Institute for Preventive Healthcare & Advocacy

10/14/2026

10/01/2026

Hooray to IFPHA's contracted CHWs and CHWs-in-training! Left: Roxy Pepper, who recently worked at a health event at A Place to Go Community Center. Right: 15-year-old youth CHW volunteer trainee Ashley, who joined a presentation on Cardiovascular Disparities by Kathey Avery, RN, BSN, Community Nurse, on September 19th from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

09/08/2026

Brittany, helping distribute food boxes in the Klondyke apartments. Even when the temperature is hot and humid (97 degrees!), IFPHA gets the food to those who need it. "Real Help In Real Time"

09/01/2026

Join us for a community cookout and story collection on September 12th at the Mary C Jenkins Community Center!

09/01/2026

Photos from the Legacy Neighborhoods Coalition Festival at Memorial Stadium.

06/24/2026

IFPHA partnered with Mary C. Jenkins for Juneteenth! The event was in Brevard at the Mary C. Jenkins Community and Cultural Center on the 19th and 20th. IFPHA was there giving health education and providing blood pressure and glucose screenings on the 20th.

05/24/2026

Had a great time at the WNC Community Non-Profit Yard Sale yesterday, sponsored by WNC Bridge. Pictured on the right is Angelique Scott, RN, CCHW and on the left is Keena Steffin, subcontracted CHW.

05/20/2026

Great fundraising event celebrating 6 years of IFPHA and Kathey's 73rd birthday (on April 21st), held May 2, 2026. Everyone had a wonderful time with good food, music, dancing, and supporting IFPHA.

02/20/2026

Breast Cancer survivors were honored at halftime during the UNCA basketball game on February 11.

A reception for survivors was held in the Mountain View room, with a chance to meet Coach Tynesha and a few of her players. Then, survivors enjoyed the “Play for Kay” Game, and the halftime celebration of life, honoring the true champions of our community!

About Kay Yow:
Hired in 1975, Kay Yow was the beloved basketball coach at North Carolina State who developed breast cancer in 1987. Over the next 22 years She managed to coach through her on-again, off-again very public battle with cancer and eventually succumbed to her disease in 2009. Before she passed, Coach Yow created her final and lasting gift — the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. In the 16 years since its inception, the Fund has served as a catalyst, uniting communities in the fight against cancer. The vision of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund is to be the premier non-profit organization dedicated to supporting innovative ways of fighting ALL cancers affecting women and providing support through giving strength, courage, and hope.

02/05/2026

Preventing and controlling cardiovascular disease (CVD) involves a holistic approach:
- Adopting a heart-healthy diet (fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, low sodium/sugar/fat),
- Getting regular physical activity (150 mins moderate/week)
- Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol
- Managing stress
- Ensuring adequate sleep (7-9 hrs.),
- Controlling key risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar through lifestyle changes and medication if needed.
- Getting regular health checkups to monitor outcomes