Taking a Community-First Approach

Prioritizing community health needs

Did you know? In 2022, North Carolina hospitals and health systems invested $53 million back into their communities through various programs, partnerships, and initiatives.

There are many societal and environmental factors that influence health. To ensure everyone has tools to live healthy and productive lives, North Carolina’s hospitals convene or sponsor health improvement initiatives and partnerships to tackle serious health issues.

Consider these stats:

There’s one heart disease hospitalization almost every five minutes.
North Carolina has the 8th highest rate of infant mortality in the nation at 6.8%.
Thirteen percent of North Carolinians are food insecure, lacking consistent access to nutritious food, increasing their risk of poor health.

These challenges are amplified in rural communities, which account for 80 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. To find solutions, hospitals and local partners conduct Community Health Needs Assessments to identify their unique health needs and develop strategies to make improvements.

Sentara Healthcare recently awarded community organizations in northeastern North Carolina $1 million in funding as part of the Sentara Cares initiative. These investments will help to address issues such as food insecurity, expanding healthcare access and the availability of affordable housing.

Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport, along with other community partners, formed the Brunswick Wellness Coalition (BWC) to actively address prioritized local health issues. Between 2022 and 2023, Dosher Memorial Hospital hosted multiple food drives with the BWC, collecting more than 2,200 pounds of healthy food for people in high need. Since the formation of the BWC, Brunswick County has improved its overall health ranking from 45th to 25th in North Carolina, according to the 2023 County Health Rankings National Findings Report.

Brunswick Wellness Coalition

Collaborating with partners to widen impact

Hospitals collaborate with local partners such as faith-based organizations to identify community needs that can affect health and well-being, like access to transportation to get to medical appointments.

To improve life expectancy in historically marginalized communities, Cone Health and the City of Greensboro have identified communities at highest risk and established an equity of care resolution with a five-year plan that included expanded access to telehealth services, health education and community wellness centers.

The health system has also hosted community events offering resources such as health screenings, mental health services, nutrition support and awareness of career opportunities.

Cone Health

Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center

Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington partners with local barbershops to build trust between underserved communities and the healthcare system. The barbershop initiative recruits community volunteers who check blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol and offer vaccinations.

When you’re at the barber, you might see 10 or 20 people the whole time you’re there. This is a relationship initiative that can lead to larger conversations around health and wellness.

Kevin Briggs, senior director of laboratory and respiratory care services for Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s coastal region and mentee in the 2023 cohort of the NCHF Diverse Healthcare Leaders Mentorship Program

Duke Health works with faith leaders across North Carolina to build trust within communities of color. The A.M.E. Zion Health Equity Advocates & Liaisons (HEAL) Partnership works to dismantle racism and reduce inequities in health and healthcare by providing access to resources to improve health and increase participation in biomedical research for chronic conditions like kidney disease. More than 15 clergy members across the state host health screening events, vaccination drives and health education sessions for their congregations and communities. Watch the video above to learn more.

From 2000-2022, more than 36,000 North Carolinians lost their lives to drug overdose. Mission Health and HCA Healthcare partnered with local law enforcement to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and addiction. During National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, they have hosted Crush the Crisis Drug Take Back events. Community members can anonymously drop off unused and expired prescription medicine, vape cartridges and pet medications and learn how to safely dispose of unused prescriptions.

About three in 10 adults report not taking their medicines as prescribed at some point in the past year because of the cost. FaithHealth Catawba, an outreach program led by Catawba Valley Health System, worked with NC MedAssist to ensure access to prescriptions and over-the-counter medications for local individuals in need. This partnership combines the caring strength of congregations, the expertise of healthcare providers, and a network of community resources, while expanding access to care for rural communities.