July 2023

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In this Edition

• Message from NHF Executive Director Lori Bailey
• Our Poverty Myth-Busting Series Launches
• Our Partner Spotlight: Western Carolina Pacesetters
• Kids + Water Fun = Need for Increased Safety Attention

Hello and Happy Summer,

As warm summer breezes gently caress our spirits, I want to extend my warmest appreciation to you, our incredible partners in health. Your unwavering support is the sunshine that brightens our mission and propels us forward in making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

The sun-kissed days ahead are the perfect time to reflect on the incredible impact we've achieved together. Thanks to your compassion and dedication, we've been able to create positive change, uplift communities, and bring hope where it's needed most.

As most of the world slows for summer, we understand your work never stops. Even so, there’s value in cherishing moments of rest and rejuvenation. I hope you find the time you need to renew.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to staying steadfast in our pursuit of change and progress. Together, we will face new challenges, embrace fresh opportunities, and continue to seek meaningful solutions that address the pressing issues that impact health throughout our region.

From all of us at Nantahala Health Foundation, may this summer be filled with warmth, happiness, and a sense of fulfillment. We are humbled by your work and your willingness to partner with us and others in the name of better health and well-being for all.

Thank you for being an integral part of our shared vision to create a healthier future for everyone in our part of beautiful Western North Carolina.

With warmest regards,

Lori Bailey



Executive Director

Nantahala Health Foundation

Myth-Busting: Poverty Edition

In an effort to debunk the Top 10 most firmly held and frustrating myths about poverty's impact on individuals and families, specifically here in the Appalachian Region, Nantahala Health Foundation has launched a 10-part social series to break down this complex issue into easy-to-understand, bite-size truths.

Our #TruthTuesday posts on Facebook and Instagram launched last week and will run for the next several weeks. If you find one in your social feed, be sure to give it a thumbs up, double tap, and share it with your friends. The more we collectively understand and share the truth about this issue, the better our solutions will be.

Understanding poverty's impact on health has led Nantahala Health Foundation to address the issue by partnering with local and regional agencies, including making investments in:



• Health-related home repairs and modifications for low-income individuals and families
• Ensuring low-income and under-insured expectant mothers receive medical services
• Providing dental care to low-income veterans of our country's armed forces
• Working with local food pantries to address food insecurity by providing nutrient-rich options provided by local farmers
• Supporting community paramedic programs to reduce emergency room visits for low-income and under-insured community members
• Enhancing safety measures for area senior centers living on limited monthly incomes
• Bolstering public transportation options and 170+ more community projects designed to promote health and well-being for all.

Poverty's negative impact on health is undeniable, and its elimination has been sought in our country at the federal, state, and local levels for generations. While strides have been made, too many men, women, and children continue to struggle under poverty's tremendous weight.

Also undeniable is the fact that easing poverty's impact not only improves the health and life expectancy of those currently oppressed, it dramatically improves health outcomes for all, even for those whose financial well-being consistently runs in the black.

Make a donation today to help us improve health and well-being for those living in poverty in Western North Carolina. 

At Western Carolina Pacesetters, summer fun includes developing life skills as youth focus on communication, conflict resolution skills, resistance skills (social decision-making skills), and resilience. - Photos contributed by Western Carolina Pacesetters

Through our 2022 Collaborative Health Innovation Program (CHIP), Nantahala Health Foundation invested $50,000 in Western Carolina Pacesetters to assist their work to provide a stabilized restorative justice continuum in the far western counties and to provide positive role models for area youth by adding a staff member who specializes in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and Mental Health First Aid. 

Western Carolina Pacesetters strives to make an impact on the lives of the youth we serve, but there are always a few who have stories that seem to stand out above the others, said Pacesetters Director Valori Cassel.

"One of these stories belongs to a young lady [client’s name withheld]. She came to the adventure program with extreme anger and anxiety issues," Cassel said. "She would often scream and curse at her teachers and throw things across rooms. If she did not act out, she would shut down completely. This is what we were told of her situation by referral sources."

Over the time she spent with the program, she went from closed off and distant to a distinct leader during skill initiatives. She openly speaks to others about how our program helped her to develop outlets and tools to assist with her anger and anxiety management. She credits Pacesetters with her ability to now function in public settings with positivity and with better control of her actions. Today, she serves on her school’s leadership team and is striving to make positive changes within her school. Her grades are steady straight A’s, and she’s set to graduate early at the end of 2024. In addition, she has a goal to attend college to become a psychologist to help youth in her community."

Keeping Children Safe Around Water

There's plenty of summer fun left to enjoy before the kids head back to the classroom. Now is a good time to revisit your safety checklist, especially when you and your children are enjoying the cooling magic of our region's many waterways and swimming pools. Click below to get a quick reminder about how best to keep children safe when these hot days send you for a quick dip.

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.

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.