WCMS Awarded a $20K Grant from the Helen A. Powers Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
Asheville, NC – Western Carolina Medical Society Foundation (WCMS) is pleased to announce it has received a $20,000 grant from the Helen A. Powers Fund, Bank of America, N.A. The grant will support WCMS’ ongoing efforts to increase access to healthcare and promote wellness throughout Western North Carolina.
Determined to address the “whole person” and address Social Determinants of Health, WCMS provided more than $87,000 in direct community support, including groceries, rental assistance, gas cards for medical appointments, durable medical equipment replacement, and other critical resources in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. In September 2025, WCMS also launched the Diabetes Intervention Project, a pilot program serving Project Access patients with high A1C levels. The program provided regular mobile glucose monitoring, physician-led nutrition education, and weekly, culturally appropriate food boxes. By the program’s conclusion in November, every participant showed improved A1C levels.
Throughout 2025, WCMS served more than 10,000 individuals across western North Carolina through its programs and educational newsletters. Support from the Helen A. Powers Fund will allow WCMS to continue advancing healthcare access for neighbors throughout the region.
“We are deeply grateful for our long-standing partnership with the Helen A. Powers Fund,” said Karen Wallace-Meigs, Executive Director of WCMS. “As community needs grow, it is critical that our programs remain responsive and sustainable. In 2026, WCMS will expand and strengthen services to neighbors in our region. This grant, and our partnership with Bank of America, helps ensure that access to care continues when it is needed most.”
About The Western Carolina Medical Society Foundation
The Western Carolina Medical Society’s mission is to advocate for healthy communities, increase access to affordable healthcare, and promote wellness in WNC. Founded in 1885, WCMS is one of Western North Carolina’s oldest nonprofits. WCMS is respected for its leadership and innovation in addressing issues of access to affordable health care, disparities in health, and wellness promotion. Throughout its history, WCMS has been at the forefront of working collaboratively with area organizations to address health challenges facing our community’s residents. In 2026, WCMS will celebrate 30 years of Project Access, which provides free specialty care to uninsured individuals.
For more information about the Western Carolina Medical Society Foundation, contact Niki Duff, Director of Development & Communications at niki@mywcms.org or visit www.mywcms.org.
