About ThriveOBX
ThriveOBX is a living extension of Outer Banks Health’s mission and done in partnership with the Dare County Health and Human Services. It is a vibrant community movement grounded in the proven connection between well-being and longevity. Research* shows only 30% of our longevity is tied to our genetics. Another 10% is influenced by access to essential health care services. The remaining 60% of what influences how long and healthy we live is within our control.
It’s the choices we make every day to nourish our bodies, avoid risky substances, move more, live with a sense of meaning and purpose, engage with others, stress less and sleep well that make the biggest difference. ThriveOBX is inspiring individual and community well-being by offering trusted guidance, practical tools and engaging programs rooted in the Thrive5©.
Mission
To inspire individuals to embrace their well-being by offering trusted guidance, practical tools and engaging programs rooted in the Thrive5.
Vision
A vibrant, thriving community where every person lives their healthiest, fullest life.
Thrive5
Backed by research from the World Health Organization, the Danish Twin Study, and the Mayo Clinic—and informed by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine—Outer Banks Health medical providers and health experts curated the Thrive5, an accessible approach to well-being, to inspire individuals and communities through trusted guidance, practical tools, and engaging programs.
These five pillars simplify the many areas of our lives in which we make choices every day. When we make positive choices in these areas, we encourage healthy well-being and longevity. These daily choices can have a big impact on how long and how well we live. We invite individuals and organizations to keep them top of mind throughout their daily lives.
Nourish
Be mindful—what you put in your body matters. Do nourish your body with mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and beans. And avoid putting harmful substances in your body – we all know what they are!
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Move
Stay active throughout the day. Your body was meant to move. If you sit a lot for school or work, you will need to be intentional about adding movement to your daily routine.
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Purpose
Find what fulfills you. Why do you get up in the morning? How do you make a difference? Knowing your purpose gives you a reason to thrive.
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Engage
Create meaningful connections with others. Human beings need social support and interaction with others like plants need light.
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Balance
Restore with relaxation and sleep. Recharging our batteries is essential. Just like our phones, we won’t operate on 0%!
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Inspiring Community Well-Being Together
After exploring ways to ignite community well-being with outside experts, Outer Banks Health (OBH) and Dare County Health and Human Services (DCDHHS) realized the Outer Banks already has the talent, passion and resources to lead from within. Together, they created ThriveOBX—founded on local strengths: strong community spirit, fresh dining, natural peace, active lifestyles and countless opportunities to connect.
Get Involved
Support ThriveOBX by joining events, starting a hive or partnering to inspire community well-being.
Thrive Hives
Start a club or join a club and buzz with your hive. View the current list of hives.
Partners
Official ThriveOBX partners embody the Thrive5 pillars and inspire well-being in the local community.
Volunteer
Join ThriveOBX as a volunteer to carry out a mission while creating connection, purpose, and gratitude.
Current Initiatives in the Community
Food for Thought
In December 2025, ThriveOBX began proving recipes and an ingredient from the recipe, and continued to help pack take-home meals and recipes for the remainder of the school year.
Walktober
In October, ThriveOBX is bringing Dare County together through Walktober, a free month-long walking challenge designed to make movement fun, social and accessible for everyone. We believe small steps can make a big difference, and when our community moves together, we all have the opportunity to thrive.
Dare County Schools
Since 2025, ThriveOBX has been providing resources, pop-up events and pouring into Dare County School teachers. We firmly believe well-being starts at the top, and giving back to our teachers help them be successful, thus our children be successful.
Thrive Bites Food Trailer
Generously funded by the Outer Banks Health Development Council, Thrive Bites is an interactive, educational food trailer serving healthy food that aligns with our Nourish Guidelines. It is equipped with cameras and a viewer display screen for educational purposes. It’s bright, green color spreads inspiration to nourish your body.
Dare County and Outer Banks Health Workplaces
ThriveOBX has educated and inspired ways of working well-being into everyday work life. Team Members have proven to be excited, motivated and inspired to bring more well-being into their workplace, and every day life. Some examples include a Wellness Room implemented, app-based walking challenges, healthier food options served and offered, book clubs started, well-being pop-up events, stress management and decompression workshops and many more.
Thrive Month
A monthlong celebration and investment towards well-being and longevity. February 2027 marks the 2nd annual Thrive Month and will bring many new events for our community to engage in.
Learn more about Thrive Month.
What Our Community is Saying
“As school administrators, one of our core responsibilities is to intentionally support the well-being of both our staff and our students. We recognize that stress and burnout can significantly impact our educators, and it is essential that we prioritize their health and sustainability. Outer Banks Health and the ThriveOBX Initiative have been invaluable partners in this work, helping us connect with our staff in meaningful and diverse ways. Their support, insight, guidance, and encouragement have empowered our staff to pause, reflect, and actively care for their well-being. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and look forward to continuing to grow and strengthen this important work together.”
-Samantha Reynolds, assistant principal at First Flight High School
ThriveOBX on Instagram
*The Research
Read more about the research that inspired ThriveOBX by clicking on the links below.
Connect with Us
Whether you would like to partner with us, start a Thrive Hive, are not sure how to get involved or just want to say hi, connect with us! Someone—a real person—will get back to you as soon as possible.