Tidelands Health receives $500,000 grant from The Duke Endowment to advance community health

Tidelands Health has received a $500,000 grant from The Duke Endowment, continuing a longstanding collaboration focused on enhancing health and wellness throughout the region.

The grant will provide support for the Tidelands Community Care Network, a public-private initiative designed to break down obstacles to care for uninsured and underinsured adults.

“Every day, Tidelands Community Care Network has a positive impact on the people of our community, and that impact is made possible by the steadfast and generous support of The Duke Endowment,” said Kelly Thompkins, senior director of community health resources at Tidelands Health. “Since the network’s inception, The Duke Endowment has been a committed partner, continuing to provide vital funding and resources that help strengthen the health and well-being of our region.”

Launched in 2012, Tidelands Community Care Network links uninsured and underinsured individuals with a wide range of services, including primary and specialty care, affordable medications, behavioral health services, dental care and transportation assistance. Since its founding, the network has served more than 10,000 people and continues to evolve to meet the needs of the community.

“At The Duke Endowment, our focus is on improving overall health and narrowing gaps in care,” said Jay Kennedy, senior program officer with The Duke Endowment’s Health Care program area. “We’re proud to continue investing in Tidelands Health’s efforts to help individuals access the care they need when they need it, support healthier lives and address essential social needs.”

Tidelands Community Care Network includes more than 40 partners spanning government agencies, nonprofit organizations and faith-based groups, all working together to address the full spectrum of an individual’s health and well-being.

“This network model offers a collaborative and forward-thinking way to help people in our community navigate and overcome common barriers to care, from getting to medical appointments to accessing healthy food, stable housing and other essential resources,” said Thompkins. “The profound impact we’re seeing is a powerful example of what can be achieved when organizations come together to improve community health.”