As COO of Sweeten Creek Mental Health and Wellness Center in Asheville, North Carolina, Melina Arrowood embodies a philosophy of care that extends beyond the confines of her office. Melina’s dedication to her team is evident in every aspect of her leadership, from overseeing staffing to ensuring that every employee feels valued, safe and respected. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which cut off the facility’s communication and infrastructure, the connections she had forged with the Sweeten Creek staff grew deeper than ever. “We lost everything but one another,” she recalled, emphasizing how the experience turned colleagues into a family united by shared resilience and trust.

A personal tragedy in her teenage years fueled Melina’s passion for healthcare. When a car accident claimed the life of her cousin and her cousin’s new baby—as well as leaving Melina critically injured—she found solace in the nursing care she received throughout her recovery.

“That whole experience really drove me towards healthcare,” she reflected. “It created this space in me that gives me the ability to be more empathetic with others.

These early encounters shaped her understanding of the critical balance between medical skills and human connection, strengthening her natural capacity for compassion.

Sweeten Creek serves as a vital lifeline for the community in Western North Carolina, acting as the only large behavioral health hospital in 18 surrounding counties. As the sole provider of care for children in the region, Sweeten Creek plays a crucial role in addressing significant behavioral health needs, particularly for high-acuity patients who lack alternative options. During Hurricane Helene and beyond, the hospital’s commitment to uninterrupted service underscores its importance. The community relies on Sweeten Creek for support and healing in times of crisis.

As the storm descended, Melina’s resolve was tested. “Show up with grit and grace,” she told herself. “These are my people, and they deserve the absolute best of me.” This determination guided her actions, even when the circumstances seemed dire. The hospital was losing more and more of its infrastructure by the hour, but Melina remained focused, reminding herself to “just do the next right thing,” as she transformed each second into a series of thoughtful decisions, allowing her team to adapt and endure the trials ahead.

With communication severed and the roads impassable, Melina and her team faced an overwhelming challenge. Drawing on her ER background, she quickly organized a huddle of physicians, nurses and support staff, imploring everyone to stay put.

“I needed every human that was in this building to stay,” she instructed, knowing they would have to work together to navigate the impending darkness. As the day turned into night without power, the team adapted creatively, distributing flashlights and radios to maintain communication.

Despite being in an unsecured building with over 140 people, they were able to triage immediate needs and keep patients safe and calm. Melina encouraged her team to keep moving, saying, “Please stay on your feet,” as they conducted consistent rounds on each unit to meet the basic needs of food, water and comfort. The night was daunting, with no lights and an inability to access medications, but Melina worked to create an environment where even the youngest patients could find moments of levity amidst the uncertainty. “We tried to make it fun,” she said, even framing the situation as a “hurricane party” for the children to ease their fears.

The hospital became a sanctuary during those dark moments, where people were met with understanding and support. Staff and facility leaders, many of whom had lost their own homes and possessions, rallied with Melina and came in on their days off to serve the community with a shared sense of purpose. They gathered to eat three square meals, to be around their friends and colleagues, to hug, to cry. Melina’s gratitude was evident as she described the bonds formed through adversity. “I have such an incredible group of people here who truly love one another. It really is such a gift to get to lead them.”

The experience instilled a profound sense of pride in Melina. “I have never been more proud to work for a company in my life,” she remarked. “The way we show up in such a time of devastation and destruction is humbling and inspiring.” Even in isolation, she never felt alone. Her team became her family, her larger organization became a newfound community, and together they created a safe space for healing. “Never underestimate human resilience and resolve,” she noted, highlighting the strength that emerged from shared hardship. “Trust your team to have your back, lead with courage, smile even when you’re scared, make a plan for the moment at hand, and be nimble.”

In the face of unprecedented crisis, Melina Arrowood’s steadfast leadership illuminated the path to perseverance and hope for both her team and the Asheville community. Reflecting on their collective journey, she added, “We loved each other through it and, as a group, ensured that everyone’s fundamental needs were being met.”