Monday, June 09, 2003

WILMINGTON, NC – Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-NC, 7th District) today presented the School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina Wilmington a $570,000 grant to operate the Bolton Health and Wellness Center.

The grant, which includes $400,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will staff, equip and supply the center for one year. The 2,000 square-foot facility, expected to be completed by September, will consist of four examination rooms. Its 10-member staff will include nurse practitioners, social workers and clerical and billing personnel as well as students from the university’s School of Nursing and the Department of Social Work.

“The Bolton Health and Wellness Center is a collaborative effort to improve the health of citizens in these rural communities,” said Dr. Perri Bomar, associate dean for research and community partnerships at the UNCW School of Nursing. “Our goal is to teach people how to live and be well. At the same time, university students will gain some exposure of the various health issues that affect populations who live in a rural setting.”

UNCW faculty and students from academic disciplines such as nursing, education, gerontology, sociology, social work, health and physical education and recreation will conduct hands-on service learning opportunities at the center related to health education and promotion, community and diversity.

“This (health and wellness center) is a major victory for the families in our area who deserve quality health care,” said McIntyre, co-chair of the House Rural Health Care Coalition. “These Funds will play and important role in making health care services more affordable and accessible. I look forward to working with UNCW and these communities on this important initiative to expand rural health care.”

UNCW’s School of Nursing will operate the center in collaboration with a 15-member advisory board that includes representatives from Bolton, Sandyfield, the Waccamaw-Siouan Tribal Council and UNC Wilmington.

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For more information, contact Dr. Virginia Adams, dean, School of Nursing at 910/962-7410

Members of the Bolton Advisory Board and Wellness Collaborative are:

Ms. Mary Frances Alsup, Lake Waccamaw, N.C.

Mr. George E. Best, Bolton, N.C.

Dr. Perri Bomar, Wilmington, N.C.

Ms. Jeanne Denny, Wilmington, N.C.

Ms. Lashonn Freemon, Bolton, N.C.

Rev. Tanty Freemon, Bolton, N.C.

Ms. Fonda Frink, Whiteville, N.C.

Ms. Ethel F. Graham, Bolton, N.C.

Elder Jessie Graham, Bolton, N.C.

Ms. Geraldine Jenkins, Bolton, N.C.

Ms. April D. Kirksey, Bolton, N.C.

Rev. Maria Lacewell, Bolton, N.C.

Rev. Shawn Maynor, Bolton, N.C.

Ms. Alderman Mae Neal, Bolton, N.C.

Ms. Ruby Simmons, Bolton, N.C.

Ms. Annette Williams, Bolton, N.C.

Ms. Elouise Williams, Bolton, N.C.

Honorable Frank Wilson, Mayor, Bolton, N.C.