An increase in individuals in North Carolina are reporting irritation or respiratory symptoms to medical experts who set up a makeshift clinic to help families in Swannanoa and Black Mountain in need after Helene.

A mobile phlebotomy bus transformed into a makeshift clinic was set up in an area where finding access to medical aid continues to be a growing issue.

Joseph Merzlak and his family were able to find access to medical care after Quest Diagnostics collaborated with local agencies working on recovery efforts following the storm.

“It’s difficult to find health care at this moment,” said Merlak.

What started as a table and tent later transformed into a fully functioning clinic. Since the bus was set up at the site, health officials say they have been able to treat patients with various health issues, ranging from basic bumps and bruises to ear infections to a female patient who went into labor — swiftly arranging transport to a hospital.

Wendy Clements is a nurse at Mission Hospital, and for the past few weeks, she has been volunteering her time at the mobile clinic stationed at the First Baptist Church in Swannanoa. They have been seeing an increase in individuals coming in with irritation or respiratory symptoms.

“We have seen quite a bit of kids and adults coming in with irritation and upper respiratory illness,” she said. “We had a lot of dust after the storm, with all the mud that was here, and I don’t know what’s in the mud, just what people are telling me. It’s going to be a long-term situation with respiratory and with the dust.”

The volunteers have been able to meet the needs of the local community with the mobile clinic and the help of donations from other organizations and the community.