- Improving access to healthcare in eastern North Carolina
- Building support for community-based crisis services
- Educating and training the workforce to enhance skills
- Strengthening the crisis response system in the region
- Focusing on accountability and outcomes
Jacob Parrish, vice president at ECU Health, highlighted the positive strides made in teamwork to reduce the heavy use of emergency departments. Patients often find themselves waiting for timely care and discharge plans. Parrish expressed gratitude for the community organizations that contributed valuable insights while identifying care needs. He also thanked Sharon Rochelle from Pitt County DSS for her essential support in this effort.
Crisis response is crucial, especially in the emergency department at ECU Health Medical Center, which houses the only Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Centers in the region. However, effective crisis response is not limited to the hospital. It requires collaboration with the community to ensure that the hospital effectively serves everyone during emergencies.
The recent gathering brought together various community partners from eastern North Carolina, including juvenile justice representatives, Trillium Health Services, public school officials, and leaders from NC DHHS and local hospitals. Together, they worked on refining strategies and assigning responsibilities to tackle the priorities mentioned earlier. This ongoing collaboration will help create a sustainable crisis response system in the region. Regular check-ins will ensure that the efforts align with both state and community goals, reinforcing the support network for those in need.
