Established in 1995, PPH is Pitt County’s community health coalition. PPH is led by a Steering Committee who represent the community hospital (Vidant Medical Center), Pitt County Health Department, East Carolina University, business and community members.
Our partnership utilizes the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to determine our focus areas. The current priority areas are: Chronic Disease, Access to Care and Mental Health.
Most importantly, PPH works to impact the health of those in our community. The following was written by one of Pitt Partner’s members to explain how she learned about PPH, engaged and benefited from partnership.
My journey with PPH began about three years ago when I was introduced to the Healthy Lives, Healthy Choices group. The group’s director invited me to attend a Pitt Partners for Health meeting and I was blown away by all the resources available to help people.
I was about to sponsor an upcoming health fair at my church. I was so happy to be able to share all the great information that I had tapped into with all the agencies and their services offered.
Following the health fair, my next venture was to get my seniors more active. The easiest way to get moving was of course, by walking. I was overjoyed to find out that there was already an established 8-week walking program with weekly incentives to boost.
In addition to the Walkwise walking program, I was introduced two ladies at the Health Department who helped with the installation of walking trails, signage and a Blood Pressure monitoring station at our church. We were taught how to be certified in checking our blood pressures because you can’t control it if you don’t know it.
Our next major venture will be addressing the pink elephant in the room, advance care planning and living wills. Two other ladies with Vidant Health will assist us in setting up those classes so our members will be well informed to make those delicate decisions.
My church is one in a conference made up of 17 churches. They frequently call on me when they need health or exercise information. I’m always happy to share what I have obtained through Pitt Partners in Health, as well as, Healthy Lives, Healthy Choices. I see first-hand, the fruits of your labor. I see people taking charge of their healthcare. I see people scheduling doctor appointments instead of blowing off their symptoms. They report back to me how they were able to converse with their doctor as to “why I need these tests”, “what do they mean” and “what should I be doing now”.
I see people getting out of their recliners to come out and exercise even if they are sitting down, at least they are moving. I see people putting down Pepsi to pick up water.
And the list goes on and on. We’re saving lives and today, I salute you for your commitment toward health and wholeness. On behalf of my church and the 17 churches we are a part of, we say thank you so much for being here and all that you do to keep us healthy.
From a walking program to blood pressure monitoring to end of life issues, PPH is dedicated to working together “To improve the population health of Pitt County through coalition building and partnership.” This is our desire and our mission statement.
Please come and join with us!
PPH meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month in community locations throughout the county. For more information contact Stefanie Cabaniss at 847-8265 or Stefanie.cabaniss@vidanthealth.com
