NC Health Secretary Explores Hendersonville Nonprofits to Address Budget Funding Challenges

North Carolina’s Health Secretary, Dr. Devdutta Sangvai, recently visited Hendersonville nonprofits, focusing on their sustainability nine months after the pandemic’s impact. One nonprofit, Caja Solidaria, faces a significant challenge: it could lose up to 90% of its funding unless a new health program is included in the state’s budget.

This program, called the Healthy Opportunities Program, is crucial for Medicaid members. It connects them with essential services like housing and food. Caja Solidaria plays a vital role by providing fresh, local produce from regional farmers.

The stakes are high for local farmers too. They depend on this funding not just to stay afloat, but to grow their businesses. Thomas Riley, the owner of Riverview Family Farm, shared that losing this support could force him to reduce his staff from five to just two.

Experts highlight the importance of programs like this in supporting both community health and local economies. According to a recent study from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, access to nutritious food and stable housing significantly improves health outcomes, particularly for low-income families.

In recent years, viewers on social media platforms have voiced their support for Caja Solidaria, sharing stories about how access to fresh produce has made a difference in their lives. The community is rallying around the need for consistent funding, emphasizing that health and economic stability go hand in hand.

If the state budget passes without including this vital program, many like Riley will have to find alternative income sources, which could jeopardize their farms and the wider community’s health.



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Health secretary,Hendersonville,Funding concerns,Pilot health program,Healthy Opportunities Program,Medicaid members,Local farmers,Community support