An Initiative of the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital Foundation

PO Box 247, Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Toe River Project Access Staff

Aubrey Stewart, Coordinator

Phone: (828) 766-1850 Email: aubrey.stewart@msj.org

Megan Hobson, Assistant

Phone: (828) 766-1852 Email: megan.hobson@msj.org

What is Toe River Project Access?

Toe River Project Access (TRPA) is a joint effort between area physicians, dentists, optometrists, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, Toe River Health Department, and Mitchell and Yancey Counties' Departments of Social Services. The purpose of TRPA is to provide uninsured residents of Mitchell and Yancey Counties access to health and dental care. Since its inception in 2003, TRPA has provided over $3 million in medical and dental care and helped over 722 clients.

How does TRPA work?

• Volunteer doctors and the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital provide medical services for a small co-pay that is determined by a patient’s income level.
• Dentists volunteering in the program agree to provide nine dental services for a co-pay of $5–$25.
• Optometrists volunteering in the program agree to provide services for a co-pay of $20 a visit, and TRPA provides up to $100 for the purchase of glasses, if needed.

Who qualifies for TRPA?

The TRPA office will follow strict qualification requirements. To qualify for TRPA, a person must meet all of the following criteria:

• Have a household income less than 150% of the federal poverty guideline
• Be a resident of Mitchell County or Yancey County for a minimum of 30 days (non PO Box)
• Have no access to health or dental insurance, Medicaid or Medicare
• Have not been accepted in Vocational Rehab—for surgery or other assistance or receiving Health Choice or Health Check
• Have an active health problem

For applications, contact:

Toe River Project Access
(828) 766-1850 or (828) 766-1852

Funded in part by:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation of North Carolina
The Duke Endowment
Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust
Blue Ridge Regional Hospital
Dr. Glenn Buchanan Fund of the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital Foundation

HealthNet
Mitchell Community Health Partnership
Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
United Way of Mitchell County
Yancey County United Fund, Inc.

This program would not exist if not for the generosity of the above listed medical, vision and dental care providers.

Thank you for your commitment!