As the Swannanoa Valley continues its recovery, the Beacon Foundation remains dedicated to coordinating efforts and providing essential resources to those in need.

The Beacon Foundation coordinated the delivery and set-up of a mobile phlebotomy bus through Quest Diagnostics. Swannanoa residents visited the bus that doubled as a makeshift doctor’s office equipped with three patient rooms.

The medical bus saw 40-50 patients per day who could not schedule regular doctor’s visits during this hectic time.
Medical staff included members from Collaborative Medical Care of Swannanoa, who attended to close to 300 patients in just over two weeks.

“The need for a primary care practice in Swannanoa has always been a need and with this disaster, there is no better time to bring ideally a free clinic to this community,” commented Katie Neligan, one of the medical providers on site. “The collaboration from the different healthcare entities in the area and the interdisciplinary care we have provided is a model that should continue to serve Swannanoa.”

Follow the Collaborative Medical Care of Swannanoa on Instagram to hear more about their efforts in the community, and learn more about Quest Diagnostics’ medical bus in the full article by WLOS. 

Another immediate success of the foundation’s has been helping a local private school regain access to its facilities after being cut off by a collapsed road. With the road now passable, the school is preparing to reopen.

To support their efforts, the Beacon Foundation has provided Starlink units to restore internet access and funding for a flushing trailer to ensure proper sanitation as they get back on their feet.

Internet connectivity has been a pressing need for many in the area, so the Beacon Foundation has extended its efforts by providing an additional seven Starlink units to neighborhoods that have been without access. These units are helping families stay connected and informed during a crucial time.

Many residents in Lower Beacon Village have been driving and walking up to a quarter mile just to access basic sanitation facilities. To alleviate this burden, the Beacon Foundation has installed four porta johns in the neighborhood, providing much-needed relief to those affected.

The Beacon Foundation remains committed to supporting the Swannanoa Valley and working closely with local partners to meet both immediate and long-term recovery needs.

Together, we are here for the valley.