Cone Health Gathers 80 Organizations to Improve Community Health

On Saturday, August 2, the Greensboro Coliseum Complex Special Events Center was full of energy and excitement. Cone Health’s Center for Health Equity, along with many community partners, hosted Building a Better You: Guilford — a free, family-friendly event focused on health, wellness, and connection.

More than 380 people from across the region came out to enjoy the day. There were free health screenings, fitness dancing, raffle prizes, and even free lunch (while supplies lasted). Guests also had the chance to meet local health care providers and connect with helpful community resources — all in one place.

Thanks to our amazing Cone Health teams and clinical partners, attendees received screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar (A1C), and colorectal cancer (FIT tests). There were also booths and activities focused on mental health, women’s health, housing, nutrition, elder care, and more.

“We know that things like housing, food, education, and access to care all affect a person’s health,” said Dr. Ruth Phillips, Director of Health Equity at Cone Health. “By meeting people where they are and building trust, we can help close the gaps in health across our communities.”

This event is part of Cone Health’s C.A.T.C.H. 5-in-5 initiative — a big goal to help people in certain areas live five years longer over the next five years.

“Working with our community partners, our goal is to improve life expectancy by five years in those areas by addressing critical drivers of health,” says Dr. Olu Jegede, Cone Health Chief Health Equity and Community Impact Officer. “These include prevention and education around high blood pressure, diabetes stroke, cancer, infant mortality, unintentional injury and opioid use disorder.”

Next Stop: Rockingham County

Join us for the next Building a Better You event on Saturday, September 27.
Learn more and sign up to attend, volunteer, or exhibit at conehealth.com/buildingabetteryou.