How We Chose These Stories
We began with the most recent Community Health Assessment (CHA) data from all 18 counties in Western North Carolina, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Qualla Boundary. From there, we focused on the health priorities identified by local health departments and public health agencies across the region. These priorities reveal the topics that matter most to our communities—and in 2025, some of the most cross-cutting issues include climate, housing, and food security.
Explore the Stories
Click on any data story to explore key health topics in our region.
Each story is based on findings from the Community Health Survey and Online Key Informant Survey (OKIS), offering insights into local experiences, priorities, and challenges.
You can also explore your local county or community’s full Community Health Assessment (CHA) or Tribal Health Assessment (THA).
If you’d like a more comprehensive view of the data, you can request access to our 2025 data workbook, which contains secondary data updated annually.
This work is supported by:
- Dogwood Health Trust
- WNC Public Health Departments and Hospitals
- The WNC Health Network team
