WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CONNECT A COMMUNITY TO RESOURCES?
Connecting a community to resources related to the Social Determinants of Health—like education, jobs, housing, and healthcare—is very important because these factors have a big impact on people’s overall health and well-being.
When people have access to these resources, they are more likely to stay healthy, manage stress, and avoid problems like substance misuse or mental health issues. For example, when someone has a steady job, safe housing, and access to mental health care, they are less likely to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with stress. Access to community support and resources can also improve mental health by reducing feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation.
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FACTORS AFFECTING A PERSON'S HEALTH OUTCOMES
01
HOW IT STARTED
This website was created from discussions during the 2024 Mitchell Yancey Prevention and Recovery Coalition meetings. Its goal is to bring together all the resources available to residents and providers in Mitchell and Yancey counties in one easy-to-use place. The website aims to improve community health and make it simpler to find support services. Developed by the Building Capacity group, this site is a one-stop shop for individuals and families in need, offering access to important services like housing, food, clothing, emergency help, education resources, and treatment support.
02
PURPOSE
IMPROVE ACCESS TO RESOURCES AND INFORMATION: The website will help community members easily find and use the resources they need, making getting support easier and improving overall health.
REDUCE STIGMA: The project will help reduce the stigma surrounding substance use and mental health services by offering a neutral and inclusive platform.
IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH: Improved access to various resources will improve health outcomes, especially for underserved communities.
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MEASURING SUCCESS
We will evaluate the success of this project by looking at how many people visit the website, how often they use the resources, and how engaged they are with the content. We'll also ask for feedback directly from users through surveys and community meetings to understand how helpful and easy the website is to use. This feedback will help us make improvements, ensuring the website continues to be a valuable and user-friendly resource for everyone in the community.
04
WHO WILL KEEP THINGS UPDATED?
Niki Maness, the Extension Agent specializing in Family & Consumer Sciences, will be responsible for keeping the resource website up-to-date and helpful for the community. She will regularly add new resources, respond to feedback from users, and make sure the website works well. The Yancey Health Department will work with Niki by providing updated information and resources as part of their community outreach efforts. Together, they will ensure that the website remains a reliable and valuable tool for everyone seeking health-related support in the area.
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HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED
We invite you to partner with us in building a supportive community. Share the website and the anti-stigma campaign materials. You can also submit valuable resources to help everyone achieve well-being and resilience. If any resource comes to mind, simply click the "Submit or Update a Resource" button. It can be found at the bottom of each page. Add as much or as little information as you like, and we will get it added to our collection.