Progress on CHIPs
We are excited to provide an update on the progress of our community health improvement plan, which focuses on the priorities of mental health, prenatal care, and substance misuse.
During 2022, we worked closely with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and partners to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the unique health needs of our community.
Mental Health
Our mental health initiatives have included the expansion of mental health services and resources, including expanding Mobile Crisis and creating a wrap-around network. We have also expanded training programs for our community on best practices for identifying and providing support mental health conditions. Specific progress on each program can be found by navigating to Progress Made in 2022 sections at the links below:
- New Build Wrap-Around Connected Services Network
- Ongoing Mobile Crisis
- New Youth Mental Health Programs
Prenatal Care
In the area of prenatal care, we have worked to improve access to care and resources for pregnant individuals in our community. This has included the establishment of pregnancy and breastfeeding support groups, the distribution of educational materials on healthy pregnancy practices, and the expansion of resources for pregnant individuals. Specific progress on each program can be found by navigating to Progress Made in 2022 sections at the links below:
Substance Misuse
Finally, we have made significant progress in our efforts to address substance misuse in our community. We have established partnerships with local organizations to increase awareness of the dangers of substance misuse and to improve access to substance misuse treatment and recovery programs. We have also expanded public awareness campaigns on the importance of safe storage and disposal of prescription medications. Specific progress on each program can be found by navigating to Progress Made in 2022 sections at the links below:
We are proud of the progress we have made so far and remain committed to working with our community partners to ensure that all individuals in our community have access to the resources and support they need to achieve optimal health and well-being.
Morbidity and Mortality Changes Since Last CHA
The following provide details on the morbidity and mortality changes for Polk County in 2022:
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation- County Health Rankings
- Polk County ranked 13th in the state for health outcomes and health factors.
- In Polk County, North Carolina, there were 32 deaths due to COVID-19 per 100,000 people in 2020. This measure is age-adjusted.
Opioid and Substance Use Action Plan Data Dashboard
- The rate of overdose ED visits among residents of Polk in 2022 (Annual) was 115.8.
(Rate per 100,000 residents. Number of ED visits: 24) - The rate of overdose deaths among residents of Polk in 2021 (Annual) was 9.7.
(Rate per 100,000 residents. Number of deaths: 2)
- Life expectancy for Polk County was 79.3 years
Emerging Issues Since Last CHA
These are the new or emerging issues in our community in 2022 that were not identified as priorities in our CHA:
- Rising cases of communicable disease related to drug use
- Health equity
- Affordable and accessable childcare
- Housing
- Senior Services
- Food Cost
- Transportation
- Long COVID
- Respiratory Illnesses
New/Paused/Discontinued Initiatives Since Last CHA
The following are new initiatives or changes in our community in 2022:
New Initiatives
- Participation in Healthy Opportunities Pilot
- Innovative Approaches Program
- #standbymePolk
- YMCA facility discussions
- New parenting classes offered with Blue Ridge Community Health
- Health equity trainings offered in the community
- Diaper bank at Polk County HHSA
- Open Table
- New health and wellness programming at Polk County Libraries including health and wellness kits
- Trail renovations by Polk County Recreation
- Hiking Club
- Expanded services through Pisgah Legal in Polk County
- Empower Her Class by Steps to Hope
- Bridges to Health with The Free Clinics
Paused/Discontinued Initiatives
- HHSA breastfeeding support groups were paused until Spring, 2023
- Annual Polk County Health and Wellness Turkey Trot was discontinued in 2022