The sale of Mission Health System to HCA, created the Dogwood Health Trust. Mission Health has also announced the creatation of a foundation to specifically represent the six westernmost counties in NC.
Nantahala Health Foundation will represent Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary.
The foundation’s goal will be to guarantee the continued efforts of improving the health, wellness and lives of people in the region. Unlike Dogwood Health Trust, which was created from the sale of Mission Health System to HCA, the Nantahala Health Foundation was created from a one-time grant from Mission Health System.
Jane Kimsey has been chosen as the Chair of the new organization.
“We have an amazing opportunity to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our communities, today and for generations to come. We look forward to partnering with the nonprofits and community leaders who are already doing great work in our region,” says Kimsey in a press release.
The Board of Directors of the Organization also released two priorities for the upcoming year:
Understanding and identifying the issues that challenge our communities and create health disparities.
Through a grassroots approach, creating a better understanding of the inner workings of existing nonprofits in the region, investing in their strategies through capacity building, and supporting their initiatives that address the root causes of the health inequalities in our six-county region.
Right now, the only public information for the foundation is this press release and a platform for general questions at www.nantahalahealthfoundation.org. Specific questions can be sent to info@nantahalahealthfoundation.org.
