Board Continues Work to Improve 911 Communications Across State

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-Press Release, NC DIT 

The North Carolina 911 Board is providing North Carolina residents with technological improvements to 911 communications across the state through the Next Generation 911 (NG911) initiative. These advancements, which include the Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet), ensure that N.C. residents can access 911 services regardless of location or the communication technology they use.

Transitioning 911 to the ESInet enables digital information such as cell phone calls, text messages, pictures and video to be routed to the appropriate 911 call center, or Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), across a closed, private network via location-based call routing capabilities.

To support the implementation of NG911 services, in 2019, North Carolina was awarded a $3.9 million federal grant by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). In addition, the N.C. 911 Board awarded $10.5 million in grants from the state’s 911 Fund to support the migration to ESInet, new PSAPs, and radio and dispatch upgrades.

“We are excited to be on target with 25 percent of the PSAPs having migrated to the ESInet, and the majority of those also took advantage of the hosted call handling solution that is part of the overall NG911 initiative for the state,” said Pokey Harris, executive director of the North Carolina 911 Board. “We appreciate those PSAPs that were willing to be among the first to migrate to ESInet and are excited that North Carolina is leading the way for NG911, being touted as an innovator.”

A total of 32 PSAPs in North Carolina have migrated to the ESInet, with 31 of those occurring in 2019. All 127 PSAPs across the state are required to complete the transition to the ESInet by July 1, 2021. A map of PSAPs and their migration status is available here.

With more 911 centers coming online, in September 2019, the board celebrated the opening of the Network Monitoring and Assistance Center (NMAC), which will play an important role in making sure services run smoothly across the state.

According to Harris, technicians at the NMAC will monitor the ESInet to immediately troubleshoot network issues and help behind the scenes to provide seamless 911 coverage, so 911 telecommunicators can focus on helping North Carolina residents get the assistance they need as quickly as possible.

Technicians also can quickly reroute emergency calls to other 911 centers as they identify increased trends in emergency calls – particularly in cases such as severe weather or major events that draw large volumes of people to a particular area. During Hurricane Dorian, technicians at the NMAC were prepared to assist in rerouting calls from the coast to counties farther inland, however, it was not necessary.

“Residents and visitors to the state are the true beneficiaries of the NG911 efforts that will ultimately improve 911 service delivery,” said Harris.

The N.C. 911 Board is a 17-member board that is responsible for policies and procedures for wireline and wireless 911 communications in the state and administers the state’s 911 Fund used to support equipment purchases for the 127 public safety answering points (911 centers) in the state. The board is housed with the N.C. Department of Information Technology.

For more information, visit https://it.nc.gov/about/boards-commissions/nc-911-board.

WIZS Note: Brian K. Short, director of Henderson-Vance Emergency Operations, reports that his department successfully transitioned to the ESI Net (Next Generation 911) in September 2019, and operations have been running smoothly in the ensuing months.

Alzheimer’s Assoc. of Eastern NC Launches Direct Connect Referral Program

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-Press Release, Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter announced today the launch of its Direct Connect Referral Program.

This free service is designed to work together with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias receive the appropriate care and resources needed to improve their quality of life.

Developed in order to help provide a holistic approach to patient care, this program is the first of its kind in the Alzheimer’s community in all 51 Eastern North Carolina counties for which the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter serves. Physicians and healthcare professionals at clinic offices, medical centers and hospitals throughout these 51 counties now have an opportunity to participate in the program.

Currently, only 33 percent of seniors age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease are aware of their diagnosis. Studies have found that one of the reasons physicians do not diagnose Alzheimer’s — or do not disclose a diagnosis — is a lack of time and resources to provide care planning. However, a disclosed diagnosis is necessary to implement care planning, a crucial element in improving outcomes for the individual.

Care planning has many benefits for the patient and their family, including:

  • Allows newly diagnosed individuals and their caregivers to learn about medical and non-medical treatments, clinical trials and support services available in the community — resulting in a higher quality of life for those living with the disease.
  • Leads to fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and better medication management.
  • Contributes to better management of other conditions that can be complicated by Alzheimer’s.

The Medicare billing code – known as 99483 – introduced in 2018, allows clinicians to be reimbursed for providing care planning to cognitively impaired individuals. In using this code along with the Association’s Direct Connect Referral Program, clinicians will have the time and resources to provide a comprehensive set of care planning services to people with cognitive impairment and their caregivers. All that is involved is completing a one-page, HIPAA compliant form and faxing or scanning it to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We are thrilled about launching our new Direct Connect Referral Program, which provides an easy way to connect a doctor’s patients with our organization’s care and support services,” said Lisa Roberts, executive director of the Eastern North Carolina Chapter. “We are deeply committed to supporting the family of people on their journey of diagnosis and treatment, while also adding value to the efforts of physicians’ offices. Our Direct Connect Referral Program is a win-win resource for all.”

Physicians and healthcare professionals interested in learning more about this program should contact Peggy Best at pbest@alz.org or at 919-241-5928.

Additional Facts and Figures: (https://www.alz.org/facts/)

  • Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.
  • Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s.
  • An estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease, including 170,000 North Carolina residents, are living with Alzheimer’s, a number estimated to grow to as many as 14 million by the year 2050.
  • More than 16 million family and friends, including 473,000 in North Carolina, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in the United States.
  • In 2018, friends and family of those with Alzheimer’s in North Carolina provided an estimated 538 million hours of unpaid care, a contribution valued at $6.8 billion.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter, visit www.alz.org/nc or call 800-272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Town Talk 01/08/20: ‘Science in the Summer’ Provides Free, Hands-On Learning

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Zenovia Hogue, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Science in the Summer (SIS) Coordinator for the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center in Chapel Hill, NC, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Bringing summer science activities to rising second through eighth-grade students in 10 counties throughout Central North Carolina since 2008, Hogue said the free program is “an engaging, fun way to prevent the proven slide that happens when kids don’t participate in academic activities over the summer break.”

“SIS is free to all participating children because GSK covers all program expenses,” Hogue explained. “Science in the Summer would not be possible without their support.”

The 2020 SIS theme is “Chemistry is everywhere!” According to the SIS website, students will enjoy everything from “discovering polymers with color-changing slime to investigating how zombie worms use chemicals to survive. Students will use common, everyday materials and ingredients to understand that almost everything they do is connected to science. Along the way, not only will they discover that science is exciting, but that it will be a key part of their future – no matter which career they choose.”

Local teachers may also join in on the summer fun by applying to be a paid SIS educator. A current teaching license is required and an application process must be completed. Those interested may visit the Morehead Planetarium’s employment website by clicking here.

For Vance County residents, the first SIS student session will be held at the Perry Memorial Library for rising second through fifth graders June 15 – 19, 2020, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration date is March 2.

The second session will be held at the Perry Memorial Library for rising sixth through eighth graders July 13 – 15, 2020, from 1 – 4 p.m. Registration date is March 10.

Spaces are limited in all summer sessions and registration is required. For more information, including Granville and Franklin County sessions, and to register, please visit the SIS website at www.moreheadplanetarium.org/sis.

To hear the interview with Hogue in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

State Broadband Office Expanded Access, Worked to Close Digital Divide in 2019

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-Press Release, NCDIT

While it may seem that internet is universal, there are still areas of North Carolina that lack the infrastructure, called broadband, to support high-speed internet in addition to residents who lack the technology to use it. This access – to infrastructure and to devices – is critical for children to complete homework assignments, for farmers and other businesses to run their operations and for providers to deliver improved healthcare for our residents.

The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Broadband Infrastructure Office (BIO) is working to close this digital divide and made great strides in 2019 to achieve its goal that every resident has access to affordable, high-speed internet at all times.

“Access to broadband is a life-line and a critical piece in North Carolina residents’ making meaningful connections in order to live a healthier and more fulfilling life,” said Eric Boyette, DIT secretary and state chief information officer. “We’re going to use the momentum we’ve created this past year to help even more residents in 2020.”

Governor Roy Cooper demonstrated his commitment to this goal by issuing Executive Order 91 (EO 91) and establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Connecting North Carolina. EO 91 directs state government leaders to work collaboratively to identify and remove barriers to affordable, high-speed internet access, eliminate the homework gap that results from students not having internet access, and facilitate private-sector deployment of last-mile infrastructure.

BIO made significant progress toward this goal by awarding the first round of grants through the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) program, which allows internet service providers and electric membership cooperatives to compete for funding to lower financial barriers that prevent broadband expansion in rural communities. Nearly $10 million was awarded to 20 broadband service providers to facilitate the deployment of broadband service in 19 Tier One counties. Of the 13 companies receiving funding, 11 are NC-based small businesses, telephone cooperatives and an electric membership cooperative.

With more than $6 million in matching funds from the providers, around $16 million in total investment will bring service to more than 10,000 households, businesses, agricultural operations and community institutions such as libraries, schools and hospitals. The N.C. General Assembly approved and Gov. Cooper signed legislation providing an additional $30 million for grants through June 2021 to continue the program.

In addition to physically expanding broadband access, digital inclusion is critical to closing the digital divide. This includes ensuring residents have equal access to digital resources, technology and the skills needed to use them. BIO is an active partner in the NC Digital Equity and Inclusion Collaborative and works diligently to level the playing field for N.C. residents. Notable achievements in digital inclusion efforts this year include:

  • In early 2019, BIO partnered with the NC Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Rural Health (ORH) to secure a $98,273 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER fund to investigate and identify gaps, challenges and opportunities in the existing telehealth infrastructure resources in 20 western N.C. counties and explore how to better use technology to improve health and healthcare in the region.
  • In March, BIO published “The Homework Gap in North Carolina,” a report that provides communities and state and local policymakers with strategies to bridge the homework gap that occurs when students are assigned homework that requires internet access but lack an internet connection at home. The report was developed in conjunction with The William & Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at North Carolina State University.
  • BIO and The State Library of North Carolina won a $250,000 two-year grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and to launch a pilot program to address the homework gap. The program, which began in Robeson County in January, provided digital literacy workshops to 34 families. In July, the program expanded to include four counties, and 62 families have attended workshops.
  • As a result of Gov. Cooper’s Hometown Strong program to support rural communities, NCDIT and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, home to the State Library, partnered with nine library systems and four municipalities for a pilot program to improve internet access in rural communities. Each of the libraries received $35,000 to purchase equipment such as Wi-Fi hotspots or computers to make available to students or other library patrons for home use. Communities were able to use the funds at their discretion to shape a program that best fit their needs.

BIO further affirmed its commitment to increasing rural broadband by developing a survey and speed test for farmers in partnership with the North Carolina Farm Bureau (NCFB). The survey and speed test will gather data that will provide a clear picture of current connections and speeds available at farms and pinpoint those that lack sufficient connectivity to run their business with 21st-century technology. BIO and NCFB will use this information to develop connectivity solutions for farmers, both in their offices and in the fields.

This project followed the launch of BIO’s Broadband Speed Test, a self-reporting tool that allows residents and businesses to report the actual speeds they receive at home or at work. This tool allows for better mapping of areas of the state that unserved or underserved by broadband providers.

As part of its services, BIO provides a technical assistance team as an on-the-ground resource to work with counties and communities across the state to provide needed broadband expertise. Over the past year, this team aided 70 counties with planning and resource identification, including all 36 counties included in Gov. Roy Cooper’s Hometown Strong program, a partnership between state agencies and local leaders to champion rural communities.

In addition, BIO launched the FirstTech initiative to support state and local public safety and emergency response organizations with identifying emerging communications technologies. It is also monitoring the build-out of FirstNet, the nationwide wireless broadband public safety communications network.

BIO is gearing up for an exciting 2020 that builds upon the success of the past year.

The North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Broadband Infrastructure Office leads the statewide initiative to expand high-speed internet access for all North Carolinians.

Town Talk 01/07/20: Girl Scout Cookie Sale Begins This Weekend!

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Teresa Wimbrow, membership director for Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren County Girl Scouts, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m. Wimbrow discussed the 2020 Girl Scout cookie sale and benefits to the girls involved in the program.

This year’s sale begins Saturday, January 11 at 9 a.m. Wimbrow said the local area should be prepared for “girls ringing your doorbell with cookies in hand.” Cookies will also be available in the coming weeks at booths set up by girl scouts and adult volunteers at local participating businesses and restaurants.

Cookies are available for $4 a box with proceeds being used for trips and activities for the scouts.

Flavors available locally this year include Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Lemonades, Thanks-A-Lot, Girl Scout S’mores, Shortbread and a gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip.

According to Wimbrow, this is expected to be the last year that the Thanks-A-Lot shortbread and chocolate fudge cookies will be available, so if they are your favorite, make sure you stock up. A new cookie will be introduced next year to join the tried and true originals.

Wimbrow, a former educator and basketball, volleyball and softball coach, has been with the Girl Scout organization for 11 years and says she enjoys fulfilling the organization’s motto by helping to “build girls of courage, confidence and character.”

“I love young people and I love this area,” said Wimbrow. “Girl Scouts is a great organization that offers a positive alternative to some of the other things that are happening that get so much negative publicity.”

The four-county area is part of the larger Girl Scout NC Coastal Pines, a council consisting of 41 counties. For information on the Girl Scout cookie program or testimonials from girls and volunteers alike, please visit www.nccoastalpines.org.

If you know someone interested in joining Girl Scouts, have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Teresa Wimbrow at (252) 438-8103 or email twimbrow@nccoastalpines.org.

To hear the interview with Wimbrow in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

‘Into the Woods’ to Bring Modern Fairy Tale Twist to McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center is gearing up for its presentation of “Into the Woods,” a fully staged Broadway-style musical presented with a live, professional orchestra.

Evening performances include Sat., February 1, Fri., February 7 and Sat., February 8 at 8 p.m. Matinee performances will be offered at 2 p.m. on Sun., February 2 and Sun., February 9, 2020.

Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece “Into the Woods” is a modern twist on the beloved fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, entwining the classic stories of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Little Red Riding Hood with an original story about a baker and his wife wishing to start a family and live a more wonderful life. The moral of this story? Be careful what you wish for!

Tickets for this event may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

County Manager Selects Cindy H. Jones as Senior Services Director

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris announced today that Cindy H. Jones will begin serving as Senior Services Director on January 20, 2020.

As a lifelong Franklin County resident and 25-year public servant, Ms. Jones stated she is excited to help all seniors in the county and feels her background in social work, the insurance industry and the legal system has prepared her for the task.

Cindy H. Jones will begin serving as Franklin County’s Senior Services Director on January 20, 2020. (Photo courtesy Franklin Co. Govt.)

Ms. Jones has worked for over 10 years with the Franklin County Department of Social Services. For the last seven years as a Social Worker III, she’s worked closely with Franklin County’s seniors and local agencies to ensure protective services for vulnerable, disabled and elderly adults who are unable to reach out to get assistance for themselves.

Ms. Jones has served the community by visiting the homes of local adults to assess their needs and provide solutions to often difficult situations in their lives. Those solutions include direction in areas such as available insurance programs, medical care, transportation and food assistance.

Ms. Jones has over six years of experience with the legal system having served as Deputy Clerk of Court in Franklin County. She also brings to the table several years of experience as an Independent Insurance Agent with Aflac.

Ms. Jones is a graduate of Louisburg High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through her education at both Appalachian State University and UNC Greensboro where she graduated in 1992. Ms. Jones resides in Franklin County with her husband Scott and sons Cole and Ty.

“Seniors represent one of the fastest-growing segments of our population,” commented Mrs. Harris. “It is my goal to broaden the scope of services offered by the Department of Aging both internally and within the community to address service demands associated with growth. I believe under the direction of Ms. Cindy Jones we will be well-positioned to meet this challenge. She will be a good steward of available resources while strategically focusing on bringing additional resources to the table.”

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.

MPH: With Rising Suicide Rates, Behavioral Support Important for Mental Health

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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health

The issue of suicide is a very difficult and concerning topic to address – and, unfortunately, it is on the rise. In fact, a recent survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows suicide rates increasing by 25 percent over nearly two decades through the end of 2016. Data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention further underscores the importance and urgency of raising awareness of suicide, as suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. – with nearly 45,000 Americans taking their own lives each year.

Recent suicide deaths of prominent fashion designer Kate Spade and celebrated chef and author Anthony Bourdain have exposed the critical fact that suicide does not discriminate and shined a brighter light on the role that mental illness plays in suicide. Approximately 90 percent of individuals who die from suicide suffer or have suffered from some form of mental illness.

Given this, it is critically important to be proactive about recognizing the warning signs of someone who may be contemplating suicide and identifying friends and loved ones who may be at risk. According to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI), the most recognizable signs of potential suicide are:

Threats or comments about killing themselves, which can begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like, “I wish I wasn’t here” but become more bold and dangerous.

  • Increased alcohol and drug use;
  • Aggressive behavior;
  • Social withdrawal from friends, loved ones and the community;
  • Dramatic mood swings;
  • Talking, writing or thinking about death; and
  • Impulsive or reckless behavior;
  • A family history of suicide;
  • Substance abuse;
  • Access to firearms;
  • Serious or chronic medical illness;
  • Gender (more women attempt suicide than men, but men are four times more likely to die from their attempt);
  • A history of trauma or abuse;
  • Prolonged stress;
  • Isolation;
  • Age (those younger than 24 years old and older than 65 years old are at higher risk);
  • A recent tragedy or loss;
  • Agitation;
  • Sleep deprivation

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, any other form of mental illness or any of these signs and risk factors, it’s okay to seek help. There are behavioral health providers who can help whenever you need them. And the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, offers free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Maria Parham Health currently provides a range of geriatric (ages 55+) behavioral health support services, including prevention programs, individual therapy, group therapy, inpatient therapy, emergency/crisis intervention and is staffed by a highly trained team of providers, nurses and support staff.

A new adult behavioral health unit will be opening in 2020 and will serve adults ages 18 and older. To learn more about the services provided, 800.424.DOCS or visit https://www.mariaparhamfranklin.com/services/behavioral-health.

MPH Franklin Seeking ‘High Performing Talent’ at Recruitment Event

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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Franklin will hold a health care recruitment event on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at the Franklin location – 100 Hospital Drive in Louisburg. Two sessions will be offered: 8 – 11 a.m. and 5 – 8 p.m.

Participants will interview with the hospital’s recruitment team, have an opportunity to talk with current leaders and staff, enjoy food and refreshments and have a chance to win door prizes.

To learn more, call (919) 482-3479 or visit online at MariaParham.com.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

 

NC AgVentures Grants Up to $8K Available for Innovative Farm Ideas

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-Information courtesy Warren County Cooperative Extension Center

Farmers with innovative ideas to increase farm profits are encouraged to submit a proposal to the NC AgVentures Grant Program.

NC AgVentures is an Extension program that provides grants to NC independent family farms for new and innovative agricultural project ideas which will increase farm profits. This is a great opportunity for any producer who is thinking of diversifying, improving, or expanding their operation.

The deadline for applications is January 14, 2020. Grant awards up to $8,000 are available.

The program offers two grant options – an individual farm grant or a community grant. Both grant options are available in the following counties: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Forsyth, Gaston, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Iredell, Johnson, Lincoln, Martin, Mecklenburg, Nash, Northhampton, Orange, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Sampson, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Vance, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, Wilkes, Warren and Yadkin.

Click here for Sample Application for Farmers, Sample Application for Community Agricultural Project Grants and Application Workshops for Producers.

Program Administration

The NC AgVentures program is being administered by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at North Carolina State University. Technical assistance for the NC AgVentures grant program is provided by N.C. Cooperative Extension Agents.

Funding

NC AgVentures is supported exclusively by a grant from the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. To learn more about the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission please visit: https://www.tobaccotrustfund.org/

Read more at https://agventures.ces.ncsu.edu/grant-program/

Please contact your local NC Cooperative Extension Center if you have any questions about creating a proposal or filling out the application (Vance – (252) 438-8188, Warren – (252) 257-3640).