Nags Head, NC – May 14, 2025 – Outer Banks Health (OBH), in partnership with Dare County Department of Health & Human Services (DC-DHHS), introduces Thrive OBX, a cultural movement designed to inspire Outer Banks residents and visitors to embrace a well-being lifestyle that fosters longevity. Simply put, this initiative aims to cultivate a community where people thrive.
While local leaders explored ways to increase community well-being through Blue Zones Project®, OBH and DC-DHHS made the decision to forgo the steep financial investment. Instead of investing in an external program, the two entities are choosing to build on the local expertise of health and wellness providers and community leaders, keeping all funds local.
OBH is a proven leader in improving health outcomes on the Outer Banks, evidenced by reduced mortality rates from detecting and addressing serious health conditions like stroke and cancer early. Further, OBH has strengthened preventive care efforts through health screenings, community outreach initiatives, expanding and creating medical facilities, and successful recruitment of top-tier physicians and advanced practice providers.
“Thrive OBX is mission-based work for Outer Banks Health. Promoting wellness has been a part of our mission since day one. Thrive OBX activates this part of our mission as we aim to shift the broader community’s perspective toward a more proactive, instinctively preventative, healthy lifestyle to enhance overall well-being,” said Ronnie Sloan, president of OBH.
Thrive OBX is being designed for all Outer Banks residents and visitors, with an extensive lineup of educational programs and well-being initiatives in the works. OBH and DC-DHHS envision Thrive OBX integrating with existing food and nutrition organizations, parks and recreation groups, volunteer-led fitness programs, spiritual and community gatherings, and local businesses.
Sheila Davies, director of DC-DHHS added, “Dare County DHHS is excited about this partnership with Outer Banks Health and our greater community. The health and well-being of Dare County residents and visitors is our highest priority. We believe Thrive OBX is an initiative where everyone can find either a tool, resource, program or activity that will foster healthier lifestyles and longer, fuller living.”
To learn more about Thrive OBX, visit www.outerbankshealth.org/ThriveOBX. Join us in making a positive impact on your health and our community.
Featured: Thrive OBX logo with tagline.
About Outer Banks Health
Outer Banks Health is a growing health system that provides a range of health and wellness services for our community. Designed especially to meet the health needs of our coastal community, whose year-round population of 35,000 swells to over 250,000 in the summer season, we’re first in the state for patient satisfaction, first in the nation to pilot groundbreaking rural health cancer programs and the very first to be designated a Dementia Friendly Hospital. We work with our partners, ECU Health and Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, along with other health organizations throughout North Carolina and Virginia, to help our residents and visitors access the best possible care for their diagnosis. We take pride in delivering the right here, close to home.
