State Will Not Provide COVID-19 Testing Directly to Prison, Parole Employees

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-Press Release, NC Department of State Treasurer

State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, and the State Health Plan (Plan) announced that they are no longer seeking a direct testing solution with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS) regarding testing of corrections officers and other employees at the state’s correctional institutions over the next few weeks.

Announced on April 22, the Plan had sought to provide direct testing at DPS facilities after Treasurer Folwell had secured more than 20,000 COVID-19 tests. However, logistical and personnel concerns from DPS will prevent direct testing. Therefore, Treasurer Folwell has told Mako Medical, and any other test providers that were going to provide tests, they can release the tests designated to support the program.

“We’re disappointed that we could not work out the details on how to go directly to the facilities outside of the fence to test,” said Treasurer Folwell. “However, we fully understand the dilemma of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.”

The vast majority of DPS employees are members of the Plan. Last month, the Plan announced that it is waiving the cost of treatment for members diagnosed with COVID-19, including associated deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. The Plan previously announced that it was also covering the cost associated with the testing of COVID-19.

The member cost-share waiver for COVID-19 related treatments is effective immediately through June 1, 2020, at which time the Plan will continue to re-evaluate this and other measures. The Plan is taking this action to help ensure that members receive the COVID-19 testing and treatment they need when they need it.

“Unlike other state agencies, DPS has unique safety and operational hurdles that could not be overcome by the State Health Plan’s desire to directly test these state employees,” added Treasurer Folwell. “We know that the leadership at ACJJ wants to act as quickly as possible and their concern for the welfare of their employees is tantamount. In fact, ACJJ has recently procured, paid for and administered tests at one of its 54 facilities.”

State Health Plan Executive Director Dee Jones added that the Plan is ready to assist when a viable testing method that meets DPS’s requirements is available. However, she highly encouraged any State Health Plan member who is exhibiting symptoms to see their Primary Care Physician.

The State Health Plan, a division of the Department of State Treasurer, provides health care coverage to more than 727,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, current and former lawmakers, state university and community college personnel, and their dependents.

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health to Resume Elective, Non-Urgent Surgeries & Procedures

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health announced today that it is taking the appropriate steps to safely resume some elective and non-urgent surgeries and procedures that were previously rescheduled out of an abundance of caution amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The decision to reschedule procedures when clinically appropriate was made in accordance with federal and state guidance and aimed to help preserve critical resources in the event of a surge of COVID-19 patients in the community.

Today, current projections indicate a lower than expected volume of COVID-19 in the region, which means less strain on healthcare resources.

“Resuming these important services is an essential component of meeting our community’s health needs and advancing our mission of Making Communities Healthier,” said Bert Beard, Chief Executive Officer of Maria Parham Health. “As this work gradually gets underway in our hospital again, we remain committed to conserving critical supplies, being vigilant in our fight against COVID-19, and ensuring that our facility is a safe place for all patients, providers and employees.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria Parham Health has continued to carefully follow guidance from federal, state and local officials, monitor the prevalence of the virus in the community, and evaluate supplies and resources – including personal protective equipment like masks, gowns, gloves and goggles.

The decisions about which procedures can safely move forward will be made only after assessing a comprehensive pre-operative checklist and evaluating potential risks. The hospital will initially focus on scheduling patients with more time-sensitive health needs, and those decisions will be made in partnership with the attending physician/surgeon/proceduralist. Patients who are scheduled and approved for procedures must meet specific requirements, including passing standard COVID-19 screenings.

Surgical patients also will be asked to practice “safer at home” behaviors for seven days prior to their procedure to minimize potential exposure; check their temperature twice a day during this 7-day period and report temperatures over 100°F to their provider; and undergo testing for COVID-19.

Patients awaiting information about their previously postponed procedure can expect to hear from their provider or provider’s office to discuss rescheduling at the appropriate time.

Maria Parham Health will continue to screen and mask everyone who enters the facility and maintain a zero-visitor protocol for the foreseeable future. These important measures have had a positive impact on ensuring a safe environment, and they also are aligned with the federal government’s guidelines.

Additionally, the facility has implemented new processes and procedures to further protect the health of patients, providers and employees. Visit mariaparham.com to learn more.

As a reminder, if you are having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or go directly to the Emergency Room. If possible, tell the dispatch agent if your emergency involves symptoms possibly related to COVID-19.

Aviation Businesses Expanding at Triangle North Executive Airport

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County welcomes the expansion of Total Flight Solutions (TFS) and Triangle Avionics (TA) at Triangle North Executive Airport (TNEA). Both businesses are a huge asset for our aviation community that service both existing airfield tenants as well as numerous outside clients.

Total Flight Solutions, established at TNEA in 2011, has expanded its capacity with the purchase of an existing 27,132 square foot hangar at the airport that will be their base for aviation frame and powerplant mechanical operations for the future. The land lease was executed for their operations until 2059.

“The expansion of Total Flight Solutions at Triangle North Executive Airport has allowed me to expand our workforce by four employees and aviation service offering to both the flight school operation as well as maintenance and repair,” states Al Mattress, Owner of Total Flight Solutions. “TNEA brings about an environment that makes us competitive in the marketplace to grow the aviation careers of pilots, bring service and maintenance to the airfield and beyond as well as address our capacity needs for future growth.”

A top tier Flight School and air operation provider in North Carolina, Total Flight Solutions participates in both the Part 61 and newly acquired Part 141 programs. The Part 141 program allows for airplane private pilot training at Triangle North Executive Airport. In the near future, TFS also plans to accept VA benefits followed by visas for international flight training students. Total Flight Solution also leases out 60,000 square feet of hangar storage space as well as office space for its Flight School.

“The success of Total Flight Solutions is a testament to the quality of service they provide to clients and tenants to the airfield,” stated Bo Carson, Airport Manager. “I am thrilled they chose to expand at TNEA and plan to continue their growth here both in flight school operations and aviation mechanics in the future.”

Triangle Avionics has also recently expanded its operation into a 60,000 square foot hangar located at Triangle North Executive Airport. This will complement their office and lab space on the airfield that services airfield tenants as well as outside clients. “Triangle Avionics is thrilled to be a part of the TNEA business and aviation community,” states Cliff Herndon, Owner of Triangle Avionics. “We have quickly grown to four employees and are dealers for the leading manufactures of avionics equipment. Our vision for growing capabilities and capacity are lockstep with Franklin County’s plans for the airport, making TNEA an ideal place to call home.”

“Triangle North Executive Airport is excited that Triangle Avionics is expanding its operation by the establishment of a new FAA repair avionics service station on the airfield, “stated Carson. “Having a repair avionics service station on our airfield is a gamechanger and adds to our diversity of aviation businesses that call us home.”

Triangle Avionics currently services avionic systems that include Aircraft Spruce, Aspen, BendixKing, Garmin, Genesys Aerosystems, MidContinent Instrument+Avioncs, Stratus and TrueTrak. Triangle Avionics offers the following services and certifications in altimeter and transponders, custom panels and overlays, installations, and troubleshooting and repair.

“Triangle North Executive Airport and Franklin County continue to offer an attractive location for aviation employers to succeed,” stated Sydney Dunston, Chair of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. “The expansion of these two aviation-related businesses shows that the airport and businesses are thriving at Triangle North Executive Airport.”

Franklin County Logo

Franklin Co. Reports First Community (Non-Facility Based) COVID-19 Related Death

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Sadly, Franklin County has now recorded its first community COVID–19 related death. As of the date and time of this press release, this death is not associated with any congregate care outbreak. 

This brings Franklin County‘s current total number of COVID–19 related fatalities to nineteen (19), and this community loss is reflected in the NCDHHS numbers that were updated on May 1, 2020, which includes the report of 105 total lab–confirmed coronavirus cases in Franklin County. 

Please note that the NCDHHS COVID–19 website now contains maps that show “confirmed–cases by zip codes.” This is a new feature, and only includes results for zip codes where the population exceeds 500 people. Here is the link for this new feature: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public–health/covid19/covid–19–nc–case–count#zip–code–map 

Look for more updates from the Franklin COVID–19 EOC as more information becomes available.

NC Governor Logo

‘Some Indicators Moving in Right Direction, Others Not’ in Decision to Ease COVID-19 Restrictions

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen shared an update on where North Carolina stands in the fight against COVID-19 and urged North Carolinians not to let their guard down.

“North Carolinians have made tremendous sacrifices and it is making a difference,” said Governor Cooper. “We remain hopeful that the trends will be stable enough to move into Phase 1 next week.”

“We need to keep up the actions that will slow the spread of the virus. The good news is that we know we can do this. If we stay home now to protect our loved ones and our communities, we can put ourselves on a path to begin easing restrictions and moving forward as planned,” said Dr. Cohen.

As of today, North Carolina has 10,509 lab-confirmed cases, 546 people in the hospital, and 378 deaths due to COVID-19.

Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen updated on where North Carolina stands on the following key metrics:

  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is level over past 14 days but has been on an uptick over the past seven days.
  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over the last 14 days cases is still increasing.
  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive over the last 14 days is decreasing.
  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations over the last 14 days is largely level.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:

  • Increase in Laboratory Testing.
  • North Carolina has surpassed 4,000 tests for the last 6 of 9 days with 6,000 tests reported yesterday.
  • Increase in Tracing Capability.
  • NC DHHS announced the Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative, a new partnership with Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) and the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (NC AHEC) to double the state’s current contact tracing capabilities. The Collaborative has started recruiting for these positions.
  • Availability of Personal Protective Equipment.
  • The state has a 30-day supply of most personal protective equipment, except for gowns and N95 masks.

“We need everyone to continue following the Stay At Home order right now so that we can move to the next phases of easing restrictions. Complacency could risk lives and undo these plans,” added Governor Cooper.

Triangle North Executive Airport Holding ‘Healthcare Fly-Over’ Sat., May 2

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-Information courtesy Bo Carson, Airport Manager, Triangle North Executive Airport

Triangle North Executive Airport is basing pilots for an upcoming healthcare fly-over this Saturday, May 2, 2020, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The healthcare fly-over will consist of hospitals in Franklin, Orange, Durham and Wake counties.

Take a look to the sky if you should happen to be near the hospitals on Saturday, wave in support and make sure to spread the word.

Schedule · Saturday, May 2, 2020:

11:40 a.m. – Maria Parham Franklin Flyover

12 p.m. – Duke/VA Hospital Flyover

12:05 p.m. – UNC Hospitals

12:14 p.m. – Rex Hospital

12:22 p.m. – Wake Med Cary

12:32 p.m. – Wake Med Raleigh

FCSO: Two Arrested Under New ‘Death by Distribution’ Law

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-Information courtesy the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On April 29, 2020, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group closed an investigation into a January 2020 incident involving the drug overdose death of Franklin County resident, Tiffany Moss.

The subsequent investigation led detectives to Kristen Jade Bailey and Matthew James Bond of Zebulon, who were arrested and charged with Death by Distribution, a Class C Felony in North Carolina.

Kristen Jade Bailey (FCSO photo)

Since January, detectives have executed several search warrants and conducted numerous interviews that confirmed Kristen Bailey and Matthew Bond were the sources of the controlled substance that led to the overdose death of Ms. Moss.

After confirming the cause of death was from Fentanyl, Heroin, and Gabapentin Toxicity, detectives conferred with the District Attorney’s Office and proceeded with the charge of Death by Distribution on both. This law was recently created and passed by the North Carolina General Assembly and became law on December 1, 2019. The intent of this law is to hold distributors of certain controlled substances that lead to a person’s death, accountable for their actions.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “These types of investigations are unfortunate and heartbreaking. Our office continues to put an emphasis on trying to prevent these tragedies from occurring. When they do occur, we intend to exercise every option we have to hold those who distribute these deadly drugs, accountable.”

Matthew James Bond (FCSO photo)

Kristen Jade Bailey was placed in the Franklin County Detention Facility under a $90,000 secured bond.

Matthew James Bond was placed in the Franklin County Detention Facility under a $100,000 secured bond.

Kristen Jade Bailey (30)
1115 Ridgecrest Dr.
Zebulon, NC 27597

Charges include:
Death by Distribution

Matthew James Bond (36)
1115 Ridgecrest Dr.
Zebulon, NC 27597

Charges include:
Death by Distribution

For more information concerning this investigation or to report drug activity in your neighborhood, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation Establishes COVID-19 Relief Fund

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-Information courtesy the Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation recently announced the establishment of a COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist area nonprofits in their COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts.

These organizations are on the front lines in our communities, providing safety nets, support, and continued services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many were already operating with limited capacity prior to this crisis and are now facing increasing stresses on their financial and human resources.

If you are leading such an organization, serving the people of Franklin, Granville, Vance, or Warren counties, the Foundation would like to hear from you.

The Foundation’s Grants Coordinator Carolyn Powell and Executive Director Val Short are both available to discuss ideas for grant projects or relief initiatives. Contact the Foundation by email at info@tnhfoundation.org or call 252-430-8532 to schedule an appointment.

A grant application is required and can be accessed through the Foundation’s Grant Portal at http://www.tnhfoundation.org/ Please contact the Foundation first to discuss your program or project ideas prior to beginning the application process.

A COVID-19 resource page has also been established on the Foundation’s website, which contains links to resources and current information about the pandemic. Please send your organization’s local links for COVID-19 resources to info@tnhfoundation.org for inclusion on the website. 

VGCC Logo

VGCC Drama Students to Present ’26 Pebbles’ Play Via Video Conference

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Going out to see a play may be impossible due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but the Drama program at Vance-Granville Community College is trying an innovative approach to bring the theatre to the community.

VGCC, like all community colleges across North Carolina, has temporarily shifted all classes online. Betsy Henderson, the college’s Department Chair/Instructor of Humanities and Fine Arts, and her Drama students decided they wanted to somehow put on a play online, as well. After consulting with VGCC’s Information Technology department, plans were made to use the online video-conferencing service, Zoom (available at zoom.us), to both rehearse and present the production.

“We are not physically able to tell the play in the traditional way,” Henderson explained. “This way will allow the students to tell the story and keep everyone safe. It will also provide the community with a much-needed outlet during this time of quarantine.”

The college will present two performances, via Zoom “meetings,” of the play “26 Pebbles” by Eric Ulloa, on May 7 and May 8 at 7:30 p.m.

This documentary-style drama is set at a town hall meeting in Newtown, Connecticut, six months after December 14, 2012, when a gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed 26 people (including 20 children) before taking his own life. The play likens these 26 deaths to “pebbles thrown into a pond,” which created ripples and vibrations that were felt far beyond the initial impacts.

The playwright conducted interviews with members of the community in Newtown and crafted them into an exploration of gun violence and a small town shaken by a horrific event. “26 Pebbles” premiered in Dayton, Ohio, in 2017, and has since been performed around the country.

“It is a very powerful story,” Henderson said. “It paints a picture of what the community was like before that terrible day, the confusion and frenzy on the day of that attack, and the chaos of the aftermath.”

The cast includes students Miranda Brown as “Georgia,” Ashley Ayscue as “Julie,” Rose O’Malley as “Yolie,” Brian Johnson as “Rabbi Praver” and “Mike,” Daniel Thorpe as “Joe” and “Chris,” Cheyenne Guerrant as “Jeriann,” Blake Lee as “Michael” and “Darren,” Kelli Baker as “Carrie,” Matthew Varker as “Father Weiss” and “Bill,” Amanda Cease as “Carole,” Kathleen Zoldos as “Jenn,” Eiley Cook as “Starr,” Mary Parish as “Sally,” and Chelsea Benjamin as “Carla.”

Kelli Baker and Chris Nicholson serve as the “virtual” stage managers, while Kristen Ham is a crew member and will serve as a pianist.

All these students will be in their own homes on their own computers during the performance. With the Zoom service, when a particular actor begins talking, the image automatically switches to an enlarged video of that actor, making it easy for the audience to follow the dialogue.

Henderson thinks that giving students this opportunity to present the play to the community is important. “I think we need the arts and artists at a time like this,” she said. “Entertainment, happiness and joy are important. The arts touch you in ways you may not realize at first. The Arts, and theatre especially, have a way to elevate the everyday and bring light to our world. In times like this, we need connection. We need meaning, and we need artists to help us all feel.”

Anyone interested in experiencing either performance should contact Betsy Henderson at hendersonb@vgcc.edu. She will provide each “attendee” with the Zoom meeting ID.

Franklin Co. Health Dept. Temporarily Closed; Six Employees Test COVID-19 Positive

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Government

As noted previously in prior communication, on Friday, 4/24/2020, the Franklin County Health Department (FCHD) received positive coronavirus test–results for two (2) employees. Those two (2) employees do not serve as healthcare providers within the department. Also as previously noted, on Friday 4/24/2020 a total of 48 Health Department staff had samples collected and submitted for coronavirus testing. 

As a precaution, the FCHD was disinfected on Saturday, 4/25/2020, and as of this current release, the Department is remaining closed for regular business from 4/27/2020 until operations resume on Monday 5/4/2020, at 8 a.m. 

The Health Department has received the results for all staff tested on Friday 4/24/2020, and those results indicate that an additional four (4) staff have tested positive, bringing the current total of Health Department Employees with positive test results to six (6). None of the Health Department‘s now six (6) total positive employees are healthcare providers. 

The Franklin County Health Department continues to conduct Contact Tracing for COVID-19, so any individual suspected of being exposed to the coronavirus will be notified by Health Department staff and given specific instructions on what they need to do next.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Health Department is adopting a stringent response to this current situation. As of the date and time of this release, the following Health Department programs will be closed from Monday 4/27/2020 until they re–open on Monday, 5/4/2020: 

  • All clinical services; 
  • Care Management Services (clients may call their workers for call–back); and 
  • WIC (clients may call for assistance). 

After consultations with NCDHHS, the Health Department has been approved to move forward with the following plan for our CLINICAL closures this week: 

  • Clinic patients provided with the option of receiving some mandated services at our neighboring counties’ Health Departments;
  • Patients given the option to receive services at other healthcare providers both inside and outside the county. Patients whose appointments were canceled are being notified and those appointments will be rescheduled.

Environmental Health Services (septic, wells, food & lodging inspections, etc.) and the Franklin County Home Health Agency services will continue to operate remotely (as they have been doing for some time). Limited drop–off service will be available for Environmental Health needs. 

For the week of 4/27/2020 through 5/1/2020, only critical Health Department employees with a negative test and no current symptoms (i.e. with no fever as verified by temperature checks three–times per day) have returned to work to continue the County‘s Emergency Operations Center and to complete contact investigations. The Health Department will resume all services on Monday, 5/4/2020. 

Look for more updates from the Franklin COVID–19 EOC as more information becomes available.