MARION, N.C. — Efforts to restore access to a critical North Carolina plant continue after Helene damaged the Marion facility and a connecting bridge.
The Baxter plant, which supplies much of the country's IV fluid, is now limiting access to the critical product to guard against stockpiling and reach patients with the greatest need.
They've since created temporary access to the plant, as the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) works on a more permanent solution after the bridge collapsed in the storm.
“It’s going to take some time," Timothy Anderson with NCDOT said. "When the bridge was compromised they couldn’t get their inventory out and they sustained some damage inside they’re working on, but they’ve got to be able to get that equipment and get those tractor trailers out so they can serve the nation.”
The bridge near Baxter's plant is just one of several projects for the state with hundreds of washed-out bridges and roads still in need of repair.
Tens of thousands are also still without power, nearly two weeks after the storm hit. While most of the state is back online, Duke Energy says destruction in hard-hit parts of Western North Carolina is complicating their efforts to restore power.
Anna, who preferred not to give her last name, spoke to WCNC Charlotte from a coffee shop in her town of Old Fort, about 30 minutes west of Marion. She says she's been without power and running water since the storm hit.
“Even though the crews are working day and night to repair things, we are so grateful for them, but we have no guarantee of when we’ll have power or water back and it’s going to start getting cold soon," Anna said.
She's been using social media to share the community's story and try to get resources, posting videos depicting the destruction as she and her family navigate life.
She's among those supporting a GoFundMe to help small businesses and the community's recovery as a whole.
"There are many people who, right now, are just homeless," Anna said. "They have no insurance. Many inherited their homes."
As cleanup continues, first responders say, they're working around the clock to get everyone back to a sense of normalcy, as soon as possible.
“Contractors from all over the Southeast coming in to help us rebuild ... our staff in Raleigh, all the way to the governor," Anderson said. "I just can’t say enough about what they do for us.”
They ask only locals and essential traffic, like first responders, to come to the area as they continue efforts to secure roads and restore power. Those interested in donating or volunteering can find links to support here.