Cabarrus Public Health Interest is a nonprofit organization affiliated with Cabarrus Health Alliance, the Public Health Authority and official public health agency for Cabarrus County, based in Kannapolis, North Carolina. This organization serves the community through public health programs and services provided by Cabarrus Health Alliance and its partners, while centering on its three public service values – stewardship, advancing equity, and raising awareness.  

The CCME Foundation provided a $50,000 grant for its Lifestyle Medicine program expansion into the Hispanic community. The program offers culturally tailored activities that promote health through its focus on six pillars: plant-predominant nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections. Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based approach and medical specialty that prevents and treats chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.  

The funding took this model and utilized its long-standing relationships with Hispanic-serving organizations, including two local Catholic churches – which many Spanish speaking residents attend – and El Puente Hispano, already an established and trusted partner. These partnerships have enabled the Cabarrus Health Alliance to implement its Lifestyle Medicine program expansion by offering Spanish cooking demonstrations, Zumba classes, nutritious recipes, exercise equipment, and non-perishable food items to the Hispanic community. In addition, the funding is assisting the two churches build a recreation program for its Spanish speaking members.  

Learn more about the work of the Cabarrus Public Health Interest, the Cabarrus Health Alliance, and its Lifestyle Medicine program.