When it comes to skin cancer, it is no secret that early detection can save lives. Increased exposure in the sun’s ultraviolet rays greatly increases the risk for skin cancer, especially among those who work outdoors. That is why Eve Stroud, community health improvement coordinator at ECU Health Duplin Hospital, has been spending her summer in hardware stores around Duplin County providing cancer awareness information and free health screenings as part of the Hardware Store Tour.
Designed to help bring resources to people who may be at elevated risk for skin cancer – particularly those who work outside – the Hardware Store Tour initiative was first launched in 2023. Stroud and her team pair skin cancer education with free wellness screenings for important things like body mass index, blood pressure and glucose/cholesterol checks. In its first year alone, the team completed 37 health screenings and provided skin cancer education to 115 people in just three hardware store visits.
“It is always rewarding to spend time in the community providing helpful health resources to those we serve,” Stroud said. “When it comes to caring for your own health and well-being, information and education can make all the difference. Through initiatives like the Hardware Store Tour, we’re hoping to help people understand their risk factors so they can better manage their health.”
Now in its second year, Stroud and her team are continuing to focus on meeting people where they are in the local community by providing these important resources. The Hardware Store Tour is just one of the many ways ECU Health team members work toward the mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.
