Iredell County health department presents 2024 State of the County Health report; board accepts presentation

The Iredell County Health Department on July 15 presented its 2024 State of the County Health report to the Iredell County Board of Commissioners and the board voted to accept the presentation.

The department’s Health Promotion Coordinator, Danica Savage, told commissioners the report summarizes a four‑year community health assessment, a community health improvement plan and a progress report. Savage said the county’s three priorities for 2023–2026 are mental health, chronic disease prevention and substance‑misuse prevention.

Savage outlined programs tied to those priorities: evidence‑based teen behavioral health and first‑aid training for high school students; a “Mindful Mondays” partnership with the county recreation center for youth mental‑health engagement; a Be Well outreach partnership with United Way; Healthy for Life classes (in collaboration with the American Heart Association); a diabetes education program with Iredell Health/ Iredell Memorial; and a mobile health unit offering screenings, including blood pressure checks.

Savage also described substance‑misuse efforts, including Quitline NC referrals, a law‑enforcement drug‑take‑back that collected about 17 pounds of prescriptions last year, and distribution of safety devices through a lockbox program ("about 383 lockboxes and 525 pouches," Savage said). On emergency‑health trends, the report noted that early 2024 saw a spike in flu and respiratory visits (1,030 emergency‑department visits recorded for influenza in February 2024) and that roughly 30% of emergency‑department overdose visits in 2024 were overdose‑related, driven by opioid overdoses and contaminated supplies.

Commissioner Howe moved to accept the presentation; the board voted in favor and the presentation was accepted.

The health department said there were no significant changes in overall morbidity and mortality between 2023 and early 2024, and that the department will continue partnering with local organizations to address the three priority areas. Savage closed the presentation with an introduction to a youth‑focused mascot and materials (“Globey”) designed to help children identify and discuss emotions.

The board took no regulatory or budget actions on the presentation itself; acceptance was recorded as the formal outcome.