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Together, We Are Building a Healthier Tomorrow

A significant population of people in our mountain region are medically underserved. Many develop complex health conditions because they cannot access care. MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center) was founded 50 years ago to ensure the people of Western North Carolina have access to high-quality healthcare.

Improving Access to Care

“I feel an incredible amount of responsibility and connection, not just to WNC, but to access to healthcare and other issues.”

MAHEC increases access to primary care throughout WNC, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Through partnerships with UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC, regional hospitals, and social service organizations, MAHEC trains healthcare professionals and serves as a safety-net provider to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.

Read Dr. Woodward’s Story

Supporting Women's Health

“I don't know what I would have done without Project CARA. My family and I are so grateful.”

MAHEC promotes health equity and improves women’s health, maternal health, and infant outcomes in WNC by expanding access to essential prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care. As the region's only provider for high-risk pregnancies, we offer specialized care through programs like Project CARA, Centering Pregnancy®, and Centering Parenting®, ensuring women and families receive the support they need.

Read Cailyn’s Story

Inspiring the Next Generation

“I am living my childhood dreams.”

MAHEC’s Center for Health Professions Education programs inspire and equip young people starting as early as middle school to explore medical careers through education, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities. Key initiatives like the MAHEC Medical Mentoring Program, Project PROMISE, and the Health Careers Academy nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals, especially from rural and underrepresented communities.

Read Bryanna’s Story

Caring for the Most Vulnerable

“We searched for help for over two years, but no one would listen—until MAHEC’s school dental program found her. We didn’t know what we were going to do.”

MAHEC supports children, families, older adults, and vulnerable populations through initiatives like school-based behavioral health, School Smiles Mobile Dentistry, the Center for Healthy Aging, and care for individuals experiencing homelessness—ensuring access to care, regardless of ability to pay.

Read School Smiles Story

Support MAHEC

Your gift will significantly impact our community and transform healthcare in WNC.

MAHEC’s annual budget of nearly $140 million supports high-quality services across our 16-county region. Less than 20% of this budget is funded by state appropriations. Most other revenues are from patient care fees, reimbursements, contracts with health systems, and grants that are designated for specific programs and services.

By giving to MAHEC, your support of the MAHEC Annual Fund provides essential resources that help MAHEC allocate to areas of greatest need. Your gift enables us to expand access to care, address the region’s social and health challenges, and improve the health and wellness of our friends, families, and neighbors in WNC.

Give to MAHEC

Thank you for your support.