HealthRidge Pharmacy became a lifeline after Helene

When Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina in September 2024, HealthRidge Pharmacy became a lifeline in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Owned by UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy alumnus Taylor Jones ’13 (PharmD) and Jonna Munroe, the independent community pharmacy provided care, meds and connection when their community needed it most.

Helene left behind more than damaged homes, flooded roads and downed trees. The disaster amplified the fragility of access to health care in a crisis. For this husband-and-wife pharmacy team, it was never a question of if they would respond, but how fast they could mobilize.

HealthRidge Pharmacy became an emergency hub. With power outages and cell towers down, they used a satellite internet service and their personal hot spot to maintain communications and coordinate care.

“We’re passionate about serving people’s medical needs as a lot of independent pharmacies are,” said Jones. “We’re not exceptional that way. It’s independent pharmacies that are exceptional. You know, the majority of independent pharmacies did what we did and would do what we did. That’s why we need to survive as a profession and as a viable part of people’s communities.”

Munroe and Jones saw HealthRidge take on a whole new role in the aftermath of Helene. (Submitted)

Their role went beyond dispensing. Jones and Munroe supplied doctors, nurses and volunteers with essential medications, worked with local shelters and clinics and made urgent deliveries themselves. At times, they were the only functioning pharmacy option, stepping in while many chain stores remained closed.

“We never close,” said Munroe. “There were zero days during COVID that we were closed, and that’s part of the reason that our patients love us is because we’re consistent. We show up rain or shine.”

The experience revealed the true value of independent pharmacies — deeply embedded in their communities, flexible in emergencies and driven by compassion. Their efforts were not just helpful; they were lifesaving. “We were the only way for somebody to get medicine in their hands,” said Jones. “For so many people it is vital. Literally, they would die without it in a matter of a short timeframe.”

For weeks, Munroe carried the delivery phone with her around the clock, ready to respond at any moment. “I slept with it. I was on call for at least two weeks,” she said. The emotional and physical toll was immense, but it only strengthened their conviction about the vital role of community pharmacists when it comes to access to care.

Hurricane Helene may have passed, but HealthRidge Pharmacy’s work continues. Their hurricane response planted the seeds for a free clinic, which has since opened in the community, inspired by the collaborative care efforts they helped lead during the crisis. By bringing together pharmacists, providers and volunteers, the clinic now fills critical gaps for uninsured and medically underserved patients.