This quarter, during the in-person meeting of the North Carolina Community Health Worker Association, Laurinburg served as the host site, bringing together community health workers, health care leaders, and elected officials for a day of collaboration, training and inspiration.
Courtesy photo
LAURINBURG — Scotland Health recently hosted the quarterly in-person meeting of the North Carolina Community Health Worker Association, welcoming professionals from across Region 5, which consists of 15 counties. The association meets virtually each month and gathers in person once a quarter, rotating locations throughout the region.
This quarter, Laurinburg served as the host site, bringing together community health workers, health care leaders, and elected officials for a day of collaboration, training and inspiration.
The meeting was divided into two segments. The first half featured stories and updates from guest speakers, while the second focused on training and recertification for community health workers.
David Pope, president of Scotland Health, welcomed Region 5 team members and opened the session with a personal story underscoring the vital role of community health workers. He shared how a family member currently admitted to the hospital was helping coordinate care for another relative who needed hospitalization but lacked external support resources.
“Ten years ago, patient care was seen as solely the hospital’s responsibility,” Pope said. “Today, we have five community health workers meeting patients where they are. This is a prime example of the evolution of care at Scotland Health — from a time when community health workers didn’t exist to today, where five dedicated professionals are actively bridging gaps for patients without family support.”
James Bullard, a community health worker for Scotland Health, shared firsthand insights into the daily challenges faced by residents in the counties Scotland Health serves. His remarks highlighted issues such as access to care, transportation, chronic disease management and the importance of building trust within the community.
Rep. Garland Pierce rounded out the guest speaker portion. He spoke about the mental health crisis, food and housing insecurity, and the need for better access to dental care. He shared stories from constituents, including a resident struggling to afford medication and another in need of dental work.
Pierce also discussed the Let’s Talk Laurinburg initiative, supported by a $2 million grant from the Old North State Medical Society, which aims to improve mental health services. He mentioned efforts to secure $100,000 for 3D mammography equipment for the Scotland Health mobile mammography unit and opened the floor for questions and discussion.
As a leader in community-based care, Scotland Health strives to set an example for others working to grow and strengthen these vital programs. The organization proudly champions the work of community health workers and remains deeply committed to improving health outcomes across the region — one patient at a time.