##Contents **Issue Brief**
[Hurricane Helene Response Brings Out the Best to Ensure Stability in Western North Carolina](https://ncmedicaljournal.com/article/138002-hurricane-helene-response-brings-out-the-best-to-ensure-stability-in-western-north-carolina) ___

Invited Commentaries
Invited Commentary From COVID-19 to Hurricane Helene: Rethinking the Role of Nursing Students in Crisis Response	Invited Commentary Fostering Resilience: Community-Led Natural Disaster Mitigation in Eastern North Carolina
Invited Commentary Rebuilding Maternal Health Access in Western North Carolina: Addressing Critical Gaps Amplified by Hurricane Helene	Invited Commentary Schools’ Vital Role in Supporting Children’s Mental Health Following Disasters
Invited Commentary Resilience Emerging through Faith: From Crisis Response to Lasting Recovery	Invited Commentary Hurricane Helene: Lessons Learned From a Medical Clinic Inside the Storm
Invited Commentary Innovation and Partnerships in the Face of Disaster: Public Health Response after Hurricane Helene	Invited Commentary State-Wide Support for Disasters
Invited Commentary The Power of the Network: How United Way of North Carolina Brought Organizations and Resources Together to Address Relief and Recovery Needs After Hurricane Helene	Invited Commentary Hurricane Helene Relief and NCDHHS Medicaid Flexibilities

___ **Original Research**
[Racial/Ethnic and Sex Differences in Coping Mechanisms and Barriers to Health Care Among Adults with Chronic Pain: North Carolina, 2018-2019](https://ncmedicaljournal.com/article/121420-racial-ethnic-and-sex-differences-in-coping-mechanisms-and-barriers-to-health-care-among-adults-with-chronic-pain-north-carolina-2018-2019) [Differences in Discrimination, Violence, Mental Health, and Substance Use Outcomes by Cancer History Among LGBTQ+ Individuals in North Carolina](https://ncmedicaljournal.com/article/127405-differences-in-discrimination-violence-mental-health-and-substance-use-outcomes-by-cancer-history-among-lgbtq-individuals-in-north-carolina) [Advertising Among Cannabidiol (CBD) Retailers in North Carolina: A Pilot Study](https://ncmedicaljournal.com/article/137181-advertising-among-cannabidiol-cbd-retailers-in-north-carolina-a-pilot-study) ___ **Letters to the Editor**
[Physician Planning for Retirement: Improving the Physician Experience and Reducing Impacts to Patients in North Carolina](https://ncmedicaljournal.com/article/137513-physician-planning-for-retirement-improving-the-physician-experience-and-reducing-impacts-to-patients-in-north-carolina) [Private Equity’s Opportunities and Challenges in North Carolina’s Health Care Ecosystem](https://ncmedicaljournal.com/article/137518-private-equity-s-opportunities-and-challenges-in-north-carolina-s-health-care-ecosystem) [A Broader Diagnosis—What North Carolina Needs from Its Physicians Now](https://ncmedicaljournal.com/article/137536-a-broader-diagnosis-what-north-carolina-needs-from-its-physicians-now) ___ **From the NCIOM**
[2025 Child Health Report Card](https://ncmedicaljournal.com/article/137510-2025-child-health-report-card)

Invited Commentaries