Access to Healthcare (Top of Page)

·       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.

·      Help plan and seek funding for a Federally Qualified Community Health Center, a center to provide primary care for indigent adults.  Federal designation was received in 2005 and this center will be eligible for federal funding on an ongoing basis.

Access to Dental Care (Top of Page)

·      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 (Top of Page)

·       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.

·      Be Real! Be Healthy! - nutrition, exercise, and body image awareness campaigns carried out in all 7-area high schools, 2004-2005.

·      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  (Top of Page)

·       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.

Community Assessment  (Top of Page)

·     Partnered with Cabarrus Community Planning Council of United Way and Cabarrus Health Alliance to complete a comprehensive Community Health Assessment in 2004. To view the report and supporting documents click here.

·      Publish an annual Cabarrus Health Report. The  2007 report can be viewed here.

·      Completed extensive community needs assessments in 1997 and 2000 to guide our efforts.