Dare County, September 14, 2025
News Summary
Outer Banks Health has unveiled the recipients of its Community Benefit Grants Program, designed to enhance healthcare accessibility for over 30,000 residents. The program, which has granted over $2.3 million since 2006, supports various local organizations focused on health, nutrition, mental wellness, and transportation. Notable recipients include Beach Food Pantry and Community Care Clinic of Dare, showcasing a commitment to addressing healthcare disparities in Dare County.
Manuela, Dare County – Outer Banks Health has announced the recipients of its 2025-2026 Community Benefit Grants Program, aimed at improving healthcare accessibility for more than 30,000 individuals in the area. This initiative focuses on enhancing healthcare and financial resources within the community, reflecting Outer Banks Health’s commitment to local wellness and support.
Since the program’s inception in 2006, it has awarded over $2.3 million in grants to various community organizations. These funds have been directed towards improving healthcare services, nutritional education, mental health awareness, transportation, and emergency support. The recent grants reflect a continued dedication to providing critical healthcare access to underserved populations in Dare County.
Grants have been awarded to a diverse array of organizations to tackle various health-related issues. Among the recipients, the Beach Food Pantry will expand its nutritional education efforts by incorporating healthy eating principles to combat food insecurity. The Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men is launching a Lift Program to assist housebound citizens living in elevated houses, highlighting the need for accessible transportation to healthcare facilities.
The Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County is focusing on mental health by implementing mindfulness-based wellness programs for students, teachers, and community members. In contrast, the Community Care Clinic of Dare continues to provide vital medical assistance to uninsured and under-insured patients.
Additionally, the Cross Roads OBX Association is enhancing support services for individuals recovering from substance use disorders, further showcasing the importance of mental health resources. Meanwhile, Dare Arts is working to empower cancer-affected individuals and underserved populations through creative engagement, enabling a holistic approach to healing and mental health awareness.
The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services is also active in community education, through initiatives such as the Breaking Through Task Force, which aims to reduce stigma surrounding behavioral health with a public awareness campaign. In the Women’s Health Programs, they will offer prenatal ultrasounds and breast cancer diagnostics to underserved individuals, ensuring essential healthcare is accessible.
Transportation remains a significant barrier to healthcare access; thus, Dare County Transportation is dedicated to providing reliable transport for patients to attend medical appointments. Programs like Food for Thought highlight local efforts to address food insecurity, providing essential weekend meal bags, hygiene items, and clothing for struggling families.
Furthermore, Interfaith Community Outreach is addressing crisis intervention needs by offering financial assistance, while NC MedAssist provides free pharmacy services directly to patients’ homes, contributing significantly to the support network within Dare County.
Youth nutrition education is also receiving attention, with the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Dare County organizing 4H Goes Blue, a junior nutrition education camp. The Room in the Inn initiative continues to provide temporary shelter and necessities for community members in need, reinforcing the area’s commitment to social welfare.
Another essential collaboration comes from the Safe House Project, providing urgently needed emergency support and safe housing for survivors of trafficking in Dare County, a critical service for some of the most vulnerable populations.
This ongoing commitment to community health through the 2025-2026 Community Benefit Grants Program emphasizes Outer Banks Health’s strategic response to healthcare disparities, aiming to foster a healthier and more resilient Dare County.
FAQ
What are the 2025-2026 Community Benefit Grants aimed at?
The grants are designed to enhance healthcare accessibility and provide financial resources for over 30,000 individuals in Dare County.
How much funding has been awarded since the program began?
Since its inception in 2006, the Community Benefit Grants Program has awarded over $2.3 million in grants.
Who are some of the recipients of the grants?
Recipients include organizations like Beach Food Pantry, Community Care Clinic of Dare, Dare Arts, and the Safe House Project, among others, which focus on various aspects of healthcare and social support.
Key Features of the 2025-2026 Community Benefit Grants
| Grant Recipient | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Beach Food Pantry | Nutritional Education |
| Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men | Lift Program for Housebound Citizens |
| Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County | Mindfulness Wellness Programs |
| Community Care Clinic of Dare | Medical Care for Uninsured |
| Cross Roads OBX Association | Recovery Support Services |
| Dare Arts | Art Programs for Cancer-Affected Individuals |
| Dare County Department of Health & Human Services | Public Awareness Campaign and Women’s Health Programs |
| Dare County Transportation | Transport for Medical Appointments |
| Food for Thought | Weekend Meal Support |
| NC MedAssist | Free Pharmacy Services |
| Safe House Project | Emergency Support for Trafficking Survivors |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Outer Banks Community Foundation Awards $250,150 in Scholarships
New Tax Break for Tipped Employees in Nags Head
Governor Newsom Proposes Budget Cuts to Health Care for Undocumented Residents
Concerns Rise Over Trump’s Trade Policies
Federal Cuts Cause Job Losses for AmeriCorps in Iowa
Lindsay C. Warren Bridge Replacement Project Underway in North Carolina
North Carolina’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program Gains Momentum
UNC Charlotte Achieves Prestigious R1 Research Status
Major Infrastructure Transformation: New Bridge for Alligator River
Outer Banks Community Foundation Awards $57,500 in Grants
Additional Resources
- Outer Banks Health Grants Announcement
- Roanoke Island Presbyterian Church Grant Award
- Senate Defends NIH Funding
- Self Magazine Article
- Wikipedia: Health Care in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
