Grant to aid UNC research into "stroke belt"

In Lenoir County, residents live in what health professionals refer to as the “stroke belt.”

An area in the southeastern United States, the stroke belt includes Lenoir County, where residents are plagued by high rates of heart disease and diabetes.

Thanks to a recent federal grant, UNC medical researchers will investigate innovative solutions for loosening the stranglehold of the “stroke belt” on the county’s residents.

The $10 million, five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health will allow UNC to lead a study in partnership with East Carolina University to improve health in Lenoir County and eventually in other rural communities throughout the state.

The study presents an opportunity to address issues in a rural area that lacks resources and access to public health services.

Thomas Keyserling, a professor at the UNC School of Medicine and member of the research group, said a variety of factors contribute to poorer health in rural communities.

“It is a combination of factors, and not all are fully understood yet,” Keyserling said.

Citizens in places like Lenoir County often lack access to opportunities that promote better health, but Keyserling said that is only one of many factors.

“Socioeconomic factors are one of many factors,” said Keyserling.

“Local food choices and lifestyle also play a role.”

The study looks to understand why Lenoir County is a part of the “stroke belt” in order to help develop programs that effectively improve health.

“We have to understand what types of intervention would work in our community,” said Joey Huff, director of the Lenoir County Health Department.

“Knowing the causes will help cater to what (health interventions) our community will accept.”

While investigating the causes of these problems, the study also looks to improve quality of life by means of a higher quality of health.

A team of experts from UNC’s medical school, the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and ECU’s Brody School of Medicine will collaborate in the research.

Alice Ammerman, a professor of nutrition at UNC’s public health school, and Cam Patterson, Chief of the Division of Cardiology at UNC School of Medicine and director of the UNC McAllister Heart Institute, will lead the study. 

The researchers will study genetics and health, ways to improve opportunities for a healthy diet and more physical activity and how to build upon existing health programs and access to healthcare in Lenoir County.

“That is what excites me: The opportunity to help the individual and the community,” Keyserling said. “Hopefully we will start something that will not only be maintained in Lenoir County but will disseminate into other counties.”

This is not the first time UNC and East Carolina have worked together. Their collaboration on these kinds of projects has its advantages.

“Partnering with UNC and local officials allows collaboration that improves health in our communities,” said Stephanie Jilcott, assistant professor of public health and co-leader of the ECU research team.

“Our research will help influence important decisions regarding public health in North Carolina communities,” Jilcott said.

Lenoir County health officials said they welcome the study, which will give them more resources than they’ve had access to in the past to help promote better nutrition, exercise and healthy attitudes.

Constance Hengel, director of community programming and development at Lenoir Memorial Hospital, said the project can help build upon programs already in place in Lenoir County and could provide answers to their health problems.

“We’ve got the pieces in place, but how powerful can it be when you multiply the number of resources to solve a problem?” Hengel said. 

“Experts and more resources working together can lead to positive outcomes.”

 Contact the State & National Editor at stnt@unc.edu.