Creativity is a great way to practice self-care. But how exactly does creativity support mental health and well-being, and how do you incorporate it into your life? Girija Kaimal, EdD, ATR-BC, a Drexel University professor and leading art therapy researcher,...
General News
Community-Driven Solutions for Whole-Family Health in North Carolina
by Allison Hackman | May 7, 2025 | General News, Maternal and Child Health
Centering Lived Experiences to Advance Maternal and Child Health Equity For the past two years, we have proudly housed the Maternal and Child Health Equity Action Network (MCHEAN). Centering community voices throughout the process, the MCHEAN co-created action...
Crisis to Connection: 6 Months After Hurricane Helene in WNC
by Allison Hackman | Apr 21, 2025 | General News, North Carolina Rural Health Association
More than six months after Hurricane Helene brought heavy flooding and devastation to Western North Carolina (WNC), local communities continue to move forward with determination as they navigate long-term recovery. WNC is known for its tight-knit, resilient...
Legislative Breakfast 2025: A Morning of Statewide Health Advocacy
by Allison Hackman | Feb 19, 2025 | Center of Excellence for Integrated Care, General News, North Carolina Oral Health Collaborative, North Carolina Rural Health Association
On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, FHLI programs, the North Carolina Rural Health Association (NCRHA), the North Carolina Oral Health Collaborative (NCOHC), and the Center of Excellence for Integrative Care (COE) co-hosted our annual Legislative Breakfast. Health...
Black History Month 2025 Spotlight: Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II
by Allison Hackman | Feb 4, 2025 | General News, North Carolina Rural Health Association
During Black History Month and throughout the year, we honor the leaders, advocates, and everyday heroes whose contributions shape our society. The 2025 theme is “African Americans and Labor.” All kinds of work impact health, from physical well-being to income and...
FHLI Operational Update
by Brady Blackburn | Dec 2, 2024 | General News
Dear Valued Stakeholders,We are writing to share an important organizational update. After careful consideration, our President and CEO, David Reese, has decided to step down from his role. Effective immediately, Chet Mottershead will serve as interim CEO to ensure a...
WNC Helene Relief: County Resources
by Brady Blackburn | Oct 30, 2024 | General News, North Carolina Rural Health Association
As part of the FHLI-wide response to Hurricane Helene, our NC Rural Health Association (NCRHA) program put together a county-by-county resource map. With this resource, our goal is twofold: to support anyone seeking direct services in their county access...
Helene Relief, Fellowship Graduation, and Leadership Awards: The 2024 Bernstein Event
by Allison Hackman | Oct 9, 2024 | General News, Jim and Sue Bernstein Health Center Scholarships, Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows
Each year, as we gather for the annual Bernstein Event, we are reminded of the massive contributions of our state’s individuals and communities to improving health care. This year, we are reminded of that more than ever. When Hurricane Helene devastated...
The Legacy of James D. Bernstein: Part 3
by Allison Hackman | Aug 29, 2024 | General News, Jim and Sue Bernstein Health Center Scholarships, North Carolina Rural Health Association
“Change happens at the speed of trust, and trust happens at the speed of human relationships.” — Dr. Skip Cummings, East Carolina University, paraphrasing a Reverend Jen Bailey quote The first two blog posts in this series covered Jim Bernstein’s background, work with...
The Legacy of James D. Bernstein: Part 2
by Allison Hackman | Jul 31, 2024 | General News, Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows
“I was giving a talk at the University of South Carolina Family Practice Symposium on my work. A family physician in the audience stood up and said the countryside is littered with the bodies of family physicians who thought they could make a difference. Why did you?...