Toe River Project Access

05/12/2026

💙 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. 💚

05/12/2026

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.

05/12/2026

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!”

05/07/2026

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. 💚

05/05/2026

🧾✨ 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!

04/22/2026

📍 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.

04/16/2026

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. 👁️✨

04/15/2026

🌟 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! ✨

04/08/2026

04/03/2026

💙 Did You Know Medicaid Covers More Than Just Doctor Visits? 💙

Many people think Medicaid only covers primary care—but it can actually help with so much more!

Depending on your plan, Medicaid may cover:
✔️ Primary Care Visits
✔️ Dental Services (cleanings, exams, sometimes dentures)
✔️ Vision Care (eye exams, glasses)
✔️ Prescription Medications
✔️ Mental Health & Counseling Services
✔️ Transportation to Medical Appointments
✔️ Specialist Visits
✔️ Preventive Screenings & Wellness Care

✨ Here’s something VERY important:
Not every provider accepts every Medicaid plan!

👉 Always call the number on the back of your Medicaid card to:
• Find in-network doctors near you
• Locate dentists in your area
• Get vision providers close by
• Confirm specialists and services covered

📞 This step can save you time, money, and frustration—and helps you actually use the benefits you already have!

Need help applying?

Call Toe River Project Access at 828-606-6428 for assistance with your online Medicaid application.

🔄 If your income is slightly over the limit or you recently lost coverage, don’t worry—you still have options!

📞 Call us to see if you qualify for affordable health coverage through the ACA Marketplace.

💙 Don’t leave benefits on the table—help is available, and coverage matters!

04/02/2026

🌟 FREE FOOD PANTRIES and DISTRIBUTION CENTERS
Spruce Pine, Bakersville, Burnsville & Newland

If you or someone you know needs food or support, here are local resources available in our community 💛

🥕 FOOD PANTRIES & DISTRIBUTIONS

📦 Ave Maria Ministries
📍 679 Summit Ave, Spruce Pine
📞 828-898-6900
🗓 Wednesdays
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📦 Mitchell County Shepherd’s Staff
📍 10994 NC-226 S, Spruce Pine
📞 828-385-6153
🗓 Mon, Tues: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📦 Pine Grove MANNA Community Market
📍 53 Pine Grove Rd, Spruce Pine
🗓 2nd Monday of month
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

📦 Centro Latino (Service Center for Latinos)
📍 431 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine
📞 828-385-2309
🗓 Mobile Food Distribution:
➡️ 1st Friday of each month
⏰ 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📌 Drive-up at parking lot
🗓 Office Hours:
➡️ 1st Thursday of month, 10:00–11:00 AM

📦 Micaville MANNA Community Market
📍 71 Newdale Church Rd, Burnsville
🗓 2nd Wednesday of month
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

📦 Bakersville Baptist Church Pantry
📍 339 S. Mitchell Ave, Bakersville
📞 828-385-0133
🗓 Tuesdays
⏰ 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

📦 Reconciliation House
📍 20 Academy St, Burnsville
📞 828-682-7251
🗓 Mon, Wed & Fri
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

📦 Feeding Avery Families
📍 189 Old Vale Rd, Newland
📞 828-783-8506
🗓 Fridays
⏰ 9:30–11:30 AM & 12:30–2:30 PM

📦 Reaching Avery Ministry (RAM)
📍 147 New Vale Rd, Newland
📞 828-733-5127
🗓 Mon–Fri
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📦 Buladean Community Food Pantry
📍 12190 NC-226, Bakersville
📞 828-385-4495
🗓 Mon & Fri
⏰ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

💬 PLEASE SHARE to help neighbors who may need support.
No one should go without food in our community ❤️