Cooperative Agreement 90CSSG0079

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living awarded a $1.197 million cooperative agreement to the University of North Carolina at Asheville on August 1, 2026, under the Empowering Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities through Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Programs (CFDA 93.734).

UNC Asheville will operate the North Carolina Center for Health and Wellness to expand chronic disease self-management education (CDSME) and support programs serving older adults and adults with disabilities experiencing depression and anxiety. The recipient will recruit 2,500 participants into evidence-based programs by year three—625 in year one, 1,250 in year two—targeting 75 percent completion rates across the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Chronic Pain Self-Management Program, Diabetes Self-Management Program, Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives (PEARLS), and Walk with Ease. UNC Asheville will partner with behavioral health organizations, the North Carolina Division of Aging, Lumber River Area Agency on Aging, managed care organizations, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness NC to establish bi-directional referral pathways and strengthen relationships between the aging and disability services network and behavioral health providers through a learning collaborative and community of practice. The recipient will develop and disseminate project products including a learning collaborative framework, implementation guide, and resource toolkits.

Performance occurs in North Carolina through July 31, 2029.