Imagine being caught in the middle of a fierce winter storm, roads treacherous and visibility near zero, yet the thought of hospitals closing adds another layer of fear. For families in the Triangle, this is their reality as they brace for the upcoming winter storm, anxiously wondering if they'll have access to the medical care they desperately need.
As of Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:37 AM, UNC and Duke Health officials have reassured the public that their hospitals will remain operational throughout the storm, which is expected to hit the Triangle on Saturday afternoon and persist into Sunday. But here's where it gets complicated: while hospitals will stay open, the same can't be said for all outpatient clinics, leaving many families in a state of uncertainty.
Duke University Hospital, for instance, will keep its doors open, but the status of its outpatient clinics is less clear. Mary Martin, Chief Operating Officer at Duke University Hospital, revealed that staff have been proactively reaching out to patients, particularly those requiring infusion and dialysis treatments, to discuss modified schedules. However, the possibility of canceled appointments looms large, especially for Monday, when road conditions may still be hazardous. Martin emphasized, "We're working closely with our outpatient staff to ensure patients are well-informed and prepared for potential disruptions."
UNC Hospitals has also committed to remaining open during the storm, though outpatient services may face some challenges. Dr. Abhi Mehrotra, Vice Chair of Operations at UNC Medical Center's Emergency Department, urged patients to take proactive measures, such as ensuring they have at least a week's worth of necessary medications. "Being prepared is key," he advised, "especially when dealing with unpredictable weather conditions."
And this is the part most people miss: the emotional toll this uncertainty takes on families. Take Jacqueline Thorpe, for example, who brings her husband to dialysis treatment three times a week. With the storm approaching, she's not only worried about making it to Saturday's appointment but also about the potential cancellation of Tuesday's session. "We need more support for at-home treatments," she pleaded. "Teach us caregivers how to manage their care when we can't get to the hospital."
Her concerns are echoed by many, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare accessibility during extreme weather events. Is it fair to leave families like the Thorpes in such a precarious position? Shouldn't there be more robust contingency plans for at-home treatments or emergency assistance during storms? These questions spark a debate that demands attention and action.
As the storm approaches, families are left to navigate this uncertainty, hoping for the best while preparing for the worst. What do you think? Are healthcare systems doing enough to support patients during extreme weather events, or is there room for improvement? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's start a conversation that could lead to meaningful change.
