The WNC Health Policy Initiative (HPI) Podcast

Episode 26: Produce Prescriptions

In this episode, we learn about the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP)'s Produce Prescription Program [https://asapconnections.org/resources/farm-fresh-for-health/prescription/] and how it overlaps as a public health strategy to improve nutrition, increase access to healthy food, and support long-term health outcomes. By connecting healthcare providers with local farmers and markets, the program helps participants access fresh fruits and vegetables while strengthening Western North Carolina's agricultural economy. The conversation also places Produce Prescription programs within the broader "Food Is Medicine" movement [https://tuftsfoodismedicine.org/about-us/], which a growing set of interventions that includes medically tailored meals and nutrition incentives like Double SNAP at Farmers' Markets, designed to address chronic disease through food.  The Produce Prescription Program recently received $400,000 in renewed funding from Blue Cross NC [https://wlos.com/news/local/asheville-blue-cross-shield-appalachian-sustainable-agriculture-project-farm-fresh-produce-prescription-program-food-mountain-area-health-education-center-farmers-markets-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-electronic-benefits-transfer-community]to continue and expand programming into the next year, pointing also to evidence of healthy food access as a long term cost-savings strategy for health insurance providers. Proposed House Bill 1154, 'Expand the FarmSHARE Food Hub Program' [https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H1154] also points to state policy that also covers the intersection between healthy food access and support for rural agricultural economies by seeking to allocate some funding to Double EBT at farmers markers.

WNC Health Policy Brief: NC Medicaid, NC Innovation Waiver, Worker Protections & Student Loans (6-15-26)

Recorded on 6-15-26, learn about health policy updates impacting WNC, including: * An overview on how NC Medicaid stands following the OBBBA. * Read about NC's changes here [https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/beneficiaries/medicaid-is-changing] * Comment period for CMS's June 3rd rules on medical frailty is open here [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/03/2026-11094/medicaid-program-community-engagement-requirement-for-certain-individuals].  * Will HB 2076, "The Innovations Waitlist Reduction Act" continue or die in a committee? * Healthcare committee endorsed SB 978 without cutting CEO pay cap and workforce protections * A resource [https://www.npr.org/2026/06/10/nx-s1-5835633/student-loans-guide-education-changes-repayment-plan] on navigating federal student loans following the annulled SAVE plan for student loan repayment.

WNC Health Policy Brief: Costs, Mental Health, SunBucks & Rural Hospitals (6-8-26)

Recorded on June 8th, we talk about: * Changes to the NC Health Plan [https://ncnewsline.com/2026/06/05/some-retired-nc-state-workers-will-pay-more-for-health-insurance-working-enrollees-could-save/], increases for retirees, decreases for others approved on June 1st * A virtual Annual 1115 Waiver Forum [https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/meetingsnotices/proposed-program-design/nc-section-1115-demonstration-waiver] offers opportunity to ask questions about the future of HOP: 1-2 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2026 * Does the Rate Payer Protection Act protect utility rates? While creating regulations for data centers, it seems to build in other increases to power bills.  * Some BrAIn Hub Summit [https://www.brainhubsummit.com] takeaways on Artificial Intelligence & Health in WNC * Emergency Mental Health Policy Updates: * EMS funding to 10 counties in WNC [https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/06/08/ncdhhs-announces-10-million-ems-workforce-through-nc-rural-health-transformation-program] through the RHT fund could support mental health emergency  * House Bill 307 "Iryna's Law" leads to jail overcrowding in Buncombe [https://wlos.com/news/local/irynas-law-north-carolina-defense-attorney-law-enforcement-six-months-charlotte-light-rail-stabbing-public-danger-safety-court-buncombe-county-asheville-community-western-north-carolina-wnc] and other counties across the state, generating concerns about efficacy, escalation of upstream health challenges, &  * House Bill 1104 "Improve IVC Process and Enhance Public Safety" sent to Senate despite public health concerns  * First round of SunBucks, or 'summer EBT,' distributed in NC on June 1st to provide support to kids previously receiving school meals. Learn how to apply here [https://www.ncdhhs.gov/sunbucks].  Learn more about school meals here [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wnc-health-policy-initiative-hpi-podcast/id1746162226?i=1000655459500].   * Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform (CHQPR) released a report [https://chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf] showing 5 rural hospitals in NC at immediate risk of closing, and provides an analysis of root causes.

WNC Health Policy Brief: Title X, Inspections & Accountability for Long Term Care, AI Policy Update & Substance Use (6-1-26)

Recorded on June 1, 2026   More coming soon

WNC Health Policy Brief: AI Guardrails, Hospital Merging Backlash, Inspections, Abortion Implications, BOE Lawsuit & GLP-1s (5-26-26)

* Flash flooding & Fuel Prices as Social Determinants of Health * DHS to use NC Medicaid Data [https://kffhealthnews.org/medicaid/medicaid-immigrants-deportation-state-data-legislation-north-carolina/] * House Bill 565 "Check Yes, Save Lives" [https://ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H565v3.pdf] Becomes "Limit use of AI Medicaid/Commercial Insurance through Proposed [https://ncnewsline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/NCGA_H565-SM-NBC-17492.pdf]" through proposed committee substitute.  * Senate bill 961, "Hospital Authority Commissioner Reforms [https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/Senate/PDF/S961v1.pdf]" *  Senate Bill 978 "Healthcare Competition Reforms [https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/Senate/PDF/S978v1.pdf]" * Senate Bill 863 “Streamline Adult Care Home Inspections [https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/Senate/PDF/S863v1.pdf], * NC AG joins lawsuit against BOE [https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-sues-to-protect-funding-for-nurses-and-other-healthcare-workers/] * Presidential Fitness Test: MSU [https://education.msu.edu/new-educator/2026/01/kin-presidential-fitness-test] & Fordham Institute [https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/yes-obesity-problem-presidential-fitness-test-isnt-solution] Reflections * Public Narrative, Weight-loss Drugs & Policy  * Ebola [https://apnews.com/article/ebola-congo-tents-treatment-fire-e6fb1898865ba6848aa1567aebe7ba30] and Place-based Narratives