Vision Statement

We commit, through personal and organizational excellence, to be an agent of change dedicated to achieving a healthier Richmond County.

CHA Leadership

The Richmond County Health Department (RCHD) in partnership with FirstHealth of the Carolinas’ Community Health Services Department gathered information, primary data, through the facilitation of focus groups, and secondary data was gathered from creditable sources such as: NC Data Portal, NC Center for Health Statistics, and County Health Rankings.  Our community, residents, community partners, and stakeholders provided insight into the needs of our community which led to the development of health priorities we will use to guide the improvement and overall health of our county.  

CHA Team Members:

Partnerships

We would like to acknowledge the community leaders, focus group participants, and local community organizations who participated or assisted in the development of the 2025 CHA process.

Theoretical Framework

The Population Health Model was used to select data indicators and to create a guide for the 2025 Richmond County Community Health Assessment. With the Population Health Model, outcomes are split into four categories: health care, health behavior, physical environment, and social determinants of health. Length of life and quality of life are also important measures. The policies and programs offered by local public health agencies aim to impact these health factors and lead to improved health outcomes such as increased length or quality of life.

The Healthy North Carolina 2030 project uses similar objectives to impact the health of the state. In addition, Healthy North Carolina 2030 places an additional focus on health equity and determinants of health (NCIOM, n.d.). The local Community Health Assessment process includes involving members of the community to determine key health problems and to help identify solutions. Primary and secondary data were collected throughout this process, and local, county, state, and national sources were used.

Collaborative Processes

In May of 2024, the Richmond County Health Department (RCHD) began the Community Health Assessment (CHA) by gathering community partners to determine the goals and structure for our county assessment.  Both primary and secondary data were gathered to develop the 2025 CHA.  The RCHD CHA Team met in August of 2024 and decided to use focus groups to gather the primary data for the 2025 CHA.  It was decided that RCHD would work in conjunction with FirstHealth of the Carolinas to gather data. The health department and hospital would receive feedback from stakeholders and community members by holding focus groups in Richmond County.  From January to March 2025, five focus groups were held in various areas of the county and reached various age groups. 

Key Findings

In focus groups compiled of Richmond County residents, the rise in the homeless population in our county was commonly stated as a concern. Also revealed in the focus groups was the issue of substance abuse and the theme that substance abuse leads to higher crime rates, contributes to homelessness, and negatively impacts the safety of our county. The Drug Endangered Family Taskforce (DEFT) works to address opioid and substance abuse in Richmond County.  FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Samaritan Colony, Richmond Community College, and Sandhills Best Care are some of the community partners receiving funding to provide services to individuals recovering from substance abuse.

Secondary data offered a wider view of the health of our county. Important findings included population decline, consistent leading causes of death, low life expectancy, high poverty level of residents, and health issues that are not being managed due to the small number of health care providers in our county. 

Next Steps

1) Disseminate the CHA

Presentations on the CHA and health priorities will be given at local meetings. Copies will also be available at local libraries, at the Richmond County Health Department, and on the county’s website: https://www.richmondnc.com/

2) Develop CHIP and Strategic Plan

A Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) will be developed with community partners, and the Richmond County Health Department will create a strategic plan to address urgent health issues.

3) Implement Health Programs

The priorities and strategies identified will be put into action through programs, policies, and partnerships that address the community’s health needs. 

Health Priorities

The CHA team met to identify the top health priorities for Richmond County.  The committee analyzed the primary and secondary data that was gathered during the CHA development process.  It was determined that the health priorities that need attention are substance abuse, homelessness, and chronic disease.