Outer Banks Health Development Council
When the Outer Banks Health Development Council formed in 2005, cancer services across our region were fragmented and we wanted to do something about it. Our solution? Establish a single location where families in our community could turn for cancer information and support. This led to opening of the Cancer Resource Center in 2006, and later, embarking on a capital campaign in 2020, which raised $6.5 million towards the Cowell Cancer Center. The center opened in January 2024 and currently houses all of our cancer services under one roof, enhancing our commitment to excellent cancer care for our patients. Today our focus continues to be on local cancer services as well as expanding wellness initiatives and support of the Outer Banks Community.
With the help of our generous donors, we continue to underwrite programs and services to expand health and wellness on the Outer Banks:
- Thrive OBX: Inspiring Well-being and Longevity. This is our newest initiative to strengthen well-being in our community. This cultural movement is designed to inspire Outer Banks Residents and visitors to embrace a well-being lifestyle that fosters longevity. In collaboration with Dare County Health and Human Services as well as other area agencies and leaders, Thrive OBX will cultivate community-led initiatives that empower us all to thrive.
- The Health Coach is a 25-foot mobile health clinic, providing vital health screenings at no charge to the community.
- Get Pinked! raises funds to improve breast health on the Outer Banks.
- OBX Cancer Cares raises funds for breast cancer programs as well as efforts surrounding other cancers.
- Supplement funding for the Outer Banks Health Community Benefits program providing grants to local nonprofit agencies.
- Offer free Lunch and Learn programs in the community including topics such as Setting Healthy Intentions, Benefits of Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Avoiding Risky Substances and Stroke Risk Reduction.
- Fund uninsured and underinsured diagnostic screening Mammograms.
- Fund Lung Cancer Screenings for eligible patients.
- Fund the Outer Banks Health Professional Excellence Program for team members to become certified in a new service to our patients.
- Provide and fund year-round Yoga classes in the community.
- Provide Funding for Special Projects and Needed Equipment at Outer Banks Health, including but not limited to a cystoscope for the Urology department; a Probe Positioning Board for Radiation Therapy department; Alcohol Cessation Training for Center for Healthy Living; and a Platelet Function analyzer for the Cancer Center Lab.
Ways to Stay Engaged
- Join us for the annual winter Outer Banks Health Gala. Each year proceeds will support a range of health, prevention, educational, and wellness initiatives provided by Outer Banks Health to our community.
- Celebrate our local providers for their remarkable dedication and service to our community through the Grateful Patient Program. If you are interested in showing your appreciation to a provider, please call 252-449-4529 or visit https://www.outerbankshealth.org/patients-visitors/gratefulpatient/
- Get involved by volunteering on the Patient and Family Advisory Council, become a hospital greeter, or learn more about the Dementia Patient Companion program. We also have event and outreach committees that welcome volunteers and support. For more information contact 252-449-4529.
- Check out our bi-monthly health coach newsletter for FREE opportunities and wellness events. https://www.outerbankshealth.org/health-wellness/newsletter/
- Join us for the annual fall “Cancer Shucks!” event which raises funds for local cancer services and programs.
Donate Any Amount, Any Way You Want
The Development Council accepts contributions of any amount, at any time. In just a few minutes you can help us improve the health of our community by making a donation.
You can also contact the Director of Development at 252-449-5933 if you’re interested in exploring other ways to give, such as:
- Annual Gifts
- One-Time Donation
- Memorial or Honorarium Gifts
- Planned Estate Giving
- Stock Gifts
- Purchase a Tribute Path Paver at the Cowell Cancer Center in honor of someone you love. For more information visit https://give.ecuhealthfoundation.org/event/obh-pavers/e446919.
Gifts can be made online or by mailing to:
Outer Banks Health Development Council
4800 S. Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959
