Jacksonville, N.C. — Connecting the community to health and wellness has been at the heart of Onslow Memorial Hospital’s (OMH’s) mission for years. Their 3rd Annual Hop Into Health event brought families together for screenings, health education, and activities designed to create greater access to care.

On Sunday, March 22, 2026, around 150 community members gathered for the free event, offering a variety of health screenings for skin cancer, hearing, stroke, and prostate exams, along with take-home colorectal kits. These services support Onslow Memorial’s ongoing Community Health Improvement Plan, providing preventive care and resources that empower the community to prioritize their health.

The event also featured 16 local community partners, including the Onslow County Health Department, United Way, New River YMCA, and Jacksonville Police Department, offering educational resources and opportunities to connect with wellness programs throughout the region.

For the first time, the celebration expanded to include food trucks, a DJ, yard games, and free face painting, creating a family-friendly atmosphere alongside the traditional Easter Egg Hunts, which offered over 2,000 eggs for kids.

“We provide essential services to our community not only at the hospital through our traditional service lines, but also as an anchor of health and a champion for disease prevention to help build a healthier community,” said Dr. Penney Burlingame Deal, President and CEO of OMH. “Our mission with Hop Into Health, and in all our community outreach, is to improve access to quality healthcare and continue to advocate for and empower our community.”

OMH plans to continue growing this annual tradition, strengthening its role as a community health leader and providing opportunities for families to stay informed, active, and healthy.

More details on Hop Into Health here.