Six Months That Changed a 140-Year-Old Institution

Western Carolina Medical Society (WCMS) started in 1885, but, in many ways, it has been “reborn” since Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina. The agency, which serves as the philanthropic arm of more than 670 physician assistant and physician members, has long been known for Project Access, a program that coordinates free specialty healthcare for individuals ineligible for Medicaid with no other insurance. Over the years, more than $95 million in free care has been arranged through the program.

“WCMS has five incredible programs,” notes Karen Wallace-Meigs, executive director of the nonprofit organization. “We have Project Access, our signature program, but we are also proud of WIN, the largest interpreter network in western North Carolina. CRCSI, the Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative, is a vital WCMS’ program, as is a scholarship program named in memory of Dr. Charles Blair for high school seniors who complete an internship at MAHEC. Another initiative is the Healthy Healer Program, through which we offer six free, confidential therapy sessions to physician assistant and physician members.”

So, how did the aftermath of Hurricane Helene change the agency? “It added greater urgency to our work. Existing needs were exacerbated, and more people needed our help,” says Wallace-Meigs, who had been on the job less than four months when the storm hit. As soon as each WCMS staff member was accounted for – some on the staff of ten were displaced to far-flung places -they jumped into action, picking up a sixth program: emergency relief to meet pressing Social Determinants of Health Needs.

From September 27, 2024, until today, the WCMS team has:

• Enrolled 153 patients in Project Access while streamlining the application process.
• Made 375 referrals for free, specialty medical services valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars and added new care providers to their roster.
• Donated:
  • Rent Assistance:  $21,000
  • Groceries: $13,750
  • Utilities: $5,800
  • Medical (bills and Durable Medical Equipment): $4,400
  • Transportation: $700 in gas cards to area Federally Qualified Health Centers so patients could reach their appointments
• Provided translation services at 2,722 appointments so patients and providers could understand and pursue the best possible treatments.
• Made scores of free, confidential Healthy Healer therapy appointments for healthcare provider members.
• Distributed dozens of pieces of donated durable medical equipment, boxes of Benadryl, and wasp repellent.

“We did what we needed to do, like many agencies and neighbors,” Wallace-Meigs asserts. “It was challenging emotionally and physically. Our work continues, but we are coming through it as a more responsive, nimble, determined agency. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of so many partners, and my team, which refused to give up on each other or our community.”