A lack of health literacy, language, and hearing ability can contribute to medication errors, delayed care, avoidable emergency department visits, and hospital readmissions. In this new report, prepared by NC Center for Health and Wellness Research Assistant Andrew Rainey, we look at language and communication access as part of healthcare infrastructure and examines practical ways WNC can improve both access and efficiency.

In Western North Carolina, mental health and substance use are consistently identified as major community health priorities. But knowing what people need is different from building a system they can actually navigate. In this episode, we speak with Sheila Jenkins from No Wrong Door for Support and Recovery in Macon County, a program that helps people in access long-term services and supports across complex systems, county lines and other potential barriers.