The Need For Wellness

The need for a facility of this kind in Alleghany County is great. There was no wellness center in our county until 2004. According to North Carolina mortality statistics from 1994-1998, Alleghany County ranked poorly being 8th in heart disease, stroke, and suicide deaths, 9th in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease deaths, and 1st in cancer deaths out of the 100 North Carolina counties. The Alleghany County Community Assessment, performed by the Alleghany Health Department in 1998, identified overwhelming problems with lifestyles. These problems include lack of exercise, poor eating habits, alcohol and tobacco use, obesity, heart disease and cancer. Diabetes and suicide also ranked high as concerns. In Alleghany County there is also a high incidence of multiple sclerosis and hip fractures. The incidence of deaths from many of these diseases may be reduced by positive lifestyle changes on which Alleghany Wellness Center will focus.

Alleghany County is an economically disadvantaged rural mountain county with 20.1% of the population living in poverty. This figure compares to the state rate of 13% at or below the poverty level. Approximately 21% of the population is 65 years or older and 27.7% of this population lived at or below the poverty level in 1997. In the age group birth to 17 years in Alleghany County, 25.3% of the population lives in poverty.

 Students in the county school system who receive free or reduced lunch make up 46% (200 1) of the total school population. The county's population receiving Medicaid make up 15.8% (2001). Alleghany County has the second highest per case Medicaid expenditure in North Carolina which translates into a lack of positive lifestyles and a delay in seeking medical care until illness is catastrophic (FY 1998-1999).

 Alleghany County is a Tier I county and a NAFTA disaster with an unemployment rate of 14 %. Traditionally, the textile industry has been an important factor in Alleghany County's economy. In the past 5 years Sara Lee, Vanity Fair Knitwear, Bassett Walker, Spring Ford Knitting, Carolina Narrow Fabrics and Lowes Hardware have closed leaving many unemployed and without health coverage. Bristol Compressors relocated to Bristol, Virginia in February 2002. Despite the loss of industry, Alleghany County has had Magnolia Industries to locate in our area with the possibility of expansion of employment opportunities. Martin Marietta, Sparta Pipes, NAPCO, Pioneer Eclipse, Charleston Forge,  and other small businesses continue to provide employment in the county. Grayson National Bank has opened a branch in Sparta. First Citizens, First Charter, BB&T and First Community Bank have branches in Alleghany County. Alleghany County received grant funding from NC Rural Internet Access Authority to establish an information technology center to be called Blue Ridge Telecenter. This project serves as an incubator for small businesses.Currently plans are being made for a Teapot museum to open in 2008 in downtown Sparta.The travel and tourism industry continues to be a major contributor to the overall economy of Alleghany County.

 Survey

In 1998 Appalachian Regional Development Institute of Appalachian State University conducted a marketing survey for AWCI to assess the need for a wellness center in Alleghany County. The majority of the respondents were within a 15 mile radius of Sparta, North Carolina. As determined by this survey, 60% of the respondents felt that indoor fitness facilities are inadequate for adults, and 70% felt that indoor fitness facilities are inadequate for children in the county. A 1999 UNC School of Nursing study showed that the youth of Alleghany County could benefit from more physical activity. The variables studied were body mass index, obesity risk, amount of aerobic power, blood pressure and cholesterol. Alleghany youth scored below the state average.

AWCI conducted a Youth Risk Behavior Survey for students in grades 7-8 and 9-12 to determine programs which will address the needs of our youth. 60% of the youth do not use seat belts. Only 2% (grades 9-12) and 18% (grades 7-8) of the youth use a helmet while biking or skateboarding. 10% (grades 7-8) and 20% (grades 9-12) of the youth smoke. 7% (grades 7-8) and 28% (grades 9-12) use alcohol. 5% (grades 7-8) and 17% (grades 9-12) have used marijuana. 6% report inhalant abuse. 3% admit to hard drug use. 8% admit to having contemplating suicide and formulating a plan. 50% (grades 7-8) to 80% (grades 9-12) have inadequate fruit and vegetable intake in their diets. 45% of the high school population exercise less than 3 times a week.

Be Happy, Be Healthy & Do it for YOURSELF!

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