The Heart of Onslow: Why ​“Com­mu­ni­ty” Starts with You

Whenever we welcome new teammates during orientation, we like to ask a simple question: “What does community mean to you?” The answers always move us. Most people immediately think of the patients we treat or the families living across Onslow County. While those answers are beautiful and true, there is one group our selfless caregivers (whether directly or indirectly) often overlook: themselves.

At Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH), our vision is to be the “community’s choice for healthcare.” But to get there, we have to recognize that you—our dedicated doctors, nurses, staff, and volunteers—are the very heartbeat of that community. For us, community isn’t just a spot on a map; it’s the way we lean on one another, the way we cheer each other on, and the quiet, practical ways we serve side-by-side every single day.

Through our Community Connections initiatives, so many of you have stepped up as true ambassadors, sharing the spirit of OMH with our neighbors. Over the last few months, your hard work has allowed us to bring hospital updates to:

• • Our Local Leaders: Building bridges with the Swansboro and Jacksonville Onslow Chambers of Commerce, our local Rotary Clubs, and our partners at Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital.
  • The Voices of Our Neighbors: Sharing our story on the Crystal Legends podcast and looking forward to upcoming visits with the NAACP, the Lions Club, and the Trent River Oakey Grove Missionary Baptist Association.
  • Our Statewide Partners: Representing Onslow within the North Carolina Healthcare Association and working hand-in-hand with UNC Health to ensure everyone feels a true sense of belonging and care.

That spirit of togetherness truly shone through this past Sunday, March 22, 2026, at our 3rd Annual Hop into Health event. It was such a joy to see more than 150 of our neighbors and 16 community partners gathered at the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center for a sunny afternoon of wellness and laughter.

Because of your hands and hearts, we were able to provide:

• • Vital Wellness: Life-changing free screenings for stroke, skin cancer, hearing, and prostate health, plus take-home colorectal kits.
    
  • Family Fun: A sea of smiles as local children hunted for over 2,000 Easter eggs, enjoyed face painting by our very own talented teammates, and danced to music from DJ Phroze.
  • Local Flavor: A chance to support our local small businesses, like the wonderful Rolling Lumpia food truck.

You have so many choices of where to share your talents and your heart. We are deeply grateful that you choose Onslow. When we "rejoice with those who rejoice" and lift each other up, we create a circle of unity that our patients can truly feel. When we work as one family, we do so much more than provide healthcare—we bring out the very best in each other. Thank you for being the heart of our community.