Category: COMMUNITY HEALTH

Debora Alvarado When you hear the word “Christmas,” certain images may spring to mind: houses framed in twinkling lights, gingerbread men, hot chocolate, maybe a Mariah Carey tune, and, of course, Christmas trees. But behind the tinsel and ornaments is another Christmas story—one of a migrant farmworker putting in 14-hour days to cut down those trees. That migrant worker may come from anywhere in the world, but out in Western North Carolina, he is most likely a Mexican man who … Continue reading “Growing health for North Carolina’s migrant farmworkers”

L to R: Dorel Clayton, Mentor & Board Member; Nichole Shackelford, Program Director; Tommy Green, Mentor & Board Member; Terence Johnson, Interim Executive Director How to vote, use a computer, open a bank account, and use a credit card were just a few of the things that Edward “Scottso” Scott, age 55, did not know how to do until recently. When he walked out of Orange Correctional Center in 2019 after being incarcerated for 30 years, a changed world lay … Continue reading “Life after lockdown: How formerly incarcerated people are helping each other heal”

As we near the end of National Hispanic Heritage Month, I have my mind on fútbol (or, “soccer” in American English). To be honest, this isn’t very unusual, as we are approaching the FIFA World Cup (la Copa Mundial), the quadrennial sporting event for soccer that the whole world – myself included – will be watching. More locally, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina’s (Blue Cross NC) key support for several community-based organizations provides children and youth greater … Continue reading “Here’s why we’re helping children and youth get their kicks in the grass”

Ten million children currently experiencing poverty in the United States don’t have easy access to books. Most children, from all walks of life, don’t have caregivers who make time for shared reading activities. From an early age, children are fascinated by the images and tales that unfold across pages. When a child loses access to those pages, the long-term effects reach far beyond the issue of literacy. Health and family well-being are at stake. In an era when there’s so … Continue reading “An unlikely prescription for good health: Read to your kids every day.”

One autumn day in November of 1962, a preacher stood inside a high school gymnasium in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and delivered an early iteration of what would become one of the most revered speeches in American history. “I have a dream that one day right here in Rocky Mount, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will meet at the table of brotherhood, knowing that one God brought man to the face of the … Continue reading “Rural communities face higher rates of childhood trauma. One woman is using Stanford methodology to help them heal.”

In Wake County, North Carolina, more than 6,000 children lack a bed of their own. That translates to nearly one child in every school classroom who sleeps on the floor, on a couch, or in a shared bed with other family members. The Green Chair Project is intent on making a dent in that number. “Housing is a roof over your head, but a home is something more than that,” said Jackie Craig, co-founder and CEO of the Green Chair … Continue reading “Raleigh non-profit turns houses into homes”

Legend has it that thousands of years ago, a shooting star hit the earth in southeastern North Carolina, furiously shifting the surrounding rivers and swamps, filling the sizzling crater. What resulted was Lake Waccamaw, the land of the Waccamaw Siouan tribe—aptly known as, “the people of the falling star.” The first historical record of the Waccamaw Siouan appeared in 1712, but more than 300 years later, there is much left unknown. So, when canoes dating back to the 12th century … Continue reading “Preserving the Health of the Tribe”

If you find yourself in Boone, NC, locals may recommend you stop by F.A.R.M. Café. Known for its fresh menu, cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff, this pay-what-you-can café is serving up something even greater to the local community. F.A.R.M. (Feed All Regardless of Means) Café is a non-profit restaurant where everybody eats, regardless of means. With a goal to serve delicious food while also relieving hunger in the local area, patrons are encouraged to pay what they can, or volunteer … Continue reading “Full Circle Moments: How this Western NC Community is Addressing Food Insecurity at the Root”

We can all agree – it’s been a rough few years. A global pandemic is only the beginning of what we’ve all endured recently, and the consequences are staggering, especially for our youth. At the end of 2021, 35% of North Carolinian adults were reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression, up from only 7.6% prior to the pandemic. Our state ranks 42nd in Mental Health America’s 2022 Youth Ranking, with 16.68% of youth under 18 reporting at least one major … Continue reading “Supporting students’ mental health with more awareness and fewer phones”

This story is part of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina’s “Changemakers” series—where we travel the state to find people making a difference in the health of their communities and share their inspiring stories. As a pregnant mother, you spend months preparing for the birth of your child. You change how you eat. You assemble cribs and browse racks of tiny clothing when you’re out shopping. You pack bags of blankets and snacks for the big day. You … Continue reading “Maya Jackson is bringing holistic care to mothers of color. And it may just save their lives.”