Granville Vance Public Health Addressing Opioid, Mental Health Issues
Lisa Harrison, health director for the Granville Vance Public Health Department, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss current health initiatives as well as a possible relocation for the department’s Granville County office.
Buildings
With office locations in both Vance and Granville County, Harrison said the buildings of the 40- year-old health district are beginning to show their age.
“With all of the recent rain, leaks were discovered along with structural issues, particularly in the Granville County location,” said Harrison.
The Granville Vance Public Health Department’s Granville Co. building is located at 101 Hunt Drive in Oxford. Recent rain has brought to light leaks and other structural issues. (WIZS photo)
According to Harrison, Granville County Commissioners are discussing options for the health department’s Granville office, including a possible new location.
The Granville County building is currently located at 101 Hunt Drive in Oxford, while the Vance County office is housed at 115 Charles Rollins Road, across from Maria Parham Health, in Henderson.
Health Initiatives
Quickly adapting to the ever-changing health care needs of the local community is essential to the success of a public health department. Harrison said one example of the way Granville Vance adapts to changing needs is evident in their response to the recent opioid crisis.
According to Harrison, many factors have contributed to the crisis, including a lack of understanding of the changes in brain chemistry while on opioids, and the quickness of addiction.
“Doctors were taught ten years ago that opioids weren’t as addictive as we now know that they actually are,” said Harrison. “When I was undertaking my hypnosis continuing education, I inferred that hypnosis could be a solution to many maladies.”
Harrison also explained that a system of tying patients’ pain levels and satisfaction ratings into payments ultimately made to the hospital further added to the fallout that many communities are now facing.
“Many come to this addiction through no fault of their own. It might have happened after a surgery or after an injury playing sports in high school.
I think, as a society, we can fight this and get this right, but we are going to have to be very human and very heart-centered in how we approach it.”
For their part, the health department seeks federal grant assistance and partners with local hospitals and physician groups to provide recovery options for those addicted to opioids.
In the spirit of addressing current community needs, the health department is proud to announce that it is also a part of the “Stepping Up Initiative,” a program designed to study mental health issues, substance use and prison sentences among inmates.
“We have telehealth in all jails in the region – Granville, Vance, Franklin, Warren and Halifax. These five counties participate together as the only regional ‘Stepping Up Initiative’ group in the nation,” Harrison said.
UNC Public Television will air a segment on the “Stepping Up Initiative” and the work being done to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in local detention centers tonight (March 28) at 8 p.m.
The segment will re-air at other times over the weekend and will also be available for viewing on the UNC-TV website.
To hear the Town Talk interview with Lisa Harrison in its entirety, click here.
Grants Available From the Vance County Community Foundation
-Press Release, Vance County Community Foundation
The board of advisors of the Vance County Community Foundation is currently accepting grant applications from area nonprofits that serve general needs in the local community.
Funds are available for nonprofit organizations that serve general community needs in Vance County. Grants will be awarded from the community grantmaking fund.
Applications are available beginning Friday, March 29, 2019. Visit our website for information about applying. The deadline for applications is noon on Tuesday, April 30.
The Vance County Community Foundation is a growing family of philanthropic funds, source of grants for local causes and partners for donors. The VCCF was founded in 1997 and is led by a local volunteer advisory board that helps build community assets through the creation of permanent endowments, makes grants and leverages leadership—all for the benefit of Vance County. VCCF is an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation. Learn more on our website.
Vance Co. Elementary Schools to Host Pre-K, Kindergarten Registration Events
-Information courtesy the Vance Co. Schools’ Facebook Page
All 10 Vance County Schools’ elementary schools are hosting pre-kindergarten and kindergarten showcase events April 1 – 5, for registration for the 2019-2020 school year!
There will be two sessions held at each school – one session in the morning and a second session in the afternoon/evening to accommodate parents’ schedules.
The pre-kindergarten and kindergarten showcase times include:
Aycock Elementary:
April 3: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
April 4: 2-6 p.m.
Carver Elementary:
April 1: 2-6 p.m.
April 5: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Clarke Elementary:
April 3: 4:30-5:30 p.m. and 5:45-7 p.m.
April 4: 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Dabney Elementary:
April 3: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 4: 2-6 p.m.
E.M. Rollins Elementary:
March 25-29; parents welcome during and after school
E.O. Young, Jr. Elementary:
April 2: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2-6 p.m.
L.B. Yancey Elementary:
April 3: 2-6 p.m.
April 4: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
New Hope Elementary:
April 1: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 2: 2-6 p.m.
Pinkston Street Elementary:
April 3: 2-6 p.m.
April 4: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Zeb Vance Elementary:
April 3: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
April 4: 2-6 p.m.
Henderson-Vance Rec. & Parks Announces Upcoming Spring Events
-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center
The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department announces the following upcoming events:
2019 Egg Hunt – Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department’s Egg Hunt will be at 2 locations this year: Aycock Recreation Center and Davis Street Park on Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 10 a.m. until all eggs are gone! For more information, please contact Crystal Allen at 252.431.6091 or callen@ci.henderson.nc.us.
2019 Baseball/Softball Opening Ceremony – please come out and enjoy a day at the ballpark at the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department’s Baseball/Softball Opening Ceremony on Friday, April 26, 2019. Hope to see you there!
Know Your Right – this is a public forum to discuss your basic legal rights. The panel will consist of Judges, Attorneys, Juvenile Services staff and Law Enforcement. The forum will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at E.M. Rollins Elementary School Auditorium at 1 p.m. Please contact Greg Kelly at 252.431.6099 or gkelly@ci.henderson.nc.us or Shantel Hargrove at 252.430.0382 or shhargrove@ci.henderson.nc.us for more information.
Beginning Yoga – Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department is offering another session of Beginning Yoga. These sessions are based on Basic Yoga techniques to inspire physical, mental and spiritual peace from within.
Hip Hop Water Aerobics – is a fast-paced cardio workout in the water with low impact on your joints. The only requirement is that you must be able to touch the bottom of the 4 ft end of the pool. For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us or (252) 438-3160.
Wahoo Swim Club – attention Youth ages 5-17 years old! Do you love to swim? Well, Aycock Recreation Center has a new program that is perfect for you – Wahoo Swim Club. The goal of the Swim Club is to build good swimming foundations through good sportsmanship and, most importantly, teamwork. Please contact Lauren Newlin at 252.438.3160 or lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us for more information.
Slide N Glide – is a program for participants that are interested in learning new and old line dances. This program is designed for participants to have fun while they exercise. For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us or (252) 438-3160.
New Sandy Creek Baptist to Hold Annual Easter Egg Hunt – April 17
-Information courtesy Jackie Ayscue, New Sandy Creek Baptist Church
The annual Easter Egg Hunt and Program will be held Wednesday, April 17, 2019, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. in the Family Life Center at New Sandy Creek Baptist Church, 1699 Weldon’s Mill Road, Henderson, NC.
The evening begins with a hot dog supper at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Easter Egg Hunt & Program.
The hunt is for ages 0-11, but everyone is welcome! This is a free event.
Oxford Masonic Center to Host First Responders Breakfast, Open House
-Information courtesy Kevin Otis, Oxford Lodge #122 of the Masonic Home for Children
On Saturday, April 6, 2019, Oxford Lodge #122 and Henry F. Grainger Lodge #412 will host a First Responders Breakfast from 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. at the Masonic Center, 105 West College Street in Oxford. Dine in or get your breakfast to go.
Oxford Police Department, Oxford Fire Department, Granville County Deputy’s Office, NC State Police and Granville Medical Services EMS are all welcome for a complimentary breakfast as a small way of saying thank you for all you do.
Also on Saturday, April 6, all the Masonic Bodies at 105 West College Street will provide an Open House to the public from 9 a.m. to noon. Visit with representatives from The Order of the Eastern Star Oxford Chapter 94, Rainbow Girls Chapter 90, Oxford York Rite Bodies, Granville Co. Shrine Club – Amran/Sudan Temples, Henry F. Grainger Lodge #412 and Oxford Lodge #122.
Hear what each organization does and how they help others. Please join us for a fun and learning experience.
Kevin Otis was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS Town Talk program to discuss the breakfast and open house. Otis’ segment of the program begins at the 18:30 mark.
