Swain Summits Health screenings were held in Janurary 2022. The Swain County Health Department provided free wellness panels, CRP and A1C bloodwork, as well as a % Body Fat, Blood Pressure, and Health Questionnaire screening.  Seventy-seven community members participated. 

2024 - Health screenings will be held in Janurary 2024. The Swain County Health Department will

provided free wellness panels, CRP and A1C bloodwork, as well as a % Body Fat, Blood Pressure, and Health Questionnaire screening. 

Eat Smart, Move More, Prevent Diabetes Online advertising was conducted via Facebook, and email listservs and reached 6860 community members. Eat Smart, Move More, Prevent Diabetes Online incentives were offered to encourage community members to take and finish the first sixteen weeks of the course.  Seventeen community members have registered for the course and two community members have completed the course. 

QuitlineNC advertising was conducted via Facebook, Swain Summits Screenings, and email list serve, 4288 community members were reached. 

Lock Your Meds advertising was conducted via Facebook, Swain Summits Screenings, and email list serve, 7389 community members were reached. Eight hundred and ninty-six lockboxes were given to community members free of charge.  

The leading causes of death in Swain County for 2023 compared to 2022 revealed few changes. Deaths due to cancer remain the number one leading cause of death, with Diseases of the Heart as the second leading cause of death.  

Opioid Settlement grant 

Swain County, along with other counties in collaboration with the Southwestern Commission, is actively engaged in addressing the opioid crisis through the utilization of an Opioid Settlement grant. The recent bid for facilitator marks an important step in planning and executing the next phases of work associated with this grant.

The Opioid Settlement grant aims to provide funding and resources to communities affected by the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic. Swain County, like many other regions, has witnessed the detrimental effects of opioid abuse, including addiction, overdose-related deaths, and strained healthcare systems. In response to this crisis, efforts have been made to secure the Opioid Settlement grant, which serves as a significant opportunity to combat and alleviate the ongoing opioid crisis.

To ensure the effective utilization of the grant, Swain County has collaborated with neighboring counties and the Southwestern Commission, an organization that works towards the economic and social development of communities in Western North Carolina. This collaborative approach enables a coordinated and unified response to the opioid crisis, leveraging the combined expertise and resources of multiple entities to maximize impact.

In order to strategically plan the initiatives associated with the Opioid Settlement grant, a facilitator has been hired. The facilitator plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts, engaging stakeholders, and guiding the decision-making process. Their expertise helps streamline operations, establish priorities, and ensure that the grant's objectives are met effectively.

Considering the history of the Opioid Settlement, it is important to acknowledge that this grant is a result of legal action taken against pharmaceutical companies involved in the production and distribution of opioid medications. These companies were accused of misleading marketing practices and downplaying the addictive nature of their products, leading to widespread opioid misuse and addiction. The resulting settlements are aimed at providing financial support to affected communities, aiding in addiction treatment, prevention programs, and other initiatives to address the opioid crisis.

Swain County's involvement in this grant, alongside other counties and the Southwestern Commission, demonstrates a commitment to combating the opioid crisis through collaborative efforts and utilizing the resources provided by the Opioid Settlement. The hiring of the facilitator further emphasizes the importance of effective planning to ensure the grant's success in making a positive impact on the community.

Produce Prescription Box Program

The Swain County Health Department is committed to bringing food equity to the county and improving access to fresh, healthy food for all residents. Through the MountainWise's Duke Endowment-funded Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas grant for Jackson, Swain, and Macon County, the department chose to invest the majority of their funds toward the Produce Prescription Pilot Program.

Partnering with ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Ag Project), Darnell Farms, MountainWise's HPHC (Healthy People Healthy Carolinas) program, and EMFS (Emerging Mountain Food Systems), the Swain County Health Department  launched the Produce Prescription Pilot Program in Swain County. The program provides weekly fresh produce boxes, along with additional food items from local producers, recipes, and food preparation materials and equipment, to forty-nine households participating in Swain's CHORE or WIC programs. The deliveries began on February 7th and will continue for 12 weeks, with participants gathering monthly for a recipe cooking demonstration and family activities.

ASAP is leading the coordination of this project, bringing GusNIP funds to support the work. The organization also provides monthly cooking demonstrations and sourcing the recipes and materials/equipment add-ons. Darnell Farms is sourcing the food and delivering the boxes to each participant's home. MountainWise is serving in overall project support and organizing role along with the allocated funds directed by the Swain County Health Department from the Duke Endowment-funded Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas grant. EMFS is offering technical assistance and advisement, leveraging its experience in running similar programs in the past.

By bringing together these partners and leveraging funding and resources, the Swain County Health Department is making significant strides toward improving food equity in the county and supporting local food systems. The department is proud to be a part of this important work and looks forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the community.

"We are thrilled to partner with ASAP, Darnell Farms, MountainWise, and EMFS to bring the Produce Prescription Pilot Program to Swain County," said Trish Hipgrave Public Health Educator "This program is a great example of how local partnerships can strengthen our food systems and support community health and wellbeing."

2024 - A second itteration of the Swain Produce Prescription Program will be serving fifty families for twenty-six weeks. 

Narcan - In collaboration with Mountain Projects, State of Opioid Response, Swain Coalition and the Swain County Health Department the highest volume of Narcan distribution in Swain County was achieved to date. Through a strategic campaigns on various social media platforms, a total of 1197 Narcan kits were generously provided to members of the community, completely free of charge, in the year 2023.

Monkeypox

Potential Threat of Monkeypox outbreak in Swain County. Despite no confirmed cases, the county's characteristics make it susceptible to zoonotic diseases. The need for preparedness and preventive measures is emphasized to mitigate the potential risks associated with a Monkeypox outbreak.

Monkeypox, a rare viral disease transmitted through contact with infected animals, poses a potential risk to Swain County. To combat this threat, proactive measures such as surveillance systems, enhanced diagnostics, and awareness campaigns are essential. By remaining vigilant and prioritizing preparedness, Swain County can effectively minimize the impact of a potential Monkeypox outbreak and safeguard the health of its residents.

Increased Drug Exposer

The Swain County Sheriff's Department and Bryson City Police have jointly reported a concerning surge in drug-related incidents, specifically involving the highly potent synthetic opioid, fentanyl. This emerging issue poses a significant threat to public safety and law enforcement personnel. Fentanyl, known for its potency and association with a rising number of overdose cases nationwide, is now impacting our local community. Collaborative efforts between law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders are essential in developing comprehensive strategies to address this public health crisis.

Increased Gang Activity

The Swain County Sheriff's Department and Bryson City Police have recently observed a concerning uptick in gang activity, particularly among individuals aged 13-18. This troubling trend poses a significant risk to the safety and well-being of our community's youth. Gang involvement among adolescents and young adults demands our collective attention, as it can have far-reaching consequences for the community's overall safety and stability. Efforts to curb the rise in gang activity will require collaboration between law enforcement, educational institutions, and community leaders.

Firearm Safety

Recent incidents have brought attention to an increase in youth-related firearm use, marking an emerging concern in our community. This serves to keep the community informed, emphasizing responsible gun ownership, especially in households with children. It is essential for everyone to stay vigilant, prioritize secure firearm storage, and engage in open conversations within families about firearm safety.