Asheville SCOUT Goes Above and Beyond to Serve Veterans After Hurricane
Asheville VA SCOUT Goes Above and Beyond After Hurricane Helene
Asheville, NC – When Hurricane Helene slammed into Western north Carolina, bringing record rainfall and widespread devastation, Corey Anderson, a VA supporting Community, Outpatient, Urgent Care and Telehealth Services (SCOUT) provider, knew he had to do more than just his regular rounds.
Anderson, who typically focuses on following up with older Veterans and those with mobility issues, found himself at the heart of the community’s recovery efforts.
“On Monday, just a couple days after the storm hit, the wife of a Veteran who had been recently discharged reached out needing help,” Anderson shared. “I went to their apartment to deliver what they needed. As I’m leaving, a man asked me if I work at VA. Next thing I know, I’m helping deliver water and food to 4 or 5 apartments each day.”
With roads blocked and communication disrupted, Anderson and other VA staff stepped in to fill the gap, providing not only medical care but also essential supplies and assistance.
He encountered a Veteran with mobility issues who was stranded in his upper-story apartment due to a broken elevator. As power and water outages persisted, Anderson helped clear debris, move downed trees, and deliver cleaning supplies.”They needed help and I was able to help,” Anderson said simply.
After the initial crisis subsided, Anderson resumed his regular SCOUT duties, checking in on patients whose appointments had been postponed due to the storm.
One patient, who had been in the emergency room just before Helene hit, was particularly grateful for Anderson’s follow-up visit.
“It meant the world to me that he took the time to check on me,” the Veteran said. “He went above and beyond.”
Anderson’s story is a testament to the dedication and compassion of VA staff, who are always ready to serve their community, no matter the circumstances.
Through Flooded Roads, VA Worker Delivers Care to Veterans in Need
West Palm Beach, FL – When torrential rains lashed South Florida, turning roads into rivers, most people stayed indoors. But for VA employee Michael Anderson, duty called.
Facing a washed-out road just half a mile from his home, Anderson didn’t hesitate. “It didn’t feel like a choice,” he said. “There was no turning around and going back to the VA and saying, ‘I just couldn’t make it.’ That just couldn’t happen.”
Instead, Anderson loaded up his supplies and trekked through the flooded roads and over fallen trees to reach his patient, ensuring they received their necesary care.
Anderson, a veteran himself, served as a mechanic in the army, with deployments to Germany and Ramadi, Iraq. After his service, he found a home at the West Palm Beach VA, starting in the compensated work therapy program.
“I’ve been lucky,” Anderson shared. “I’ve had great leadership along the way. They supported me as I worked up to my current position. Most people in these jobs are former medics or corpsmen,so they have the medical background. But I worked with some great people. They encouraged me and helped me get the training and the skills.”
His dedication and commitment haven’t gone unnoticed.
“He’s just one of those people who can get things done,” said Kristina Snell, National ICT program manager. “He makes it happen. He lights up every room he’s in.”
Anderson is part of the VA’s SCOUTS program, which provides vital in-home care to veterans at risk for physical, cognitive, or functional decline after an emergency room visit. The program aims to improve veterans’ well-being by bringing care directly to them, ensuring they are connected to the resources they need.
This can include assisting with telehealth connections, virtual appointments, and in-home assessments. For veterans living in rural areas or those with mobility challenges, SCOUTS offers a deeper patient connection and better health outcomes.
“Around here, VA is part of the community, but the community is part of VA,” Anderson added. “Almost everyone you know is either a Veteran or their family has Veterans, so it’s appreciated what we do here. But really, it’s what we do every day. We help people. We help Veterans when they need it.”
Learn more about SCOUTS: https://marketplace.va.gov/innovations/scouts
Asheville VA SCOUT provider Corey Anderson: A Beacon of Hope After Hurricane Helene
Asheville, NC – Hurricane Helene’s fury left Western North Carolina reeling, with record rainfall and widespread damage impacting countless lives. Amidst the chaos, VA supporting Community, Outpatient, Urgent Care and Telehealth Services (SCOUT) provider Corey Anderson emerged as a beacon of hope, going above and beyond his regular duties to aid both Veterans and their families.
We spoke with Anderson about his experience during the storm’s aftermath:
NewsDirectory3: Corey, you typically focus on supporting older Veterans and those with mobility issues. What prompted you to take on such an expanded role during the hurricane recovery?
Corey Anderson: it was simply seeing the need. A Veteran’s wife reached out, needing assistance, and I went to help. while there, another resident asked if I worked at the VA, and before I knew it, I was helping deliver essential supplies to several apartments every day.
NewsDirectory3: Your assistance extended beyond just providing medical care. Can you tell us about some of the other challenges you faced and overcame?
Corey Anderson: Roads were blocked, dialog was down, and basic necessities were scarce. I helped clear debris, remove downed trees, and deliver cleaning supplies. I even assisted a Veteran stranded in his upstairs apartment due to a broken elevator, ensuring he had access to water and other essentials.
NewsDirectory3: What motivated you to go the extra mile, even putting yourself at risk?
Corey anderson: It’s about serving those who served us.These are Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. When they are in need, it’s our duty to step up and support them in any way we can.
NewsDirectory3: How did the experience of helping during this crisis impact you personally?
corey Anderson: It was incredibly rewarding to see the relief and gratitude on people’s faces. It reinforced the importance of community and the power of compassion. It reminded me that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
NewsDirectory3: What message do you have for other VA staff members who may find themselves in similar situations?
Corey Anderson: Don’t hesitate to help. A small act of kindness can make a world of difference. We are more than just healthcare providers; we are part of a community and have a duty to support one another in times of need.
Corey Anderson’s selfless actions during hurricane Helene exemplify the VA’s core values of service and dedication. His story is a testament to the invaluable role VA staff play not only in providing medical care but also in fostering a sense of community and support for Veterans in crisis.