The Power of Community: WCMS Celebrates 30 Years of Moving Medical Mountains

What if the difference between a life-altering diagnosis and a life-saving treatment was simply the county line you lived within or the contents of your wallet?

For three decades, the Western Carolina Medical Society (WCMS) has worked tirelessly to ensure that for our neighbors in Buncombe and Madison Counties, that question has a hopeful answer. As a long-term partner of WCMS, we are incredibly proud to highlight the extraordinary impact of their flagship program, Project Access, as they approach a monumental milestone.

A Legacy of Care: Project Access

Established in 1996, Project Access was founded on a simple but profound belief: that everyone deserves access to specialty healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay. What began as a local initiative has grown into a powerhouse of community goodwill.

By coordinating a vast network of volunteer physicians and healthcare partners, Project Access provides essential specialty care to low-income, uninsured residents who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the healthcare system.

Reflecting on the last 30 years, I am filled with immense pride for the way our medical community has stepped up time and time again,” says Karen Wallace-Meigs, Executive Director of WCMS. “Being part of an organization that transforms ‘no’ into ‘yes’ for our neighbors is a profound honor. We aren’t just providing medical codes and appointments; we are restoring hope and health to the heart of Western North Carolina.”

A Record-Breaking Year of Impact

The numbers from 2025 are nothing short of staggering. In what became a banner year of partnership with Mission Health and local providers, Project Access facilitated $9 million in donated care.

Whether it is a complex surgery, a vital consultation, or life-saving diagnostic imaging, these figures represent more than just dollars—they represent thousands of lives changed and families kept whole.

The true measure of this program is best expressed by the patients themselves. We were so touched to receive recently a watercolor testimonial (see below) that perfectly captures why this work is so vital!