Rural Health Transformation Program Launches in North Carolina

The North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program has launched across the state to help improve healthcare access and strengthen community connections to positively impact health outcomes for all residents in North Carolina, specifically in rural communities. The program's Digital Health and Technology Initiative is in partnership between the NC Department of Health and Human Services, the NC Department of Information Technology's Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity and United Way of North Carolina's NC 211 program, which already provides multilingual, 24/7 digital navigation support. When residents contact NC 211 regarding the program, they're connected with a dedicated Digital Health Navigator for personalized, one-on-one training on essential digital health skills. This consists of completing digital health skills assessments and connecting residents to in-person digital health literacy support. The program will empower residents to more fully access care online and participate in the rapidly advancing digital world. "Rural communities are the backbone of North Carolina, yet many residents continue to face significant challenges in accessing healthcare and support services," said David Mercado, Senior Director of Operations of United Way of North Carolina. "The NC Rural Health Transformation Program represents an important investment in improving health outcomes by meeting people where they are and connecting them to the services they need to thrive." North Carolinians who believe they may benefit from the program are encouraged to contact NC 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162 between 9 am and 6 pm EST Monday through Friday. About NC 211 NC 211 is a free, multilingual, and confidential information and referral service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Operated by United Way of North Carolina and powered by local United Ways across the state, NC 211 connects residents with local health and human services resources across all 100 counties in North Carolina. To learn more, visit NC211.org