Our Scorecard outlines the efforts being made in Franklin County to address three of the four health priorities identified in the CHA: 

• Exercise, Nutrition, and Weight 
• Heart Disease 
• Health Outcome Disparities in Communities of Color

We strive to keep our scorecard as up to date as possible. Click the document symbol beside each program to learn more about the programs and initiatives taking place to improve health outcomes in Franklin County. You can read the story about progress on each performance measure by opening the "plus" sign next to each performance measure.

Increase in Syphilis Cases

Franklin County has witnessed a concerning uptick in confirmed syphilis cases over the past year. This trend mirrors a statewide surge, with early syphilis cases in North Carolina soaring by a staggering 631% in 2022. Locally, Franklin County has also experienced a notable rise in reported cases.

According to data from the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS), there were 18 confirmed syphilis cases in 2022 for Franklin County. As of the latest reports for 2023, this figure has climbed to 28 confirmed cases. It's crucial to note that these numbers may not fully capture the extent of the issue, as many cases likely go unreported due to individuals not seeking testing or diagnosis. Furthermore, the 2023 case count is still preliminary, and ongoing investigations may uncover additional cases, suggesting that the actual number could be higher than currently indicated.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, 2023 also saw a shortage of Bicillin-LA, the primary clinical treatment for syphilis. The heightened demand for this medication has exacerbated the challenges posed by the surge in syphilis cases, underscoring the need for proactive measures to address both the increase in infections and the accessibility of essential treatments.

We did not identify any other major morbidity or mortality changes in the year 2023 in Franklin County.

Sources: 

https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/stds/annualrpts.html

The Community Health Steering Committee met on February 13, 2024, to provide updates on our current CHIP and seek feedback regarding emerging issues that occurred during 2023 in Franklin County. The Steering Committee provides direction and leadership on community health initiatives across a variety of stakeholders and partner organizations. These organizations included:  

• Franklin County Health Department   

• Safe Space, Inc.  

• Franklin County Schools  

• At-Home Counseling Services, Inc.

• Franklin County Department of Social Services 

• Franklin County Library 

Emerging Issues 

Lack of affordable housing and apartments 

One of the pressing issues highlighted in discussions is the shortage of affordable housing in Franklin County. Despite a surge in residential development over the past year, characterized by the construction of numerous new subdivisions throughout the county, the resultant housing boom has led to a significant escalation in home prices. For instance, in February 2022, the average selling price of a house in Franklin County stood at $313,000. By February 2023, this figure had surged to $359,000, and as of January 2024, it has further climbed to $373,000.

This rise in home prices has not only affected newly constructed homes but has also resulted in appreciable increases in property values for long-term homeowners, consequently raising their monthly housing expenses. This is due to properties being assessed at record-high values, directly leading to heightened property taxes and escalating homeowners' insurance costs.

Moreover, Franklin County faces a shortage of rental options, with limited availability of both apartment complexes and rental houses. This scarcity has driven up demand, subsequently pushing rental prices higher. As of January 2024, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Louisburg, NC (the county seat), stands at $1,397, marking a 16% increase compared to the previous year.

Affordable housing plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities. Access to affordable housing not only ensures a roof over one's head but also frees up household resources that can be allocated towards other essential needs such as healthcare, nutritious food, and medications. This, in turn, contributes to improved health outcomes and fosters a healthier, more resilient population.

Substance Use and Overdose

The group discussed the alarming surge in substance abuse, with particular attention drawn to the widespread prevalence of Fentanyl and its devastating impact on communities. Of particular concern is the rise in overdoses among vulnerable demographics, including young parents and teenagers. Numerous agencies reported a noticeable uptick in substance use and drug-related overdoses throughout 2023. In Franklin County, the escalation of this crisis is reflected in the escalating statistics of drug overdose deaths. In 2020, there were 17 reported drug overdose deaths, a figure that rose to 24 in 2021 and further climbed to 29 in 2022.

Substance abuse exacts a profound toll on individuals and communities, extending far beyond the immediate risk of overdose. The health effects of substance abuse are multifaceted, encompassing physical, mental, and social dimensions. Prolonged substance abuse can lead to severe health complications, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, liver damage, and neurological impairment. Additionally, substance abuse often co-occurs with mental health disorders, exacerbating symptoms and complicating treatment efforts. Moreover, substance abuse undermines social cohesion and erodes community well-being. It strains familial relationships, disrupts educational and occupational pursuits, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and instability. The ripple effects of substance abuse resonate throughout society, imposing significant economic burdens on healthcare systems and law enforcement agencies.

Other issues that are impacting health in Franklin County that were discussed are: 

• Religious Exemptions for Immunizations and Vaccine Hesitancy - In 2023, there was a notable increase in religious exemptions for immunizations for Franklin County schools and there has been the increasing challenge of vaccine hesitancy within the community post-COVID.
• Access to Transportation - Access to transportation has had some improvements with the increase in pre-paid health plans, individuals can set up transportation to and from appointments as a part of their benefits. However, there are still transportation challenges, especially concerning safety and accessibility issues for individuals requiring assistance beyond county borders.
• Homelessness - Homelessness emerged as a countywide problem with contributing factors such as mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, inflation, and insufficient disability resources. Participants emphasized the need for both short-term and long-term solutions to address this concern.
• Mental Health Services for Children - Concerns were raised about the increasing need for mental health services for children under five years old. There are very limited resources in Franklin County and surrounding counites for this population.
• Recent Closure of Adult Assisted Living Center and Aging Population - The closure of an adult assisted living center in Franklin County underscored the challenges associated with an aging population and sparse resources for residents.

Sources: 

https://www.rockethomes.com/real-estate-trends/nc/franklin-county#Overview

https://www.zumper.com/rent-research/louisburg-nc 

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/opioid-and-substance-use-action-plan-data-dashboard

New Programs

Set the B.A.R. (Breaking all Reasons for Teen Vaping) Program: 

Set the B.A.R. (Breaking All Reasons for Teen Vaping) is a vaping prevention/cessation program created to specifically fit the needs of Franklin County High Schools. This program is designed to address the rising numbers of e-cigarette/vape use amongst high school students and set up the next generation with proper preventative measures to reduce overall e-cigarette and tobacco usage in Franklin County. This program is broken into four sections and focuses on breaking common misconceptions around vaping and alerting teens to what nicotine addiction can do to them. 

The four key lessons are:

1. "Getting the Facts" debunks vaping misconceptions and exposes marketing tactics aimed at teens.
2. "Nicotine Dependence" explores addiction and emphasizes the concept of dependence.
3. "Alternatives to Vaping" addresses peer pressure and offers strategies to resist vaping temptations.
4. "Student's Future" involves students in envisioning their life goals and discusses how vaping can hinder their aspirations. 

This program was first implemented into 9th grade Health and P.E. classes at 3 high schools in Franklin County in November 2023. We plan to return every semester and teach this class to ensure all 9th grade students receive the curriculum. We also plan to include the Early College in this class in the 2024 Spring Semester.