The conversation that took place was part of WHQR’s Cape Fear Conversations series, a project aimed at improving public engagement with and discussions about important, difficult, and complicated issues. The panelists who participated in the discussion included Jason Black, the Adult Residential Community Treatment Services (ARCTS) Program Director at Coastal Horizons Center, Kevin Briggs, the Senior Director of Laboratory & Respiratory Care Services at Novant Health, Dr. Umar Bowers, the Medical Director at Dawson Med & Dawson Med Urgent Care, Hayley Sink, the Director of Health Equity at Trillium, and Leigh Quarles, the Health Equity Network Officer at New Hanover Community Endowment.
The experts on this panel came from diverse backgrounds within the healthcare industry and brought their unique perspectives to the discussion on important healthcare issues. Each panelist shared valuable insights and experiences related to health equity and improving access to healthcare services in the Cape Fear region. By bringing together experts from various sectors of healthcare, this conversation aimed to promote collaboration and discussion on ways to address the complex challenges faced by the community in terms of healthcare disparities and services. Through open dialogue and knowledge sharing, the panelists worked towards finding solutions and fostering positive change in healthcare delivery and accessibility in the region.
The focus of this conversation was on advancing health equity and ensuring that all members of the community have access to quality healthcare services. The panelists discussed critical issues such as addressing social determinants of health and systemic barriers to care while emphasizing inclusive and culturally competent healthcare practices. By highlighting these issues
