1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I’m writing to urge you to restore funding for the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) in the FY 2025–26 state budget. HOP has brought $313 million in health services to North Carolina by leveraging an $88 million state investment to draw down $225 million in federal funds. In Western North Carolina alone, the program has created more than 300 jobs, supported over 12,000 residents, and delivered more than 330,000 essential services—all while saving the state nearly $12 million annually in healthcare costs. If funding is cut, emergency room visits will rise, state healthcare costs will increase, and families across our region will lose access to critical support. This is not just a healthcare issue—it is an economic one. HOP has been proven to reduce costs, improve health outcomes, and strengthen local infrastructure in rural communities like ours. Please ensure HOP continues. Our communities depend on this smart, people-centered investment.