Written by Amy Andrews

Each year, cardiovascular disease kills more citizens in North Carolina than cancer, AIDS, accidents, violence and alcohol abuse combined, and it accounts for one out of every four deaths in our area. 

The HeartBright Foundation was created to address this issue and help those, particularly in under-served and at-risk populations, who are dealing with heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. 

HeartBright’s free programming includes an expansive community outreach program that focuses on education, nutrition and fitness as well as a free clinic that provides treatment, access and support for patients. 

Written by Amy Andrews

Hadassah is an international women’s organization whose mission is to heal our world. Through programs, research and advocacy, Hadassah works every day to bring healing where it is needed most in the US, Israel and around the world. Everything that the Charlotte Hadassah chapter does is in support of this mission. 

At the heart of Hadassah is a focus on health and wellness. Hadassah has two hospitals in Israel that are global leaders in care, treatments and research whose work serves over a million women, men and children, regardless of religion, race or nationality. 

Locally, Hadassah champions a host of medical causes, most notably breast cancer, infertility and heart health. 

This month, our #SpotlightOnCLT is shining on our local nonprofit partners who serve and support individuals living with a chronic disease, as well as their families and caregivers, in various ways. 

Some of these organizations exist to provide information, financial relief, and raise awareness, while others were created to bring joy or provide emotional support to those with a chronic disease.  Though their programs and services vary in purpose, their importance in our community does not. They are all essential to our neighbors facing chronic diseases. 

So, what is a chronic disease? A disease is considered chronic if  it persists for at least one year and requires ongoing medical attention or monitoring. Some of the most common chronic diseases include heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and alzheimers.

Presented by AvidXchange Foundation

In the digital age, IT is the backbone of the modern organization. As critical as it is, it’s complex, and honestly, not everyone’s dominant skill set. Nobody knows that better than us writers. We can pull drafts of inspirational stories together in a matter of minutes fueled by nothing but a bottle of Dr. Pepper, but if our computers go down… oh boy. It’s not good (especially hyped up on all that Dr. Pepper). I remember once when I was in college I was desperate enough to hand-write an essay on a NOTEPAD, which I later transferred to a Microsoft Word doc. I felt like I was in the stone ages. But, I digress.  

Presented by AvidXchange Foundation, Written by Amy Andrews

E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide) is a non-profit focused ensuring that all students have affordable access to essential at-home technology and digital literacy training to support academic success and prepare students for college, careers, and beyond.

“COVID brought the topic of the digital divide to the forefront, but it has always been there and is exactly what we’ve been helping families address since 2013,” shared Christy Cowan, Community Outreach Coordinator for E2D. She added, “Our focus remains on the important work of getting laptops donated, refurbished and out into the community. That didn’t stop for us with COVID.”