The Gaston Community Healthcare Commission’s (GCHC) mission is to develop a workable community-wide agenda to improve the health status of the citizens of Gaston County. This work is done t
hrough a network of organizations and people involved in health care access, funding, distribution of resources and allocation of those resources. In 1994, the GCHC received certification as a Healthy Carolinians Partnership by the Governor’s Healthy Carolinian Task Force based on Health Objectives for the year 2010 and has been successfully recertified since that time.
The GCHC currently has seven (7) Project Groups, one (1) special initiative (Health at Home) and two (2) community partnerships:
Gaston County Safe Kids: addresses children’s health needs through injury prevention and preventive healthcare programs such as car seat checks and bike safety.
Parish Nurse Ministry: addresses health education and preventive healthcare through a variety of screening programs. There are currently three programs: Belmont Parish Nurse sponsored by First Presbyterian, Queen of the Apostles and First Methodist; the Gastonia Parish Nurse sponsored by First United Methodist, and First Presbyterian; and a county-wide Volunteer Coordinator.
Fitness and Nutrition Council: has as its primary purpose to encourage proper nutrition and fitness for all ages. The lead organization for this task force is the Gaston County Health Department. Their major initiatives are: Eat Smart Move More Weigh Less, Dogs on the Move, Body and Soul, and partnership with Activate Gaston.
Community Wellness Education: focuses on delivering consistent health messages to the public. The current focus is mental health issues and substance abuse community education programs specifically targeted towards prescription substance abuse.
Adolescent Sexual Health Project Group: established in 2005 to address the teen pregnancy issue in Gaston County. Their focus is education addressing three levels of information: community, parents and youth with the emphasis on parents.
Workplace Wellness Project Group: focuses on preventive healthcare for employees and establishing “best practices” for addressing healthcare at the workplace.
Health at Home Handbook: addresses preventive healthcare/wellness, also works to reduce unnecessary visits to the Emergency Room.
HealthNet Gaston Partnership: a county-wide case management program for the uninsured in Gaston County focused on patients with chronic disease.
Cancer Outreach Project Group: established in 2008 to address preventive healthcare, screenings and creating a Financial Navigator for those dealing with cancer.
