The Chatham County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 21, 2025, featured a significant presentation on the 2024 Chatham County Health Community Assessment. The assessment, conducted by the Chatham County Public Health Department, the Chatham Health Alliance, and the University of North Carolina Chatham Hospital, aims to evaluate community health needs and inform strategic planning.

The presentation highlighted key findings from the assessment, which identified three primary health priorities for the county: healthcare access, activities for youth and young adults, and substance use treatment and support. The assessment revealed ongoing health disparities, particularly in mental health, substance use, transportation, and job access. Notably, 1 in 12 adults reported not having a regular health provider, and 67% of individuals seeking help for substance use found it difficult to access quality treatment.

The assessment also gathered input from community members, who emphasized the importance of infrastructure, housing, and healthcare options. Water quality emerged as a top concern, with 57% of residents prioritizing it. Additionally, the report indicated that housing costs have risen nearly 10% from 2020 to 2022, contributing to food insecurity affecting 12.6% of residents.

In response to these findings, the Chatham Health Alliance has initiated several strategies, including the establishment of collaboratives to improve healthcare access and the development of a marketing plan to enhance youth engagement in community activities. The alliance is also advocating for policies to support recovery housing and increase the availability of mobile healthcare services.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to disseminate the assessment findings through various channels, including community presentations and social media, to ensure that residents are informed and engaged in addressing these critical health issues. The next steps involve ongoing collaboration among community members and agencies to implement the strategic plan and monitor progress in improving health outcomes in Chatham County.