#168 - Real Stories of Compassion During Hurricane Helene

In this powerful episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, hosts Luke Carignan and Bo Brabo sit down live from Savannah, GA, with Alysia Price, CHRO of UNC Health Appalachian. As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene approaches, Alysia shares her firsthand account of the devastating storm that ravaged western North Carolina, turning routine rain into catastrophic flooding, road washouts, and power outages.

Discover how UNC Health Appalachian navigated volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments—far beyond typical hurricane prep. From impromptu pet policies and housing volunteers in makeshift hotels to accounting for 1,500 employees amid downed communications, Alysia reveals the chaos and resilience that defined their response. Learn about the influx of community members seeking shelter, the role of Samaritan's Purse and FEMA, and the surge in mental health needs post-disaster.

Key takeaways for healthcare leaders:

• Emergency Preparedness Essentials: Update policies, emergency contacts, and disaster plans now—don't wait for crisis.
• Community and Connection: Appalachian culture shone through with volunteers, App State students, and donations topping $500K for employee relief, including 150 generators.
• Post-Trauma Support: Address mental health with EAP resources and support groups; processing trauma continues long after the event.
• Leadership Growth: Conduct after-action reviews to build stronger teams and systems.

Alysia also opens up about personal lessons: the power of gratitude, human connection, and her passion for fly fishing as a mental health escape (catch-and-release only—she even talks to the fish!).

Recorded at the ASHHRA Executive Summit, this episode is a must-listen for HR professionals in healthcare, emphasizing resilience in rural hospitals during natural disasters. Whether you're in emergency management, healthcare leadership, or seeking inspiration from real-world crisis response, tune in for actionable insights.