In late September, hospitals all over the USA were affected when Hurricane Helene hit the Marion factory of medical supply company Baxter International, which produces 60% of the bags of intravenous for US hospitals. The factory’s shutdown triggered immediate shortages of IV fluid at hospitals and delayed medical procedures nationwide.

Helene also damaged one of McDowell County’s elementary schools, Old Fort, that was only four years old. But, despite the damage, schools were at the centre of recovery for the small mountain community for weeks after Helene. Classrooms became emergency food distribution sites; school parking lots became fueling stations for emergency responders; and bus drivers transported factory employees. “They stepped up, and really in some areas that aren’t educational at all,” said McDowell County manager Ashley Wooten.