The Mountaineer

Trend will cost state $11 billion annually

For policy makers looking to “bend the curve” on healthcare costs, there’s a simple step that could put a huge dent in present and future costs — address the root causes of obesity.

While a bone-chilling cold has yet to descend on Haywood County, the generosity of volunteers in this community in anticipation of that event has again sprung forth to warm hearts.

As the nation struggles with healthcare reform measures, there are certainly lessons to be learned from the Good Samaritan Clinic and Mountaintop Healthcare in Haywood County.

This unique free clinic model has crafted a way to provide integrative healthcare for low-income adults without health insurance.

Action shows government isn’t always paralyzed in the face of disaster

Ever since a mountain of rocks slipped off a steep slope to close Interstate 40 near the Tennessee/North Carolina line on Oct. 25, the N.C. Department of Transportation has been working at a speed that seems almost unbelievable for a government agency.