What challenges do you face when it comes to living a healthy life? Healthy Forsyth is asking that question to certain Forsyth County residents. It will hold its first series of community conversations on health barriers during the month of November. Here's what you need to know:

Purpose of Healthy Forsyth

Healthy Forsyth is a coalition that was formed to address chronic health conditions in the 27101, 27105, and 27107 zip codes. The program manager says those areas of Forsyth County have high populations of minority residents who often experience higher social determinants of health and sometimes face health inequities. Healthy Forsyth works to coordinate resources to address those disparities.

The program is a partnership between the Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Novant Health, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, local medical clinics, nonprofit organizations, and residents. It is funded through grants from Duke Endowmen t.

Community conversations

The first two of six community conversations will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 1. They will be held over the following two weeks at various community centers, churches, and health centers in the city. Residents who attend the forums will be asked to share problems and experiences related to:

Mental health
Diabetes
Hypertension

People who live in zip codes 27101, 27105, or 27107 can show up to the events. Three of the conversations are open to the general public. The other three are open only to seniors.

Table hosts will collect responses at each meeting. Residents who can't make it to any of the events are encouraged to take an online survey to give their input. You can also request a paper copy by emailing the program manager.

How data collected will be used

Responses gathered from these community conversations and surveys will be aggregated and analyzed. Healthy Forsyth's coalition will use the data to develop a strategic plan it will implement in 2024. The strategic plan could also eventually be used to guide local health policy changes.