NC State College of Veterinary Medicine Answers the Call to Support Disaster Relief

Over the weeks since Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina, the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine has been sending food and medical supplies to the Western North Carolina communities recovering from the devastation.

The college recently sent two more resources to support the recovery efforts: Dr. Danielle Mzyk, a clinical veterinarian, and John Ladner, a licensed veterinary surgical technician. The NC State team spent last week traveling through Mitchell, Yancey and Avery counties, collaborating with NC State Extension offices and agents to assist farmers in need, treat animals of all sizes and organize pet and livestock supplies at a distribution center.

Filling a request from the NC Department of Agriculture, Mzyk and Ladner served as relief support for local veterinarians — including many college alumni — who have been working tirelessly to care for animals impacted by the hurricane’s devastating floods. Whether it was treating a dog with a skin infection or examining a pregnant cow, the College of Veterinary Medicine team stepped in to provide care for the animals and peace of mind for the owners.

“My only goal was to help. If a veterinarian was overwhelmed or couldn’t get somewhere, we were stationed where we could respond,” Mzyk said. “It’s not only about supporting the veterinarians of North Carolina; it’s supporting everybody who relies on them.”

The team even delivered medical supplies for Lees-McRae College’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, which was forced to move animals to another location after flooding damaged the building.

You can support this work by donating to the college’s disaster relief fund, which helps us provide supplies and care when it’s needed most. Donate here: https://go.ncsu.edu/vet-med-disaster-relief