Michelle begins part one of the extra episode with Dr. Bill Hathaway of Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Dr. Hathaway and the MAHEC staff of more than 1,000 are committed to transforming rural health and wellness through education, the delivery of patient care, and a focus on community and public health. Before joining MAHEC in early 2022, Dr. Hathaway spent more than two decades working to meaningfully improve health across Western North Carolina as a MAHEC board member, as the chief medical officer for the region’s largest hospital system, and as a practicing cardiologist.

During this conversation, Michelle and Dr. Hathaway discuss the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on healthcare access in Western North Carolina. Dr. Hathaway highlights the challenges rural healthcare systems face, including infrastructure damage, provider shortages, and the urgent need for recovery efforts. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community support and ongoing efforts to restore healthcare services in the affected areas.

In part two of this episode, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, Marion Mollegen McFadden. In this role, she oversees the administration of federal financial assistance to assist communities in ending homelessness, creating and preserving affordable housing, strengthening local economies, and disaster recovery and mitigation.

Michelle and Marion McFadden discuss HUD’s efforts in disaster recovery, funding initiatives, and housing solutions. They cover the impact of recent hurricanes, the importance of preparedness and resilience, and innovative programs like the Section 108 Legacy Challenge aimed at increasing affordable housing. McFadden emphasizes the need for community engagement and the role of HUD in supporting local jurisdictions to address housing challenges effectively.

The North Carolina Community Health Center Association is now accepting donations for its Disaster Relief Fund to deliver needed support to community health centers and staff impacted by Hurricane Helene.

To learn more visit: https://www.ncchca.org/disaster-donations/
To learn more about the Section 108 Legacy Challenge visit: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/section108/legacy-challenge