Western North Carolina Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative Awarded $10K North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology Charitable Grant
Asheville, NC – The Western Carolina Medical Society (WCMS) is proud to announce that the Western North Carolina Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative (WNC-CRCSI) has received a $10,000 grant from the North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology (NCSG). This grant supports the critical work of the WNC-CRCSI, which offers essential colorectal cancer screenings to average-risk individuals across Western North Carolina. In 2025, the CRCSI screened 130+ patients for Colorectal Cancer and provided funding for 50 colonoscopies.
Lynn Lewis, the WNC-CRCSI Program Manager, commented, “Western North Carolina Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative is deeply grateful for this generous grant, which strengthens the mission of expanding access to life-saving colon cancer screening in Western North Carolina. These funds will allow WNC‑CRCSI to reach more patients with navigation support, reduce barriers such as transportation and cost, and ensure that early detection is available to every community served. This investment underscores the importance of equity in cancer care and brings our region closer to a future where preventable cancers are caught early and lives are saved.”
About the WNC Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative
The WNC Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative (WNC-CRCSI) currently provides vital colorectal cancer screening to average-risk, uninsured, low-income patients between the ages of 45 and 75 in Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, McDowell, Madison, Mitchell, Yancey, Transylvania, Rutherford, Macon, Jackson, Swain, and Polk Counties. The program is run by Digestive Health Partners (a gastroenterology practice in Asheville) in collaboration with local federally qualified community health centers, WCMS’ Project Access, independent primary care offices, and the American Cancer Society. The program was founded by local physician, Dr. Michael Newcomer of Digestive Health Partners, who remains the Medical Director of the program. Started in 2016, the WNC-CRCSI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) housed within WCMS.
About The North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology
The NCSG mission is to promote the highest standards of gastroenterological care and practice in the State of North Carolina and to educate practitioners, trainees, and the public about gastroenterology. To learn more about the NCSG, visit www.ncgisociety.org.
About Western Carolina Medical Society
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 the 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, contact Niki Duff, Director of Development & Communications at niki@mywcms.org or visit www.mywcms.org.
Counties Served by WNC CRCSI:
Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, McDowell, Madison, Mitchell, Yancey, Transylvania, Rutherford, Macon, Jackson, Swain, Polk
