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

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.

🧾✨ 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!