Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Saturday, January
6, 2024
Savor Shrub Bitters
Kick off the year with a focus on health and wellness at our event featuring SAVOR Shrub Bitters. Join us for a class and tasting session with SAVOR owner Kat, who will showcase the aperitif-inspired fruit-forward bitters and discuss the health benefits of ingredients. Learn to craft cocktails and mocktails, and discover the joy of making mixers and bitters for health. SAVOR’s unique flavors shine in classic drinks, adding a twist to your favorites. Kat, a herbalism expert, created these bitters with a commitment to joyful self-care, emphasizing the importance of savoring the moment. Cheers to a vibrant and nourishing start to the year!
Sunday, January
7, 2024
BCAlerts From CodeRED
Stay informed. Get emergency notifications and general Buncombe County information on your smartphone, telephone, or email.
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Pisgah Legal support w/ Healthcare.gov Marketplace
Holotropic Breathwork Meet + Greet
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Here is what you need to know.
What is CodeRED?
Along with emergency and critical messages, the CodeRED notification system will also enhance community engagement via the release of important but non-emergency information such as vaccine site notifications, inclement weather closures and schedule changes, and other county service information.
Sign up for BC Alerts by texting BCAlert(not case sensitive) to 99411 or visit to sign up for the new system. If residents have previously signed up for Nixle BC Alerts, they will need to re-register in order to continue receiving notifications after June 30.
Alerts to choose from:
- Emergency
- General
- Recreation Services
- Election Reminders
- Governing
- Weather
NOTICE: For CodeRED support, please call 1-866-939-0911. For all other questions email [email protected].
The deadline to enroll in a health insurance plan on the HealthCare.gov Marketplace is fast-approaching. Local nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services offers free help with enrollments for people in Western North Carolina.
Consumers have until January 16, 2024, to choose a plan. The Marketplace Open Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov generally runs from November 1 to January 15. In 2024, January 15 is a federal holiday, so consumers will have an extra day to enroll in a plan. Consumers who enroll before the January 16 deadline will have coverage that starts February 1, 2024.
“Pisgah Legal’s certified Navigators help thousands of people in our region find plans each year,” said Pisgah Legal’s Chief Operations Officer Jackie Kiger. “We know that quality, affordable health insurance is vital for folks in our community, and we are here to guide people through that process without any pressure to choose a certain plan.”
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.
Make an appointment today by visiting www.pisgahlegal.org/health or calling (828) 210-3404.
Bilingual Navigators are available to assist in Spanish, and free translation services are available for speakers of other languages.
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 Navigator Consortium.
Wondering what Holotropic Breathwork is, how it’s different from other forms of breathwork, or how it can be helpful? Let’s chat! I’m hosting a low-key event for anyone who may have interest in learning more or networking around this powerful sacred medicine. The intention of our gathering is to get acquainted, share experiences, information and build safe community for those who may wish to engage in a Holotropic Workshop which is being offered February 10, 2024. During our Meet and Greet, I will offer a brief history of Holotropic breathwork (developed by Dr. Stanislav Grof and Christina Grof) as a natural approach to induced altered states of consciousness for healing and personal growth. I will also share a little of my own experience that makes me eager to share this sacred medicine with others. I encourage you to bring your questions with you!
Attending this Meet and Greet does not in any way obligate you to attend the workshop on February 10th.
Want more info: https://www.seasonschange.xyz/holotropic-workshop
Zoom links will be sent out once you have RSVP’d. See you soon!
Monday, January
8, 2024
17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
BCAlerts From CodeRED
Stay informed. Get emergency notifications and general Buncombe County information on your smartphone, telephone, or email.
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Pisgah Legal support w/ Healthcare.gov Marketplace
Qualify Free: Vaccination and Testing, Screening Cervical Cancer
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Here is what you need to know.
What is CodeRED?
Along with emergency and critical messages, the CodeRED notification system will also enhance community engagement via the release of important but non-emergency information such as vaccine site notifications, inclement weather closures and schedule changes, and other county service information.
Sign up for BC Alerts by texting BCAlert(not case sensitive) to 99411 or visit to sign up for the new system. If residents have previously signed up for Nixle BC Alerts, they will need to re-register in order to continue receiving notifications after June 30.
Alerts to choose from:
- Emergency
- General
- Recreation Services
- Election Reminders
- Governing
- Weather
NOTICE: For CodeRED support, please call 1-866-939-0911. For all other questions email [email protected].
The deadline to enroll in a health insurance plan on the HealthCare.gov Marketplace is fast-approaching. Local nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services offers free help with enrollments for people in Western North Carolina.
Consumers have until January 16, 2024, to choose a plan. The Marketplace Open Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov generally runs from November 1 to January 15. In 2024, January 15 is a federal holiday, so consumers will have an extra day to enroll in a plan. Consumers who enroll before the January 16 deadline will have coverage that starts February 1, 2024.
“Pisgah Legal’s certified Navigators help thousands of people in our region find plans each year,” said Pisgah Legal’s Chief Operations Officer Jackie Kiger. “We know that quality, affordable health insurance is vital for folks in our community, and we are here to guide people through that process without any pressure to choose a certain plan.”
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.
Make an appointment today by visiting www.pisgahlegal.org/health or calling (828) 210-3404.
Bilingual Navigators are available to assist in Spanish, and free translation services are available for speakers of other languages.
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 Navigator Consortium.
More than 14,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time to learn more about cervical health and cervical cancer prevention and take steps to help eliminate this preventable cancer.
The two most important tools to remember when it comes to cervical health are vaccination and testing.
Vaccination
The HPV vaccine has been around since 2006. In that time, rates of cervical cancer incidence have dropped significantly among vaccinated women. One study from Sweden looked at 11 years (2006 through 2017) and found 90% reduction in cervical cancer incidence compared with the incidence in women who had not been vaccinated.
HPV vaccines help prevent infection from both high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer and low-risk types that cause genital warts.
The CDC recommends all boys and girls get HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. The vaccine produces a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years. For this reason, up until age 14, only two doses are the vaccine are required. Women and men can get the vaccine up to age 45 but for those 15 and older, a full three-dose series is needed.
You can get the vaccine at your doctor’s office or the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Department at 40 Coxe Avenue in Asheville.
Learn more about the HPV vaccine here.
Screening
The goal of cervical cancer screening—Pap tests and HPV tests—is to find problems, like cell changes, so they can be treated before they turn into cancer.
The traditional test for early detection has been the Pap test. For women aged 30 and over, an HPV test is also recommended. HPV tests can find any of the high-risk types of HPV that are commonly found in cervical cancer.
Women should start screening with the Pap test at age 21, according to current guidelines for cervical cancer screening.
Starting at age 30, women have three options available for screening:
- A Pap test alone every three years.
- Co-testing with a Pap and HPV test, every five years.
- An HPV test alone, every five years.
Depending on the results of the Pap and/or HPV tests, a healthcare provider may recommend additional screening or procedures, so some women may be screened more often.
After age 65, women older than 65 who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk can stop screening. Women who have had a hysterectomy (with removal of the cervix) also do not need to be screened, unless they have a have a history of a high-grade precancerous lesions.
To learn more about each type of screening, click here.
Breast And Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP)
The Buncombe County Health and Human Services BCCCP is a program serving women and transgender people providing free chest and cervical exams, pap smears and HPV testing, and mammograms. This program is open to those:
- Between the ages of 40-64.
- Who have no insurance.
- Income below 250% of the federal poverty level.
- A Buncombe County resident. Local NC BCCCP contact information can be found here.
- Other women and transgender people ages 21 to 39 may be eligible.
To learn more about eligibility or schedule an appointment, call (828) 250-6006.
Tuesday, January
9, 2024
17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
BCAlerts From CodeRED
Stay informed. Get emergency notifications and general Buncombe County information on your smartphone, telephone, or email.
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Pisgah Legal support w/ Healthcare.gov Marketplace
Qualify Free: Vaccination and Testing, Screening Cervical Cancer
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Here is what you need to know.
What is CodeRED?
Along with emergency and critical messages, the CodeRED notification system will also enhance community engagement via the release of important but non-emergency information such as vaccine site notifications, inclement weather closures and schedule changes, and other county service information.
Sign up for BC Alerts by texting BCAlert(not case sensitive) to 99411 or visit to sign up for the new system. If residents have previously signed up for Nixle BC Alerts, they will need to re-register in order to continue receiving notifications after June 30.
Alerts to choose from:
- Emergency
- General
- Recreation Services
- Election Reminders
- Governing
- Weather
NOTICE: For CodeRED support, please call 1-866-939-0911. For all other questions email [email protected].
The deadline to enroll in a health insurance plan on the HealthCare.gov Marketplace is fast-approaching. Local nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services offers free help with enrollments for people in Western North Carolina.
Consumers have until January 16, 2024, to choose a plan. The Marketplace Open Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov generally runs from November 1 to January 15. In 2024, January 15 is a federal holiday, so consumers will have an extra day to enroll in a plan. Consumers who enroll before the January 16 deadline will have coverage that starts February 1, 2024.
“Pisgah Legal’s certified Navigators help thousands of people in our region find plans each year,” said Pisgah Legal’s Chief Operations Officer Jackie Kiger. “We know that quality, affordable health insurance is vital for folks in our community, and we are here to guide people through that process without any pressure to choose a certain plan.”
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.
Make an appointment today by visiting www.pisgahlegal.org/health or calling (828) 210-3404.
Bilingual Navigators are available to assist in Spanish, and free translation services are available for speakers of other languages.
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 Navigator Consortium.
More than 14,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time to learn more about cervical health and cervical cancer prevention and take steps to help eliminate this preventable cancer.
The two most important tools to remember when it comes to cervical health are vaccination and testing.
Vaccination
The HPV vaccine has been around since 2006. In that time, rates of cervical cancer incidence have dropped significantly among vaccinated women. One study from Sweden looked at 11 years (2006 through 2017) and found 90% reduction in cervical cancer incidence compared with the incidence in women who had not been vaccinated.
HPV vaccines help prevent infection from both high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer and low-risk types that cause genital warts.
The CDC recommends all boys and girls get HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. The vaccine produces a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years. For this reason, up until age 14, only two doses are the vaccine are required. Women and men can get the vaccine up to age 45 but for those 15 and older, a full three-dose series is needed.
You can get the vaccine at your doctor’s office or the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Department at 40 Coxe Avenue in Asheville.
Learn more about the HPV vaccine here.
Screening
The goal of cervical cancer screening—Pap tests and HPV tests—is to find problems, like cell changes, so they can be treated before they turn into cancer.
The traditional test for early detection has been the Pap test. For women aged 30 and over, an HPV test is also recommended. HPV tests can find any of the high-risk types of HPV that are commonly found in cervical cancer.
Women should start screening with the Pap test at age 21, according to current guidelines for cervical cancer screening.
Starting at age 30, women have three options available for screening:
- A Pap test alone every three years.
- Co-testing with a Pap and HPV test, every five years.
- An HPV test alone, every five years.
Depending on the results of the Pap and/or HPV tests, a healthcare provider may recommend additional screening or procedures, so some women may be screened more often.
After age 65, women older than 65 who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk can stop screening. Women who have had a hysterectomy (with removal of the cervix) also do not need to be screened, unless they have a have a history of a high-grade precancerous lesions.
To learn more about each type of screening, click here.
Breast And Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP)
The Buncombe County Health and Human Services BCCCP is a program serving women and transgender people providing free chest and cervical exams, pap smears and HPV testing, and mammograms. This program is open to those:
- Between the ages of 40-64.
- Who have no insurance.
- Income below 250% of the federal poverty level.
- A Buncombe County resident. Local NC BCCCP contact information can be found here.
- Other women and transgender people ages 21 to 39 may be eligible.
To learn more about eligibility or schedule an appointment, call (828) 250-6006.
Wednesday, January
10, 2024
17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
BCAlerts From CodeRED
Stay informed. Get emergency notifications and general Buncombe County information on your smartphone, telephone, or email.
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Pisgah Legal support w/ Healthcare.gov Marketplace
Qualify Free: Vaccination and Testing, Screening Cervical Cancer
Business Morning Update
Monday Morning Leadership
Smart Series: Monday Morning Leadership
Youth Advocacy Collective Kick-off
Young Professionals of Henderson County Social
Healthcare Workers MeetUp Mixer / Networking Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Here is what you need to know.
What is CodeRED?
Along with emergency and critical messages, the CodeRED notification system will also enhance community engagement via the release of important but non-emergency information such as vaccine site notifications, inclement weather closures and schedule changes, and other county service information.
Sign up for BC Alerts by texting BCAlert(not case sensitive) to 99411 or visit to sign up for the new system. If residents have previously signed up for Nixle BC Alerts, they will need to re-register in order to continue receiving notifications after June 30.
Alerts to choose from:
- Emergency
- General
- Recreation Services
- Election Reminders
- Governing
- Weather
NOTICE: For CodeRED support, please call 1-866-939-0911. For all other questions email [email protected].
The deadline to enroll in a health insurance plan on the HealthCare.gov Marketplace is fast-approaching. Local nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services offers free help with enrollments for people in Western North Carolina.
Consumers have until January 16, 2024, to choose a plan. The Marketplace Open Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov generally runs from November 1 to January 15. In 2024, January 15 is a federal holiday, so consumers will have an extra day to enroll in a plan. Consumers who enroll before the January 16 deadline will have coverage that starts February 1, 2024.
“Pisgah Legal’s certified Navigators help thousands of people in our region find plans each year,” said Pisgah Legal’s Chief Operations Officer Jackie Kiger. “We know that quality, affordable health insurance is vital for folks in our community, and we are here to guide people through that process without any pressure to choose a certain plan.”
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.
Make an appointment today by visiting www.pisgahlegal.org/health or calling (828) 210-3404.
Bilingual Navigators are available to assist in Spanish, and free translation services are available for speakers of other languages.
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 Navigator Consortium.
More than 14,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time to learn more about cervical health and cervical cancer prevention and take steps to help eliminate this preventable cancer.
The two most important tools to remember when it comes to cervical health are vaccination and testing.
Vaccination
The HPV vaccine has been around since 2006. In that time, rates of cervical cancer incidence have dropped significantly among vaccinated women. One study from Sweden looked at 11 years (2006 through 2017) and found 90% reduction in cervical cancer incidence compared with the incidence in women who had not been vaccinated.
HPV vaccines help prevent infection from both high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer and low-risk types that cause genital warts.
The CDC recommends all boys and girls get HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. The vaccine produces a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years. For this reason, up until age 14, only two doses are the vaccine are required. Women and men can get the vaccine up to age 45 but for those 15 and older, a full three-dose series is needed.
You can get the vaccine at your doctor’s office or the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Department at 40 Coxe Avenue in Asheville.
Learn more about the HPV vaccine here.
Screening
The goal of cervical cancer screening—Pap tests and HPV tests—is to find problems, like cell changes, so they can be treated before they turn into cancer.
The traditional test for early detection has been the Pap test. For women aged 30 and over, an HPV test is also recommended. HPV tests can find any of the high-risk types of HPV that are commonly found in cervical cancer.
Women should start screening with the Pap test at age 21, according to current guidelines for cervical cancer screening.
Starting at age 30, women have three options available for screening:
- A Pap test alone every three years.
- Co-testing with a Pap and HPV test, every five years.
- An HPV test alone, every five years.
Depending on the results of the Pap and/or HPV tests, a healthcare provider may recommend additional screening or procedures, so some women may be screened more often.
After age 65, women older than 65 who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk can stop screening. Women who have had a hysterectomy (with removal of the cervix) also do not need to be screened, unless they have a have a history of a high-grade precancerous lesions.
To learn more about each type of screening, click here.
Breast And Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP)
The Buncombe County Health and Human Services BCCCP is a program serving women and transgender people providing free chest and cervical exams, pap smears and HPV testing, and mammograms. This program is open to those:
- Between the ages of 40-64.
- Who have no insurance.
- Income below 250% of the federal poverty level.
- A Buncombe County resident. Local NC BCCCP contact information can be found here.
- Other women and transgender people ages 21 to 39 may be eligible.
To learn more about eligibility or schedule an appointment, call (828) 250-6006.
Join us each month for an info-packed event brought to you by the Blue Ridge Community College’s Small Business Center, the City of Hendersonville Main Street Program, the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association and the Chamber. Get the lowdown on current community events and the issues that matter to our local businesses and community.
Stay tuned for updated on our monthly lineup of guests and speakers!
The 2024 Business Morning Updates are proudly Presented by ALLCHOICE Insurance!
Join us for our Smart Series on Monday Morning Leadership on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from noon – 1 p.m. in the Chamber’s second floor boardroom.
Most companies lack a solid succession plan for leaders, leading to premature promotions and unprepared managers. Gain a fresh perspective on team leadership for yourself or your supervisors!
Presenter Meredith Campbell, Owner and Chief Joy Facilitator of Express Employment Professionals, will share 8 insights from the book “Monday Morning Leadership” by David Cottrell.
Registration is required. This event is a Chamber membership benefit, but we’re extending an invitation to non-members for $15.
Most companies don’t have a succession plan for managers and leaders when current leaders move out of the workforce or lessen their workloads. As a result, more workers are being promoted into management positions before they are ready or have had management training. This content provides 8 insights to help alleviate this problem by offering basic supervisory and management training to all levels of leaders. This training program is based on the book Monday Morning Leadership by renowned author, speaker and business owner David Cottrell. The book shares the story of a manager struggling to increase his team’s performance. An experienced leadership mentor offers him insights into improving his own management skills, leading to higher team achievements.
During our time, I’ll share, and we’ll discuss these 8 insights. Attendees will walk away with a new viewpoint and approach to team leadership either for themselves or the supervisors they support.
Each insight can be applied on its own or in partnership with the other insights.
- Become a Driver
- Focus on the Main Thing
- Escape from Management Land
- Follow the “Do Right” Rule
- Hire Tough
- Do Less or Work Faster
- Be the Chief Bucket Filler
- Enter the Learning Zone
Meredith Campbell is Owner and Chief Joy Facilitator of Express Employment Professionals in Asheville, NC. She is active in the community and volunteers with local organizations such as the local SHRM chapter, MANNA Food Bank, and Eblen Charities. She is a graduate of Leadership Asheville 33, holds her PHR, and is an active Asheville Chamber of Commerce Member.
Meredith became owner of Express Employment Professionals in January of 2014, and she has been with the Express team since 2007. Since 2007, 2,461 job seekers have found permanent employment in Western North Carolina due to the work of the local Express Employment Professionals team.
Registration is required so we may plan accordingly.
This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We also believe these are important topics for everyone, so we are opening this event to non-members for $15. We welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Member Development Specialist, at [email protected] if you’re considering a Chamber membership.
Join us for the inaugural meeting of Goodwill’s Youth Advocacy Collective, to bring together youth in our community.
You’re invited to attend the inaugural meeting of Goodwill’s Youth Advocacy Collective.
Why: To bring together youth and young adult service providers for networking, collaboration, education, and sharing of best practices.
Who: You! Invite any peers who you think should be involved.
Our first meeting will include an overview of the group’s mission and Goodwill’s services. A catered lunch will be provided.
Elevate & Connect
Gear up for our monthly socials, where networking takes center stage. Join other Young Professionals under 40, for connections, exchange of ideas, and occasional guest speakers. Enjoy a complimentary beverage on us, as you mingle in style. Bring your energy, business cards and elevate your professional circle!
Young Professionals are Presented by:
Thanks to our monthly Host:
Join us on Wednesday, January 10th at 6pm back at Plēb Urban Winery and mix and mingle with other people who are new to or veterans in healthcare to swap stories, share experiences, network, and make new friends within our industry. The goal of this event is just to build new relationships and make connections. Please feel free to reach out directly with any questions, concerns, or suggestions related to this event.
Please RSVP if you do plan to attend to make sure we have the proper space to accommodate the group as well as give notice to the venue. Looking forward to meeting you. (Or seeing you again!)💛💛
Thursday, January
11, 2024
17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
BCAlerts From CodeRED
Stay informed. Get emergency notifications and general Buncombe County information on your smartphone, telephone, or email.
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Pisgah Legal support w/ Healthcare.gov Marketplace
Qualify Free: Vaccination and Testing, Screening Cervical Cancer
Ribbon Cutting: Southern Quality Company
Qigong with Allen Horowitz
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Here is what you need to know.
What is CodeRED?
Along with emergency and critical messages, the CodeRED notification system will also enhance community engagement via the release of important but non-emergency information such as vaccine site notifications, inclement weather closures and schedule changes, and other county service information.
Sign up for BC Alerts by texting BCAlert(not case sensitive) to 99411 or visit to sign up for the new system. If residents have previously signed up for Nixle BC Alerts, they will need to re-register in order to continue receiving notifications after June 30.
Alerts to choose from:
- Emergency
- General
- Recreation Services
- Election Reminders
- Governing
- Weather
NOTICE: For CodeRED support, please call 1-866-939-0911. For all other questions email [email protected].
The deadline to enroll in a health insurance plan on the HealthCare.gov Marketplace is fast-approaching. Local nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services offers free help with enrollments for people in Western North Carolina.
Consumers have until January 16, 2024, to choose a plan. The Marketplace Open Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov generally runs from November 1 to January 15. In 2024, January 15 is a federal holiday, so consumers will have an extra day to enroll in a plan. Consumers who enroll before the January 16 deadline will have coverage that starts February 1, 2024.
“Pisgah Legal’s certified Navigators help thousands of people in our region find plans each year,” said Pisgah Legal’s Chief Operations Officer Jackie Kiger. “We know that quality, affordable health insurance is vital for folks in our community, and we are here to guide people through that process without any pressure to choose a certain plan.”
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.
Make an appointment today by visiting www.pisgahlegal.org/health or calling (828) 210-3404.
Bilingual Navigators are available to assist in Spanish, and free translation services are available for speakers of other languages.
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 Navigator Consortium.
More than 14,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time to learn more about cervical health and cervical cancer prevention and take steps to help eliminate this preventable cancer.
The two most important tools to remember when it comes to cervical health are vaccination and testing.
Vaccination
The HPV vaccine has been around since 2006. In that time, rates of cervical cancer incidence have dropped significantly among vaccinated women. One study from Sweden looked at 11 years (2006 through 2017) and found 90% reduction in cervical cancer incidence compared with the incidence in women who had not been vaccinated.
HPV vaccines help prevent infection from both high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer and low-risk types that cause genital warts.
The CDC recommends all boys and girls get HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. The vaccine produces a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years. For this reason, up until age 14, only two doses are the vaccine are required. Women and men can get the vaccine up to age 45 but for those 15 and older, a full three-dose series is needed.
You can get the vaccine at your doctor’s office or the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Department at 40 Coxe Avenue in Asheville.
Learn more about the HPV vaccine here.
Screening
The goal of cervical cancer screening—Pap tests and HPV tests—is to find problems, like cell changes, so they can be treated before they turn into cancer.
The traditional test for early detection has been the Pap test. For women aged 30 and over, an HPV test is also recommended. HPV tests can find any of the high-risk types of HPV that are commonly found in cervical cancer.
Women should start screening with the Pap test at age 21, according to current guidelines for cervical cancer screening.
Starting at age 30, women have three options available for screening:
- A Pap test alone every three years.
- Co-testing with a Pap and HPV test, every five years.
- An HPV test alone, every five years.
Depending on the results of the Pap and/or HPV tests, a healthcare provider may recommend additional screening or procedures, so some women may be screened more often.
After age 65, women older than 65 who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk can stop screening. Women who have had a hysterectomy (with removal of the cervix) also do not need to be screened, unless they have a have a history of a high-grade precancerous lesions.
To learn more about each type of screening, click here.
Breast And Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP)
The Buncombe County Health and Human Services BCCCP is a program serving women and transgender people providing free chest and cervical exams, pap smears and HPV testing, and mammograms. This program is open to those:
- Between the ages of 40-64.
- Who have no insurance.
- Income below 250% of the federal poverty level.
- A Buncombe County resident. Local NC BCCCP contact information can be found here.
- Other women and transgender people ages 21 to 39 may be eligible.
To learn more about eligibility or schedule an appointment, call (828) 250-6006.
Join us as we celebrate members Southern Quality Company, at their new location in Hendersonville!
Southern Quality Company invites you to join us in commemorating a significant milestone with the grand opening of our new location in Hendersonville, NC! This momentous occasion not only reflects our unwavering commitment to the local community but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in delivering exceptional roofing services throughout the picturesque mountains of Western North Carolina.
As a trusted presence in the region, Southern Quality Company has been dedicated to providing top-notch roofing systems to our valued clients. Our expansion signifies our continuous pursuit of excellence, and this new location is strategically chosen to better serve the needs of our community.
We are thrilled to celebrate this accomplishment with you, our cherished friends, clients, and community partners.
The official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place at 11:30 AM.
Thank you to Duke Energy for being the Presenting Sponsor of 2023 Ribbon Cuttings!
|
Qigong is like Yoga but done standing and with more movement so it creates a flow of energy and gently increases circulation throughout your body. The smooth flowing movements are easy to learn as each exercise is performed 8-10 times before proceeding to the next. It is the grandfather of Tai Chi and other martial arts and is the self-help aspect of Chinese medicine. Suitable for all fitness levels, the benefits of well-being, relaxation, calmness and improved balance are often felt often during the very first lesson. And it can be practiced at home in only a few minutes any time you want to improve how you feel. For information email [email protected] |
Friday, January
12, 2024
17th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
BCAlerts From CodeRED
Stay informed. Get emergency notifications and general Buncombe County information on your smartphone, telephone, or email.
Sign up for BCAlerts today
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sign up for BCAlerts today
Here is what you need to know.
What is CodeRED?
Along with emergency and critical messages, the CodeRED notification system will also enhance community engagement via the release of important but non-emergency information such as vaccine site notifications, inclement weather closures and schedule changes, and other county service information.
Sign up for BC Alerts by texting BCAlert(not case sensitive) to 99411 or visit to sign up for the new system. If residents have previously signed up for Nixle BC Alerts, they will need to re-register in order to continue receiving notifications after June 30.
Alerts to choose from:
- Emergency
- General
- Recreation Services
- Election Reminders
- Governing
- Weather
NOTICE: For CodeRED support, please call 1-866-939-0911. For all other questions email [email protected].