Click on each strategy to see updates in 2023 (under Progress in 2023 note tab). 

Mental Health:

•  Prevention Education
•  Advocate for Services and Resources

Healthy Living (Physical Activity & Nutrtion):

•  Breastfeeding-Friendly Community Project
•  Elevate 828
•  Healthy Snack Master Competition
•  Walking Trails for Physical & Mental Health

Substance Misuse Prevention

•  Opioid Awareness Campaign
•  View From Here - Jackson County
•  Youth Tobacco Prevention

COVID19 cases and deaths- 

Drug overdose death rate-

The following are new or emerging issues within our in 2023:

• Inadequate, affordable houseing
• Construction on HWY 107, closing several businesses
• Inflation 

The following have been new/ paused/ discontinued intiatives and community changes in 2023:

• Employement changes in Health Education Supervisor, Health Director, County Manager, and Parks and Recreation Director.
• Southwestern Child Development Commission closed 4 child care facilities within the county.
• Lack of Foster Parents/ Families placing a strain on DSS staff.
• JCDPH received State Opioid Response funds from Community Impact NC to address proper medication storage safety.
• In partnership with MountainWise funds were awarded to JCDPH from a Duke Endowment grant to address healthy eating a physical activity initiatives.
• A new partnership between UNC Gillings School of Public Health and JCDPH has formed for Jackson County to become a new Hub location for UNC Gillings School of Public Health students.
• New facility in a new location opened for Jackson County Animal Shelter.
• Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department began construction on indoor pool facility.