How to Prepare for the Unexpected and Angel Medical Center’s Role as a Resource
It is difficult and hard to believe that we are now two years from Hurricane Helene striking WNC so brutally, and it has been 25 years since the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. September 11th impacted so many — not just the day but for 25 years — this is why we cannot forget. President Bush said, “Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America — with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.” That is the wonderful part about living in this country and in this community — people come together to bring aid in a time of need.
September is National Preparedness Month — a time to think about how we prepare ourselves and our families for the unexpected. We often think of preparedness in terms of having an emergency kit, knowing where to go during severe weather, or having a family communication plan. But community preparedness is about something bigger: making sure the people, organizations, and resources we depend on are ready when we need them most.
Our community hospital is an important part of that safety net.
Every day, Angel Medical Center (AMC) cares for our community through emergencies, illnesses, injuries, and some of life’s most important moments. Behind that care is a team of physicians, nurses, clinical professionals, and support staff who prepare every day to respond when our neighbors need them.
A medical emergency rarely comes with advance notice. A heart attack, stroke, serious injury, or sudden illness can happen at any time. Having high-quality healthcare close to home means patients can receive the right care quickly, while remaining near their families and support systems.
Angel Medical Center continually prepares for those moments. From emergency medicine and surgical services to being an Accredited Stroke Ready Hospital, our goal is always to ensure our community has access to excellent care when every minute matters.
Preparedness also extends beyond the walls of the hospital. Our teams work to partner with other local agencies to strengthen the network of people and resources that protect our community.
Being there during an emergency is only one part of our responsibility. A strong community is also one where people have opportunities to stay healthy and prevent illness.
Throughout the year, AMC supports our community through educational programs, community events, school partnerships, food access programs, behavioral health resources, support groups, and a variety of other activities. These efforts reflect a simple belief: A hospital should do more than care for people when they are sick. We consider ourselves a partner in helping our community become healthier.
National Preparedness Month is also a good reminder for each of us to take a few simple steps at home to be ready for an emergency if one occurs.
Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do and how to communicate during an emergency. Keep an updated list of medications, allergies, medical conditions, and emergency contacts accessible. If you depend on medications or medical equipment, consider how you would manage those needs during an extended power outage or evacuation.
And perhaps most importantly, know where to seek care. Understanding when to call 911, when to visit an emergency department, and when other healthcare resources should come into play can make an important difference when an emergency occurs.
We are neighbors, employers, volunteers, educators, and partners. Our team members live here, raise their families here, and care deeply about the future of this community. Every patient we care for and every community partnership we build is part of the same HCA Healthcare mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.
This September, as we recognize National Preparedness Month, we encourage every family to take a few minutes to prepare for the unexpected and know that Angel Medical Center’s team is preparing too — every day, around the clock — to be here when our community needs us most.
Clint Kendall, FACHE, MBA, MSN, BSN, RN, is Chief Executive Officer/Chief Nursing Officer of Angel Medical Center. He started his career as a nurse, and that perspective still informs his work and passion for the patient experience. Clint holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Nursing, and Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University. Clint has also earned the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) certification, and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), and the American Nurses Association (ANA).
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