Calendar of Events

COVID-19 testing is available for people who think that they may have COVID-19. The Buncombe Ready COVID-19 Self Checker can help you assess whether or not you need to be tested for COVID-19.

If your primary care provider does not offer COVID-19 testing, they can refer you to an option that works for you. Please go online or call ahead to schedule a visit and to confirm the location of the testing site.

Paying for COVID-19 Testing:

If you have private insurance, payment should be covered by your insurance company. If you are uninsured, please ask about the CARES Act which may cover the cost of the medical provider assessment and testing for COVID-19. Some providers offer charity care assistance or sliding scale options for payment. Check with your provider about these details.

COVID-19 Testing Providers

MAHEC Family Health Center

Please call the MAHEC Family Health Center for a telemedicine visit before you arrive.

Call (828) 257-4730

Sliding Scale may apply.

Mercy Urgent Care

Visit www.mercyurgentcare.org to schedule a telemedicine appointment or a safe visit at one of our eight WNC locations.

Range Urgent Care

Please go online or call before you arrive.

rangeurgentcare.com
Call (828) 412-0327
Email: [email protected]

Symptoms of COVID-19

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fever
Sore throat
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
New loss of taste or smell

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

Testing is available to everyone regardless of their race, income, gender, ethnicity, citizenship status, or religion. COVID-19 testing will not impact your ability to receive future public assistance benefits or public charge status.

Community Based Testing Sites:
Community based testing sites are now in rotation throughout the community. Please see attached documents for more information.

Categories: Community Health & Wellness

Buncombe Ready COVID-19 Self-Checker: Connect to Testing, Contribute to Data Collection

May 17 all-day

online

Contribute to Data Collection

Please see the below PDFs for Russian and Spanish translations.

Help do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 with Buncombe County’s new COVID-19 Self-Checker. This automated system provides two valuable community assets: Clear guidance for anyone feeling symptomatic and data that will help Buncombe County determine when it’s safe to begin the first phases of reopening. “If you’re experiencing COVID like symptoms, or are concerned about a possible exposure, Self-Checker is the most convenient way for you to get guidance on what your next steps need to be and can connect you to individual level follow-up from healthcare professionals,” explains Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director Fletcher Tove. “The information we compile with this tool will also assist Public Health in anticipating surges on our healthcare systems and help coordinate our testing and contact tracing efforts as we work to reopen our community.”

Buncombe Ready COVID-19 Self-Checker is a quick, confidential, easy-to-use assessment tool you can use online or by phone to help determine if you have COVID-19 and how you can proceed to get medical care. This helps public health experts better understand how the virus is spreading in Buncombe County and allows medical experts and local leaders make the best possible, data-driven decisions to protect everyone.

How Self-Checker* works:

Head to buncombecounty.org/covid-19, and click on the Buncombe Ready COVID-19 Self-Checker banner.
Share information about your health, any symptoms you are having, and your health history.
If your results indicate you need testing, we will connect you with testing and other support to keep you as safe as possible. If you are symptomatic, we will continue to follow up with you every day for 7-10 days after completing the Self-Checker.
You can also use Self-Checker by calling the Ready Team at (828) 419-0095, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

“The goal of the Self-Checker is to connect those in need to COVID-19 testing, offer additional support, follow up to ensure people are healthy and safe, and gather information about the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” notes Buncombe County Public Health Director Dr. Jennifer Mullendore. Public Health urges anyone with questions about whether they have COVID-19 to use Self-Checker. “This also allows us to conserve healthcare resources, protective equipment, and supplies while keeping people at home and away from others if they potentially have COVID-19,” says Dr. Mullendore.

The information collected from Self-Checker will give public health officials daily and weekly reports that will be key to customizing how we respond locally. It will also provide crucial data to government officials as they continue to inform the public about the next steps for reopening Buncombe County.

The Self-Checker is a partnership between Buncombe County and North Carolina State University. Additionally, partners in our community have helped to develop and test the Buncombe Ready COVID-19 Self-Checker and their efforts ensure language accessibility and ease of use. The Self-Checker is available online in Spanish and Russian and can be taken over the phone in multiple languages via 211.

Categories: Health & Wellness

CDC Reopening Guidance: Cleaning + Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, + Homes

May 17 all-day

online

The CDC has published guidance intended to assist businesses in preparing to reopen while enacting procedures that will continue to maintain social distancing and cleaning to limit the exposure to Coronavirus.

This guidance is part of the broader government plan to reopen businesses and offers guidance on cleanliness practices for public spaces. This guidance provides a general framework for cleaning and disinfection practices. The framework is based on doing the following:

Normal routine cleaning with soap and water will decrease how much of the virus is on surfaces and objects, which reduces the risk of exposure.
Disinfection using EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19 external icon can also help reduce the risk. Frequent disinfection of surfaces and objects touched by multiple people is important.
When EPA-approved disinfectants external icon are not available, alternative disinfectants can be used (for example, 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions). Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together. This can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in. Keep all disinfectants out of the reach of children.

Categories: Community Health & Wellness

New Takeout | Delivery Website Asheville Independent Restaurants

May 17 all-day

Asheville Independent Restaurants Online

New Takeout | Delivery Website

Enjoy your favorite dishes from Asheville’s independent restaurants from the comfort of home! Check out AIR’s new website, www.foodinasheville.com for the incredible local restaurants offering take-out or delivery. This website is updated daily, so make sure to check back for what’s new.

Thank you for supporting local, independent restaurants!

Visit New Website!

Categories: Food & Drink

The 2020 James Beard Awards Nominees Chief Awards Online Interactive Map

May 17 all-day

online

The 2020 James Beard Awards Nominees

The OpenTable team

The 2020 James Beard Awards nominees are here, marking the arrival of the short list of who could win one of the food world’s most prestigious honors.

2020 James Beard Awards Nominees

Categories: Food & Drink

The Blood Connection FREE COVID-19 Antibody Testing for Blood Donors

May 17 all-day

varies

The Blood Connection will now be offering FREE COVID-19 Antibody Testing. The COVID-19 Antibody Test will test a sample of each donor’s blood to see if it contains COVID-19 antibodies. This will be offered to TBC blood donors at all blood donation centers and mobiles across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, at no cost. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment first, to maintain adequate social distancing.
Some important things to note:

· This is NOT a test to determine if the donor is infected with COVID-19. Positive test results do not confirm COVID-19 infection or immunity. A positive antibody result is indicative of the body’s immune response to COVID-19.

· This test is only available to those who complete a whole blood, platelet, or plasma donation where samples are successfully collected.

· The results of a COVID-19 Antibody Test will be posted on the donor’s TBC online portal in seven business days of their donation.

· More information about this testing: https://thebloodconnection.org/antibody-testing/

· Appointments can be made at thebloodconnection.org, click DONATE NOW.

Categories: Community Health & Wellness

White House Launches Opening America Website

May 17 all-day

website

The White House has unveiled Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. Employers are encouraged to adhere to the following at all phases:

Develop and implement appropriate policies, in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance, and informed by industry best practices, regarding:
Social distancing and protective equipment
Temperature checks
Sanitation
Use and disinfection of common and high-traffic areas
Business travel
Monitor workforce for indicative symptoms. Do not allow symptomatic people to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider.
Develop and implement policies and procedures for workforce contact tracing following employee COVID+ test.

The full guidelines can be found at www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica.

Categories: Community Health & Wellness

YMCA of Western North Carolina Mobile Market Schedule MAY

May 17 all-day

varies

https://ymcawnc.org/sites/default/files/May%202020%20Nutrition%20mobile%20market.pdf

Categories: Community Food & Drink

Bluegrass Brunch

May 17 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm

The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

Bluegrass Brunch
hosted by Aaron Woody Wood & The Sufi Brothers

Pickin’ on the Porch w/ Chicken Coop Willaye 1030AM
Bald Mountain Boys 11AM – 12:30PM
Sufi Brothers 12:45PM – 3PM

Be sure to check out our Bloody Mary Bar, the BEST selection of pickled products and other additions in Asheville. The MOJO Kitchen will be serving a special Brunch menu until 3PM as well.

Food & music start at 10:30am
ADULT beverages at Noon.

Categories: Food & Drink Music

Burlesque Brunch

May 17 @ 12:00 pm

The Grey Eagle

Join us on the third Sunday of every month for Burlesque Brunch!

18 +
SEATED SHOW
11 AM DOORS/ 12 PM

Burlesque Brunch is a monthly burlesque and belly dance show with a classic speakeasy feel. Join us every month and relax and enjoy our dancing dames and dandies in an up close and intimate setting. It’s a Sunday afternoon to delight the senses!

Categories: Dance Food & Drink

Shakedown Sundays

May 17 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

Every Sunday Except First of Month.

Categories: Food & Drink Music

Monday, May 18, 2020

Buncombe County COVID-19 Testing Information

May 18 all-day

online

COVID-19 Testing

NOTE: Please see attached documents for Community- Based Testing Dates and Locations.

COVID-19 testing is available for people who think that they may have COVID-19. The Buncombe Ready COVID-19 Self Checker can help you assess whether or not you need to be tested for COVID-19.

Paying for COVID-19 Testing:

COVID-19 Testing Providers

MAHEC Family Health Center

Please call the MAHEC Family Health Center for a telemedicine visit before you arrive.

Call (828) 257-4730

Sliding Scale may apply.

Mercy Urgent Care

Visit www.mercyurgentcare.org to schedule a telemedicine appointment or a safe visit at one of our eight WNC locations.

Range Urgent Care

Please go online or call before you arrive.

rangeurgentcare.com
Call (828) 412-0327
Email: [email protected]

Symptoms of COVID-19

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fever
Sore throat
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
New loss of taste or smell

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

Community Based Testing Sites:
Community based testing sites are now in rotation throughout the community. Please see attached documents for more information.

Categories: Community Health & Wellness

The Blood Connection FREE COVID-19 Antibody Testing for Blood Donors

May 18 all-day

varies

· This test is only available to those who complete a whole blood, platelet, or plasma donation where samples are successfully collected.

· The results of a COVID-19 Antibody Test will be posted on the donor’s TBC online portal in seven business days of their donation.

· More information about this testing: https://thebloodconnection.org/antibody-testing/

· Appointments can be made at thebloodconnection.org, click DONATE NOW.

Categories: Community Health & Wellness

Free Lunches at Ferguson YMCA

May 18 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Ferguson Family YMCA

Image may contain: 2 people, people sitting and outdoor, possible text that says 'the MEETING COMMUNITY NEED'

FREE LUNCHES for anyone 18 years of age and under at the Ferguson Family YMCA. Simply drive up to our front door and let us know how many lunches you need, no questions asked.

For additional food for your family, pick up a FREE box of fresh produce at our Mobile Markets. Calendars are online at ymcawnc.org/nutritionprograms.

Categories: Community Food & Drink

Offering meal pick-ups to those in need in our community: H&F Burger Asheville

May 18 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

H&F Burger Asheville

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 11am-2pm, we are offering meal pick-ups to those in need in our community. 200 meals will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.

Image may contain: one or more people and food, possible text that says 'FOOD connection. CHEF MEA MEAL DONATIONS for Disaster Relief'

Categories: Food & Drink

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Buncombe County COVID-19 Testing Information

May 19 all-day

online

COVID-19 Testing

NOTE: Please see attached documents for Community- Based Testing Dates and Locations.

COVID-19 testing is available for people who think that they may have COVID-19. The Buncombe Ready COVID-19 Self Checker can help you assess whether or not you need to be tested for COVID-19.

Paying for COVID-19 Testing:

COVID-19 Testing Providers

MAHEC Family Health Center

Please call the MAHEC Family Health Center for a telemedicine visit before you arrive.

Call (828) 257-4730

Sliding Scale may apply.

Mercy Urgent Care

Visit www.mercyurgentcare.org to schedule a telemedicine appointment or a safe visit at one of our eight WNC locations.

Range Urgent Care

Please go online or call before you arrive.

rangeurgentcare.com
Call (828) 412-0327
Email: [email protected]

Symptoms of COVID-19

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

https://www.clover.com/online-ordering/grey-eagle-music-hall-asheville

Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fever
Sore throat
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
New loss of taste or smell

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

Community Based Testing Sites:
Community based testing sites are now in rotation throughout the community. Please see attached documents for more information.

Categories: Community Health & Wellness

The Blood Connection FREE COVID-19 Antibody Testing for Blood Donors

May 19 all-day

varies

· This test is only available to those who complete a whole blood, platelet, or plasma donation where samples are successfully collected.

· The results of a COVID-19 Antibody Test will be posted on the donor’s TBC online portal in seven business days of their donation.

· More information about this testing: https://thebloodconnection.org/antibody-testing/

· Appointments can be made at thebloodconnection.org, click DONATE NOW.

Categories: Community Health & Wellness

Bounty and Soul Black Mountain Food Service

May 19 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

St. James Episcopal Church Parking Lot

Dear Bounty & Soul Family,

Bounty & Soul is deeply committed to the health and well-being of the community. It is what you have trusted and helped us to do all these years and we couldn’t be more grateful. On behalf of the board and staff, we want you to know that during this challenging time, we are being called to deliver on our promise of providing healthy food and support to our community in this great time of need and we are doing so in a BIG WAY…TOGETHER. It is our priority to ensure the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and community members as we navigate this crisis and we are following the guidance of the WHO, CDC and state and local officials to quickly adapt to take the necessary precautions. This is what we are doing to provide much-needed resources while providing safety and protection:

We will be hosting drive-thru pick up sites for participants to collect pre-made healthy food boxes. Tuesdays at St. James Episcopal Church Parking Lot from 11am-1pm and Fridays at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church Parking Lot from 4-6pm. We are asking that no one arrives to the site prior to the scheduled times.
We have cancelled all of our classes, kids activities and after-school programming as to follow the guidance for social distancing until further notice. Recognizing the importance of staying well, we will STILL provide healthy recipes, helpful tips, resources and education (including how to manage stress in a crisis) through printed materials, social media and on our website. Hope-filled messages and affirmations will also go into boxes.
We have hand sanitizer, gloves, masks and constant messaging on washing hands set up at our volunteer shifts and at the distribution sites as well as ask everyone to take the following steps and precautions:

(1) Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer immediately upon entering new spaces.

(2) Avoid shaking hands, touching your face, nose and eyes and other personal contact.

(3) Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not hands. If your cough/sneeze is persistent, consider using a mask if available.

(4) If you have a fever, respiratory symptoms or feel unwell please stay home.

(5) If you have traveled internationally or flown recently please refrain from activities at this time.

Thank you for your commitment and support in ensuring that Bounty & Soul continues to get Produce to The People during this time of uncertainty. Now, more than ever we must come together as a community, as a nation, as a world to be there for one another, support and love each other. It’s the Bounty & Soul way…

In solidarity, health and love,

Ali, Abbie, Adam, Karla, Linda, Fitz and the Board of Bounty & Soul

HOW YOU CAN HELP
(1) Donate Funds to Help Us Purchase Bulk Grains and Other Shelf-Stable Items
(2) Donate Food/Organize a Food Drive/Write hope-filled messages of encouragement to go into boxes
(3) Deliver Benevolent Boxes to Seniors and other Vulnerable Populations

Contact Karla at [email protected] to learn more about any of these opportunities.

Bounty & Soul is also in need of small boxes from Ingles and/or reusable bags. These can be dropped off at our office located at 999 Old US Hwy 70 W, behind the Swannanoa Valley Medical Center.

Categories: Community Health & Wellness

Free Lunches at Ferguson YMCA

May 19 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Ferguson Family YMCA

Image may contain: 2 people, people sitting and outdoor, possible text that says 'the MEETING COMMUNITY NEED'

FREE LUNCHES for anyone 18 years of age and under at the Ferguson Family YMCA. Simply drive up to our front door and let us know how many lunches you need, no questions asked.

For additional food for your family, pick up a FREE box of fresh produce at our Mobile Markets. Calendars are online at ymcawnc.org/nutritionprograms.

Categories: Community Food & Drink

Empower Hour CANCELLED

May 19 @ 11:30 am

YWCA of Asheville

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

Categories: Family Fun Featured Food & Drink

Taco Tuesday Take out Grey Eagle

May 19 @ 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Grey Eagle

Taco Tuesday Take Out takes place every Tuesday 1-7pm.
Delivery 4-7pm

Here is the link to order on line….

Every week we donate a Taco Kit to our frontline and first response heroes. If you would like to donate a kit just let us know which one and we will deliver it for you.

We offer FREE lunch to musicians between 2-4pm.
(while supplies last)

Life is better with Tacos!

Categories: Food & Drink

Tuesday Early Jam

May 19 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

Categories: Community Food & Drink Music

Tuesday Night Funk Jam

May 19 @ 10:00 pm – May 20 @ 6:00 pm

The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

EVERY Tuesday at Asheville Music Hall! Tuesday Night Funk Jam has been a huge part of Asheville’s vibrant music scene since 2008 and is #Asheville’s hottest weekly concert. Tuesday Night Funk Jam is programmed and orchestrated by an evolved Legendary House Band with trombonist Derrick Lee Johnson at the helm. At 10PM sharp, the Legendary House Band kicks off the night

Categories: Food & Drink Music

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Buncombe County COVID-19 Testing Information

May 20 all-day

online

COVID-19 Testing

NOTE: Please see attached documents for Community- Based Testing Dates and Locations.

COVID-19 testing is available for people who think that they may have COVID-19. The Buncombe Ready COVID-19 Self Checker can help you assess whether or not you need to be tested for COVID-19.

Paying for COVID-19 Testing:

COVID-19 Testing Providers

MAHEC Family Health Center

Please call the MAHEC Family Health Center for a telemedicine visit before you arrive.

Call (828) 257-4730

Sliding Scale may apply.

Mercy Urgent Care

Visit www.mercyurgentcare.org to schedule a telemedicine appointment or a safe visit at one of our eight WNC locations.

Range Urgent Care

Please go online or call before you arrive.

rangeurgentcare.com
Call (828) 412-0327
Email: [email protected]

Symptoms of COVID-19

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.