catastrophic flood and seeks to continue services to address the ongoing disaster of inaccessible
healthcare. While many healthcare providers understand the limitations of their institutions, the energy and common ground of west Asheville’s emergency response to Hurricane Helene next to the failure of regionwide healthcare response catalyzed efforts to sustain the collective. With a background on healthcare in the United States, examples of community-based healthcare models in the U.S., and reflections with core members, volunteer providers, and partner organizations, the Mutual Aid Wellness Collective illustrates a healthcare strategy that improves access, especially during disasters. By considering how healthcare providers mobilized during a crisis, adapted service delivery to meet local needs, and the struggle to sustain momentum, mutual aid presents a framework for equitable healthcare access for the dual disasters of climatic events and growing poverty in the United States.

A Master’s Paper submitted to the faculty of the University of North Carolina Asheville-University of North Carolina Gillings Master of Public Health Program in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Public Health in the Place Based Health Concentration.]]> Andrew Rainey]]> University of North Carolina Asheville]]> University of North Carolina Gillings]]> July 18, 2025]]> Digital Document]]>