Nantahala Health Foundation has joined forces with Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation and Dogwood Health Trust to make funding available to nonprofit, faith-based, and governmental agencies that specialize in home repairs in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties, and the Qualla Boundary.

The Healthy Homes Initiative is targeted to owner-occupied homes of individuals at or below 60% of the area median income. Many of these homeowners are unable to afford the repairs needed to maintain the safety and health of their home’s occupants. Others require home modifications to ensure they can safely age in their homes or to address physical challenges or disabilities. In some cases, the affordability of repairs and home modifications have been further compromised by supply chain and labor challenges exacerbated by COVID-19.

Agencies interested in learning more about this grant opportunity and how to apply for these funds are encouraged to click on the links below or to reach out to staff at either NHF or HCFH for details.

We are pleased to announce that 21 Collaborative Health Innovation Program, or CHIP, grant applications were successfully submitted and are being reviewed for funding.

Because so many of the largest barriers to health and wellness will require multiple-agency cooperation, we made collaboration with at least one other organization a condition to be awarded CHIP funding. And our applicants did not disappoint, with a combination of more than 40 different agencies committing to support each other in pursuit of the improved health outcomes anticipated from these 21 projects. Project awards are anticipated to be announced in January 2022.

"We appreciate these organizational leaders' willingness to address some of our region's most critical health-related issues," said NHF Executive Director Lori Bailey. "We look forward to completing our review process and ultimately partnering with many of these agency change-makers in pursuit of a healthier future for our region."

DHT leaders have indicated the agenda for these community meetings will include an update on their regional investments, an overview of progress made toward developing goals in each of their four strategic priority areas, and, most importantly, hearing participant input. Use the link below to register for this event.

Register here

Nantahala Health Foundation's $10,000 investment in Erlanger Health System's partnership with Graham County Schools to open a school-based health clinic received regional recognition when Blue Ridge Public Radio aired an interview with Family Nurse Practioner Debbie McDaniel late last month.

During the interview, McDaniel emphasized the part education plays in helping younger generations understand the role of primary care with respect to prevention. By regularly accessing primary care, she said, an individual is more likely to ensure a minor medical concern does not go untreated so long that urgent care is untimely required, which is important in rural areas like Robbinsville and even more remote parts of Graham County, where urgent care can be difficult to find.

Graham County School Superintendent Angie Knight, who also brings her years of academic expertise to the Nantahala Health Foundation Board of Directors, was also featured in the on-air interview. She explained that the health clinic will be available to students who are seen by the school nurse and need additional care with parental permission or by appointment. Currently, two nurses provide care within Graham County's school system, from Pre-K to 12th grade.

Nantahala Health Foundation's investment in regional health and well-being programs totals nearly $2.5 million since our inception in 2019, with grant funds awarded to 78 different agencies. We are thankful for the opportunity to support our partners in our role as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration for the benefit of all.

We also appreciate the generosity of our donors and supporters, whose financial contributions are vital to the continuation and growth of our work within the region. If you would like to learn more about how you can become a part of Our Healthy Future Movement, please call us at 828.634.1527 or visit our website.

Our values speak to who we are as an organization and how we intend to achieve our mission. Read our full statement of values and let us know what you think.

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