BOONE – AppHealthCare, in conjunction with various agencies and community partners, released the Watauga County Community Health Report. This report identifies public health priorities and provides a basis for the work that will take place in the years to come.
The Community Health Report is published every three years in partnership with the Appalachia Regional Health System, Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative, Appalachia District Health Board, and AppHealthCare, including many other partnerships, individuals, and agencies. . The Community Health Report follows an assessment process involving the community to identify and analyze community health needs and assets, prioritize those needs, and then implement a plan to address significant unmet needs.
The Community Health Report provides the results of a community opinion survey and review of community data which includes income, poverty, employment, community safety, housing, behavioral health and more. The information is used to guide the work of local health departments and community partnerships to address community concerns and track progress toward projected goals.
The health priorities below highlight key areas that Watauga County Community Coalitions will focus on and strive to improve from 2020-2023:
- Mental/behavioral health – Depression, anxiety, emotional well-being, suicide prevention and support/intervention for people with mental illness
- Housing – Promoting healthy and safe home environments
- Family and Social Supports – Increased community and social support in the places where people live, learn, work, play and pray.
This report completes the first phase of the community health assessment process. The second phase is currently underway through the development of Community Health Improvement Plans that will direct work towards health priorities in Watauga County.
What can we do together to improve the health of our community?
- Health begins where we live, learn, work and play. Take action to keep our neighborhood safe and healthy.
- Being healthy takes a community. Attend Mental Health First Aid training and join local community groups working to support mental health systems.
- Your opportunity for health begins long before you need medical attention. Sign up for your local Women, Infant & Children (WIC) program through AppHealthCare.
- Opportunity for health begins in our families, neighborhoods, schools and jobs. Participate in local safe cycling and walking programs to and from school. Being healthy takes a community.
- Your neighborhood or your job should not be hazardous to your health. Support a tobacco-free life.
- Health begins – long before illness – in our homes, schools and jobs. Investing in our mothers and children is investing in our future.
- Live active, eat local vegetables and fruits.
- All citizens have the opportunity to make the choices that allow them to live long and healthy lives. Support local policies for sidewalks and bike lanes.
Together we will work towards a common goal for a healthier Watauga County.
To view the Watauga County Community Health Report, visit the AppHealthCare website at bit.ly/32AMhtN.
For more information on AppHealthCare or other community health resources and data, call the offices, Alleghany (336) 372-5641, Ashe (336) 246-9449, Watauga (828) 264-4995.
For more information, visit the website at www.AppHealthCare.com and AppHealthCare on Twitter and Facebook.
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