Rural Health Transformation
Building healthier communities across Western North Carolina
The Region 3 ROOTS Hub coordinates North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program in the Foothills and Piedmont, connecting providers, community organizations, and local governments to improve health outcomes for rural residents.
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Counties: Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus. Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union.
Now
Accepting interest from providers, organizations, counties, and community members.
Rural Health Transformation
Building healthier communities across Western North Carolina
The Region 3 ROOTS Hub coordinates North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program in the Foothills and Piedmont, connecting providers, community organizations, and local governments to improve health outcomes for rural residents.
What is NC ROOTS?
NC ROOTS stands for “Rural Organizations Orchestrating Transformation for Sustainability.” Locally governed NC ROOTS Hubs serve as regional networks connecting medical, behavioral health, and social supports. Rather than creating new programs from scratch, the ROOTS Hub connects what already exists – providers, organizations, and resources – into a coordinated system.
The program recognizes that rural areas face different challenges than urban centers: longer distances, fewer specialists, limited infrastructure, and populations with higher rates of chronic conditions. The state’s six regional ROOTS Hubs aim to make the system work better for these communities.
Key Principle
ROOTS is not a top-down mandate. It is a collaborative effort led by the communities themselves, with support from regional Hub Leads like Vaya Partners. Counties and organizations choose how to participate based on their capacity and priorities.
What We Do
Coordinate Care
Connect healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, and community services to create integrated care pathways.
Support Infrastructure
Provide technical assistance, data sharing frameworks, and administrative support to participating counties
and organizations.
Improve Outcomes
Focus on measurable improvements in population health, especially for underserved rural communities across our region.
Who Can Participate
The ROOTS Hub brings together organizations and entities serving rural communities in Region 3.
Healthcare Providers
- Primary care practices
- Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics
- Hospitals and health systems
- Specialty care providers
Behavioral Health
- Mental health centers
- Substance use treatment providers
- Crisis services
- Peer support organizations
Community Organizations
- Social services
- Housing authorities
- Food banks and nutrition programs
- Transportation services
Local Government
- County health departments
- County managers and commissioners
- Planning and public health staff
- Emergency services
Program Status
We are in the planning and onboarding phase
Vaya Partners, the ROOTS Hub Lead for Region 3, is actively working with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to finalize program guidelines, funding structures, and participation requirements.
Submitting interest now helps us understand regional needs and keeps you informed as the program develops. There’s no commitment required at this stage.
