WNCCHS Expands HIV Services to McDowell County

Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS) is now offering HIV medical care at WNCCHS—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.

“This is a big step for WNCCHS,” said Dr. Todd Wallenius, an HIV specialty provider and WNCCHS’s retired chief medical officer. “For the past 10 years, we’ve wanted to bring HIV medical care beyond Buncombe County, and I’m so excited to finally see it happen.”

The new services at McDowell Health Center give patients in the eastern part of WNCCHS’s service area a closer and more convenient option for care. Many patients used to travel to Asheville, but now people from McDowell, Avery, Cleveland, and Rutherford counties can save between 46 minutes and two hours in travel time.

“With easier access to health care providers and pharmacy services, patients are more likely to keep up with their treatment, leading to better overall health,” said Emily McFalls, a family nurse practitioner at McDowell Health Center.

For the past six months, Emily has worked closely with WNCCHS’s medical and operations teams to prepare the center for HIV care.

WNCCHS is the main provider of Ryan White HIV care in 18 North Carolina counties, serving about 800 patients. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is a federal program that helps low-income people with HIV by providing medical care, medications, and support services.

At WNCCHS, a dedicated administrator ensures the program follows all guidelines and builds partnerships in the region. WNCCHS Care Management also connects patients with important resources like medicine, food, and social support.

Since its founding in 1993, WNCCHS has provided HIV care. Today, the organization helps integrate medical, dental, and behavioral health care for HIV patients. WNCCHS also supports universal HIV testing for all patients and provides HIV prevention services.

In the past year, WNCCHS has improved its HIV program by training providers, creating standardized care plans, and expanding patient support. Providers like Bryce May, FNP, and Emily have gone through extensive HIV training and are working toward becoming certified HIV specialists. Six other WNCCHS providers are already certified as either HIV specialists or HIV pharmacists by the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

“Integrating HIV services into primary care helps normalize treatment and break down stigma,” Dr. Wallenius said. “The more we raise awareness and provide access to care, the more we can prevent new infections and improve the overall health of our communities.”

For more information, visit wncchs.org/hiv-care.