Page 38 - Robeson Living Winter2019

SeHealth Foundation launches

Best Health Forward campaign

By Roxana Ross

Southeastern Health’s Community Health Services Department’s “Re-think Your Drink” program,
which was presented in July to Bill Sapp Summer Campers, is one example of existing and proven
community health programs that will be expanded through the Best Health Forward initiative.

For the first time ever, the Southeastern Health Founda- completed every three years by the Robeson County Health
tion is combining the funds from its two signature fund- Department, Southeastern Health, and Healthy Robeson.
raising events, Boots & BBQ and the Gala of Grateful These priority areas are: Obesity, Substance Misuse/Mental
Giving, toward one goal: Best Health Forward. Health and Social Determinants of Health. Within those pri-
orities, SeHealth Foundation has identified several existing
“We are proud of SeHealth’s legacy of care over the past community programs it can help expand to address those
65 years and see our Best Health Forward by improving issues.
community health and quality of life, not to help some,
but to help all,” said SeHealth Foundation Executive Di- “We are excited to announce that our combined goal is
rector Sissy Grantham. $300,000, all of which will go to existing and proven com-
munity health programs as well as innovative programs
According to SeHealth Foundation Board Chairman and partnerships that will have an immediate impact in and
Mike Hardin, “Southeastern Health is the continued dom- around Robeson County,” Grantham said.
inant force for the health of our communities and has no
greater goal than to advance the long-term health of our “We are confident that creating expanded access to programs
neighbors, highlighted most recently after the hurricanes. such as health screenings, primary care, exercise environ-
This presence makes us uniquely ready to combat press- ments, wellness programs, healthier foods and investments
ing health issues.” in our children’s prevention education will continue to lead
the way forward to better health for all,” added Grantham.
Best Health Forward advances the community’s health
needs in relation to three main priorities named in the “We appreciate and value the strong partnerships and alli-
2017 Community Health Needs Assessment, which is ances in our county and region,” said Hardin. “We know that

Page 38 these partnerships are working together to create a healthier