Local Health and Emergency Resource Guide for McDowell County Residents
This article lays out key health, emergency, and civic resources available across McDowell County, providing clear directions for immediate care and routine services. Knowing where to call for medical care, behavioral health support, emergency response, and utility questions can help residents and visitors navigate crises and everyday needs.
McDowell County maintains a network of health care providers, emergency responders, and civic offices that together form the backbone of local public safety and daily services. For urgent medical care, call 911. For non emergency health needs, Welch Community Hospital in Welch provides emergency services and inpatient and outpatient care for county residents. Tug River Health Association operates clinics in Welch and Northfork and offers primary care along with addiction recovery and management services. The McDowell County Health Department offers public health programs, testing, immunizations, and outreach throughout the county.
Rehabilitation and long term care needs are met by McDowell Nursing and Rehabilitation and other local nursing and rehab providers that serve residents who need care after hospital stays or ongoing support. Emergency services are delivered largely by volunteer fire departments including Welch VFD and War VFD along with other community volunteer crews. These departments respond to structure fires, medical calls, and storm damage in many communities across the county.
When disasters strike, federal and state assistance can supplement local response. Register for FEMA assistance when federal disaster declarations apply. Disaster Recovery Centers and nonprofit organizations coordinate on the ground during floods and severe weather to provide recovery services and temporary support. Keep an eye on county notices following any major event so you can access available aid and volunteer assistance quickly.
For routine civic needs contact the McDowell County Commission office for county level services and municipal offices in Welch, Gary, Kimball, Keystone, Northfork, and War for town level information. Public service district offices oversee water and sewer questions and can advise on billing and repair issues. For appointments call the facility directly, and for immediate medical emergencies call 911.
This summary is a practical reference for residents and visitors. Keep emergency numbers handy, know the location of your nearest clinic or hospital, register for disaster assistance when eligible, and contact county or municipal offices for local service updates.
