September 2025 Meeting
“According to the North Carolina County Data Profile: Cherokee County, the Level of economic well–being in a county is measured on a scale of 1-3. Cherokee County’s ranking is one [1], meaning that it is one of the worst distressed counties in North Carolina, which affects health outcomes. County ranking in NC by health outcomes range from 1-100, with 1 as best, and 100 as worst. Cherokee County ranks 77, and the county average in North Carolina is # 51.
The health of a population is the result of many things. Health disparities in Cherokee County, NC, stem from its rural nature and include higher rates of chronic diseases, substance use, and lower health outcomes compared to state and national averages. They are driven by factors called ‘health determinants,’ which include poverty, limited access to healthcare, high cost of health care and substance abuse, insurance barriers, and disparities in education and housing.”[1]
These barriers which exist in our Far Western Mountains create marginalization of a large number of our citizens, and it affects EVERYONE. Therefore, reducing the health disparities in our region is a huge task that requires community members and partners from every sector coming together to act. Faith and Community Alliance NC weaves faith and community together to produce healthy communities.
The next meeting of Faith and Community Alliance NC will be Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Murphy First Baptist Church, 517 Hiawassee Street. Come to the meeting and share with others what you can bring to the table to mitigate the negative health determinants in our area. The meeting runs from 6:00 – 7:30 pm in Room 316 [Go around to the back of the church and enter the Portico].
[1] https://www.communityclinicalconnections.com/wp-content/themes/cccph/assets/downloads/Counties/CountyDataProfile_Cherokee_by_County_2024-0209.pdf