Dare has several unique healthcare challenges, like the availability of care providers at many levels in our healthcare system. With my background in public health and healthcare administration I will work with our Dare County Health Department and Task Forces to provide targeted resources we need to meet our healthcare needs.
Did you know that Dare County ranks in the bottom 25% of NC counties for the number healthcare providers to residents? We are below the average for all Eastern NC counties, and below the average for all NC counties together. Yet Dare ranks as the 8th highest average income of all NC counties. Dare has the wealth but does not have the health services our residents need. Availability of healthcare providers, affordable transportation to and from health care visits — these are real issues that the Board of Commissioners need to address. I will work with the communities and healthcare services to put into place realistic and affordable solutions.
Have you heard about some of Dare’s environmental health issues? Buxton beach pollution, septic tank overflows and leakage into our waterways — these are environmental issues that impact on our health and quality of life and are featured in our local press and now out-of-state media.
Our beaches, wetlands and waterways are highlights of our beautiful environment. These are resources for residents and the economic basis for tourism. We need to strike a balance between the rapid growth in tourism and protecting our quality of life and our natural environment. Our Board of Commissioners need to listen to our communities, provide resources where we can, and proactively advocate with our government representatives in Raleigh to help clean up these hazards.
Affordable housing has been a persistent problem in Dare, just as it is in our neighboring NC counties and across the US. There are some initiatives to address this problem, some that have stalled and others that have reinvigorated. I will work with the Affordable Housing Taskforce to identify realistic solutions and work with our local partners to move the needle on this difficult issue. We will enlist the help of our state representatives to revise recent legislation to help support this effort.
Please revisit this page to see other issues that I plan to address when I’m Commissioner.
