Western North Carolina outperformed the state and nation in terms of Census response rates and it can be largely credited to work by Dogwood Health Trust. Dogwood Health Trust invested $1.5 million to improve the counts. The higher response rate is expected to translate to $18 billion in federal funding over the next 10 years. This funding will support public service agencies such as EMS, fire departments, transportation, health clinics and infrastructure through federal and state grants.
For exceeding 2010 census response Yancey County received $16,000. Commissioners placed $15,500 with the Yancey Advancement Foundation which assists local nonprofits and businesses impacted by COVID-19 and $500 for Angel Tree gifts for children in need through the Yancey County Department of Social Services. Mitchell County also exceeded the 2010 census response and received $14,000. County Manager Tim Greene said the funds will mostly likely be used for COVID related expenses.
Dogwood Health increased the count through advertisements, financial support to Complete Count Committees and for nonprofit organizations that partnered with Dogwood to increase count.
Dogwood Health Trust is a nonprofit corporation created from the sale of Mission Hospital, whose purpose is to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Western North Carolina.
