Survey results from the 2018 Community Health Needs Assessment revealed that "other chronic diseases," including chronic kidney disease (in the Medicare population) and rheumatoid arthritis, are higher in Onslow County in comparison to the rates in North Carolina and the U.S. In order to most effectively allocate resources and fulfill Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs), the Community Health Advisory Team (CHAT) decided to expand the category of Chronic Diseases to include not only rheumatoid arthritis and chronic kidney disease, but also high blood pressure, diabetes, and COPD. In doing this, the team would focus on one of the root causes of prevention: Weight, Nutrition, and Exercise. 

CHAT believes that if efforts are focused on means of prevention through better access to healthy foods, opportunities for exercise, and weight management, this will prevent the development or progression of chronic diseases. 

Onslow Memorial Hospital 

Realo Pharmacy 

Caring Community Clinic 

NC Oral Health Section 

Naval Medical Center Camp Lejuene 

Onslow County Parks and Recreation 

Onslow County Government 

Onslow County Partnership for Children

The Onslow County Health Department (OCHD) and partners have found that focusing in the areas of Diabetes prevention and management would be more familar to residents and so would create greater incentives for participation. OCHD has implemented several Diabetes-related programs, including the Diabetes Prevention Program, also known as "Group Lifestyle Balance," and a Diabetes Self Management Class (DSME). These are two examples of evidence-based programs that encourage community engagement and educate participants on how to achieve positive, sustainable change in their daily lives.