About Us
Issues Addressed
Recent issues addressed have included NC smoking policy, mental health, end of life planning, personal health records, air pollution issues, prevention programs, poverty and the safety net, healthcare reform, healthcare leadership and access to food stamps.
Take Action
Smoking: CFHPC disseminated progress reports on smoking legislation to a mailing list of interested Cape Fear leaders and residents, encouraging them to contact NC legislators and sign petitions if they supported the ban on second hand smoking in public places. This effort, in combination with many others throughout the state, was rewarded when legislation was enacted to ban smoking in public venues effective January 2, 2010.
Food Stamps: A Brunswick County conference on poverty reported that a lengthy and complex paper application form was a barrier to food stamp access by many residents. CFHPC investigated with the state and reported that NC had not followed other states in implementing an on line system for food stamp application. CFHPC has worked with Brunswick agencies and volunteers who will set up a pilot program for simplifying the application process in the interim, followed by efforts to convert the state system to a streamlined, on line application process.
Prevention: Stepping Strong Walking Program—CFHPC's Prevention Committee has recruited “Ambassadors”, who are trained to lead a ten week walking program. All participants receive pedometers, health, diet and exercise briefings, educational and motivational materials. This is a low cost program developed out of Stanford University, recently endorsed by the AARP, although it is ideal for people of all ages. Stepping Strong is easy to implement, inexpensive and has demonstrated results.
CFHPC's Prevention Committee seeks to have the program replicated throughout the Cape Fear Region. It welcomes inquiries from corporations, non-profit organizations and individuals about becoming Ambassadors and setting up Stepping Strong programs. For more information on our Stepping Strong program click here.