ST. LOUIS – Along an airstrip in Avery County, North Carolina, a medical clinic comprised of volunteers associated with The James Clinic in the St. Louis area has established resources for survivors of Hurricane Helene.

“There were people at two weeks that were still trapped up in the hills, with no way to get in or out and no way to communicate,” the clinic’s leader, Dr. Mollie James, said.

A lack of clean water has also led to GI issues from drinking contaminated water, according to James. In one case, the clinic provided treatment for an amputee in need of medical attention.

“She was walking around in six inches of contaminated mud in her house,” she said.

The clinic has joined an effort by We the People Mission at Avery County Airfield. 

Corey Schonhorst, founder of Punchline Productions, spent time documenting the grassroots efforts to provide relief.

“As sad as it is, tragedy really shows you the best side of people,” he said.

James discovered the effort to provide help would include some unexpected challenges. 

“We are in the Appalachian foothills,” she said. “These are highly independent people, very proud people, very self-sufficient. So, as they come through, they tell us, I don’t want to take something from somebody else.”

Schonhorst witnessed that same spirit of independence from a community accustomed to being self-sufficient.

“Half the time when you’re dropping stuff off, these individuals ask what they can do for you,” he said.

James said it was after seeing images of conditions in North Carolina that prompted her to put her own life on hold to help others. The clinic plans on remaining in Avery County for several weeks.

For more information on supporting the effort, email mission@jamesclinic.com or call 636-751-9490 or Venmo @ JCMissions.