Calendar of Events

Kids yoga (ages 3 to 10) at 10 and 10:30 a.m., massage therapy sessions, health screenings, and cooking demos with vendors Henderson County Parks and Recreation, Yoga and Massage, One Health Direct Primary Care, and Pathway to Your Health.

 ASAP is promoting May as Wellness Month at area farmers markets. Seven farmers markets, in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Madison counties, will host health and wellness vendors and offer free activities and resources in events scheduled throughout the month.

Farm Fresh for Health is a farm-centered initiative designed to connect people to environments and activities that support healthy lifestyles and eating choices. Shopping at farmers markets encourages us to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, cook meals at home, and eat together with friends and family.

With the Farm Fresh Prescription Program, participating physicians can prescribe a farmers market visit to their patients. Patients redeem their prescription at ASAP Farmers Market and receive $10 to spend at the market (with seven “refills,” for a total of $80). The prescription incentive provides healthcare providers with action steps that fit within the healthcare process. Six physicians from two practices in Asheville (The Family Health Centers and Lantern Health) will participate in the 2021 pilot. An earlier pilot, begun in January of 2020, was interrupted by the pandemic. ASAP plans to expand the program to include additional markets and health practices in the future.

“The idea of prescribing healthy food/eating to patients is gaining momentum and the recognition it deserves as immensely important in optimizing the long-term health of patients,” said Dr. Ben Aiken of Lantern Health. “Being able to do so by connecting them to local food and community is a win-win.”

Wellness Month activities range from kids yoga and community workouts to cooking demos to health screenings and chiropractic evaluations. Find details about vendors and events for specific markets on the follow page or on ASAP’s community events calendar at fromhere.org/events. Participating markets are:

• Enka-Candler Tailgate Market, May 27, 3 to 6 p.m.

• Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market, May 22, 9 a.m. to noon

• Mars Hill Farmers and Artisans Market, May 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Mills River Farmers Market, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 8 a.m. to noon

• Weaverville Farmers Market, May 19, 2 to 5 p.m.

Mills River Farmers Market, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 8 a.m. to noon

Each week has a different health focus with specialists sharing information and giveaways. May 8: Cardiac Health; May 15: Physical Activity; May 22: Nutrition; May 29: Mental Health.

 ASAP is promoting May as Wellness Month at area farmers markets. Seven farmers markets, in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Madison counties, will host health and wellness vendors and offer free activities and resources in events scheduled throughout the month.

Farm Fresh for Health is a farm-centered initiative designed to connect people to environments and activities that support healthy lifestyles and eating choices. Shopping at farmers markets encourages us to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, cook meals at home, and eat together with friends and family.

With the Farm Fresh Prescription Program, participating physicians can prescribe a farmers market visit to their patients. Patients redeem their prescription at ASAP Farmers Market and receive $10 to spend at the market (with seven “refills,” for a total of $80). The prescription incentive provides healthcare providers with action steps that fit within the healthcare process. Six physicians from two practices in Asheville (The Family Health Centers and Lantern Health) will participate in the 2021 pilot. An earlier pilot, begun in January of 2020, was interrupted by the pandemic. ASAP plans to expand the program to include additional markets and health practices in the future.

“The idea of prescribing healthy food/eating to patients is gaining momentum and the recognition it deserves as immensely important in optimizing the long-term health of patients,” said Dr. Ben Aiken of Lantern Health. “Being able to do so by connecting them to local food and community is a win-win.”

Wellness Month activities range from kids yoga and community workouts to cooking demos to health screenings and chiropractic evaluations. Find details about vendors and events for specific markets on the follow page or on ASAP’s community events calendar at fromhere.org/events. Participating markets are:

• Enka-Candler Tailgate Market, May 27, 3 to 6 p.m.

• Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market, May 22, 9 a.m. to noon

• Mars Hill Farmers and Artisans Market, May 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Mills River Farmers Market, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 8 a.m. to noon

• Weaverville Farmers Market, May 19, 2 to 5 p.m.

Community workout for all fitness levels with Asheville Fit Tribe at 11 a.m. Bring a yoga mat if you have one. Visit the Asheville Fit Tribe booth at the market and receive a $5 market coupon!

 ASAP is promoting May as Wellness Month at area farmers markets. Seven farmers markets, in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Madison counties, will host health and wellness vendors and offer free activities and resources in events scheduled throughout the month.

Farm Fresh for Health is a farm-centered initiative designed to connect people to environments and activities that support healthy lifestyles and eating choices. Shopping at farmers markets encourages us to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, cook meals at home, and eat together with friends and family.

With the Farm Fresh Prescription Program, participating physicians can prescribe a farmers market visit to their patients. Patients redeem their prescription at ASAP Farmers Market and receive $10 to spend at the market (with seven “refills,” for a total of $80). The prescription incentive provides healthcare providers with action steps that fit within the healthcare process. Six physicians from two practices in Asheville (The Family Health Centers and Lantern Health) will participate in the 2021 pilot. An earlier pilot, begun in January of 2020, was interrupted by the pandemic. ASAP plans to expand the program to include additional markets and health practices in the future.

“The idea of prescribing healthy food/eating to patients is gaining momentum and the recognition it deserves as immensely important in optimizing the long-term health of patients,” said Dr. Ben Aiken of Lantern Health. “Being able to do so by connecting them to local food and community is a win-win.”

Wellness Month activities range from kids yoga and community workouts to cooking demos to health screenings and chiropractic evaluations. Find details about vendors and events for specific markets on the follow page or on ASAP’s community events calendar at fromhere.org/events. Participating markets are:

• Enka-Candler Tailgate Market, May 27, 3 to 6 p.m.

• Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market, May 22, 9 a.m. to noon

• Hendersonville Farmers Market, May 22, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Mars Hill Farmers and Artisans Market, May 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Mills River Farmers Market, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 8 a.m. to noon

• Weaverville Farmers Market, May 19, 2 to 5 p.m.

Make a Free Appointment Today

Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all appointments are currently being conducted by phone. Depending on where you live in WNC, some of Pisgah Legal’s ACA Partners may be offering in-person appointments.

Last year, more than 90 percent of North Carolinians who enrolled for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) received financial assistance to make their plans more affordable. Subsidies are based on household taxable income and may be difficult for consumers to calculate themselves. Pisgah Legal can help with this process and can factor in unemployment benefits if needed. Pisgah Legal can also answer questions about other coverage, such as COBRA, and help people apply for Medicaid and CHIP.

Pisgah Legal and other Enrollment Partners of WNC participating organizations give local residents 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.

The ACA – also known as “Obamacare” – is the law that ensures access to quality, affordable health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. With these plans, consumers are protected and:

• Can’t be denied coverage for a pre-existing health condition and can’t be dropped for getting sick;
• Insurers can’t charge higher premiums to women; and
• Insurers can’t sell substandard plans that don’t pay for essential health care benefits.

Join Asheville OWLS Training for FUN 45-minute outdoor workouts, designed with low-impact exercise. Classes are designed for ACTIVE mature adults, ages 60+, but ALL are welcome to attend.

FREE – Outdoors in the Park – Contactless Registration.

Find More Info at https://www.ashevilleowls.com/fitness-in-the-park.

Email Trainer, Leah Brennan at [email protected] with questions.
See you in the park!

Join Asheville OWLS Training for FUN 45-minute outdoor workouts, designed with low-impact exercise. Classes are designed for ACTIVE mature adults, ages 60+, but ALL are welcome to attend.

FREE – Outdoors in the Park – Contactless Registration.

Find More Info at https://www.ashevilleowls.com/fitness-in-the-park.

Email Trainer, Leah Brennan at [email protected] with questions.
See you in the park!

CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter – HarrahsCherokeeCenter – to schedule an appointment.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Come to give in May for your chance to win a travel trailer camper, powered by Suburban Propane! Terms apply, see: rcblood.org/life

Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. In fact, more skin cancers are diagnosed in the US each year than all other cancers combined.

The good news is that you can do a lot to protect yourself and your family, as well as to catch skin cancer early so that it can be treated effectively.

Consider getting screened if you:

• Were previously diagnosed with skin cancer
• Have a strong family history of skin cancer
• Have a history of excessive sun exposure or indoor tanning
• Have fair skin
• Have many or atypical moles

Drs. Benjamin Doolittle and Kyle Judkins will perform the screenings at Pardee Family and Sports Medicine in Mills River.

The screening is open to the public, but an appointment is required. Please call 828-698-7317 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

– Pardee UNC Health Care will host free skin cancer screenings
with primary care physicians Kyle Judkins, D.O., and Benjamin Doolittle, D.O.

“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States,” says Dr. Judkins. “In fact,
skin cancer is diagnosed more than all other cancers combined.”
“Fortunately, you can do a lot to protect yourself and your family and catch skin cancer
early, when it’s most treatable,” adds Dr. Doolittle.
Consider getting screened if you were previously diagnosed with skin cancer, have a
strong family history of skin cancer, have a history of excessive sun exposure or indoor tanning,
have fair skin, or have many or atypical moles.

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Hosted by Sahaja Yoga Meditation DFW
Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms.

About this Event
We are creating this Meditation space for moms 💟 that can help
🤲 create a supportive community of moms who can come together and meditate
🤲 build a meditation routine
🤲 implement self-care, and take pause in hectic lives
🤲 bring calmness and balance that can reflect on kids and household
🤲 share experiences and learn to grow in this journey together

Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms. Meditation is a simple way to de-stress, and it can help bring peace and balance, especially in these hectic times.

What we’re about

—With the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, donors can
conveniently schedule an appointment to donate blood to help save lives. They can also access
their donor card, track the impact of their donations and earn rewards through the app.

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to donate blood. Whether blood is needed for a
chronic condition, such as sickle cell disease, a surgical procedure or a large-scale emergency,
it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor
App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood
Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history
questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the
instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who
are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh
at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High
school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height
and weight requirements.

—With the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, donors can
conveniently schedule an appointment to donate blood to help save lives. They can also access
their donor card, track the impact of their donations and earn rewards through the app.

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to donate blood. Whether blood is needed for a
chronic condition, such as sickle cell disease, a surgical procedure or a large-scale emergency,
it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor
App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood
Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history
questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the
instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who
are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh
at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High
school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height
and weight requirements.

Hosted by: the Buddhist Studies Institute

FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY
🌺Guided meditation support and community🌺

🌸Stabilization and Liberation:
In order to liberate our minds– we need stable calm.

🌸Consistency & Commitment:
Stabilizing in calm clear presence takes consistent training.

🌸Support & Community:
Daily Meditation is a container and support for your meditation focus.

Expand your meditation circle- join us online any day or every day!

Formerly known as 100 Days of practice to support a Tibetan Yogis tradition to practice 100 days in the winter, this has now been expanded to continue daily. To learn more and register: https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/100-days-of-practice/

What we’re about

Mills River Farmers Market, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 8 a.m. to noon

Each week has a different health focus with specialists sharing information and giveaways. May 8: Cardiac Health; May 15: Physical Activity; May 22: Nutrition; May 29: Mental Health.

 ASAP is promoting May as Wellness Month at area farmers markets. Seven farmers markets, in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Madison counties, will host health and wellness vendors and offer free activities and resources in events scheduled throughout the month.

Farm Fresh for Health is a farm-centered initiative designed to connect people to environments and activities that support healthy lifestyles and eating choices. Shopping at farmers markets encourages us to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, cook meals at home, and eat together with friends and family.

With the Farm Fresh Prescription Program, participating physicians can prescribe a farmers market visit to their patients. Patients redeem their prescription at ASAP Farmers Market and receive $10 to spend at the market (with seven “refills,” for a total of $80). The prescription incentive provides healthcare providers with action steps that fit within the healthcare process. Six physicians from two practices in Asheville (The Family Health Centers and Lantern Health) will participate in the 2021 pilot. An earlier pilot, begun in January of 2020, was interrupted by the pandemic. ASAP plans to expand the program to include additional markets and health practices in the future.

“The idea of prescribing healthy food/eating to patients is gaining momentum and the recognition it deserves as immensely important in optimizing the long-term health of patients,” said Dr. Ben Aiken of Lantern Health. “Being able to do so by connecting them to local food and community is a win-win.”

Wellness Month activities range from kids yoga and community workouts to cooking demos to health screenings and chiropractic evaluations. Find details about vendors and events for specific markets on the follow page or on ASAP’s community events calendar at fromhere.org/events. Participating markets are:

• Enka-Candler Tailgate Market, May 27, 3 to 6 p.m.

• Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market, May 22, 9 a.m. to noon

• Mars Hill Farmers and Artisans Market, May 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Mills River Farmers Market, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 8 a.m. to noon

• Weaverville Farmers Market, May 19, 2 to 5 p.m.

Cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications. More than 1.7 million new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, according to the American Cancer
Society. Donated blood is a lifesaving gift most healthy people can give. The community is encouraged to donate blood with the American Red Cross to help those with cancer and many
others who need blood.  Support cancer patients by donating blood at any of these donation opportunities
during the month of June.

Those who donate June 1 – June 13 will receive a free limited – edition Red Cross T-shirt!
Those who donate June 14 – June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com e-gift card via email!

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor
App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood
Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history
questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the
instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh
at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High
school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height
and weight requirements.

 Blue Ridge Humane Society knows how difficult the loss of a loved pet can be, and to support grieving pet owners, is offering a new peer support group with a professional group moderator.

The free program will provide a safe and non-judgmental space for members of the community to come together to support one another through their loss and grief of their beloved pet(s).

Sign-up is required and the sessions are limited to 20 participants. Sessions will be held via Zoom on the first Wednesday of the month, 6pm-7pm. Registration will be open for the first session until Friday, May 28, 2021, or until full, whichever occurs first. Registration is available at www.blueridgehumane.org/pet-loss-support/

“Pet loss is the worst part of being a pet owner. Our pets are family. Every pet is different and brings a unique light into our lives. The loss of that light can be devastating. Coping with grief, especially in today’s world, is a difficult process,” shares Angela Prodrick, Executive Director of Blue Ridge Humane Society. “We at Blue Ridge Humane Society feel it is important to help people navigate that time of mourning and offer what support we can.”

The sessions will be moderated by BRHS staff and led by Judi Moolten. Judi is a former clinical social worker, with a PhD certificate in Stress and Somatic Psychology. In addition to being a stress coach Judi lives and resides in Hendersonville. Judi comes to BRHS as a volunteer, but also as a pet parent who uses animals to help heal stress and more! Judi also has suffered many losses during COVID-19 and beyond and will be available to just listen, or when requested offer feedback.

Pet loss and grief can trigger intense emotional responses that may need to be addressed with professional resources which is beyond what BRHS is able to provide through the Peer Support group. This cannot to take the place of professional counseling and therapy.

Additional info or support for those who have suffered the loss of a pet can be found at The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement https://www.aplb.org/.

If you feel that you’re in distress or having thoughts about harming yourself, please call:

• 2-1-1. A 24/7 national free and confidential service that helps you find the resources you need including crisis and emergency.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call (800) 273-8255. The lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress

KEY FACTS: 

• In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
• Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
• 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
• There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
• Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
• The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands. 

KEY FACTS: 

• In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
• Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
• 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
• There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
• Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
• The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands. 

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.