Today, NC Department of Health and Human Services released a new study of North Carolina’s innovative Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) showing that participants experienced reduced healthcare costs, fewer emergency department visits and hospital stays, more visits to less expensive outpatient providers and fewer barriers related to food, housing, and transportation. The study also found that 89% of participants surveyed reported improvements in their health.
These findings reinforce what Network Leads for HOP and communities across North Carolina have long understood: health is influenced by much more than what happens inside a medical office.
As conversations continue about the future of HOP, it’s important to recognize that the challenges HOP addresses – such as food insecurity, housing instability, transportation barriers, and interpersonal safety needs – exist in every region of our state, especially for those in rural and underserved areas.
This evaluation demonstrates the value of investing in coordinated systems of care that connect people to the support they need to improve their health. Ensuring that these opportunities are available across North Carolina is critical to advancing health, strengthening communities, and building a sustainable healthcare system.
Read more about the statewide impact of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot here:
