Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC)

MAHEC + Asheville Marathon: Running for a Healthier Western North Carolina 

Healthcare for All

Across Western North Carolina, too many families struggle to access the care they need close to home. Rural communities face a critical shortage of healthcare providers, leaving patients to travel long distances for essential care. MAHEC is changing that. 

As Western North Carolina’s academic health center, we prepare the next generation of physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals—many of whom choose to build their careers right here in the communities that need them most. At the same time, we provide high-quality care to more than 52,000 patients each year through primary care, maternal health, behavioral health, dentistry, and pharmacy services delivered in clinics, hospitals, schools, homes, and rural communities. 

When you give to MAHEC, you’re doing more than supporting healthcare today. You’re helping build the healthcare workforce of tomorrow and expanding access to care for generations to come. 

This year, as we celebrate 53 years of serving Western North Carolina, we’re proud to partner with the Asheville Marathon + Half as its charitable partner and sports medicine partner. Whether you run, cheer, volunteer, or give, you’re helping create a healthier future for our region. 

Your Impact 

• $25/month provides annual X-rays and two dental cleanings for an uninsured elementary school student
• $60/month provides new-parent toolkits for 12 expectant mothers participating in Centering Pregnancy
• $85/month gives a high school student hands-on medical learning through MAHEC’s Medical Mentoring Program.