Impact Health to Lead Landmark Rural Health Initiative in Western North Carolina

 Impact Health to Lead Landmark Rural Health Initiative in Western North Carolina

 NC Department of Health and Human Services names Impact Health Region 1 NC ROOTS Hub Lead, advancing coordinated rural health priorities across 19 counties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The NC Department of Health and Human Services has selected Impact Health as the NC Rural Organizations Orchestrating Transformation for Sustainability (NC ROOTS) Hub Lead for Region 1. In this role, Impact Health will lead implementation of the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program (NCRHTP) in Western North Carolina (WNC).

NCRHTP is supported by $213 million in federal funding from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The statewide program aims to improve health outcomes, expand access to care, and create a more connected and sustainable rural health system that serves all North Carolinians.

The NC ROOTS Hub model creates regionally governed networks that bring together healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, and community partners to address the unique needs of rural communities. Impact Health will lead WNC’s network across 19 counties and the Qualla Boundary in Region 1.

Laurie Stradley, DrPH, CEO of Impact Health, said the state’s designation builds upon Impact Health’s proven role as a regional convener and collaborator — an approach shaped by its work with regional partners through the NC Healthy Opportunities Pilot.

“It’s a great privilege to be selected as the Region 1 ROOTS Hub Lead,” Stradley said. “Our proposal reflects the lessons and expertise gained through Healthy Opportunities. Over the next several years, we will focus on strengthening, expanding, and sustaining efforts that are already working in WNC, while improving coordination and communication across partners.”

Regional Priorities & Partners

Over the next five years, Impact Health and other NC ROOTS Hub Leads will support rural communities by:

• Improving behavioral health and substance use services
• Enhancing care coordination across regions
• Leveraging digital tools to improve outcomes
• Expanding access to primary care
• Strengthening healthcare through workforce development

Currently, Impact Health is in the process of convening rural hospitals, primary care providers, behavioral health organizations, federally qualified health centers, local health departments, community-based organizations, and social service agencies to complete a regional needs assessment and asset-mapping process. Findings will inform the Region 1 Hub Action Plan and guide investments to strengthen rural health infrastructure across the region.

During the first year of the five-year initiative, Dogwood Health Trust will provide capital to support implementation and establish the Region 1 NC ROOTS Hub, Stradley noted.

“NCRHTP operates under a unique funding structure,” she said. “We would not be able to lead this work on behalf of our region without the partnership and collaboration of Dogwood Health Trust.”

“Healthy rural communities depend on dynamic and connected systems,” said Dr. Susan Mims, President and CEO of Dogwood Health Trust. “This is an opportunity to strengthen the relationships, partnerships and systems that help people access and receive high-quality care close to home. Dogwood is proud to support Impact Health as it brings community organizations and local providers together around a shared vision for healthier rural communities.”

North Carolina is presently home to more than 3.5 million rural residents, the second-largest rural population in the nation.

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About Impact Health
Impact Health is a regional nonprofit organization serving the 19 counties of Western North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary. Through collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships, Impact Health brings together health care providers, community organizations, and public agencies to improve health outcomes, expand access to care, and build healthier communities.

About Dogwood Health Trust

Dogwood Health Trust is a private foundation dedicated to dramatically improving the health and well-being of all people and communities across Western North Carolina. Through strategic investments, partnerships, and collaboration, Dogwood works to create opportunities for every person to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services manages the delivery of health- and human-related services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable people – children, elderly, disabled and low-income families. NCDHHS serves as the lead state agency for North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program aimed at improving health care for rural North Carolinians and their communities.

Stevens Amendment Disclosure: This news release is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $213,008,356.47 with 100% funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.