The state of North Carolina (NC) ranks in the lower third in health rankings. Contributing factors to NC’s public health concerns include chronic disease and injuries. The combination of the two are the leading causes of death for North Carolinians. In addition, NC has a high child poverty, diabetes, premature death and health disparities. Two significant NC public health problems include obesity and opioid abuse. Both conditions share some linkage to musculoskeletal problems such as pain and mobility difficulties. As such, incorporating the knowledge and skill sets of physical therapist should be utilized when addressing these conditions. Unfortunately, there are several challenges to health care access in NC. Seventy percent of NC’s counties are rural, there are notable health care providers shortages (i.e. physical therapist, physicians, etc.), and currently there is COVID-19 pandemic further limiting health care access. This paper will highlight telehealth physical therapy as an option for addressing the needs of obese population and those using or at risk for opioid abuse. This paper will also discuss how integrating telehealth physical therapy into clinical and community partnerships and integrated care models could successfully address some of North Carolina’s pressing public health and population health needs.
Keywords: obesity, opioids, physical therapy, telehealth, rural, access, public healthMaster of Public Healt
