WNC Bridge is pleased to announce the Rural Connections for Elders partnership, an initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life for seniors and their caregivers living in the rural areas of counties of Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This project is a significant step forward in providing essential resources and support to our elderly population, who often face unique challenges due to geographical isolation.

NC DHHS Division of Mental Health recently awarded a grant to this Southwestern Commission project initially developed by the Region A Area Agency on Aging and supported with technical application assistance by WNC Bridge Foundation to directly promote mental health resilience through a person-centered coordinated response system.

This system has three components designed by the community to promote physical and emotional well-being among older adults and the crucial, underserved rural workforce caring for them:

1. Prevention and early intervention programs targeting underserved populations to reduce the incidence of mental health disorders, improve early detection, and facilitate timely access to care.
2. Monthly in-person connection events at senior centers, with transportation and meals coordinated with existing contractors for community engagement and peer support.
3. An extensive Family Caregiver and in-home aide respite program complete with background checks and vouchers to pay for respite providers.

Russ Harris, Executive Director of Southwestern Commission, stated, “The Area Agency on Aging is critical to what we do at the Southwestern Commission. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in the seven westernmost counties of North Carolina. With over 30% of our population over the age of 65, any effort to address key issues must take into account the needs of this population. This grant from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will help us sustain and expand services for older adults, and we are grateful to WNC Bridge for its efforts in making this happen.”

Key objectives include the establishment of mobile health clinics, the provision of digital literacy programs, and the creation of social support groups. These initiatives are designed to address our elders’ physical and emotional well-being, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

WNC Bridge Foundation President Scott Buchanan shares, “We visualize that the communities supported by the Southwestern Commission’s work will reap the benefits of a family caregiving program. Through WNC Bridge Foundation’s support of regional healthcare non-profits, a strong network of providers will be able to assist in the success.”

We invite all stakeholders, including local governments, healthcare providers, and community organizations, to join us in this mission. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of our seniors, ensuring they live with dignity and respect.