The Cumberland County Department of Public Health has released the 2021 Community Health Assessment. 

The Community Health Assessment Report is published following a Community Health Needs Assessment conducted every three years in collaboration with Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. The report highlights the morbidity and mortality rates for leading health issues and newly emergent issues within the Cumberland community, and identifies priorities that Public Health will work to address over the next three years in collaboration with partner organizations.

Four health priorities were identified as key areas for action: Economy, Substance Abuse, Public Safety and Mental Health. These priorities support the Healthy North Carolina 2030 objective to build a healthier future for all.

Key findings of the report revealed areas of improvement for two particular focus groups:

• College Students
  • Did not receive or access enough healthcare services
  • Experienced challenges to affording healthcare
  • Experienced challenges to affording healthier lifestyle choices 
• Migrant Farmworkers 
  • Need more pharmacies near where they live and work
  • Do not have enough food options/accessible store in proximity of residence while working in County 
  • Struggle with limited access to health information

Survey responses were analyzed and the organizers of the report were able to deduce that “In Cumberland County, survey respondents indicated there is high educational attainment, a 

demographically versatile population, opportunities for chronic disease management and access to health services; however, there are still significant health needs in areas of substance use/misuse, mental health providers and other health behaviors.”

Though this report uses information collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, rates do not reflect death data related to the pandemic.

To view the complete 2021 Community Health Assessment Report visit https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/public-health-group/public-health/about-us/reports-and-plans