CareReach was established in 1998 as one of the 14 independent networks that made up Community Care of North Carolina. Initially named Access II Care, and later changing its name to Community Care of Western North Carolina (CCWNC), CCWNC emphasized coordinated care and the medical home model of care delivery, providing targeted care management before it became a healthcare industry standard. First serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Transylvania and Yancey counties, in 2016 we grew to include Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain, encompassing the 18 westernmost counties of the state.

Over 20 years, CCWNC grew from its initial pediatric focus to working across ages and conditions, emphasizing integrated care for the whole person. In addition to the Medicaid care management provided as a CCNC network, CCWNC established itself as a home for vibrant programs impacting the health and well-being of Western North Carolina residents. CCWNC consistently worked to identify community needs and partners to develop an effective, locally-driven solution.

Across the state in 2019, networks like CCWNC consolidated with CCNC to prepare for Medicaid Transformation. Seeing an opportunity to continue as a home for community programs and leverage its culture of success and experience as a fiduciary agent, CCWNC rebranded once again, and is now known as CareReach.  CareReach has established itself anew and remains an independent 501(c)(3) ready to meet the health needs of Western North Carolina residents.