Over several weeks in the summer of 2025, SEARCH, along with a group of volunteers from across the region, completed a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER*) survey to gather storm impact data following Hurricane Helene.  In collaboration with the Center for Disaster Research at the University of Delaware, SEARCH produced a report on the results and analysis of this survey.  

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​      

      SEARCH Board members and a volunteer prepare to survey residents

       of Mitchell and Yancey Counties for the CASPER Report.​

​

​Hurricane Helene shattered many lives in Mitchell and Yancey counties. Over the last year, community members, local organizations and outside agencies have rallied to address the impact of the storm. Tremendous progress has been made, but recovery work continues and much remains to be done. This CASPER survey documents the lasting damage approximately one year after Helene. It demonstrates that work needs to be continued. Findings from this Casper survey can serve as a checklist for individuals and organizations to identify progress achieved and ongoing needs. The results of this survey can also be used to document the continuing hardship when seeking outside funding or additional project assistance needed for Mitchell and Yancey

counties to thrive.

​

      On February 11, SEARCH hosted a presentation and community discussion on this CASPER study at the Burnsville Town Center.  

​

Click the title page below to view the CASPER Study Slide Presentation. 

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*More information on CASPER Studies is available from the CDC HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​