In an innovative approach to healthcare accessibility, ECU Health is utilizing community-based Health Hubs to connect residents with vital virtual care services and essential community resources. These hubs are strategically located within trusted local organizations like churches and businesses, serving as crucial points of access, particularly for individuals in underserved areas. By promoting awareness and utilization of virtual care options, Health Hubs are playing a key role in redirecting individuals away from emergency rooms for non-emergency situations, ensuring they receive appropriate and timely medical attention.
Furthermore, ECU Health Hubs extend their support beyond immediate healthcare needs by acting as gateways to a comprehensive network of community resources. Recognizing that social determinants of health significantly impact well-being, these hubs provide access to information and support related to critical areas such as food insecurity, housing challenges, and employment opportunities. Each Health Hub is equipped with a meticulously compiled community resource guidebook. This guidebook is thoughtfully organized by social need categories, offering detailed contact information and descriptions of diverse agencies and services available within the local community.
Central to the Health Hub model are dedicated Health Hub ambassadors. These individuals serve as the community’s primary point of contact, bridging the gap between residents and available services. Ambassadors are trained to assist individuals in navigating the landscape of virtual care and connecting them with the appropriate community resources tailored to their specific needs. To facilitate seamless virtual care interactions, each hub is equipped with essential technology. This includes a computer complete with a webcam and microphone, as well as vital sign monitoring tools such as blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, and thermometers. This provision ensures that individuals who may lack access to technology at home can still readily engage in virtual consultations on-site.
Demonstrating the program’s rapid growth and impact, ECU Health expanded the Health Hub network with three new locations in July 2024, bringing the total to 21 hubs. These Health Hubs are open to all community members, welcoming walk-ins during designated hours. Residents are encouraged to visit to discover more about virtual care options and explore the wealth of community resources available. The virtual care service, ECU Health Now, is accessible throughout eastern North Carolina via computer or mobile phone. Registration is free, and consultations with a healthcare provider are available for a nominal $55 fee per visit. This cost-effective model often represents a significant saving compared to typical insurance co-pays or emergency department expenses.
“The Health Hub initiative embodies a significant leap forward in democratizing healthcare access and addressing the wider spectrum of social needs,” emphasizes Perkins. “By forging partnerships with local organizations and seamlessly connecting individuals with crucial resources, Health Hubs are demonstrably making a tangible and positive impact within the communities they serve.”
