Impact Health leads innovative strategies that bridge social and clinical systems of care to ensure all Western North Carolinians have access to the resources they need to thrive. We collaborate closely with regional partners to ensure Western North Carolina (WNC) is a model for thriving, fully engaged communities where all people can live healthy lives.
Impact Health oversees the implementation of nation-leading rural health programs in WNC, including North Carolina’s Healthy Opportunities Pilot, Impact Primary Care Network, and the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program. We also support other regions and states working to transform the way they care for their communities.
The Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) is a groundbreaking Medicaid program that improves health by addressing root causes like access to nutritious food, safe housing, reliable transportation, and healthy relationships. These factors influence up to 80 percent of a person’s wellbeing. Addressing them can boost health outcomes and lower healthcare costs.
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Health is shaped by more than what happens in a doctor’s office. After Hurricane Helene, HOP helped Vastine’s family meet their nutritional needs and stay safely housed. Read how this life-changing program allowed Vastine to focus on her health and support a loved one undergoing treatment for cancer
Sometimes the most meaningful healthcare starts with a knock at the door. Through HOP, Russell delivered more than food; he created trusted relationships. Read how one HOP service provider brought practical support and hope to his neighbors.
A prescription for healthy food changed more than one child’s health—it helped a WNC mother build a new future for her family. Read how HOP transformed Christina’s family and her community.
Launched by Impact Health in 2025, Impact Primary Care Network (IPCN) is a physician-led, clinically integrated network improving health across Western North Carolina. Our nonprofit network supports whole-person care by helping practices connect clinical services with social supports. IPCN is committed to meeting the needs of WNC providers and patients and strengthening the long-term health of rural communities.
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“Having an IPCN care navigator not only helped get my family and me to a better, healthier place, it also helped me learn how to advocate for me and my children. With Amy’s help, I found my footing, and now my children have the stability and care they deserve.”
“We trust the IPCN team to deliver on their promise to focus on health equity and help providers deliver exceptional healthcare for all. We look forward to this partnership in the coming years and know that the ultimate beneficiaries will be our patients.”
Impact Health is advancing whole-person health across the U.S. by sharing what we’ve learned. Our commitment to collaboration enables this transformative work to move forward faster for the benefit of the communities we serve. In 2025 we had opportunities to share our expertise through national forums, panels, learning labs, and published research.
IPCN begins providing care management services to participating practices
Impact Health and Vircho develop a digital platform to support regional networks of social care service providers.
Impact Health hosts second annual HOP Learning Summit
Impact Health network participates in a HOP Works advocacy day in Raleigh
HOP services end due to state budget uncertainty
Impact Health publishes economic impact report, documenting $138M in regional economic activity generated by HOP
Impact Health hosts national Health-Related Social Needs Innovations Learning Lab in Asheville
IPCN receives Social Determinants Impact Award from UnitedHealthcare
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services award North Carolina $213M for rural health transformation programming
IPCN onboards 10 WNC practices serving 42,000 Western North Carolinians
