Jackie Mace and her story of "Chaos"
Story
This story was submitted on September 29, 2025 by Dylan Jackson
- Title
- Jackie Mace and her story of "Chaos"
- Description
-
Interview Summary
Participants ~
Dylan Jackson, Interviewer: Public Relations and Public Health major at Appalachian State University
Jackie Mace, Interviewee: VP of Market Operations at Hopscotch Primary Care in Western NC
Background and Introduction ~
Jackie has lived in Appalachia for about 10 years, moving from Minnesota to Maggie Valley and currently residing in the Marshall area. She works as VP of Market Operations for Hopscotch Primary Care, managing 11 clinics across Western NC. Her husband works for Buncombe County Schools.
Pre-Hurricane Community Life for Jackie ~
Jackie described her community as close-knit but initially difficult to break into as a newcomer. Moving to the area in her 40s without a local support network was challenging, but her husband's local roots helped her integrate. Before the hurricane, the community already had a strong culture of mutual support and resilience.
Experience During Hurricane Helene ~
Jackie had never experienced a disaster on the scale of Hurricane Helene. The most impactful aspect of the entire situation was the human response: neighbors and colleagues supporting each other with limited resources. The Hopscotch team, including out-of-state staff, worked together to check on employees, set up temporary infrastructure (like water tanks and porta-potties), and provide essential supplies to staff and patients. Jackie shared stories of extreme generosity, like a colleague who lost everything but still helped others. Personally, Jackie and her husband were without power or water for eight days. Their neighbors and family provided what they could, and the community rallied around each other. One powerful moment for her was relying on a small battery-powered radio, her only lifeline to the outside world, for storm updates and community news.
Aftermath and Reflection ~
Jackie emphasized how the experience changed her perspective on life. Material things became less important; relationships, community, and mental well-being took center stage. She noticed increased friendliness and intentionality in her community since the storm, more casual conversations, more neighborly gestures, and deeper human connection. Jackie described her overall experience with Hurricane Helene in one word: chaos, but a chaos that revealed deep human resilience and unity.
Interview Key Takeaways and Themes ~
Community Resilience: Despite widespread devastation, the community came together in extraordinary ways.
Organizational Response: Hopscotch Primary Care prioritized employee well-being and patient care even amidst infrastructure collapse.
Personal Growth: The storm served as a turning point for Jackie, reinforcing life priorities and personal strength.
Preparation Lessons: Small tools like a radio made a massive difference; the experience emphasized the importance of being prepared and flexible in crisis situations.
- Spatial Coverage
- WNC
- Date
- 9/27/2024 - 09/29/2025
- Item sets
- Unknown
