• By Todd Luck
• Posted Monday, January 13, 2025

Healthy Forsyth gets new program manager

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health has promoted Josefina Acosta to manager of the Healthy Forsyth program.

Healthy Forsyth Coalition is a program that addresses chronic health conditions in zip codes 27101, 27105 & 27107. It’s funded by a grant from The Duke Endowment’s Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas initiative, which is being administered by Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Foundation.

Healthy Forsyth connects community members to resources and has held listening sessions to determine strategic priorities to remove barriers to care of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and mental health. The program includes strategic partners from Forsyth County Public Health, Novant Health, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, local medical clinics and nonprofit organizations.

Acosta has worked at Forsyth County Public Health for more than 13 years, serving in various roles. She first worked in the WIC Program and most recently served as a Hispanic liaison.

“Throughout her tenure, Josefina has demonstrated unwavering dedication, and a deep commitment to improving the health of our community,” said Assistant Health Director Sherita Sutton. “We are excited to have her step into this role and we are confident that her extensive experience and expertise will greatly benefit the Healthy Forsyth program.”

Acosta said she’s looking forward to working with residents and community partners in her new role.

"I look forward to fostering a healthier community with respect and equity through education and action with the Healthy Forsyth program," said Acosta.

Forsyth County Department of Health and Human Services includes the departments of Public Health, Social Services, Behavorial Health Services, and Bridges to Hope Family Justice Center. Most services and supports are provided at the Health and Human Services campus on Highland Avenue in Winston-Salem.

Based in Charlotte and established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment is a private foundation that strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits. Since its founding, it has distributed $4.8 billion in grants. The Endowment shares a name with Duke University and Duke Energy, but all are separate organizations.

Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 750 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks.