Calendar of Events

The Magnetic Theatre is thrilled to bring back to their stage the incredibly talented Delighted Tobehere for a one weekend engagement of Drag 101: A hilarious, live singing A to Z course in drag!
A wise man once said, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!” Well, we’ll just ignore him for this show! In Drag 101, Delighted Tobehere will leave nothing to the imagination as she reveals ALL of drag’s best kept secrets! She’ll pull from over 20 years of experience to give you a behind the scenes look at the world of drag! Personal stories, gossip, pro tips, how tos, audience participation, side splitting comedy, and yes, 100% live singing entertainment! The judges loved her on America’s Got Talent, and you’re sure to agree!
Find out what it takes to be a Queen! This is a hilarious, live singing, full transformation drag show! Everything that happens in a drag dressing room happens on stage right before your very eyes. Everything. Yes… even THAT!
Find out why Huffington Post labeled her one of the funniest drag queens in America! Get your tickets today! You’ll be DELIGHTED you did!
Drag 101 runs Thursday, November 4th through Sunday, November 7th, at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25, with limited seating. For information and tickets, visit www.themagnetictheatre.org.

What we’re about

FEMA’s mobile vaccine center will be based at the Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Road. The stationary vaccine center can administer up to 250 vaccines each day. First and second doses, as well as booster vaccines will be provided. As the more contagious Delta variant drives increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, more help is on the way for Western North Carolina. FEMA is sending a mobile community vaccine center to Buncombe County this week in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Local Health Departments, and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Residents do not need an appointment in advance, and all three approved vaccines will be available. All three have all proven safe and effective against COVID-19 illness and its complications. More than 335 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been administered across the U.S. since December 2020

No Appointment Necessary – Pfizer, Moderna and J&J Vaccines Available

Mobile clinic located behind Sportsman’s Warehouse.

FEMA’s mobile vaccine center will be based at the Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Road. The stationary vaccine center can administer up to 250 vaccines each day. First and second doses, as well as booster vaccines will be provided. As the more contagious Delta variant drives increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, more help is on the way for Western North Carolina. FEMA is sending a mobile community vaccine center to Buncombe County this week in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Local Health Departments, and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Residents do not need an appointment in advance, and all three approved vaccines will be available. All three have all proven safe and effective against COVID-19 illness and its complications. More than 335 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been administered across the U.S. since December 2020.

Pilates is for every BODY…no matter your age, gender, or physical ability, give it a try in the comfort of your own home. Wake up and work out!

These classes are offered to the public free of charge thanks to the support of the Pack Friends of the Library.

Our Coats for the Cold event benefits those without winter clothing including coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and hand warmers. Individuals lacking in these items are encouraged to come to WCRM and pick out what they need. All items will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis.

To respond to the Covid-19 Pandemic, this event will be hosted outdoors. All volunteers will be strongly encouraged to wear masks, as will all attendees. The number of people allowed to shop at one time will also be limited to maintain proper social distancing. 

Your donations are greatly appreciated. Men’s, women’s, and children’s articles in all sizes are needed. If you have any new, gently used, or outgrown coats, hats, gloves, or scarves that you would like to donate, please drop them in the blue barrels at either our thrift stores (located at 1425 Patton Ave), or any Swannanoa Cleaners locations. Also, we are happy to take your donations here at WCRM.

If you have questions, or wish to donate, you can obtain more information by calling Western Carolina Rescue Ministries at 828-254-1529.

We would also like to thank Swannanoa Cleaners for their sponsorship of this event.

ABOUT WESTERN CAROLINA RESCUE MINISTRIES: Western Carolina Rescue Mission (WCRM) exists to serve the homeless, poor, and addicted populations of Western North Carolina. We meet people in crisis, focus on helping them at the point of their need, invest in their future, and help them until they can move forward. Currently our Rescue services for men, women and children include providing meals, food boxes, overnight shelter, and clothing. For more, visit www.westerncarolinarescue.org

Dress up your pup and enjoy dog treats, pet vendors and more. Refreshments and snacks will be provided for pups and their owners, Prizes for “Best Dress Pup” will be awarded.

Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well … dead. So whodunnit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.

Please come prepared to wear a mask for the entire performance. Masking requirements may change based on the recommendation of federal and/or state health officials; please check our website for ACT’s most up-to-date masking policy.

Seats have been blocked throughout the audience to provide social distancing between patrons. Patrons may purchase in groups of one or two only.

All tickets are subject to sales tax and a $3 ticketing system fee. All sales final. No exchanges or returns.

The Magnetic Theatre is thrilled to bring back to their stage the incredibly talented Delighted Tobehere for a one weekend engagement of Drag 101: A hilarious, live singing A to Z course in drag!
A wise man once said, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!” Well, we’ll just ignore him for this show! In Drag 101, Delighted Tobehere will leave nothing to the imagination as she reveals ALL of drag’s best kept secrets! She’ll pull from over 20 years of experience to give you a behind the scenes look at the world of drag! Personal stories, gossip, pro tips, how tos, audience participation, side splitting comedy, and yes, 100% live singing entertainment! The judges loved her on America’s Got Talent, and you’re sure to agree!
Find out what it takes to be a Queen! This is a hilarious, live singing, full transformation drag show! Everything that happens in a drag dressing room happens on stage right before your very eyes. Everything. Yes… even THAT!
Find out why Huffington Post labeled her one of the funniest drag queens in America! Get your tickets today! You’ll be DELIGHTED you did!
Drag 101 runs Thursday, November 4th through Sunday, November 7th, at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25, with limited seating. For information and tickets, visit www.themagnetictheatre.org.

Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well … dead. So whodunnit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.

Please come prepared to wear a mask for the entire performance. Masking requirements may change based on the recommendation of federal and/or state health officials; please check our website for ACT’s most up-to-date masking policy.

Seats have been blocked throughout the audience to provide social distancing between patrons. Patrons may purchase in groups of one or two only.

All tickets are subject to sales tax and a $3 ticketing system fee. All sales final. No exchanges or returns.

The Magnetic Theatre is thrilled to bring back to their stage the incredibly talented Delighted Tobehere for a one weekend engagement of Drag 101: A hilarious, live singing A to Z course in drag!
A wise man once said, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!” Well, we’ll just ignore him for this show! In Drag 101, Delighted Tobehere will leave nothing to the imagination as she reveals ALL of drag’s best kept secrets! She’ll pull from over 20 years of experience to give you a behind the scenes look at the world of drag! Personal stories, gossip, pro tips, how tos, audience participation, side splitting comedy, and yes, 100% live singing entertainment! The judges loved her on America’s Got Talent, and you’re sure to agree!
Find out what it takes to be a Queen! This is a hilarious, live singing, full transformation drag show! Everything that happens in a drag dressing room happens on stage right before your very eyes. Everything. Yes… even THAT!
Find out why Huffington Post labeled her one of the funniest drag queens in America! Get your tickets today! You’ll be DELIGHTED you did!
Drag 101 runs Thursday, November 4th through Sunday, November 7th, at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25, with limited seating. For information and tickets, visit www.themagnetictheatre.org.

FEMA’s mobile vaccine center will be based at the Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Road. The stationary vaccine center can administer up to 250 vaccines each day. First and second doses, as well as booster vaccines will be provided. As the more contagious Delta variant drives increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, more help is on the way for Western North Carolina. FEMA is sending a mobile community vaccine center to Buncombe County this week in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Local Health Departments, and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Residents do not need an appointment in advance, and all three approved vaccines will be available. All three have all proven safe and effective against COVID-19 illness and its complications. More than 335 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been administered across the U.S. since December 2020

No Appointment Necessary – Pfizer, Moderna and J&J Vaccines Available

Mobile clinic located behind Sportsman’s Warehouse.

FEMA’s mobile vaccine center will be based at the Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Road. The stationary vaccine center can administer up to 250 vaccines each day. First and second doses, as well as booster vaccines will be provided. As the more contagious Delta variant drives increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, more help is on the way for Western North Carolina. FEMA is sending a mobile community vaccine center to Buncombe County this week in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Local Health Departments, and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Residents do not need an appointment in advance, and all three approved vaccines will be available. All three have all proven safe and effective against COVID-19 illness and its complications. More than 335 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been administered across the U.S. since December 2020.

Update: Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Booster Vaccines Now Available

To strengthen and extend protections against severe illness, North Carolinians who have been fully vaccinated with the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines may now be eligible to receive a booster dose.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have authorized and recommended “booster” vaccine shots to provide continued protection.

Moderna: If you were vaccinated more than 6 months ago with the Moderna COVID-19 shot, boosters are now available for people: 

• 65 years or older,
• 18 years or older who:
  • live or work in a nursing home or long-term care facility, have underlying medical conditions; or,
  • who work in high-risk settings like healthcare workers, teachers and childcare providers or food workers.
  • live or work in a place where many people live together (for example, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, migrant farm housing, dormitories or other group living settings in colleges or universities).

The Moderna booster is a smaller dose than what is given in the first two shots. Be sure to let your provider know you want the booster.

Johnson & Johnson: It is recommended that anyone 18 or older who was vaccinated more than 2 months ago with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster dose.

Pfizer: Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) booster shots continue to be available to anyone at high risk for serious illness or exposure, and who received their second dose at least six months ago.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has now authorized the distribution of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters in addition to Pfizer COVID-19 boosters. Not all vaccines may be available at every vaccine location.

To find a COVID-19 booster visit MySpot.nc.gov to search vaccine locations near you. The BCHHS COVID Vaccination Clinic at 40 Coxe Avenue is open Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm.

Additionally, individuals are now able to receive any brand of COVID-19 vaccine for their booster shot. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. Limited preliminary evidence suggests that booster doses of one of the two mRNA vaccines—Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech—more effectively raise antibody levels than a booster dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. NCDHHS encourages you to speak with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have questions about what booster is right for you.

Have questions about whether your personal medical conditions or job might make you eligible? Talk to a doctor, pharmacist or nurse about whether you should get a booster.

Read more in the NCDHHS press release here.

In North Carolina, children ages 5-11 years old are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Buncombe County Health and Human Services is committed to equity and efficiency as we roll out vaccines for 5-11-year-olds. We are partnering with schools, community organizations, and other vaccine providers to administer the vaccine to the youngest members of our community.

Getting younger children vaccinated can protect them from COVID-19 and prevent interruption of in-person learning and activities. Additionally, community transmission can be further decreased as more people get vaccinated. If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, talk to a medical provider to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine.

There are many ways for anyone 5 years of age and older to get a COVID-19 vaccination in Buncombe County. It is advisable to check with your doctor’s office or local pharmacy to see if the COVID-19 vaccine is available near you. While this is an exciting time for our children’s health, there will be many opportunities to access the vaccine. Please be patient with vaccine providers as they work to administer vaccines to this population.

Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in Buncombe County

• Walgreens, Ingles, and other local pharmacies
  • Check with your local pharmacy to inquire about pediatric vaccines.
• ArtSpace Charter (Friday, Nov 5 only) and the Edington Center (Starting Nov 6)
  • Click here for upcoming pediatric vaccination events in Buncombe County through StarMed.
• Medical Provider
  • Check-in with your medical provider or your child’s pediatrician to inquire about vaccines.
• NCDHHS Vaccine Finder:
  • www.yourspotyourshot.nc.gov

Buncombe County Health & Human Services Vaccine Clinic

Administration of pediatric doses will begin on Friday, November 5th, 2021 at 40 Coxe Avenue. The clinic hours will be November 8, 9, 10, & 12 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Please note: The 40 Coxe will be closed on November 11 in observance of the Veterans Day Holiday). After that, the regular hours of the clinic will be Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Please bring your parking ticket with you to your appointment so you can get it validated on the way out.

November – December Saturday School Outreach Events

Below is the Buncombe County Health and Human Services outreach schedule for vaccination events. Outreach events will take place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the following Buncombe County schools:

• Nov. 13 – Asheville Middle School [English] [Spanish]
• Nov. 20 – North Buncombe High School [English] [Spanish]
• Dec. 4 – Clyde A. Erwin High (BCHHS) [English] [Spanish]
• Dec. 4 – T.C. Roberson High School (MAHEC/FEMA) [English] [Spanish]
• Dec. 11 – Charles D. Owen High (BCHHS) [English] [Spanish]
• Dec. 11 – A.C. Reynolds High School (MAHEC/FEMA) [English] [Spanish]

Outreach events are open to everyone 5 and older, no appointment is necessary. You will be asked to complete a brief registration form upon arrival. If you need your booster, please bring your vaccination card so your booster can be documented appropriately. All vaccines will be available at these events. Please bring your insurance card if you have one.

Healthcare.gov is Open with Record-Low Premiums
New Savings Mean More People Qualify for Quality, Affordable Health Insurance

Free Help Is Available
Trained navigators are ready to help local people – at no cost – who would like help reviewing the plans and signing up. Make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call (828) 210-3404.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov (for Spanish-speakers Cuidadodesalud.gov) are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage and cannot be denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are considered essential health benefits and are covered by all HealthCare.gov plans.

Consumers should avoid insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. “Junk insurance” products and short-term limited duration plans pose huge financial risks to consumers. These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits. HealthCare.gov is the only website where North Carolina consumers are guaranteed to get comprehensive coverage.

Pisgah Legal and other enrollment partners of WNC participating organizations give local people free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society, and Pisgah Legal Services. Pisgah Legal Services is a member of the North Carolina Navigators Consortium.

Since 1978, nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services has provided free civil legal aid to help people with low incomes seek justice and meet their basic needs including preventing homelessness, stopping domestic violence and securing health care. PLS provides a broad array of free legal services. Last year Pisgah Legal served more than 20,000 people across the mountain region.

PLS has offices in Asheville, Burnsville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Highlands/Cashiers, Marshall, Newland, Rutherfordton and Spruce Pine. Pisgah Legal employs staff attorneys and relies heavily on the pro bono legal services of approximately 300 volunteer attorneys.

FEMA’s mobile vaccine center will be based at the Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Road. The stationary vaccine center can administer up to 250 vaccines each day. First and second doses, as well as booster vaccines will be provided. As the more contagious Delta variant drives increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, more help is on the way for Western North Carolina. FEMA is sending a mobile community vaccine center to Buncombe County this week in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Local Health Departments, and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Residents do not need an appointment in advance, and all three approved vaccines will be available. All three have all proven safe and effective against COVID-19 illness and its complications. More than 335 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been administered across the U.S. since December 2020

No Appointment Necessary – Pfizer, Moderna and J&J Vaccines Available

Mobile clinic located behind Sportsman’s Warehouse.

FEMA’s mobile vaccine center will be based at the Asheville Outlets at 800 Brevard Road. The stationary vaccine center can administer up to 250 vaccines each day. First and second doses, as well as booster vaccines will be provided. As the more contagious Delta variant drives increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, more help is on the way for Western North Carolina. FEMA is sending a mobile community vaccine center to Buncombe County this week in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Local Health Departments, and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Residents do not need an appointment in advance, and all three approved vaccines will be available. All three have all proven safe and effective against COVID-19 illness and its complications. More than 335 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been administered across the U.S. since December 2020.

Update: Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Booster Vaccines Now Available

To strengthen and extend protections against severe illness, North Carolinians who have been fully vaccinated with the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines may now be eligible to receive a booster dose.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have authorized and recommended “booster” vaccine shots to provide continued protection.

Moderna: If you were vaccinated more than 6 months ago with the Moderna COVID-19 shot, boosters are now available for people: 

• 65 years or older,
• 18 years or older who:
  • live or work in a nursing home or long-term care facility, have underlying medical conditions; or,
  • who work in high-risk settings like healthcare workers, teachers and childcare providers or food workers.
  • live or work in a place where many people live together (for example, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, migrant farm housing, dormitories or other group living settings in colleges or universities).

The Moderna booster is a smaller dose than what is given in the first two shots. Be sure to let your provider know you want the booster.

Johnson & Johnson: It is recommended that anyone 18 or older who was vaccinated more than 2 months ago with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster dose.

Pfizer: Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) booster shots continue to be available to anyone at high risk for serious illness or exposure, and who received their second dose at least six months ago.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has now authorized the distribution of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters in addition to Pfizer COVID-19 boosters. Not all vaccines may be available at every vaccine location.

To find a COVID-19 booster visit MySpot.nc.gov to search vaccine locations near you. The BCHHS COVID Vaccination Clinic at 40 Coxe Avenue is open Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm.

Additionally, individuals are now able to receive any brand of COVID-19 vaccine for their booster shot. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. Limited preliminary evidence suggests that booster doses of one of the two mRNA vaccines—Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech—more effectively raise antibody levels than a booster dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. NCDHHS encourages you to speak with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have questions about what booster is right for you.

Have questions about whether your personal medical conditions or job might make you eligible? Talk to a doctor, pharmacist or nurse about whether you should get a booster.

Read more in the NCDHHS press release here.

In North Carolina, children ages 5-11 years old are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Buncombe County Health and Human Services is committed to equity and efficiency as we roll out vaccines for 5-11-year-olds. We are partnering with schools, community organizations, and other vaccine providers to administer the vaccine to the youngest members of our community.

Getting younger children vaccinated can protect them from COVID-19 and prevent interruption of in-person learning and activities. Additionally, community transmission can be further decreased as more people get vaccinated. If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, talk to a medical provider to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine.

There are many ways for anyone 5 years of age and older to get a COVID-19 vaccination in Buncombe County. It is advisable to check with your doctor’s office or local pharmacy to see if the COVID-19 vaccine is available near you. While this is an exciting time for our children’s health, there will be many opportunities to access the vaccine. Please be patient with vaccine providers as they work to administer vaccines to this population.

Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in Buncombe County

• Walgreens, Ingles, and other local pharmacies
  • Check with your local pharmacy to inquire about pediatric vaccines.
• ArtSpace Charter (Friday, Nov 5 only) and the Edington Center (Starting Nov 6)
  • Click here for upcoming pediatric vaccination events in Buncombe County through StarMed.
• Medical Provider
  • Check-in with your medical provider or your child’s pediatrician to inquire about vaccines.
• NCDHHS Vaccine Finder:
  • www.yourspotyourshot.nc.gov

Buncombe County Health & Human Services Vaccine Clinic

Administration of pediatric doses will begin on Friday, November 5th, 2021 at 40 Coxe Avenue. The clinic hours will be November 8, 9, 10, & 12 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Please note: The 40 Coxe will be closed on November 11 in observance of the Veterans Day Holiday). After that, the regular hours of the clinic will be Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Please bring your parking ticket with you to your appointment so you can get it validated on the way out.

November – December Saturday School Outreach Events

Below is the Buncombe County Health and Human Services outreach schedule for vaccination events. Outreach events will take place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the following Buncombe County schools:

• Nov. 13 – Asheville Middle School [English] [Spanish]
• Nov. 20 – North Buncombe High School [English] [Spanish]
• Dec. 4 – Clyde A. Erwin High (BCHHS) [English] [Spanish]
• Dec. 4 – T.C. Roberson High School (MAHEC/FEMA) [English] [Spanish]
• Dec. 11 – Charles D. Owen High (BCHHS) [English] [Spanish]
• Dec. 11 – A.C. Reynolds High School (MAHEC/FEMA) [English] [Spanish]

Outreach events are open to everyone 5 and older, no appointment is necessary. You will be asked to complete a brief registration form upon arrival. If you need your booster, please bring your vaccination card so your booster can be documented appropriately. All vaccines will be available at these events. Please bring your insurance card if you have one.

Healthcare.gov is Open with Record-Low Premiums
New Savings Mean More People Qualify for Quality, Affordable Health Insurance

Free Help Is Available
Trained navigators are ready to help local people – at no cost – who would like help reviewing the plans and signing up. Make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call (828) 210-3404.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov (for Spanish-speakers Cuidadodesalud.gov) are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage and cannot be denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are considered essential health benefits and are covered by all HealthCare.gov plans.

Consumers should avoid insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. “Junk insurance” products and short-term limited duration plans pose huge financial risks to consumers. These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits. HealthCare.gov is the only website where North Carolina consumers are guaranteed to get comprehensive coverage.

Pisgah Legal and other enrollment partners of WNC participating organizations give local people free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society, and Pisgah Legal Services. Pisgah Legal Services is a member of the North Carolina Navigators Consortium.

Since 1978, nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services has provided free civil legal aid to help people with low incomes seek justice and meet their basic needs including preventing homelessness, stopping domestic violence and securing health care. PLS provides a broad array of free legal services. Last year Pisgah Legal served more than 20,000 people across the mountain region.

PLS has offices in Asheville, Burnsville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Highlands/Cashiers, Marshall, Newland, Rutherfordton and Spruce Pine. Pisgah Legal employs staff attorneys and relies heavily on the pro bono legal services of approximately 300 volunteer attorneys.