HNC 2030 Scorecard: Polk County (2021-2023)

Executive Summary

Download the complete document here: 2021 Polk County Community Health Assessment

Community Results Statement

An empowered, healthy, and whole Polk County.

Leadership for the Community Health Assessment Process

Polk County Health and Human Services Agency's Division of Public Health provides leadership and support for the Community Health Assessment (CHA) process. 

Partnerships

The CHA is facilitated in partnership with St. Luke's Hospital, Polk County Health and Wellness Coalition and many other partners. For a comprehensive list, please see the Collaboration Section in the Community Health Assessment. 

Regional/Contracted Services

Our county received support from WNC Healthy Impact, a partnership and coordinated process between hospitals, public health agencies, and key regional partners in western North Carolina working towards a vision of improved community health. We work together locally and regionally to assess health needs, develop collaborative plans, take action, and evaluate progress and impact. This innovative regional effort is coordinated and supported by WNC Health Network. WNC Health Network is the alliance of stakeholders working together to improve health and healthcare in western North Carolina.

Framework & Model for Action

WNC Health Network provides local hospitals and public health agencies with tools and support to collect, visualize, and respond to complex community health data through Results-Based Accountability™ (RBA). RBA is a disciplined, common-sense approach to thinking and acting with a focus on how people, agencies, and communities are better off for our efforts.

Collaborative Process Summary

Polk County’s collaborative process is supported on a regional level by WNC Healthy Impact. Locally, the CHA team guides our process. This team reviews the data and provides input into health issues of concern. Data summaries for the identified health issues are then brought forth to the community, where health priorities are confirmed. Phase 1 of the collaborative process began in January 2022 with the collection of community health data. For more details on this process see Chapter 1 – Community Health Assessment Process.

Priorities

• Mental Health

• Prenatal Care

• Substance Misuse

Why Is This Important?

Beginning in fall 2021, our team spent time understanding the data and uncovering what issues were affecting the most people in our community. We also interviewed community leaders to find out what they’re most concerned about. To identify the significant health issues in our community, our key partners reviewed data and discussed the facts and circumstances of our community. We used the following criteria to identify significant health issues:

● Data is related to past health priorities

● Data reflects a concerning trend related to size or severity

● Significant disparities exist

● Issue surfaced as a topic of high community concern

● County data deviates notably from the region, state or benchmark

Once our team assessed the data, we presented key health issues to a wide range of partners and community members. The participants used the information we presented to score each issue, and then vote for their top areas of concern. They considered the severity of the issue, the relevancy of the issue, and the feasibility in improving the issue.

The suicide mortality rate has been steadily increasing since 2009-2013 in Polk County. The current age-adjusted rate is 25.9 per 100,000 population in 2015-2019. This is the highest rate in the region and higher than both the WNC regional mean (19.8) and the state (13.4) in 2015-2019. 

Mental Health was identified as a priority because it is not soley how a person thinks, feels, or behaves. A person's mental health can affect every aspect of their life including their ability to deal with stress, resilency levels, and their ability to build sustaining relationships. Mental health is important through every stage of life from childhood all the way through adulthood. The desire for Polk County is to have a community full of members who have a zest for living, self-confident, a sense of contentment, and the ability to bouce back from adversity. We hope for a community with readily available resources that anyone can access stigma free. 

What Works to Do Better?

The following actions have been identified by our partners including the Polk County Mental Health Advisory Community Committee as ideas for what can work to help make a difference with this priority.

Actions and Approaches Identified by Our Partners These are actions and approaches that our partners think can make a difference on mental health.

• Wrap-around connected services network

• 24-hour crisis services

• Prevention-oriented programs

• Avoiding advancement of acute issues

• Improved education resources

• Enhanced funding options

• Expansion of Mobile Crisis

What is Currently Working in Our Community These are actions and approaches that are currently in place in our community to make a difference on mental health.

• Mental Health First Aid trainings

• Support groups

• School-based services

• School Wellness Initiative

• Family/Youth support partners

• Telehealth

• Crisis lines

• Blue Ridge School Health Clinic

Evidence-Based Strategies These are actions and approaches that have been shown to make a difference on mental health.

• Gatekeeper trainings

• Care management

What Community Members Most Affected by Mental Health Say These are the actions and approaches recommended by members of our community who are most affected by mental health.

• Increased funding

• Increase in Peer Support Specialists

• Increase in services for uninsured and low-income

Partners With A Role To Play

The partners who can play a role in this priority include members of the Polk County Mental Health Advisory Committee and: 

• Polk County Health and Human Services Agency

• St. Luke's Hospital

• Vaya Health

• The Free Clinics

• Senior Life Solutions

• Private therapists/ Primary care providers

• Blue Ridge Community Health

• Blue Ridge School Clinic Providers

• Family Preservation

• Youth Villages

• AMI Kids

• Psychiatric facilities

• RHA Mobile Crisis

• Magistrates/ law enforcement

• Faith-based communities

• Senior Center

HNC2030 Alignment

Mental Health and the related result, "All Polk County residents to have access to mental health resources in a timely and effective manner", are aligned with the following Healthy NC 2030 health indicators and desired results:

• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) - Improve Child Well-being

• Suicide Rate- Improve Access and Treatment for Mental Health Needs

Description

Building a Wrap-Around Connected Services Network was identified by partners as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, that has a reasonable chance of making a difference in mental health in our community. This is a new program in our community.

The priority population/customers for this program are all community members seeking mental health services, and the program aims to make a difference at the individual and organizational levels. Implementation will take place in over the next 1-2 years between multiple partners.

A Wrap-Around Connected Services Network will allow a more whole-person approach to addressing the mental health challenges within our community. This type of program also lowers the chances of patients falling through the gaps by ensuring it's a closed loop system. This program shifts focus to a comprehensive, holistic strategy of addressing the needs of our community by ensuring partners engage in a collaborative approach to well-being.

The partners for this program include members of the Polk County Mental Health Advisory Community Committee. Various other partners will be consulted during the building phase of the program.

• The Free Clinics - Lead

• Polk County Mental Health Advisory Community Committee - Collaborative 

• Polk County Health and Wellness Coalition- Support

Progress Made in 2022

We have made significant progress in establishing our Wrap-around Connected Services Network. We are working collaboratively with healthcare providers and community stakeholders to build a comprehensive and coordinated approach to healthcare. We will continue to monitor our progress and adjust our strategies as needed to ensure that all residents have access to the care they need. Our progress includes:

• Continued ongoing meetings with partners to build the network
• 3 signed MOAs with partners 

Progress Made in 2023

In 2023, partners decided to reassess the program's structure with the aim of making greater progress in 2024. Recognizing the significance of the initiative's objectives, there has been a renewed effort to engage partners in NCCARES360, leveraging its capabilities to attain the original goals. This strategic pivot underscores a commitment to adaptability and the effective utilization of existing resources to advance the initiative's mission.

Description

Expanding Mobile Crisis was a strategy identified by partners as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, that has a reasonable chance of making a difference in mental health in our community. This is an ongoing program in our community. New interventions are needed to ensure more community organizations and members are aware of how to utilize this service.

The priority population/customers for this strategy are community members and organizations in Polk County, and the strategy aims to make a difference at the individual and organizational level. Implementation will take place in the community. 

Mobile Crisis services provide intensive, on-site response, stabilization and intervention for people who may be experiencing a crisis. This service is available 24/7/365. More details on this program can be found at https://rhahealthservices.org/mobile-crisis-management/.

The partners for this strategy include:

• Polk County Mental Health Advisory Community Committee - Lead
• RHA - Lead
• Polk County Health and Wellness Coalition - Support

Progress Made in 2022

Mobile Crisis Program is a vital resource for our community, providing immediate and on-site mental health support to individuals experiencing a crisis. The team includes licensed mental health professionals, who work closely with law enforcement and emergency medical services to provide support and stabilization for individuals in crisis. While services are still being offered via this program, there have been challenges with staff turnover.  Our partners are exploring innovative approaches to continue meeting the needs of the community. This includes exploring the option of virtual mobile crisis to assist clients quickly when a crisis arises. This project is in the beginning stages, but updates will be added as more information is available.

Progress Made in 2023

In 2023, despite ongoing efforts, the Mobile Crisis Program faced persistent challenges, primarily stemming from staff turnover, which affected its effectiveness. Despite these obstacles, partners continued their commitment to serving the community by exploring innovative solutions. One notable initiative was the initiation of the Telehealth Pilot Program, in collaboration with Polk HHSA, RHA, and Vaya. This program deployed iPads to staff for mobile crisis interactions in the field, aiming to enhance responsiveness and support for individuals in crisis situations. Additionally, organizations collaborated with RHA to distribute materials to clients, facilitating awareness and access to services. However, the program still grappled with long wait times, a lingering issue exacerbated by staffing shortages. Efforts persisted to address these challenges and improve the program's efficiency and effectiveness in meeting the community's mental health needs.

Description

Youth Mental Health Programs was identified by partners as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, that has a reasonable chance of making a difference in mental health in our community. These will be new programs in our community.

The priority population/customers for these programs are youth groups, and the programs aims to make a difference at the individual, organizational and community level. Implementation will take place in the community.

We believe that increasing the amount of Youth Mental Health Programs in our community will empower and support families and our community so they are better able to address the mental health needs of our youth. Example programs will be Youth Mental Health First Aid and others.

The partners for this strategy include:

• Polk County Mental Health Advisory Group - Lead

• Polk County Recreation Department - Lead

• Polk County Schools - Support

• WithAll - Support

• Polk County Health and Wellness Coalition - Support

• Polk County Health and Human Services Agency - Collaborative

Progress Made in 2022

Progress Made in 2023

In 2023, significant progress was made in the initiative aimed at supporting the mental well-being of young people in the community. Building upon the groundwork laid in 2022, the initiative expanded its efforts through an array of training sessions and workshops focused on mental health awareness and support. These included sessions covering a wide range of topics such as anxiety management, communication skills, complementary treatments for mental health enrichment, substance use awareness, and understanding various mental health disorders. Attendees benefitted from diverse perspectives and strategies aimed at promoting mental wellness and addressing mental health challenges.

The 24 training events, provided by Vaya Learning and Development, showcased a commitment to equipping community members with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, understand, and respond to mental health concerns among young people. Additionally, an impactful mental health training event featuring Tony Hoffman was hosted at Polk County High School, organized by Polk HHSA, with over 250 attendees. This event further underscored the community's dedication to fostering mental health awareness and support, reaching a broad audience with valuable insights and resources. Together, these efforts exemplified a collaborative approach to promoting mental wellness and creating a supportive environment for youth and the community as a whole.

Why is This Important?

Beginning in fall 2021, our team spent time understanding the data and uncovering what issues were affecting the most people in our community. We also interviewed community leaders to find out what they’re most concerned about. To identify the significant health issues in our community, our key partners reviewed data and discussed the facts and circumstances of our community. We used the following criteria to identify significant health issues:

● Data is related to past health priorities

● Data reflects a concerning trend related to size or severity

● Significant disparities exist

● Issue surfaced as a topic of high community concern

● County data deviates notably from the region, state or benchmark

Once our team made sense of the data, we presented key health issues to a wide range of partners and community members. The participants used the information we presented to score each issue, and then vote for their top areas of concern. They considered the severity of the issue, the relevancy of the issue, and the feasibility in improving the issue.

Prenatal Care was identified as one of those priorities because it is important not only to the health of the baby, but also the health of our families. We see prenatal care as more than just receiving clinical care during pregnancy. Prenatal care includes support and education for the families during the pregnancy and ensuring that support continues after the child is born. Prenatal Care can help prevent complications and inform families about important steps they can take to protect their infant and ensure a healthy life. 

What Works to Do Better?

The following actions have been identified by our partners as ideas for what can work to help make a difference with this priority.

Actions and Approaches Identified by Our Partners These are actions and approaches that our partners think can make a difference on prenatal care.

• More support groups

• Teen Pregnancy Programs

• No wrong door approach for OB Care

• OB Care Management

• Prevention programs

• Mobile resource teams

What is Currently Working in Our Community These are actions and approaches that are currently in place in our community to make a difference on prenatal care.

• Community Support

• Access to pregnancy tests and prenatal resources

• Community partnerships

• WIC Program

• Peer Counselors and School Nurses

• Polk County Transportation 

• Pregnancy Care Management Program

Evidence-Based Strategies These are actions and approaches that have been shown to make a difference on prenatal care.

• OB Care Management

• Support groups

• Teen Programs to implement inside the school

What Community Members Most Affected by Prenatal Care Say These are the actions and approaches recommended by members of our community who are most affected by prenatal care.

• Easier access to benefits is needed

• Expand Pregnancy Care Management to those who don't receive Medicaid

• More providers

• Need more parenting classes

• Need more education around Prenatal Care

• Need for daycares

Partners With A Role To Play

The partners who can play a role in this priority include: 

• Headstart

• Polk County Health and Human Services Agency

• Blue Ridge Community Health

• Thermal Belt Outreach

• St. Luke's Hospital

• TrueRidge

• Polk County EMS

• Child Family Resource Center - Aspire

• Local Providers

• Economic Development Commission 

HNC2030 Alignment

Prenatal Care and the related result, "All Polk County Families Have Access to Quality Prenatal Care and Support", are aligned with the following Healthy NC 2030 health indicators and desired results:

• Early Prenatal Care- Improve birth outcomes

• Infant Mortality- Decrease infant mortality

Description

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Support Groups is a program that was identified by partners as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, that has a reasonable chance of making a difference in prenatal care in our community. This is a new program in our community. The Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Support Groups will aim to provide families with support and education they need to make healthy choices. Topics discussed at these meetings will include breastfeeding, services available to families, safe sleep habits, mental health resources and more.

The priority population/customers for this program are families, and the program aims to make a difference at the individual level. Implementation will take place in the community.

The partners for this include:

• Polk County Health and Human Services Agency (Polk HHSA) - Lead

• Blue Ridge Community Health - Support

• Polk County Library - Support

• Polk County Recreation Department - Support

• Innovative Approaches Program - Collaborative

Implementation will begin in the Fall of 2022. Groups will be hosted at different locations in the community to meet families where they are. Different topics will be discussed at each meeting depending on the desire of the families. Resources such as diapers and wipes will also be given out. The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor with Polk County HHSA will take lead on this project and provide quarterly updates. Tracking will take place in the RBA scorecard. 

Evaluation Plan:

We plan to evaluate the impact of this program through the use of Results-Based Accountability to monitor specific performance measures. We will be monitoring How Much, How Well and/or Better Off Performance Measures. Our evaluation activities will be tracked by the Project Lead. Data will be collected and monitored by the Project Lead. Quarterly meetings will occur to discuss quality improvement strategies.

Sustainability Plan:

The following is our sustainability plan for this program: 

• Sustainability Component 1: Establish a consistent financial base for the program

Progress Made in 2022

We are pleased to report that these support groups have been successful so far, and we have received positive feedback from the community. In addition to providing emotional support, the groups also offer practical advice on topics such as breastfeeding techniques, infant nutrition, and postpartum care. Polk County Division of Public Health has offered 2 groups so far. Blue Ridge Community Health is also preparing to host a new parenting class that will begin in 2023.

Progress Made in 2023

In 2023, progress on the initiative faced setbacks due to staffing turnover, resulting in the temporary pause of the breastfeeding support groups. However, amidst these challenges, a new Parent Advisory Council emerged as a beacon of support for parents in the community. Created by the Innovative Approaches Program in collaboration with Polk County HHSA, the Parent Advisory Council has been meeting regularly to provide invaluable support and guidance to parents. While the traditional support groups were temporarily paused, the establishment of the Parent Advisory Council underscores a commitment to serving the needs of parents and caregivers in innovative ways. Moving forward, the Parent Advisory Council will complement existing resources, ensuring that parents continue to receive the support and assistance they need during this critical time in their lives.

After staffing turnover, the breastfeeding support group resumed in April 2024 under the leadership of a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC). The BFPC has since hosted 11 meetings, with an average of 3-4 mothers attending per meeting (mostly returning mothers). As one of the only breastfeeding support groups in the region, the most significant challenges in implementation lie in recruitment. The BFPC continues to advertise by word of mouth and through flyers in clinics and OB/GYN offices. The BFPC is also in the process (as of 09/2024) of expanding the group's scope to include more broad parental support in addition to breastfeeding support. Efforts to do so include hosting guest speakers; referencing other counties, existing groups, and the quarterly NC Breastfeeding Coalition meetings for strategies; and opening discussions with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) about financial accessibility of services, given that many participating mothers are also Medicaid enrollees or low-income. Despite the low enrollment (though discussions with the few other existing groups reveal similar enrollments), having repeat clients and fostering both successful education and referrals, where necessary, are considered great successes to have developed over recent months.

Description

Youth Support Group is a program that was identified by partners as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, that has a reasonable chance of making a difference in prenatal care in our community. This is a new program in our community. The priority population/customers for this program are youth, and the program aims to make a difference at the individual and organizational level. Implementation will take place in the community. This program will be designed to educate our youth on a range of health topics and create a safe and supportive school environment. Groups like these will improve protective factors and health outcomes for students that can last a lifetime. 

The partners for this include:

• Polk County Schools - Lead

• Polk County Health and Human Services Agency - Collaborative 

• Polk County Health and Wellness Coalition - Support

Progress Made in 2022

Due to funding, this project has been placed on hold. 

Progress Made in 2023

In 2023, significant progress was made in initiating youth support groups aimed at fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for young people in the community. Among the notable developments was the establishment of a Support Group for LGBTQIA+ Youth and their parents, held every last Tuesday of the month at The Congregational Church, UCC in Tryon. This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth and their families. By providing a safe and welcoming space for discussion, support, and advocacy, the support group aims to promote acceptance, understanding, and empowerment within the community. Through this initiative, efforts to cultivate a culture of inclusivity and support for LGBTQIA+ youth and their families demonstrate a commitment to diversity and equity in the community's youth support programs.

Why Is This Important?

Substance misuse was chosen as a priority during the CHA process after reviewing both secondary and primary data. As in other parts of the state, our county has seen an increase in substance misuse and most of these individuals are not able to get the help they need. This priority affects many areas in a person's life and is linked to many negative health outcomes including overdose and death. In Polk County, the prevalence of individuals whose life has been negatively affected by substance abuse indicates a significant increase in 2021 at 55.1%

What Works to Do Better?

The following actions have been identified by our partners as ideas for what can work to help make a difference with this priority.

Actions and Approaches Identified by Our Partners These are actions and approaches that our partners think can make a difference on substance misuse.

• Increase community engagement with individuals associated with Polk County Jail within the first 1-3 months post-release

• Lock Up Your Meds Campaign

• Quarterly Programming Summit

• Decrease barriers to service

• Naloxone Program

What is Currently Working in Our Community These are actions and approaches that are currently in place in our community to make a difference on substance misuse.

• Harm reduction conversations

• Lock boxes

• WithAll programs

• Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program

• Peer support

• Drug take backs

Evidence-Based Strategies These are actions and approaches that have been shown to make a difference on substance misuse.

• MAT

• Naloxone

• Case management

• Harm Reduction Programming

What Community Members Most Affected by Substance Misuse Say These are the actions and approaches recommended by members of our community who are most affected by substance misuse.

• Easier access to services is needed

• Need more education around substance misuse

• Need community education to combat stigma on addiction 

Alignment

Substance Misuse and the related result "All Polk County Residents Will Be Free of Substance Misuse" are aligned with the following Healthy NC 2030 health indicators and desired results:

• Drug Overdose Deaths (per 100,000 population) - Decrease drug overdose deaths

• Tobacco Use - Decrease tobacco use

• Excessive Drinking - Decrease excessive drinking

Partners With A Role To Play

The partners who can play a role in this priority include members of the Polk County Substance Misuse Coalition and:

• Polk County Schools

• Faith community

• County leaders

• Providers (RHA, Family Preservation, Blue Ridge Community Health)

• Polk County HHSA

• Employers

• St. Luke's Hospital

• Seniors

• Media

• Polk County families

Description

This program was identified by partner as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, that has a reasonable chance of making a difference in substance abuse in our community. This is an ongoing program in our community.

The priority population/customers for this program is the community, and the program aims to make a difference at the individual and organizational level. Implementation will take place in the community.

The opioid use and overdose crisis continues to worsen in our community and is an increasing cause of mortality among all groups. This program allows for increased access to the tools needed to combat the overdose crisis including education, trainings, and Naloxone Rescue Kits. 

The partners who can play a role in this program include members of the Polk County Substance Misuse Coalition and:

• Polk County Schools

• Sunrise Community

• Faith community

• County leaders

• Providers (RHA, Family Preservation, Blue Ridge Community Health)

• Polk County HHSA

• Employers

• St. Luke's Hospital

• Seniors

• Media

• Polk County families

Progress Made in 2022

We are pleased to report that our efforts to expand the Naloxone program in our community have been making steady progress over the past several months.

Our initial efforts focused on increasing awareness of the program among community members and healthcare providers. To that end, we launched an educational campaign that included informational flyers, social media outreach, and presentations to local partners. We also established partnerships with local organizations to ensure they had access to Naloxone for the clients they encountered. 

As a result of these efforts, we have seen a significant increase in the number of Naloxone kits distributed and trainings offered in our community. To date, we have distributed over 160 kits to individuals who are at high risk of opioid overdose, including those who use opioids themselves or who have family members who use opioids. 

We have also expanded the availability of Naloxone training to include community organizations, businesses, and other groups. Our training sessions provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize an opioid overdose and administer Naloxone.

Moving forward, we plan to continue expanding the Naloxone program in our community by working closely with healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies. Our goal is to ensure that Naloxone is readily available to anyone who may need it and that individuals in our community are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to save lives.

For 2023, we have several community trainings planned, as well as plans to increase availability of Naloxone through the use of vending machines.

Progress Made in 2023

In 2023, significant strides were made in expanding our naloxone program within the community to address the pressing needs of individuals affected by opioid overdose. Multiple events were organized throughout the year to enhance the availability and accessibility of naloxone, a life-saving medication. Notably, one of these events featured Tony Hoffman, drawing an attendance of over 250 individuals. Hoffman's presence and message likely catalyzed community engagement and awareness surrounding opioid overdose prevention and naloxone administration.

Furthermore, our efforts to broaden access to naloxone received a boost with the securing of a grant from the Gateway Foundation. This grant enabled the initiation of a vending machine program designed to provide round-the-clock access to naloxone. By strategically locating these vending machines in accessible areas within the community, individuals can obtain naloxone promptly, thereby increasing the likelihood of timely intervention during opioid-related emergencies.

Our commitment to expanding access to naloxone was further reinforced through a fruitful partnership with the Sunrise Community in Asheville. Together, we collaborated to provide Fentanyl and Xylazine test strips, invaluable tools in detecting potentially lethal substances and preventing overdoses. This partnership not only enhanced our ability to respond effectively to the evolving challenges posed by opioid misuse but also underscored our dedication to harm reduction strategies.

Additionally, the Sunrise Community played a pivotal role in facilitating naloxone trainings, both for the community at large and our staff. By leveraging their expertise and resources, we were able to deliver comprehensive training sessions aimed at equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to administer naloxone and respond effectively to opioid-related emergencies. Through these collaborative efforts, we empowered community members and staff alike to take proactive steps in saving lives and addressing the opioid crisis head-on.

The partnership with the Sunrise Community exemplifies our shared commitment to innovation, education, and community engagement in the fight against opioid overdose deaths. Together, we continue to explore new avenues and expand our reach to ensure that naloxone remains a cornerstone of our efforts to safeguard the well-being of individuals affected by opioid misuse in our community.

What Is It?

This program was identified by partners as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, that has a reasonable chance of making a difference in substance misuse in our community. This is an ongoing program in our community.

The priority population/customers for this program is the community, and the program aims to make a difference at the individual level. Implementation will take place in the community.

This program is a strategy to change the physical environment relative to access to substances in the home. The goal of the campaign is to encourage community members to secure and monitor substances that may be in their home to prevent substance misuse. For more information on this program, please visit this link. 

Partners

The partners who can play a role in this program include members of the Polk County Substance Abuse Coalition and:

• Polk County Schools

• Faith community

• County leaders

• Providers (RHA, Family Preservation, Blue Ridge Community Health)

• Polk HHSA

• Employers

• St. Luke's Hospital

• Seniors

• Media

• Polk County families

Progress Made in 2022

In 2022, our efforts to expand the Lock Your Meds campaign in our community made significant progress.

Our initial efforts focused on increasing awareness of the campaign among the older population in our community. To that end, we released educational information via Polk County Meals on Wheels' Program. We also established partnerships with local organizations to promote the safe storage and disposal of prescription medications.

As a result of these efforts, we have seen an increase in the number of community members who are aware of the importance of locking up their prescription medications and requesting medication lock boxes.

Progress Made in 2023

In 2023, significant progress was made in expanding the availability of lockboxes in our community, particularly through initiatives spearheaded by RHA and Polk HHSA. We continued to raise awareness about the importance of lockboxes and distributed them at various Polk HHSA events. Our dedicated efforts extended to serving the geriatric population, with a particular focus on ensuring that seniors had access to these essential safety tools.

A noteworthy development was the concerted effort made by Polk HHSA's new social worker for their senior services division to prioritize the distribution of lockboxes among seniors. This proactive approach not only increased the accessibility of lockboxes but also emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal belongings and medications, especially among vulnerable populations.

By integrating lockbox distribution into Polk HHSA events and targeting the geriatric population with focused initiatives, we took meaningful steps towards enhancing community safety and promoting responsible medication storage practices. These efforts underscore our commitment to proactively address safety concerns and empower individuals of all ages to protect their homes and well-being.

Progress on CHIPs

2022 SOTCH Handout

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:

•   New Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Support Groups
•   New Youth Support Group

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:

•   Ongoing Expand Naloxone Program
•   Ongoing Talk it Up! Lock it Up! Lock Your Meds Campaign

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)

Healthy Communities NC

• 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

Progress on CHIPs

We are delighted to share an update on the advancements of our community health improvement plan, which centers on the critical areas of mental health, prenatal care, and substance misuse.

Throughout 2023, we collaborated closely with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and partners to craft a comprehensive strategy tailored to meet the distinct health requirements 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 2023 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 2023 sections at the links below:

•   New Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Support Groups
•   New Youth Support Group

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 2023 sections at the links below:

•    Ongoing Expand Naloxone Program
•    Ongoing Talk it Up! Lock it Up! Lock Your Meds Campaign

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 2023:

• NC Opioid Dashboard

  • Rate of Drug overdose ED visits in 2023 was 111.0 (rate per 100,000 residents. Number of ED visits= 23)

• RWJF County Health Rankings

  • Polk County ranked 14th in health outcomes. (measuring length of life and quality of life)

Emerging Issues Since Last CHA

These are the new or emerging issues in our community in 2023 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
• Elder abuse
• Food cost
• Transportation
• Long COVID
• Increase in vaping in our youth

New/Paused/Discontinued Initiatives Since Last CHA

The following are new initiatives or changes in our community in 2023:

New Initiatives 

• During Holy Week 2023, Mental Health Stations of the Cross engaged the community, fostering awareness and reducing stigma.
• Polk County High School benefited from an additional school-based counselor, enhancing mental health support.
• Polk County Schools secured a Safe Schools Grant, facilitating the hiring of an extra social worker for student well-being.
• The HOP program commenced on March 1st, offering vital mental health services in Polk County.
• WithAll facility hosted Resilience Training from January 24th to January 26th, empowering individuals with mental health skills.
• Tony Hoffman's impactful speech at the #StandbymePolk event on mental health and substance misuse, coupled with community trainings, enriched Polk County's approach to mental wellness.
• Polk County Senior Services expanded their team with a dedicated social worker to address geriatric mental health concerns.
• The Parent Advisory Council by Innovative Approaches provided parents with invaluable support and skills to navigate mental health challenges.
• Pavillon organized multiple self-care workshops, fostering mental wellness among community organizations.
• The Telehealth Pilot Program kicked off with Polk HHSA collaborating with RHA and Vaya, deploying iPads to staff for mobile crisis interactions in the field.
• Polk HHSA secured a $100,000 grant from Dogwood Health Trust to advance Health Equity initiatives in the county.
• Innovative Approaches introduced a sensory tent, aiding students dealing with trauma, ADHD, and other behavioral challenges, available for use by various organizations.
• Blue Ridge Community Health enhanced their services by adding a psychiatric nurse practitioner to their team on a weekly basis, bolstering mental health support.
• Polk County Health and Human Services Agency partnered with Sunrise Community and Dogwood to increase Naloxone supply in Polk County.
• Polk County obtained a $300,000 Opioid Planner Grant from Dogwood Health Trust, aiding in the organization of the state opioid response grant.
• A Professional Foster Care House was established in Saluda, providing specialized care for foster children.
• Tailored Care Management initiative was launched, catering to individualized care needs in the community.
• St. Luke's Hospital upgraded its equipment with a Revolution Apex Scanner, enhancing heart blockage detection and minimizing unnecessary stent placements.
• "Disable the Label" anti-stigma training, presented by VAYA Health, was held on April 17th, fostering inclusivity.
• Medicaid Expansion was implemented, expanding healthcare access across the community.
• Darkness to Light event on April 4th raised awareness and support for mental health struggles.
• St. Luke's Hospital collaborated with Polk County Recreation Department to install new trail equipment, promoting community wellness.
• The 9-8-8 Holiday Campaign successfully raised awareness about mental health support resources.
• Gateway Foundation provided a grant to Polk County HHSA, facilitating the placement of vending machines offering free supplies like naloxone in the community.
• The Children's Advocacy Center, developed with Aspire, Crossnore, and The Free Clinics, received Provisional Certification in late September, bolstering support for children in need.
• Sunrise received a grant from Appalachian Regional Commission to establish a recovery-to-work ecosystem, connecting individuals re-entering society from incarceration or treatment with recovery-friendly employers and providing training for participating workplaces.

Paused/Discontinued Initiatives

As of 2023, there have been no officially discontinued initiatives within our county. While some initiatives have encountered delays or have been slower to gain momentum than initially anticipated, they remain active and under review for potential enhancements and reinvigoration. These slower starts may be attributed to various factors such as resource allocation, community engagement, or logistical considerations. Despite these challenges, ongoing efforts are dedicated to nurturing and advancing these initiatives to fulfill their intended purposes effectively. Through ongoing evaluation and adaptability, we are committed to ensuring that our initiatives evolve and align with the evolving needs and dynamics of our community.