Healthcare task force moves forward following planning, zoning board meeting in Manteo

[Town of Manteo/Submitted]

Another exciting step forward was made at the January 31, 2023 Town of Manteo Special Planning and Zoning Board meeting.  Board members approved a Zoning Permit for a change of use of the property located at 402 Budleigh Street in Manteo from a telecommunications office to a medical office. This will now allow for the establishment of a medical facility at that property, which will serve all members of the community.

Healthcare Task Force members, Ocracoke and Englehard Medical Centers staff, Town Planning and Zoning Board Members, and Town staff have worked cooperatively to expedite this process due to the incredible need for health care in our community.

On July 20, 2022, the Town of Manteo Board of Commissioners appointed members to a Healthcare Task Force and directed them to address the growing healthcare concerns in Dare County.  The Task Force is comprised of 11 members consisting of Town of Manteo Board of Commissioners, Dare County Commissioner, Outer Banks Hospital Board Member and staff, a local Pharmacist, Dare County Schools Staff Member, a Health Care Attorney and Policy Advocate, Dare County Health and Human Services Staff Member, and community members.  Town of Manteo Town Manager Melissa Dickerson and staff members assist the Task Force.

At the onset, the Task Force identified priorities and created sub-committees addressing facility needs, patient care, project funding, and recruitment and retention of medical professionals.  Various presentations have been made to the members, including the following:

  • 2021 – 2022 Dare County Community Health Needs Assessment (presented by Dr. Sheila Davies, Director Dare County Health and Human Services)
  • Ocracoke and Englehard Medical Centers (presented by Joe Rockenstein, CEO)
  • North Carolina Medical Society Foundation (presented by Franklin Walker, Vice President for Solutions)
  • Cross Roads OBX (presented by Randall Hamilton)

The community is encouraged to follow the progress that is being made by the Healthcare Task Force, partners, and staff by attending the meetings and providing public input.  The meetings are live-streamed with links available on the Town’s website, and recordings of the meetings are available on the Town’s YouTube Channel.  Meeting Agendas and Minutes can be found on the Town of Manteo’s website at www.manteonc.gov.