Impact Health

06/02/2026

The results are in!

HOP reduced Medicaid healthcare costs by an average of $164 per beneficiary per month for the more than 31,000 North Carolinians enrolled at the time of the evaluation conducted by the Sheps Center for Health Services Research at UNC–Chapel Hill.

That’s nearly double the early savings estimates even with the inclusion of administrative costs! These savings reflect a meaningful shift away from costly emergency and inpatient care toward more effective outpatient care.

Learn more here:

PRESS RELEASE — North Carolina’s innovative Healthy Opportunities Pilots (HOP) reduced health care costs by an average of $164 per month for NC Medicaid…

06/01/2026

The numbers are in—and they tell a powerful story.

The latest economic impact report highlights how HOP has improved health outcomes, generated savings, and strengthened rural economies across North Carolina.

In just three years, HOP spending led to more than $384 million in total business activity across the three pilot regions and created 2,923 full-time jobs that earned NC workers nearly $125 million in employment income.

Learn more about HOP's economic impact:https://impacthealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Impact-IMPLAN-NCHOP-0526.pdf

Share this with someone who cares about HOP!

05/27/2026

ICYMI: Our monthly newsletter came out last week!

Check it out for an update from our IPCN team and meet our new hires.

Read it and subscribe at https://ow.ly/sT1G50Z4U3v

05/25/2026

El Día de los Caídos es un momento para reflexionar sobre su sacrificio y el impacto que tiene en las familias y comunidades de todo nuestro país. También es una oportunidad para reconocer la importancia de cuidarnos unos a otros, apoyando la salud, el bienestar y la conexión con quienes nos rodean.

Recordamos con gratitud y acompañamos con respeto a quienes han sufrido esta pérdida.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on their sacrifice and the impact it has on families and communities across our nation. It’s also a reminder of the importance of caring for one another—supporting the health, well-being, and connection of those around us.

We remember with gratitude and hold space for all who carry this loss.

05/23/2026

A new article explores what’s ahead for the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) and the future of whole-person care in North Carolina.

Over the past several years, HOP has demonstrated the impact of addressing the social drivers of health—connecting people to food, housing, transportation, and safety services that support healthier communities and better outcomes.

We're excited to continue supporting our community through the Rural Health Transformation Program as a ROOTS Hub.

Read more at:

Former Healthy Opportunities Pilot leaders launch new rural health efforts while pushing lawmakers to restore direct service funding.

05/21/2026

Our recent Food is Medicine (FiM) webinar was such a success, we’re hosting another session! 🎉

Join us for our FiM strategy sessions led by Impact Health and our Impact Excellence team! Whether you join us virtually or in person, we’d love to connect and share what we’ve learned about building effective, community-centered FiM programs.

May 29 | 11 AM – 12 PM ET (Virtual)
Delivering FiM at Scale: Lessons from NC’s Healthy Opportunities Pilot
Learn how network design, strong partnerships, and thoughtful program management can support scalable, sustainable FiM programs—featuring insights from HOP’s delivery of 360,000+ nutrition services and $55M invested in local food.
👉 Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/IfxLCa_jQqKpoaD5A-EQLg

June 3 | Washington, DC (In-Person)
Ensuring Food Is Medicine: Building the FiM Network Infrastructure
Join us after FiMCON for a hands-on learning lab designed to tackle real challenges and build stronger FiM programs. Space is limited to 25 participants.
👉 RSVP: https://ihorg.jotform.com/260984226999982

05/21/2026

“Now that Impact Health has been named a ROOTS Hub, what happens next?”

In our latest video, Laurie and special guest Bodhi share insights into what’s ahead for the Rural Health Transformation Program and what these changes could mean for communities across WNC.

As conversations around the future of rural health continue, we’re committed to helping our partners and communities stay informed, connected, and engaged every step of the way.

05/19/2026

We’re hiring an IPCN Care Navigator!

In this role, you’ll help connect people to vital community resources, identify social drivers of health, coordinate referrals, and support individuals as they work toward their health and wellness goals.

If you’re passionate about helping people access the care and support they need, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply here: https://impactprimarycare.org/careers/

05/16/2026

El mes de mayo es el Mes de la Herencia de los Asiático-Estadounidenses y de las Islas del Pacífico (AAPI). Durante este mes, reconocemos, celebramos y honramos las historias, culturas y contribuciones de las comunidades AAPI.

Este mes fue establecido para generar mayor conciencia sobre las experiencias y el impacto de los estadounidenses de origen asiático y los isleños del Pacífico, reconociendo una historia que no siempre ha sido plenamente valorada. Mayo fue elegido para conmemorar la llegada de los primeros inmigrantes japoneses a los Estados Unidos en 1843 y la finalización del Ferrocarril Transcontinental en 1869, construido en gran parte por trabajadores chinos.

El Mes de la Herencia AAPI nos recuerda la importancia de la representación, la comprensión cultural y la comunidad. Al continuar aprendiendo, escuchando y elevando voces diversas, podemos ayudar a construir comunidades más inclusivas y conectadas para todos.