While Jennifer Balkcom and Jamie Ager both come from Western NC farming families, the issues on which they are running are quite different.

Members of farming families face off in contest for NC mountain congressional seat is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Needle exchanges, disease testing, providing Narcan and other harm reduction efforts navigate complexities of Western NC communities.

Reducing drug harm in NC mountain counties is a story from Carolina Public Press, an award-winning independent newsroom. Our breakthrough journalism shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing North Carolina’s more than 11 million residents. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.