“Dogwood Health Trust’s investment in our vaccine efforts has meant we can ensure that our all of our neighbors have access to the COVID vaccine,” says Mariela Solano, Director of Health Access and Equity Programs at WCMS. “We are grateful to have their support!”
WCMS’ Project Access® provides free or low-cost comprehensive medical care to low-income, uninsured individuals, ranging from primary care, specialty care, inpatient surgeries, mental health and medications to interpreter services as well as referrals and navigation for socio-economic resources. Project Access®, which is marking its 25th anniversary this year, has served more than 69,000 patients since 1996 and has been replicated in over 100 communities in 32 states.
“Project Access has provided crucial connections to help people in our region access the care they need. The Mobile Vaccine Clinic Collaborative is a natural extension of their work with many partners,” said Dr. Susan Mims, interim CEO of Dogwood Health Trust. “Vaccinations are essential for moving beyond COVID-19, and mobile clinic outreach will allow more people to take advantage and get back to jobs, loved ones and healthier lives.”
Dogwood Health Trust is a private foundation based in Asheville, North Carolina with the sole purpose of dramatically improving the health and well-being of all people and communities of 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary in Western North Carolina. Dogwood Health Trust was created from the net proceeds of the sale of Mission Hospital System and focuses on innovative and equitable ways to address the many factors that contribute to overall health and wellness, with a focus on housing, education, economic opportunity, and access to care and health resources. Dogwood Health Trust works to create a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all, no exceptions. To learn more, please visit www.dht.org.
The Western Carolina Medical Society’s mission is to advocate for healthy communities, increase access to affordable healthcare, fight health inequities, and promote wellness in WNC. Since 1885, WCMS has been highly respected for its leadership and innovation in addressing issues of access to affordable health care, disparities in health, and wellness promotion. Throughout its history, WCMS has been at the forefront of working collaboratively with area organizations to address the health challenges facing our community’s residents.
For more information about the Western Carolina Medical Society contact Miriam Schwarz, CEO/Executive Director at 828-274-2267 or ceo@mywcms.org or visit www.mywcms.org.