Heart disease and stroke are the second and fourth leading causes of death across North Carolina and one of our own will be working with stakeholders across the state to find solutions that prevent cardiovascular disease and promote timely diagnosis and effective treatment of acute cardiovascular events.
Kat Combs, Association Community Health Director at the YMCA of the Triangle, has been appointed by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper as the newest member of the Justus-Warren Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force. Established in 1995, the group is comprised of clinicians, public health leaders, members of the state General Assembly and community partners who are committed to improving cardiovascular health and reducing heart disease and stroke in North Carolina.
“A passion point for me has always been in providing people access,” Kat said. “Everyone should have equitable access to necessities, to education and to resources that support their healthy well-being through preventative care and lifestyle education. Adding my voice to the cause is an important opportunity to share in the need for impact, resource sharing, policy education and system change.”
Our work at the Y is an extension of healthcare. We provide tools and practices to support individuals through simple lifestyle changes that can have lasting improvements on their blood pressure, pre-diabetes risk, weight loss goals, physical activity levels and nutrition habits. All of which can heavily impact the reduction of heart disease and stroke.
Kat joined our Y in March 2020 and has spearheaded the expansion of Y Health (formerly Medical Memberships) while executing our three-year project with Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina (BCBSNC) focused on six evidence-based health initiatives and chronic disease prevention programs.
“Kat is so passionate about supporting individuals and communities in achieving a healthier lifestyle,” Susan Pettengill, Vice President of Healthy Living, said. “She truly excels at building strategic relationships and creating networks that meet the needs of those we serve through evidence-based programming. I am confident her skills with program creation and implementation will be an incredible asset to the Governor’s task force.”
She previously served as the Community Impact Director at the American Heart Association and worked in multiple health and wellness positions with YMCA of Greater Charlotte.
The Justus-Warren Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force is made up of 27 members with 24 appointed by the Governor and the General Assembly, with recommendations from the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President Pro Tempore of the Senate. The remaining three are leaders within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
