system that believes in taking care of our communities, near, far and wide. 

I hope that everyone within Carilion Clinic will refer to our President and CEO, Steve Arner's message on Inside Carilion about resources and ways to help. Please consider our Employee Emergency Fund Contribution  and the American RedCross for monetary contributions that will help tremendously. 

To Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital, I hope you never forget the importance of community. I hope you never forget your kindness and I hope that you always know how much I and our entire Carilion Clinic appreciates you every single day!!