Toe River Project Access

We have one final gift of support for the communities we have been honored to serve.

Thanks to donations raised from a concert held at the Parkway Playhouse, we were able to donate Ingles gift cards to the Yancey County Health Department and Walmart gift cards to Toe River Health Department in Avery and Mitchell counties, with gift cards ranging from $20–$25, totaling up to $1,200.

These gift cards will help local patients access groceries and needed medications through the pharmacies located inside these stores — helping ease everyday burdens for families across these counties.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Dwayne Melton and Gypsy River Bands and the Parkway Playhouse for helping make this final act of giving possible, and to the communities we have been so proud to serve. You will always hold a special place in the story of Toe River Project Access.

After many years of serving the people of Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties, it is with heavy hearts that we share that Toe River Project Access will be closing its doors.
This decision did not come easily. Over the past few months, we have worked to find a new organization to continue TRPA’s services and legacy. Unfortunately, this is a difficult time for many health and human service organizations, and taking on a program like TRPA does not appear possible right now.
For decades, Toe River Project Access has stood beside our neighbors during some of their hardest moments — helping individuals and families access health insurance, medical care, medications, dental services, vision care, specialty care, food, and so much more when they otherwise may have gone without. What started as a healthcare access program became something much deeper: a lifeline, a support system, and a reminder that our community truly cares for one another.
We are incredibly proud of what this program has accomplished over the decades. Thousands of lives have been touched through the compassion of our healthcare providers, community partners, donors, and supporters. Because of you, countless people received care, hope, dignity, and encouragement when they needed it most.
To every patient who trusted us, every provider who donated their time, every partner organization who walked alongside us, and every follower who supported our mission — thank you. Your kindness and belief in this work made the difference.
While this chapter is coming to an end, the impact of Toe River Project Access will live on in the lives we served and in the many organizations and individuals across Western North Carolina who continue fighting for accessible healthcare for all.
Our last day of regular operations will be May 15th, 2026. TRPA will provide you with one final resource list to help you during this transition.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for allowing us to serve this community. It has been one of the greatest honors of our lives.

With gratitude,
Toe River Project Access 💙

Community Resource List

Insurance Navigation

1. NC Senior’s Health Information Insurance Program (SHIIP) Medicare– Mitchell County
Contact: Amber Dillinger
📞 (828) 688-2104, Option 1

2. NC Senior’s Health Information Insurance Program (SHIIP) Medicare – Yancey County
Contact: Vivian Hollifield
📞 (828) 682-6186

3. Pisgah Legal Services (ACA, Medicaid)
📍 302 W US Hwy 19E, Burnsville, NC 28714
📞 (828) 253-0406

Medical Providers

1. High Country Community Health (Avery County)
📍 448 Cranberry St, Newland, NC 28657
📞 (828) 737-0221

2. Mountain Community Health Partners (Mitchell & Yancey Counties)
📞 (828) 688-2104

3. Toe River Health District – Avery County Campus
📍 545 Schultz Circle, Newland, NC 28657
📞 (828) 733-6031

4. Toe River Health District – Mitchell County Campus
📍 130 Forest Service Dr, Suite D, Bakersville, NC 28705
📞 (828) 688-2371

5. Yancey County Health Department
📍 202 Medical Campus Dr, Burnsville, NC 28714
📞 (828) 682-6118

Dental

1.Mountain Community Health Partnership – Bakersville Dental Center
📍 86 N Mitchell Ave, Bakersville, NC 28705
📞 (828) 688-2104

2. High Country Community Health – Avery County Dental
📍 504 Pineola St, Newland, NC 28657
📞 (828) 742-1018
🕒 Monday–Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

3. McDowell County Health Department – Dental Clinic
📍 408 Spaulding Rd, Marion, NC 28752
📞 (828) 652-6811
🕒 Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Food and Nutrition Supports

1. Feeding Avery Families
📍189 Old Vale Road, Newland NC 28657
📞828-783-8606

2. Reconciliation House
📍 20 Academy Street Burnsville, NC 28714
📞 (828) 682-7251

3. Shepherd’s Staff
📍 10992 NC 226 Spruce Pine, NC 28777
📞 (828) 385-6153

4. Tractor Food & Farms
📍 10992 NC 226, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
📞 (828) 536-0126

Medications

1. NC MedAssist
📞 (704) 943-9639
Application assistance available by phone in English and Spanish

Vision

1. Aldridge Eye Institute
📍 419 E Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714
📞 (828) 682-2104

2. Appalachian Eye Associates
📍 54 Hill St, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
📞 (828) 765-2020

Toe River Project Access was proud to partner with Dr. Marvin Walker, Dr. Diane Walker, and their staff at Appalachian Eye Associates during our recent Free Eye Exam Day to help provide much-needed vision care services to residents of Mitchell County.

When we first reached out to ask if they would participate, they didn’t hesitate. They were immediately happy to help because they understand the great need that exists in our rural communities and see firsthand the struggles many families face when they do not have vision insurance coverage.

For many people living in Mitchell County and throughout rural Western North Carolina, affordable health insurance often feels out of reach — and even for those who do have medical coverage, routine vision care is often not included. Many residents are surprised to learn that while they may have health insurance, it does not cover preventive eye care, leaving them without access to important exams and screenings that can detect problems early and protect long-term eye health.

Barriers such as high costs, lack of vision coverage, transportation challenges, and limited provider availability often prevent families from receiving the care they need. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of Dr. Marvin Walker, Dr. Diane Walker, and their staff, local residents were able to receive free vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams close to home.

We are deeply grateful to Dr. Marvin Walker, Dr. Diane Walker, and their staff at Appalachian Eye Associates for their compassion, willingness to serve, and commitment to improving the health and well-being right here in our community.

Thank you for recognizing the need and stepping up to help our neighbors— one patient, one exam, and one brighter future at a time. 💚

💙 Giving the Gift of Clear Vision to Our Community 👓
Toe River Project Access was honored to partner with Dr. Moore and the team at Aldridge Eye Institute during their Free Eye Exam Event last month to help bring much-needed vision care services to our community.

In an effort to support community members in need, they warmly opened their doors to provide essential care. They offered free vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams to 20 residents of Yancey County, ensuring that these vital services were accessible without any cost to the patients.

During the event, the team was also able to identify a community member in need of cataract surgery and quickly respond to that important medical need. Moments like this remind us how life-changing access to routine eye care can truly be.

A few patients who had Medicare insurance were unaware they had access to preventive vision services and free eye exams through their coverage. Helping community members better understand and utilize their benefits is another important step toward improving access to care.

Yancey County and many neighboring rural counties continue to face challenges in accessing affordable vision care and understanding their coverage options. For many families in Western North Carolina, barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, transportation challenges, and limited provider availability can make receiving eye care difficult. Thanks to the generosity of community partners like Aldridge Eye Institute, local residents were able to receive quality care close to home.

We are also incredibly thankful for Misty Arrowood, Practice Manager at Aldridge Eye Institute, whose passion for serving the community was evident throughout the event. Even after a successful day of caring for patients, she was already discussing ways we can work together to improve and serve even more neighbors during next year’s event.

We are deeply thankful for Dr. Moore and the entire Aldridge Eye Institute team for their kindness, professionalism, and commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community.

Thank you for helping our neighbors see a brighter future — one patient at a time. 💚

Today our local SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) Counselors, Miki Pontorno and Vivian Hollifield, attended quarterly training at the Yancey County Cooperative Extension to stay current on the latest Medicare updates and policy changes.

The training, led by our SHIIP Regional Manager, Billie Lister, helps ensure our counselors have the most up-to-date information to provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling and enrollment assistance to beneficiaries in our community.

This service is so important because it gives our neighbors trusted local support when making Medicare decisions.

Pictured are SHIIP Regional Manager Billie Lister and local SHIIP Counselor Vivian Hollifield as they continue this important work to better serve our community.

19 Smiles Brighter: Another Successful Free Dental Day this time in Mitchell County! 🦷

Toe River Project Access was proud to team up with Spruce Pine Dental Arts for a special day dedicated to serving our community and expanding access to much-needed dental care.

Thanks to the generosity, compassion, and dedication of Dr. Maltba and the outstanding team at Spruce Pine Dental Arts, 19 Mitchell County local residents received free dental care at absolutely no cost, including cleanings, exams, X-rays, fillings, and extractions.

The need for affordable dental care in our rural communities is very real. One patient shared, “I’ve called everywhere. The offices taking new patients are more than I can afford, and the ones I can afford aren’t accepting anyone new.”

Another told us, “With gas prices so high, I just can’t justify driving long distances for dental care.”

These stories are a powerful reminder of the barriers many of our neighbors face when simply trying to access basic dental services — and exactly why days like this matter so much.

Because of the kindness and commitment shown by this amazing team, local individuals and families received the care they needed right here at home.

We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Maltba, and the entire Spruce Pine Dental Arts team for making a lasting difference. Their dedication to improving oral health in Mitchell County continues to strengthen our community — one smile at a time. 💚

As Dawn, Practice Manager at Spruce Pine Dental Arts, shared,“Dr Maltba has been wanting to do this for a while — let’s plan another one in the fall!”

What an incredible day serving our community during Free Dental Day at Mt. Mitchell Dentistry! 🦷💙

Toe River Project Access was honored to partner with Dr. Greene and the amazing staff at Mt. Mitchell Dentistry as they generously volunteered their time, skills, and compassion to provide FREE dental care to our Yancey County neighbors because of their kindness and dedication, 26 community members received care at absolutely no cost — including cleanings, X-rays, exams, extractions, and fillings.

In rural communities like ours, many families face challenges accessing affordable dental care due to lack of insurance, insurance limitations, or long travel distances to providers. Dr. Greene understands those struggles and stepped up in a big way to help meet a real need right here at home.

At the end of the day, Dr. Greene smiled and said,“Let’s do it again next year!”

We are beyond grateful for this compassionate team and the difference they made in the lives of so many people. Thank you for proving that kindness, community, and healthy smiles truly go hand in hand. 💚

🧾✨ Mitchell County SHRED EVENT – FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! ✨🧾
Do you have old bills, bank statements, or documents with personal information sitting around? Protect yourself from identity theft by safely shredding them!
📅 Thursday, May 21
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Mitchell Senior Center
152 Ledger School Rd, Bakersville, NC 28705
🚛 Asheville Shred 360 will be on-site to securely destroy your documents.
🔒 Limit: 3 boxes per person
✔️ Safely dispose of sensitive paperwork
✔️ Help protect your identity
✔️ Quick, easy, and secure
🤝 Sponsored by Toe River Project Access & Mitchell County Senior Center
💚 This event is completely FREE and open to the public!
Spread the word and bring a friend—let’s keep our community safe!

📍 Low-Cost / Federally Funded Dental Clinics in Western NC (Sliding Scale Available)
If you or someone you know needs affordable dental care, these community health centers (FQHCs) provide services regardless of ability to pay:

🦷 Appalachian Mountain Health Dental
📍 7 McDowell St #200, Asheville, NC
📞 (828) 676-3618
🕒 Mon–Tue: 8am–5pm | Wed–Thu: 8am–5pm | Fri: 8am–12pm

🦷 High Country Community Health
📍 504 Pineola St, Newland, NC
📞 (828) 742-1018
🕒 Mon–Thu: 8:30am–5pm

🦷 Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS)
📞 (828) 285-0622
🕒 Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm
✔ Offers dental, medical, and behavioral health care on a sliding fee scale

🦷 Mountain Community Health Partnership – Bakersville Dental Center
📞 (828) 688-2104
🕒 Call for dental hours
✔ Federally Qualified Health Center serving Mitchell & Yancey counties

🦷 Blue Ridge Health - Stokes Dental Center
📍 2595 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC
📞 (828) 692-4289
Mon–Fri: ~7:45am–5pm

🦷 Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic
📍 110 US-64, Cashiers, NC
📞 (828) 743-3393
🕒 Mon–Fri: 9am–3pm

💡 What these clinics offer:

Accept Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients
Sliding fee scale based on income
Cannot turn patients away for inability to pay

📌 Tip: Call ahead — many clinics have waitlists or require new patient screening.

We’re excited to be out in the community today making a difference through healthcare💚
20 of our neighbors will receive free eye exams today—helping them take an important step toward better overall health and quality of life.
It’s an honor to serve, connect, and support our community in meaningful ways. Access to care matters, and today is a great reminder of what we can accomplish together. 👁️✨

🌟 SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD IS HAPPENING NOW! 🌟
Are you waiting for Medicare due to a disability?
👉 You do NOT have to go without coverage during the 2-year waiting period.
💡 WE CAN HELP YOU GET:
✔ Affordable health insurance
✔ Access to your doctors
✔ Coverage for your medications
🌲 FREE HELP FROM LOCAL EXPERTS
Toe River Project Access
📞 Call Today: 828-606-6428
We’ll help you enroll in a plan that fits your needs and your budget.
✨ DON’T WAIT — PROTECT YOUR HEALTH TODAY! ✨