--- title: "Our Story" canonicalUrl: "https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/about/" excerpt: "our story what drives us Dogwood Health Trust was created in 2018, but our ethos was inspired by a tradition of caring for a community that is more than a century old and rooted in our Appalachian culture. Our founding board established our purpose to dramatically improve health and wellness, grounded in a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Since our inception, the Dogwood board and staff have called on these traditions to shape how we work, across our Western North Carolina region, so that every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive – no exceptions. our purpose To dramatically […]" metaDescription: "Learn Dogwood Health Trust’s story, mission, and regional vision. See how you can join efforts to improve health and wellbeing across WNC." datePublished: "2019-07-21T18:35:36-04:00" dateModified: "2025-10-31T08:50:02-04:00" --- - Our Story - Dogwood Health Trust # our story * ## what drives us Dogwood Health Trust was created in 2018, but our ethos was [inspired by a tradition of caring for a community](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/about/our-roots/) that is more than a century old and rooted in our Appalachian culture. Our founding board established [our purpose](#purpose) to dramatically improve health and wellness, grounded in a [deep commitment](#purpose) to diversity, equity and inclusion. Since our inception, the Dogwood board and staff have called on these traditions to shape [how we work, across our Western North Carolina region](#how-we-work), so that every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive – no exceptions. ## our purpose To dramatically improve the health and wellbeing of all people and communities of Western North Carolina. ## How We Work [Read more about the way we work.](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/about/how-we-work/) We aspire to do good with the resources entrusted to us. While there is much work to do, we are inspired and hopeful through our connection with our partners and communities as we advance our shared commitment toward a better region for all – no exceptions. ## Where We Work Dogwood Health Trust serves 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary in Western North Carolina. ![Western North Carolina map with color coded regions](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DHTCityMap1222-Copy-1024x683.webp) our values ## Values define the core identity of Dogwood Health Trust. * Compassion with Courage. We will be bold in pursuing our commitment to the people and communities of Western North Carolina by taking smart risks and investing in opportunities for profound impact. - ** Sustainability with Integrity. We will bring transparency and humility in stewarding resources to support and strengthen Western North Carolina for generations to come. - ** Partnering with Purpose. We will foster collective impact by promoting collaboration and advancing shared learning. Our Guiding Principles ## Guiding principles define the behaviors that flow from Dogwood Health Trust’s values. - ** Keep People and Communities First. We honor the diversity of lived experiences across Western North Carolina by listening to understand before seeking to be understood. - ** Pursue Strategic and Systemic Change. We seek to catalyze transformative, multigenerational impact through data-informed and culturally competent decisions. - ** Be Accountable Stewards of Dogwood’s Resources. We assume responsibility for making decisions that marshal Dogwood’s resources for maximum positive impact. - [](#) - [](#) [*](/) [](https://twitter.com/DogwoodWNC) [Facebook *](https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood-Health-Trust-212994690131241) [Instagram **](https://www.instagram.com/dogwoodwnc/) [Linkedin **](https://www.linkedin.com/company/dogwood-health-trust/) * [](https://twitter.com/DogwoodWNC) [Facebook *](https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood-Health-Trust-212994690131241) [Instagram **](https://www.instagram.com/dogwoodwnc/) [Linkedin **](https://www.linkedin.com/company/dogwood-health-trust/)