Healthy Places Halifax County
Working in Halifax County
Located in the Roanoke River and Tar-Pamlico River basins, Halifax County is one of the largest counties in North Carolina, encompassing an area of approximately 722 square miles. The county enjoys a picturesque agricultural landscape and a rich cultural heritage. In Tillery, where a group of African Americans resettled after the Civil War, home sites and a museum still stand, and in the town of Halifax visitors can see well-preserved Colonial Era buildings. The schools and community college are major employers, as is the health care industry based at Halifax Regional Medical Center. The hospital is home to the state’s first federally quality health center co-located in an emergency department.
We partner to prompt change.
Since 2012, Halifax County and Healthy Places NC have targeted key health issues including childhood obesity, high rates of chronic disease, and a lack of access to healthy eating and active living opportunities. Through Healthy Places NC, Halifax County residents have identified obesity reduction and access to care as two key issues to tackle.
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. Halifax County is specifically focused on decreasing childhood obesity.
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.
Funding Opportunities
Obesity Reduction in Halifax and Beaufort Counties
Like many parts of the state, rural Healthy Places NC communities are working to address high obesity rates and lack of access to active living resources. To assist stakeholders in Halifax and Beaufort counties, the Trust will support efforts that could include increasing recreational opportunities in underserved areas, conducting an equitable recreation master planning process, or promoting countywide recreation coordination.