Healthy Places Burke County
Working in Burke County
Burke County is located in the scenic foothills region of the Appalachian Mountains in western North Carolina. This area possesses abundant natural beauty with Lake James, Linville Falls, and Pisgah National Forest all nearby. The community has a lower unemployment rate than the state average, primarily driven by a strong manufacturing base that is now rare among rural regions.
We partner to prompt change.
Since 2014, Burke County and Healthy Places NC have been working together on health issues, such as high rates of chronic disease, substance misuse, mental health needs, and lack of access to health care. Through Healthy Places NC, Burke County residents have identified access to care, obesity reduction, and substance misuse as three key issues to address moving forward.
Strategic Goals
Reduce rates of obesity.
We are partnering with residents to promote healthy eating and active living by increasing access to healthy foods and recreational and exercise opportunities in areas of the county with few to no options to shop for healthy foods or to play and be active.
Reduce rates of substance misuse and overdose deaths.
Like many rural counties, Burke County is facing the effects of the opioid crisis. We are working to tackle substance misuse and addiction in the county and across the state.
Increase access to health insurance for low-income individuals.
We are supporting county efforts to increase access to health care. We are also focusing on strengthening the community’s safety net to better serve individuals with and without insurance.