News

MANNA FoodBank Mobile Market is Back!
After a long pause due to Hurricane Helene, we’re thrilled to share that the MANNA FoodBank Mobile Market hosted by WNCCHS is officially back!

WNCCHS Expands HIV Services to McDowell County
WNCCHS is now offering HIV medical care at McDowell Health Center, making it easier for people with HIV/AIDS in the area to get treatment closer to home. This is the first time in decades that WNCCHS has provided HIV medical care outside of Buncombe County.

All Staff Meeting Recap & Gallery
WNCCHS staff gathered for an All Staff meeting featuring presentations on emergency protocols and resilience training, as well as a tribute to our retiring CEO, Kim. View photos and the presentations here.

WNCCHS Announces New CEO
WNCCHS has named Anita Case, MSW, as its new chief executive officer, following a successful national search. Case will succeed Kim Wagenaar, MSN, who is retiring after a distinguished career.

WNCCHS Holiday Party Gallery
The WNCCHS staff Christmas party was a festive afternoon full of laughter and celebration. Check out the photo gallery to see all the fun!

WNCCHS McDowell Health Center Expands Access with New Pharmacy and Services
WNCCHS has completed a major expansion at WNCCHS McDowell Health Center, the county’s only community health center.

WNCCHS Re-Opening Celebration
Last Thursday and Friday, the WNCCHS team came together to celebrate the reopening of our Health Centers. Senior leaders and staff gathered to recognize the incredible dedication and resilience of our employees in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Helene Recovery Resources
Our updated location/hours info, local resources, FEMA Assistance information, donations, and more.

WNCCHS McDowell Health Center Open House Breakfast
Join us for a casual breakfast at WNCCHS McDowell Health Center as we celebrate the opening of our new pharmacy and newly completed offices for Care Management and Behavioral Health services!

Mountain Xpress Best of WNC 2024
For nine years in a row, Mountain Xpress readers have voted WNCCHS as first place in the category of “Health & Wellness: Place to Get Medical Care When Under- or Uninsured.”

WNCCHS 30th Anniversary Community Health Fair
UPDATE: This event has been cancelled due to weather concerns relating to Hurricane Helene.

National Health Center Week ‘24
As we conclude National Health Center Week (NHCW), we look back on the significance of this celebration during an important milestone: WNCCH’s 30th anniversary!

CEO Presentation Series: Finance Grants
Welcome to a new presentation series by WNCCHS CEO Kim Wagenaar -- designed exclusively for WNCCHS staff! The first series, consisting of three presentations, will focus on the financial aspects of WNCCHS, offering a foundational understanding of our finances.

Weight-Loss Clinics
For both existing patients and folks who want to establish care at WNCCHS--McDowell Health Center or WNCCHS--Hominy Valley Health Center.

WNCCHS—McDowell Health Center Begins Expansion to Broaden Health Services
Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS) is excited to announce the start of construction on a significant expansion at WNCCHS—McDowell Health Center, located at 136 Creekview Court. Overseen by RYSE Construction, the project will enhance the center's offerings by adding an on-site pharmacy, care management services, and expanded behavioral health and primary care services.

WNCCHS Internal Communication Tools
We're excited to introduce some new and improved internal communication tools that will make it easier for our staff to stay connected.

WNCCHS Announces New Chief Behavioral Health Officer
Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS) is thrilled to announce the promotion of Jessica Parsil to Chief Behavioral Health Officer. This strategic move adds a crucial leadership role to the executive team, underscoring WNCCHS’s dedication to whole-person care.

A Ray of Hope for Kate: How Medicaid Expansion is Making a Difference in Patients’ Lives
At 41, Kate Roper received a diagnosis that changed her life and helped explain at least two decades of health issues. However, the resulting financial strain was almost overwhelming – that is, until Medicaid Expansion passed in North Carolina.

Benefits of the WNCCHS Pharmacy
We'd appreciate your help in getting the word out about the WNCCHS Pharmacy. Some of our patients still don't know that WNCCHS has its own pharmacy, or the benefits it can offer them -- such as providing select brand name medications at the fraction of the cost of other pharmacies.

Photo Album: WNCCHS Holiday Party 2024
On December 20th, WNCCHS staff gathered at the Crown Plaza Ballroom in Asheville, NC, for a Winter Wonderland holiday celebration from noon to 5 pm.
For Media
WNCCHS strongly encourages members of the media to first contact a member of the WNCCHS Marketing & Communications team when seeking a source. For media requests, please contact:
Marilee Griffin
Marketing & Communications Director
mgriffin@wncchs.org | (828) 285-0622 Ext. 4406
Patient Privacy
The safety and privacy of our patients is our organization’s top priority, and health center policy mandates that every reporter be escorted inside patient care facilities. In addition to an expectation of privacy by all patients and visitors at WNCCHS, the privacy rights of all patients is protected under federal law by HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Members of the WNCCHS media team must secure written permission from patients, as required, in advance of any onsite interviews with patients or their health care providers.