FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

PBS NORTH CAROLINA SPOTLIGHTS WESTERN NC’S RESILIENCE & RECOVERY AFTER HURRICANE HELENE 

A new series of stories about communities impacted by the storm is made possible by generous support from Dogwood Health Trust. 

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 9/29/2025 — PBS North Carolina announces that a $275K grant from Dogwood Health Trust will support a series of stories and specials spotlighting western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This generous support is a deep investment in the statewide network’s ongoing commitment to telling the stories of this beloved and vibrant region. 

Scheduled to premiere now through 2026, the new content will showcase the resilience of residents after the storm, Helene’s impact on the state’s economy and ecosystems, and local businesses and sites that are welcoming back visitors. 

“A year after Hurricane Helene, western North Carolina has made great progress in rebuilding and reopening its communities,” said David Crabtree, CEO and General Manager of PBS North Carolina. “Through this content initiative, PBS North Carolina wants to celebrate all those who made that possible: neighbors, first-responders, engineers, state and federal agencies, and communities both near and far. We hope viewers across the state find inspiration in their strength and determination.” 

“PBS North Carolina is deeply grateful for Dogwood Health Trust, whose generous support makes these stories possible,” added Crabtree. “Their grant helps sustain our mission to serve and uplift our state’s communities.” 

Content about western North Carolina will be distributed across several of PBS NC’s original series including: NC Weekend, Sci NC, Best of Our State and State Lines. Funding from Dogwood Health Trust will also support a new installment of the PBS NC travel series Ten to Try. Set to premiere in 2026, the half-hour program will showcase 10 must-see road trip destinations along the Blue Ridge Mountains, helping to boost tourism and local businesses. All stories will air on PBS NC and will be available online and on the free PBS app. Content will also be shared on PBS NC’s YouTube channel. 

“Access to trusted news, information and programming is essential to community well-being. Dogwood Health Trust is proud to support PBS North Carolina and all they do to enrich people’s lives in western North Carolina, across the state and beyond,” said Rebecca Noricks, Vice President of Communications. “We hope the perspectives, stories and opportunities shared will inspire viewers and cultivate hope as our region recovers from Hurricane Helene.” 

Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina on September 27, 2024, becoming the deadliest hurricane in the contiguous U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The region experienced at least two feet of rainfall, which caused major flooding, mudslides and extensive damage to homes, businesses and ecosystems. The storm led to at least 108 deaths in North Carolina alone. Helene is the costliest natural disaster in North Carolina history, causing more than $60 billion of damage. 

Explore PBS NC’s stories about western North Carolina’s resilience and ongoing recovery efforts at pbsnc.org/hurricane-helene. 

Broadcast Schedule 

Programs spotlighting western North Carolina will premiere fall 2025 through 2026. Visit pbsnc.org/schedule for the latest programming info. 

State Lines Special: Rebuilding NC After Hurricane Helene 
Premiered Monday, September 15, on PBS NC 
One year after Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, recovery continues across the region. Homes are being repaired, roads rebuilt and businesses reopened. The work, however, is far from over. We visit communities in western North Carolina to see what recovery looks like in real life and meet people finding ways to rebuild. 
Watch now. > 

Sci NC: Hurricane Helene Impacts and Recovery 
Premieres Thursday, September 25, 8:30 PM, on PBS NC 
Western North Carolina works on recovery after Hurricane Helene, from debris removal and restoration efforts at Lake Lure to the storm’s long-lasting impact on the forest canopy. And outside Lake Lure, debris removal in rivers and streams is necessary but at what cost to vital river species? 
Watch now. > 

NC Weekend: Back to the Mountains 
Premieres Thursday, October 9, 9 PM, on PBS NC 
Explore sites and businesses in Hot Springs and Boone, two towns recovering from Hurricane Helene. In Hot Springs, NC Weekend host Deborah Holt Noel goes white water rafting and tosses pizza dough at Vinyl Pies Pizza. In Boone, NC Weekend associate producer Sadie Maddock visits a new Asian market, Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Rhode’s Motor Lodge. 

NC Weekend: Corner Kitchen (featured in “Fall Flavors” episode) 
Premieres Thursday, October 16, 9 PM, on PBS NC 
Nearly destroyed by Hurricane Helene, Asheville’s popular Corner Kitchen has reopened and is welcoming back visitors. 

State Lines Special: Western NC’s Emergency Response 
Premieres Monday, October 20, 7 PM, on PBS NC 
Hurricane Helene taught NC hard lessons about disaster preparedness. When the storm hit, volunteers and first responders rushed to help trapped families. Helicopter rescue teams saved hundreds of lives. These heroic efforts, however, required years of training. We examine how emergency workers prepare for disasters and what communities learned from Helene about getting ready for the unexpected. 

Best of Our State: Brasstown Carvers—Carving a Legacy 
Premieres Thursday, October 23, 8 PM, on PBS NC 
Discover how the Brasstown Carvers at the John C. Campbell Folk School have kept Appalachian traditions and art alive for 100 years. 

Additional stories about western North Carolina are currently in production. Check pbsnc.org/schedule soon for updates. 

About Dogwood Health Trust 

Dogwood Health Trust is a private foundation based in Asheville, North Carolina, with the sole purpose of dramatically improving the health and well-being of all people and communities of 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina. Dogwood Health Trust focuses on innovative and equitable ways to address the many factors that contribute to overall health and well-being. With a focus on housing, education, economic opportunity and health and wellness, Dogwood Health Trust works to create a western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all, no exceptions. To learn more, please visit dht.org. 

About PBS North Carolina 

As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

-PBS NC-

Media Contact 
For press info and resources, email press@pbsnc.org.