April 2024

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In this Edition

• Message from Our Executive Director
• Homebound Seniors Benefit from Grant Funding
• Collaborative Congratulations
• Board Members in the News
• Medicaid Expansion Enrolls 400,000
• NEW: Now + Next Available to Organizations
• NHF Partner Services Available

A Message from Lori

A Warm Welcome to Spring!

Winter's icy grip has loosened, and the promise of spring is once again upon us. This time of year serves as a poignant reminder for me of renewal and hope. Just as part of the world awakens from its slumber, so, too, must we awaken to the needs of at-risk children in our communities.

Too many vulnerable children and young adults in our region face challenges that hinder their ability to thrive and reach their full potential. Whether it be poverty, abuse, neglect, or lack of access to education and resources, these obstacles can cast a shadow over their entire lives, leaving them perpetually in need of support.

Spring symbolizes a fresh start, a chance for growth and transformation. Similarly, at-risk children deserve opportunities for growth and transformation, opportunities that can only be realized through compassion, intervention, and support from their communities.

Supporting at-risk children and young adults is not only a moral imperative, it is an investment in the future. By providing them with the resources, guidance, and care they need, we empower them to overcome adversity, break the cycle of poverty, and build brighter futures for themselves. Just as spring brings forth new life and rejuvenation, our support can bring forth renewed hope, resilience, and possibilities for at-risk children.

As the seasons change and the world around us bursts forth with new life, let us also renew our commitment to supporting at-risk children and young adults. Let us be the catalysts for change, the champions of hope, and the architects of a brighter tomorrow. Together, we can ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to blossom and flourish like the flowers of spring.

For our region's children, we thank you for engaging with us and supporting this important work.

Lori Bailey

Executive Director

Nantahala Health Foundation

*In recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we offer you a look at our new funding priority, for which we will be seeking partners later this year.

Nutrition Services Expansion Grants

We are pleased to announce that our collaborative partnership with Dogwood Health Trust and Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation has resulted in grants awarded to five agencies addressing the growing demand for senior nutrition services in the far western region of North Carolina.

The program’s goal is to expand meal services for homebound seniors facing food insecurity and mobility challenges by increasing the number of meals delivered, supplementing meals with fresh food (optimally by partnering with local suppliers), and increasing volunteer involvement.

To learn more and see the list of grantees, click the link below.

A Collaborative Congratulations

Nantahala Health Foundation Executive Director Lori Bailey (left) joined Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation Executive Director Charlotte Muir (right) at another community project this week: Celebrating the completion of Hinton Rural Life Center's new Educational Tool Barn, the latest addition to their Safe and Healthy Ministry.

Hinton CEO/President Dr. Jacqueline Gottlieb (center) welcomed more than 80 people to the Hayesville-based campus on April 15 and was said to be 'thrilled' to cut the barn's ceremonial ribbon.

Collaboratively, NHF and HCHF, in partnership with Dogwood Health Trust, have awarded two Healthy Homes grants to Hinton Center.

"We at Nantahala Health Foundation could not be more happy for Hinton and for the many vulnerable people who will benefit from this advancement in their work," Lori said.

Board Members Making News

Congratulations to NHF Board Secretary and Graham County Superintendent of Schools Angie Knight (left) on being named the 2023 Readers' Choice Best Educator.

The award was sponsoned by the Graham Star newspaper in Robbinsville, with winners voted on by the paper's readers.

Shout out to NHF Board Member Clarissa Garcia Ashe (far right) and her Jackson County Department of Public Health colleague Anna Lipparp for their recent representation of far WNC public health professionals at the 2024 Public Health Leaders’ Conference in Raleigh.

Medicaid Expansion Enrolls 400,000 (including children) New Recipients

According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 400,000 North Carolinians have been enrolled in Medicaid since the program was expanded on December 1, 2023.

For these new enrollees, Medicaid has provided 705,000+ prescriptions for things like heart health, diabetes, and other illnesses and covered some $11.2 million in claims for dental services.

Nantahala Health Foundation joined hundreds of organizations across our state in support of Medicaid's expansion. The decision to make these dollars available to more individuals in need means our funding efforts can continue to focus on filling gaps and removing barriers to health when and where they appear.

The NCDHHS Medicaid Expansion website includes information on eligibility, FAQs, how to apply and a sign-up form to receive the latest news and updates.

One-Day Organizational Workshops Available

Nantahala Health Foundation and Strategic Leadership Consulting have partnered to bring Now + Next training to your organization.

Now + Next alumni and Nantahala Health Foundation partner organizations are invited to host a one-day workshop for their leaders. This training is designed to help organizations capitalize on the power of the Now + Next leadership experience.

Benefits include…



●     Improving listening skills and presence to create more intentional leadership.

●     Developing coaching skills to support growth throughout the organization.

●     Becoming aware of change processes to bring organizational alignment.

N+N Cohort Seats Available

Now + Next leadership development program -- the only one of its kind -- brings a collaborative training program specific to the needs of those working in the far-western region of North Carolina.

Now + Next has been locally developed and designed to increase connectivity, diversity, collaboration, and collective leadership capacity to address our region’s most pressing problems now and for our next (and future) generations. 

If you or someone you know is interested in joining one of our no-cost cohorts, use the link below to let us know.

Our grant-making priorities are designed to create a strong network of organizations by investing in your strategies to remove barriers to health.

At Nantahala Health Foundation, we build partnerships with forward-thinking organizations focused on improving the overall health of the region. 

Our Values Statement

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.

Grantmaking | Capacity Building | Elevating Leaders

About Us | Our Priorities | Our Values

Financial information about our organization and a copy of our license are available from the N.C. State Solicitation Licensing Section at (919) 807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.