Toe River Project Access

We have one final gift of support for the communities we have been honored to serve.

Thanks to donations raised from a concert held at the Parkway Playhouse, we were able to donate Ingles gift cards to the Yancey County Health Department and Walmart gift cards to Toe River Health Department in Avery and Mitchell counties, with gift cards ranging from $20–$25, totaling up to $1,200.

These gift cards will help local patients access groceries and needed medications through the pharmacies located inside these stores — helping ease everyday burdens for families across these counties.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Dwayne Melton and Gypsy River Bands and the Parkway Playhouse for helping make this final act of giving possible, and to the communities we have been so proud to serve. You will always hold a special place in the story of Toe River Project Access.

19 Smiles Brighter: Another Successful Free Dental Day this time in Mitchell County! 🦷

Toe River Project Access was proud to team up with Spruce Pine Dental Arts for a special day dedicated to serving our community and expanding access to much-needed dental care.

Thanks to the generosity, compassion, and dedication of Dr. Maltba and the outstanding team at Spruce Pine Dental Arts, 19 Mitchell County local residents received free dental care at absolutely no cost, including cleanings, exams, X-rays, fillings, and extractions.

The need for affordable dental care in our rural communities is very real. One patient shared, “I’ve called everywhere. The offices taking new patients are more than I can afford, and the ones I can afford aren’t accepting anyone new.”

Another told us, “With gas prices so high, I just can’t justify driving long distances for dental care.”

These stories are a powerful reminder of the barriers many of our neighbors face when simply trying to access basic dental services — and exactly why days like this matter so much.

Because of the kindness and commitment shown by this amazing team, local individuals and families received the care they needed right here at home.

We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Maltba, and the entire Spruce Pine Dental Arts team for making a lasting difference. Their dedication to improving oral health in Mitchell County continues to strengthen our community — one smile at a time. 💚

As Dawn, Practice Manager at Spruce Pine Dental Arts, shared,“Dr Maltba has been wanting to do this for a while — let’s plan another one in the fall!”

📍 Low-Cost / Federally Funded Dental Clinics in Western NC (Sliding Scale Available)
If you or someone you know needs affordable dental care, these community health centers (FQHCs) provide services regardless of ability to pay:

🦷 Appalachian Mountain Health Dental
📍 7 McDowell St #200, Asheville, NC
📞 (828) 676-3618
🕒 Mon–Tue: 8am–5pm | Wed–Thu: 8am–5pm | Fri: 8am–12pm

🦷 High Country Community Health
📍 504 Pineola St, Newland, NC
📞 (828) 742-1018
🕒 Mon–Thu: 8:30am–5pm

🦷 Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS)
📞 (828) 285-0622
🕒 Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm
✔ Offers dental, medical, and behavioral health care on a sliding fee scale

🦷 Mountain Community Health Partnership – Bakersville Dental Center
📞 (828) 688-2104
🕒 Call for dental hours
✔ Federally Qualified Health Center serving Mitchell & Yancey counties

🦷 Blue Ridge Health - Stokes Dental Center
📍 2595 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC
📞 (828) 692-4289
Mon–Fri: ~7:45am–5pm

🦷 Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic
📍 110 US-64, Cashiers, NC
📞 (828) 743-3393
🕒 Mon–Fri: 9am–3pm

💡 What these clinics offer:

Accept Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients
Sliding fee scale based on income
Cannot turn patients away for inability to pay

📌 Tip: Call ahead — many clinics have waitlists or require new patient screening.

We’re excited to be out in the community today making a difference through healthcare💚
20 of our neighbors will receive free eye exams today—helping them take an important step toward better overall health and quality of life.
It’s an honor to serve, connect, and support our community in meaningful ways. Access to care matters, and today is a great reminder of what we can accomplish together. 👁️✨