The North Carolina Farm Bureau, Yancey County Farm Bureau, and Mitchell County Farm Bureau donated $7,000 to the local medical community as part of the North Carolina Farm Bureau’s Healthy Living for a Lifetime initiative. The initiative visited Burnsville on October 14th and Spruce Pine on October 15th. During the events, 267 people received free health screenings, including cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, body mass index, bone density, and visual field.
“Healthy Living for a Lifetime was a great way for us to reach out to the community and provide needed health screenings as well as promote health resources in the area,” said Shea Laws, Yancey County SHC Director and Access to Care Chairperson for Healthy Yancey. “We had over 20 health and wellness organizations represented, and I spoke to several people who were truly surprised to learn just how many resources we have here in Yancey County. I thought the turnout was great and that those who participated came away impressed and appreciative.”
According to Allison Grindstaff, Communications Director for Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, a portion of the Farm Bureau donation will be used to help launch the 211 service in Mitchell and Yancey counties. “211 is a telephone service that provides callers with information about local health and human services, including food banks, rent and utility assistance, health insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid, substance abuse programs, transportation assistance, education programs and job training, adult day care, home health services, resources for children and families, and emergency suicide prevention. 211 can help the elderly, the disabled, and other populations by providing information about and sometimes referrals to local resources.”
“The Yancey County Farm Bureau was thrilled to bring this wonderful service to our county. Healthy Living for a Lifetime is a great way for Farm Bureau to show our commitment to helping our neighbors and improving our community,” said Johnny Hensley, President of the Yancey County Farm Bureau. “We appreciate all of the hard work and time our community partners put into making this event a success and we are happy to provide this donation to support the important services they provide each and every day.”
In Mitchell County, Healthy Living for a Lifetime was part of the Health Fair hosted by Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. In addition to the free screenings offered by Farm Bureau, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital offered vascular ultrasound, lung function, and skin damage screenings, while the Mitchell County Health Department provided free flu shots. There were also activities for children, a car seat check, and emergency response vehicles on site.
“We were pleased to see so many people interested in taking steps towards improving their health, and I’d like to thank everyone who took time out of their busy day to participate in the health fair. Healthy Living for a Lifetime really broadened our capabilities and allowed us to offer a number of expensive services at no cost,” said Heather Greene, Wellness and Lighten Up 4 Life Program Coordinator at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. "The support and collaboration with local agencies made this event a success."
Part of the Farm Bureau donation will also go to My Meds Medication Ministry and will be used to help provide prescription medications for uninsured individuals who are experiencing a crisis situation, according to the My Meds Site Coordinator, Paula Smith. “We are so appreciative of Farm Bureau for providing this donation and for showing such concern for members of our community. These funds will help us increase our impact in the community by expanding our ability to provide necessary medications to those in need.”
“The Mitchell County Farm Bureau is honored to provide this donation to help improve the lives of our fellow Mitchell County residents and to continue our commitment to giving back. We were happy to offer such a valuable service to residents throughout the community and were pleased to have so much participation at the event,” said Ed Terrell, President of the Mitchell County Farm Bureau. “We thank all the volunteers and participants who gave their time and we hope that everyone learned a little something that will help them live healthier lives.”
“We appreciate the hard work and generosity that Farm Bureau demonstrated with these screening events and donations,” said Jessica Farley, Health Promotion Coordinator at the Mitchell County Health Department. “Healthy Living for a Lifetime is a wonderful asset to rural communities across the state and we are thankful to Farm Bureau for being so committed to the well-being of Mitchell and Yancey counties.”
“The North Carolina Farm Bureau understands the need for high-quality and accessible healthcare in rural North Carolina and Healthy Living for a Lifetime is just one way that we can help local healthcare providers address the urgent needs of residents of Mitchell and Yancey counties,” said Larry Wooten, President of the North Carolina Farm Bureau. “Part of what makes Healthy Living for a Lifetime unique is our partnership with local healthcare resources. Through the support and commitment of organizations like Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, Toe River District Health Department, Healthy Yancey, Mitchell County Health Partnership and others, we can truly maximize our impact on the community and its residents.”
Healthy Living for a Lifetime is an innovative approach to addressing the immediate healthcare needs of rural North Carolinians while fostering awareness of healthy lifestyle choices that will result in long-term health improvements among vulnerable populations. Using a 50-foot state-of-the-art mobile health screening unit, the initiative provides rural North Carolinians with free health screenings, educational materials, and a path towards a healthier lifestyle. The unit is handicap accessible.
For more information visit www.healthylivingforalifetime.com
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