Cary Spotlight | Issue #628

2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, Call for Action on Road Rage, Gaps in Awareness of Military Mental Health Issues


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Question: True or False: All snakes lay eggs.

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Wake County Releases 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment

The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for Wake County provides a detailed look at the region’s most pressing health challenges, informed by a combination of data analysis and extensive community input. Led by Live Well Wake and developed in partnership with the North Carolina Institute for Public Health, the assessment draws from surveys, public conversations, and an online voting process in which over 600 residents participated.

Top priorities for the 2025–2028 period.:

  • Affordable housing and homelessness

  • Mental health

  • Access to healthcare

While the report highlights significant concerns, it also notes that Wake County continues to perform better than many peer counties and state averages in key health metrics, such as mortality rates for heart disease, cancer, and accidents. Persistent issues remain, including disparities in insurance coverage, access to elder care, and the availability of prevention-focused services like nutrition and chronic disease management. The findings reflect a growing public sentiment that health issues in the county are becoming more complex and urgent.

The CHNA is the result of a coordinated effort by nine local organizations, representing hospitals, nonprofits, and public agencies, to create a unified health strategy. This collaboration aims to reduce duplication across agencies and align goals around shared priorities. The full report serves as both a snapshot of current health conditions and a roadmap for targeted action to ensure that all residents—regardless of background—can achieve better health outcomes. Visit livewellwake.org/reports to learn more!

Which of these do you think should be the highest priority?

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We’re rewinding the feed to spotlight a standout moment, story, or snapshot from Cary’s past. Let’s scroll back and see…

Poll Finds Gaps in Awareness of Military Mental Health Issues

A reader poll conducted by Cary Spotlight revealed that 45% of respondents were very aware of mental health challenges in the military, and another 35% had some awareness. However, one in five had little or no prior knowledge of the issue, underscoring a significant information gap. The poll highlights the importance of continued public education around the mental health needs of service members.

The Brandon Act, recently enacted in memory of Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, seeks to address these challenges by making it easier for service members to access mental health care. It allows individuals to request confidential evaluations through their chain of command, and mandates that the military respond within 24 hours. This streamlined process aims to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and reduce the stigma of seeking help.

Implementation of the Brandon Act is already complete for active duty personnel, with rollout underway for the reserves and National Guard. The law also requires mandatory training to ensure that both service members and leadership understand the new procedures. Advocates hope that this reform will not only improve access to care but also save lives by creating a more responsive and supportive system.

Learn more: thebrandonact.org

Readers Call for Action on Road Rage

A road rage incident that left a 5-year-old girl injured has prompted strong responses from Cary Spotlight readers. In a recent poll, 68 percent of respondents said they are "very concerned" about aggressive driving in the area, describing it as a frequent and growing problem.

The shooting occurred during rush hour on U.S. Highway 1 and quickly escalated from a traffic dispute into a violent crime. The child, struck by a bullet while riding in the backseat of a family vehicle, has undergone multiple surgeries. The alleged shooter, Charles Edward Stevenson Jr., was arrested and now faces serious charges.

Reader comments linked the issue of road rage not just to traffic behavior but to deeper societal tensions, including anger, lack of empathy, and gun access. Some residents emphasized that aggressive driving represents a broader public safety issue.

In response, the victim’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign and is advocating for increased community awareness around the risks of gun violence and road rage. The incident has renewed conversations about how to address aggressive driving and prevent further tragedy.

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🎉 Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few great ways to enjoy the weekend:

• Today: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-Noon
• Today: Farm to Table Summer Salads and Sweets 11AM-1PM
• Sunday: Robin's Egg Tour (Koka Booth) 6:29PM
• Monday: Drop-in Puzzling and Puzzle Swap Meet 10AM-5PM

To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead with access to this week and next! See Full 2-Week Calendar

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
False — not all snakes lay eggs. While many do reproduce by laying eggs (a method called oviparity), some species give live birth, a process known as viviparity or ovoviviparity depending on how the young develop. Species like boa constrictors and garter snakes give birth to live young, which helps them thrive in colder climates where egg incubation would be difficult. This fascinating reproductive diversity helps snakes adapt to a wide range of environments.