Healthy Cabarrus
www.healthycabarrus.org

• Access to Healthcare: To assure that all citizens have access to quality, affordable healthcare.
• Transportation: To assure that citizens have transportation options that allow them to meet the needs of daily life; have access to employment, education, and healthcare; and to stay connected to their community.
• Teen Health Issues: To promote health and well being of teenagers through youth/adult partnerships that identify and address issues affecting the health, safety and quality of life of teens in our community.
• Access to Dental Care: To engage dentists and other community partners in addressing the problem of a lack of access to dental care. Target populations include children, the elderly, special needs populations (nursing and group homes), and Medicaid recipients.
• New Priorities Under Development:
  Mental Health
  Substance Use/Abuse
  Health Disparities - Prostate Cancer
  

Community Collaborations and Project Successes:
Access to Healthcare

• Cabarrus has received $2.5 million in federal Community Access Program funding between 2001 and 2005 to provide healthcare for almost 5000 indigent uninsured residents.
• 300 low-income children have received NC Health Choice Insurance due to premiums paid by $15,000 in donations sought by Healthy Cabarrus.
• Our collaborative model of providing healthcare for the uninsured and underserved was an integral part of Concord's successful bid to be named an All America City in June 2004.
• Coordinated a local system to respond to prescription medicine needs of displaced Pillowtex workers, provided $205,000 in prescription medications August 2003 - June 2004.

• Established the local Mental Health Association and received $34,000 in grants as start-up funds for a Mental Health Program Coordinator position for our community.
  
  Access to Dental Care

• Increase of 54% in number of Cabarrus Medicaid recipients receiving dental services, 2002-2004. (FY02 - 3715 recipients; FY04 - 5723 recipients)
• Increase of 160% in number of Cabarrus children receiving dental care through NC Health Choice insurance, 2001-2004. (FY01 - 415 children; FY04 - 1080 children)
• Established comprehensive dental services for 2300 nursing home/group home residents and special needs populations in Cabarrus, Stanly, Rowan, and Iredell counties. Successfully sought $352,000 in grant funding to support start-up of this project.
• Established dental services in the hospital operating room to provide dental treatment targeting indigent children, the elderly, and special needs residents.
• Developed a referral system between hospital ER patients and local dentists.
• Established an ongoing, organized effort among dentists in our community to address the access to dental care issues.
• 400 indigent children received dental treatment by more than twenty local dentists volunteering during the annual Give Kids A Smile Day, 2003-2005.
• Involved twenty-two local dentists in addressing access to care issues through volunteering with our dental examination and fluoride varnish program. Over 2000 kids were served in each of the first two years.
  
  Teen Issues
• Created Teen Talk: a 24-hour telephone health information service for teens which receives 300-500 calls per month. 1-800-650-TEEN, www.callteentalk.com.
• Bullying Awareness campaigns reached 8500 high school students during the 2004-2005 school year. The slogan, Stop Bullying Now - Take a Stand, Lend a Hand.
• Training and teaching resources provided for 45 high school health teachers to enhance teaching about STD's, HIV/AIDS, and abstinence.
• Nutrition, exercise, and body image awareness campaigns carried out in all 7-area high schools, 2004-2005.
• Created an Eating Disorders Awareness campaign for area high schools and prepared Class Presentation packets that were provided to all high school health teachers, school nurses, and guidance counselors.
• Showcased teens at the 2003 and 2004 Glory Days Festival and at the Share Cabarrus Festivals in 2000 and 2001. Involved Teen Task Force members in planning, coordinating, and carrying out the event.
  
  Transportation
• Transportation to healthcare has been positively impacted by the CK Rider bus system, serving 800-1000 daily riders. Healthy Cabarrus serves on the Cabarrus Rowan Transit commission advocating for and supporting the implementation of this six-route bus transit system.
• Established a Transportation Position Statement and distributed it to local municipalities and county government detailing the importance of adequate transportation for residents to access employment, healthcare, education, and to meets the needs of daily life.
• Actively advocate for the needs of the underserved by serving on transportation boards and committees with city and county government and the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce.
  

1. June 2004 - Concord, NC named an All America City!
Healthy Cabarrus played an integral role in the successful bid for Concord to be named an All America City by the National Civic League. One focus of the application was Healthy Cabarrus and how our community has addressed access to healthcare for the uninsured.
2. 2002 - Envision Cabarrus Award
Envision Cabarrus/Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized Healthy Cabarrus for:
"Outstanding Service to the Cabarrus Community."

• Community Assessment
• Historical Facts
• Demographic Information
• NC County Website
• Cabarrus State of the County Health Report
• Teen Talk - telephone health information service for teens
• Cabarrus Smoke Free Dining Guide
• Cabarrus County

content updated: tml-10/25/05