he Community Care Clinic of Franklin recently moved to a new location at 121 Riverview Street in Franklin. Since 2010, the clinic has provided free primary, preventive, and acute healthcare to the low-income, uninsured residents of Macon and surrounding counties. The new location provides space to expand services and better attend to needs of patients.
Added at the new location is a behavioral health program, which is available both in-person and through telehealth. Clinic hours have expanded as well to five daytime clinics and two evening clinics each week, allowing staff to see more patients and offer limited walk-in availability. In addition to continuing no-cost care for eligible patients, Community Care Clinic will begin accepting N.C. Medicaid and Healthy Blue plans due to the shortage of Medicaid providers in the area.
The Medication Assistance Program continues to provide qualifying patients with access to essential prescriptions at little to no cost. To further support patient wellness, the clinic has also added a health essentials shelf in the lobby, stocked with over-the-counter medications, hygiene products, first aid supplies, and more provided by NC MedAssist and Americares. A public book exchange is available where community members are welcome to take and/or donate gently used books.
The Community Care Clinic of Franklin exists because everyone deserves access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare, regardless of their financial situation. Its mission is supported by local donors, volunteers, and partners who make this work possible. Donations help with day-to-day operations such as medical supplies and equipment.
For more information, to schedule an appointment, or to make a donation, call (828)349-2085 or email info@ccc franklin.org.
Vecinos opens clinic in Franklin
Vecinos, headquartered in Cullowhee, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit free clinic with mobile and outpatient healthcare services providing to the region’s low-income, uninsured adults, including those living in Macon County. Last week, Vecinos Community Health Hub opened to patients at 19 Smoky Mountain Drive off of Highway 441 in Franklin. The new Hub co-locates free, bilingual medical, dental, and social health services to uninsured and underinsured residents of counties in Western North Carolina.
For more info, visit vecinos.org or call (828)293-2274.
Dental care option in Cashiers
Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic provides high-quality emergency, restorative and preventive dental care to low-income people in Jackson, Macon, Swain, and Transylvania counties who cannot afford these essential services. Additionally, the clinic addresses barriers such as poverty, geographic isolation, and lack of dental insurance, offering a comprehensive care model otherwise inaccessible in the region. Call (828)743-3393 or visit https://www.brfdc.org for more information.
Increase in Campylobacter cases a concern
Macon County Public Health is reporting an increase in Campylobacter infections, with five cases reported since March 1, and a total of 11 confirmed cases so far in 2025. For comparison, the county recorded 29 Campylobacter cases in all of 2024. While the recent cases appear to be unrelated, the trend serves as a timely reminder about the importance of safe food handling and proper hygiene.
Campylobacter is a bacterium that commonly causes gastrointestinal illness in humans. It is often associated with the consumption of undercooked poultry, unpasteurized dairy products, or exposure to contaminated water. Symptoms typically include diarrhea (which can be bloody), fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Although most people recover without treatment, serious complications can occur, especially in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Tips to prevent infection:
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before preparing or eating food, after using the bathroom, and after handling animals.
- Always cook poultry to internal temperature of 165° F.
- Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk or untreated water.
- Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Clean all cutting boards, counters, and utensils with hot soapy water after preparing raw meat.
For more information about Campylobacter and how to protect yourself and your family, visit https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/campylobacter.html or call Macon County Public Health at (828)349-2081.
Pictured top: THE COMMUNITY Care Clinic has recently moved to 121 Riverview Street in Franklin near the site of the old Angel Hospital.