Mental healthcare providers say that increased anxiety and a shorter fuse are normal during COVID-19 stress. BPR talked with one provider for rural Western North Carolina about what it's like to deal with a pandemic - and help others through it: Meridian Behavioral Health Services serves the seven westernmost counties of North Carolina. Like anywhere else, life looks very different now for the organization's health care providers: "Pretty much everything has changed since COVID-19." That's

Mental healthcare providers say that increased anxiety and a shorter fuse are normal during COVID-19 stress. BPR talked with one provider for rural Western North Carolina about what it's like to deal with a pandemic - and help others through it: Meridian Behavioral Health Services serves the seven westernmost counties of North Carolina. Like anywhere else, life looks very different now for the organization's health care providers: "Pretty much everything has changed since COVID-19." That's

The Coronavirus pandemic took hold right as one of Southern Appalachia's most important cultural traditions annually takes place. The pungent wild onions known as ramps are largely absent from people's plates because they're usually brought to the table by foragers - a group that is feeling the pinch of social distancing not in how they collect, but in how they sell.

The Coronavirus pandemic took hold right as one of Southern Appalachia's most important cultural traditions annually takes place. The pungent wild onions known as ramps are largely absent from people's plates because they're usually brought to the table by foragers - a group that is feeling the pinch of social distancing not in how they collect, but in how they sell.

COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into the lives of high school seniors all over the U.S - including athletics, where many seniors have been left in limbo as they try to determine where and how to take the next step. That's certainly the case for one such high school senior in Asheville.

COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into the lives of high school seniors all over the U.S - including athletics, where many seniors have been left in limbo as they try to determine where and how to take the next step. That's certainly the case for one such high school senior in Asheville.

During "Phase 1" of reopening, many retail businesses in North Carolina have been able to open back up, but under reduced capacity. So-called "personal care" businesses remain shuttered -- like salons, gyms, and barber shops.

During "Phase 1" of reopening, many retail businesses in North Carolina have been able to open back up, but under reduced capacity. So-called "personal care" businesses remain shuttered -- like salons, gyms, and barber shops.

The COVID-19 pandemic arrived at the same time as an annual ritual - spring cleaning. That provides an opportunity for donations at a time when many community organizations desperately need them.

The COVID-19 pandemic arrived at the same time as an annual ritual - spring cleaning. That provides an opportunity for donations at a time when many community organizations desperately need them.