COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Our community programs are for everyone, not just patients. Health screenings, support groups, education and so much more. Outer Banks Health continues to monitor CDC recommendations for gatherings. Please visit our Events page for currently scheduled programs.

A1C Screenings:

Outer Banks Health offers free A1C diabetes screenings for those 18 years of age or older. A1C screenings measure a person’s blood glucose level over the past three months.

Advance Care Planning:

Do you know who would get to make medical decisions for you if you have not completed a healthcare power of attorney advance directive? Join us for a free session and learn the who, what, when, where, how and, most importantly, why of advance care planning. Visit our Events page for upcoming dates and times. For more information, call 252-475-0905.

Blood Connection Blood Drive:

Outer Banks Health partners with The Blood Connection to bring you a blood drive. Continue to visit our Events page for upcoming dates and times as well as to schedule an appointment. Give the gift of life!

Breast Cancer Support Group:

Our breast cancer patient support group provides a safe space to connect with other women coping and living with breast cancer. The group dynamic encourages support through the exchange of information and discussions about the unique challenges of living with this diagnosis. This group is free of charge and led by our licensed clinical social worker who provides emotional and practical support throughout the cancer program here at Outer Banks Health. For more information or to reserve your spot, please call 252-449-2314 or email [email protected]. Offered the third Wednesday of each month from 11:00am-12noon.

Cancer Conversations (formerly called Lunch and Learn):

Through our partnership with UNC Chapel Hill, we offer lunch time seminars (including lunch of course!) on cancer topics that focus on prevention, coping skills, and even new research findings. These live events are interactively televised from UNC so that participants have the opportunity to engage with and ask questions of the presenter. Visit our Events page for dates and times, location, and to register for the event.

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Education:

Cardiopulmonary Rehab helps patients to regain their physical strength and their confidence by encouraging them to maintain an activity program and achieve a healthy lifestyle. One of the ways patients achieve this is through the free and informative classes offered by members of the Cardiopulmonary Rehab Staff and Outer Banks Health Staff. A series of rotating weekly classes, offered on a quarterly basis, cover a broad range of topics that are designed to help cardiac and pulmonary patients, as well as community members, learn to live a healthy lifestyle. Visit our Events page for times, location and to register.

Caring for the Caregiver Support Group:

Connect with others who have a loved one diagnosed with cancer. In this group, led by Janet Creef (Outer Banks Health Oncology Licensed Clinical Social Worker), people can share their personal experiences, ways of coping and helpful resources. This group is free of charge and open to any person who is currently impacted by the cancer diagnosis of a loved one. Offered the fourth Wednesday of each month from 11:00am-12noon.

For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact Janet Creef, LCSW, at 252-449-2314 or [email protected].

Chair Yoga:

A lack of activity can lead to weak muscles and limited range of motion. Beginning an exercise program, like yoga, can help to break the cycle. Chair Yoga is a very gentle form of yoga that is designed to increase flexibility, strength, balance, and circulation. That’s why Outer Banks Health and the Hands of Hope Program offer free chair yoga classes. Visit our Events page for times, location and to register.

Coping with Cancer Support Group:

Our coping with cancer support group provides a safe space to connect with others coping with cancer – exchange support and receive information and guidance while discussing the unique challenges of living with a cancer diagnosis. This group is free of charge and led by our licensed clinical social worker, Janet Creef, who provides emotional and practical support throughout the cancer program here at Outer Banks Health. For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact Janet Creef, LCSW, at 252-449-2314 or [email protected]. Offered the second Wednesday of each month from 11:ooam-12noon.

Diabetes Prevention Program:

If you have been identified as prediabetic, join our FREE yearlong diabetes prevention class. Participants will learn how to make lasting lifestyle changes and receive support through these changes with the goal of preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes. Classes include cooking demos, guest speakers, giveaways, and more! Participants have the option to meet virtually or in person in the Cancer Resource Center at Outer Banks Health. The class meets weekly for the first 4 months, every other week for the next 4 months, and then monthly for the last 4 months.

Dinner with a Doc:

Periodically throughout the year, we’ll host a dinner at a local restaurant where community members have the opportunity to meet a local physician and ask questions about his or her specialty. Visit our Events page for dates & times, locations and to register for a dinner.

Free Flu Vaccines:

We want you to protect yourself and those around you by getting your flu shot. Outer Banks Health offers free flu clinics from September – November.  Visit our Events page for times, location and to register.

Free Yoga on the Beach/Sound:

Get your morning started with FREE yoga classes on our beautiful beaches with a certified yoga instructor. This offering is designed for men and women of all skill levels. Please bring your own water bottle and yoga mat and/or or towel. The locations will change regularly, so keep checking back to our Events page. Questions? Call 252-449-4529.

Look Good, Feel Better:

Does cancer treatment have you feeling sluggish and looking a little bit less like yourself? Now being offered virtually, licensed beauty professionals will show you how to use make-up and skincare products to bring back your natural beauty and lift your spirits. For more information or to register for a virtual session, please contact Marie Neilson at 252-449-5935 or by email at [email protected].

Over the Counter (OTC) Medicine Giveaway:

In partnership with NC MedAssist, Outer Banks Health will be bringing an OTC giveaway event to Dare County! Those in need of OTC medications can select and receive them at no cost. Continue to monitor our Events page for upcoming opportunities and to sign up.

Road to a Healthier You:

Join experts from Outer Banks Health Center for Healthy Living on Zoom who will help guide you to your North Star during these virtual three-part series. Continue to visit our Events page for times, locations and to register.

Stroke Risk Assessments:

Do you know if you are at risk for a stroke? Outer Banks Health offers free stroke risk assessments to the Outer Banks community. The assessment will include blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index. Health coaching will also be offered. All ages are encouraged to participate, as a stroke can impact anyone. Visit our Events page for times, location and to register.

Stroke Support Network:

A stroke can be an overwhelming diagnosis. Outer Banks Health offers free virtual Stroke Support for those affected by stroke. It will be held the first Tuesday of every month from 11:00am – Noon. For more details and information on registration contact Robin South, RN at 449-4554 or [email protected].

Wellness Screens:

One way to stay on top of your health is with an annual wellness check-up. That’s why Outer Banks Health offers free wellness screenings throughout the year. Learn more.