A new collaborative of 8 organizations in the foothills region were selected to participate in Dogwood Health Trust’s Digital Opportunities Initiative, which focuses on making broadband internet available, affordable and useful for everyone in Western North Carolina. They join nine other collaboratives doing similar work in the initiative.

With this new funding, West Marion, Inc. will serve as a “hub,” working with community partners like Cooperative Extension. These efforts aim to break down barriers like cost and access to devices that prevent people from using the internet for education, health care, employment searches, accessing community information and more.

Nearly 50 organizations are part of the Digital Opportunities Initiative across the 18 counties and Qualla Boundary of Western North Carolina. Together they’ll lead local efforts to build sustainable community partnerships, develop local leadership to champion digital inclusion, and support workforce development and economic growth through improved connectivity.

“Our collaborative partners are deeply embedded in their communities and uniquely positioned to move solutions forward,” said Sarah Thompson, vice president for economic opportunity at Dogwood Health Trust. “Through collaboration and action, we’ll build a stronger, healthier and more prosperous region.”