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...
General News
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?...
How to Find a Therapist
by Allison Hackman | May 3, 2024 | General News, NCCARE360
“A good therapist will meet you wherever you are in your journey and help you get closer to truly living your best life — however, you define that.” — Sara Herrity Moscarelli, MS, LMFTMental health is an essential component of overall health. The Center of Excellence...
The Legacy of James D. Bernstein: Part 1
by Allison Hackman | Mar 29, 2024 | General News, Jim and Sue Bernstein Health Center Scholarships, Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows, North Carolina Rural Health Association
“Don’t tell the community what they need.” The Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation’s (FHLI) founding director, James (Jim) D. Bernstein, was a pioneer in rural health. Over his 35-year career, he championed community-driven care for low- and...









