It’s been said times like these bring out the best in people. I know that to be true. Time and time again, as the people of eastern North Carolina are tested, we persevere. We rise above. We help our neighbors. We do what’s right.

I expected this to be the case as Vidant Health prepared our hospitals, clinics and other entities for Hurricane Florence. While we monitored the storm, planned for the worst and hoped for the best, I never had any doubt this community would come together and remind me, yet again, of what makes us great.

I witnessed colleagues make arrangements to sleep at Vidant Beaufort Hospital overnight, even when they weren’t sure what they would find when they returned home — or if they’d be able to.

I saw it again in the first responders, our emergency management and public health partners, and the local, state and national agencies who answered the call to help. We wouldn’t have been able to support those who needed us most, in the way we did, without you.

Not to mention the patients and families we served in the days before, during and after Hurricane Florence, who entrusted us with their care, who understood we would be there for them no matter what.

I know I’ll continue to witness this in the days, weeks and months to come, as the hardest hit areas of our region will depend upon our continued dedication and support. While life will return to normal for some of us, for many, it will be a long while.

My sincere appreciation to the dedicated people across Vidant and throughout our communities. Thank you for all you do in support of the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.

It is my honor to serve alongside you.

Harvey Case is the president of Vidant Beaufort Hospital in Washington.