Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health CEO Thanks Community, Encourages Continued Support

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Op-Ed: Thank You Vance and Franklin Counties – Bert Beard CEO, Maria Parham Health

For the past several months, Maria Parham Health (MPH) has been facing the impact of COVID-19 with our community. We have built upon our robust emergency operations plan that we have in place year-round by updating policies, implementing new protocol, educating our staff, and working with our community partners in ways we never have before. But in all this preparation, MPH has never been alone.

Today, I write to share my appreciation for our community. Thank you to the countless individuals and organizations who have generously donated critically important supplies and resources and offered inspiring words of encouragement to our team. In this crisis, the true meaning of community has never been more apparent or appreciated. Patients, board members, staff, community providers, our sister facilities – all segments of the communities we serve and partner with have shown their support during this pandemic

Community members have brought in surgical masks and N95 respirators to add to the resources we are working to preserve. Local restaurants and businesses have sent food to treat our folks as they work. Many people have donated homemade cloth masks to our hospital and local EMS – an incredible labor of love. Posted signage, sidewalk chalk messages and decorated rocks cheer on our heroes and have infused our campuses with pride. And these are just a few of the many examples that exist.

The outpouring of love and encouragement from our community has been overwhelming, and it makes us so proud to call Vance and Franklin Counties our home and to serve the northern triangle. MPH stands ready to serve you – our neighbors, family and friends. Please continue to keep our community safe and prevent further spread of this disease:

  • Practice social distancing.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • If you must go out in public, wear masks to protect those around you.

To learn more about Maria Parham Health’s COVID-19 preparedness and what you can do to help stay well, visit Mariaparham.com.

Franklin County Schools

Franklin Co. Schools Offering Free Summer Meal Service

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools is offering a free summer meal service for students on Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Meals will be available for curbside pick up at Bunn High School, Franklinton Elementary School, Laurel Mill Elementary School, Louisburg High School and Youngsville Elementary School.

Breakfast and lunch for three days will be included at each pickup; please bring a large bag or box for meals.

FCS is now offering curbside pre-order for pick up on Mondays and Thursdays. Please contact the FCS Child Nutrition Services staff for more details (click here).

For more information, visit www.fcschools.net or https://www.fcschools.net/domain/1376.

Franklin County Logo

Franklin County Public Utilities Addresses May/June Water Billing Cycle

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County Public Utilities has received some questions regarding the May and June billing cycles. Due to COVID-19 safety procedures and Executive Order 124 issued by Governor Roy Cooper, Franklin County Public Utilities did not read water meters for the May billing cycle.

Most customers were only billed the base fee for the May billing and any usage above the minimum was included on the June billing. The base fee for water-only accounts is $30 and the base fee for accounts with both water and sewer is $65. 

The May billing cycle included service for the period from March 16, 2020, through April 15, 2020. Franklin County Public Utilities only billed for the base fee of 0-2,000 gallons, even if your usage was more than 2,000 gallons. A flyer was included with the billing to notify customers of this change. 

Franklin County Public Utilities staff read water meters for the June billing cycle which included service from April 15, 2020, through May 14, 2020, and any usage in excess of 2,000 gallons from the May billing was detected with this reading and included on the June billing. 

If you have any questions, please contact customer service at (919) 556-6177. Franklin County Public Utilities Department apologizes for any confusion that this may have caused.

VGCC Logo

Enrollment Numbers Up for VGCC’s Summer Term

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Vance-Granville Community College has been working diligently to educate more students this summer. The hard work is paying off.

As of the beginning of the summer semester in late May, VGCC had 1,228 students enrolled in credit programs. That represents an estimated 11% increase compared to the beginning of the summer 2019 semester when enrollment stood at 1,101. The college is likewise experiencing an estimated 30% increase in the number of student hours completed, typically known as Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment.  

A significant source of enrollment for this summer is in both the college transfer and technical and trades credit program areas. VGCC also has a healthy number of special credit students from four-year universities taking classes. 

“We are pleased to see the trend for increased enrollment at VGCC continue into this summer semester,” VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais stated. “We are here to serve our community and are rising to the challenge of providing increased access to quality online learning during the pandemic. We look forward to offering more in-person instruction this fall as we help our community members pivot during this uncertain economy.”

“The college’s Student Engagement & Success team, faculty, marketing and many people have contributed to this effort. We are glad to see the college educating more students in the four-county area and the wider region. Our team is committed to being innovative and thinking about the best ways to provide quality instruction and support services to those who choose Vance-Granville. When students learn with us, they are ready for the workforce and/or success at a senior institution,” said Dr. Levy Brown, the college’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success. “Student access, retention, success and career preparation are embedded in our mindset, and it continues to show!”

Students are encouraged to apply and register for Fall 2020 now.

Established in 1969, VGCC offers more than 40 credit programs, in which students work toward certificates, diplomas and degrees. Area residents and businesses can also take advantage of a variety of continuing education/job training opportunities, as well as the High School Equivalency and Adult High School Diploma programs. High school students can get a step ahead by starting their college education early with VGCC courses.

The college has four campuses – one each in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties – and offers online programs, as well. The new “Vanguard Flex” program is offering flexible, hybrid schedules in the evenings and weekends on the Franklin Campus in Louisburg, to accommodate schedules for adult learners. 

For more information about the college, visit www.vgcc.edu.

Buyer & Cellar

McGregor Hall, Brian Westbrook to Present Virtual Presentation of ‘Buyer & Cellar’

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Brian Westbrook (“Into the Woods,” “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”) will perform in an online, one-man presentation of Jonathan Tolins’ comedy classic “Buyer & Cellar,” the first virtual performance in McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center’s history.

The one-man play follows Alex More, a struggling actor who makes ends meet by landing a job as the curator of Barbra Streisand’s basement.

Online performances will be held on Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket purchasers will receive a web address and password at the email address connected to their purchase no later than 10 minutes prior to showtime.

Please note: content rated ‘R’ for language.

For tickets, visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/11557

In order to continue its mission to “share the healing power of the arts in Henderson and beyond,” McGregor Hall asks for the help and support of the community to make this performance a success.

Franklin Co. Health Department to Offer Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Government

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing will be available at the Franklin County Health Department beginning Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Testing will be available on Tuesdays from 1 – 2 p.m. by appointment only. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Appointments will be available to patients without insurance first. If multiple people need testing, each person will need to schedule their own appointment time.

Non-insured patients will receive a free test sent to the State lab; insured patients will have their insurance billed.

Please bring your photo ID and insurance card, if applicable, and wear a face mask or covering to your appointment.

To make an appointment, call (919) 496-2533. The Franklin County Health Department is located at 107 Industrial Drive, Suite C in Louisburg, NC.

VGCC Reopening Business Seminars

VGCC Small Business Center Presents ‘Reopening Your Business’ Webinar Series

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-Information courtesy the VGCC Small Business Center 

As local businesses begin to reopen, the Small Business Center of Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) has scheduled a six-part series of online seminars intended to assist businesses in navigating these uncharted waters.

Sessions include:

June 4 – Understanding Phases 1, 2 and 3 of Reopening

June 9 – Reopening Your Business Without Opening Liability

June 11 – Best Social Media Practices as You Reopen

June 16 – The Latest CDC Health & Safety Guidelines Broken Down for Your Business

June 17 – Connecting With Customers as you Reopen

June 19 – Managing Finances During Reopening & Beyond

All sessions are from 10 – 11 a.m. Please register no later than twenty-four hours prior to each session at www.ncsbc.net.

In these one-hour sessions, subject matter experts will look at the various phases of reopening along with potential liability, communicating with customers and employees, CDC guidelines and managing finances. There will also be time allowed for questions and answers.

Participants will need a valid email address in order to receive the webinar login information. After registering, the link will be sent the evening before the event, and a reminder email will also be sent approximately one hour before the start time.

With additional questions, please contact the VGCC Small Business Center via email at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.

NC Governor Logo

North Carolina’s Key COVID-19 Indicators Remain Stable

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today shared an update on North Carolina’s key COVID-19 indicators. The data and trends show that North Carolina remains stable nearly one week into Phase 1.

“Our COVID-19 decisions are guided by the data and the science,” said Cooper. “We will use the time in this phase to keep a careful eye on the data and the indicators before we are ready to announce the start of Phase 2. North Carolinians should continue to stay home if they can and take precautions to keep themselves safe.”

“Continued stability in these trends is a real positive for our state. While we remain on a good path for the 14-day trends we need to see to move to Phase 2, our progress as a state is still dependent on our individual actions,” said Dr. Cohen. “We need to continue to protect our loved ones and our neighbors. If you leave home, practice three Ws – wear, wait and wash.”

Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen also announced that DHHS now has a list of testing locations on the DHHS website.

The list includes more than 200 sample collection sites in 54 counties, with more being added as they are verified. The list is comprised of health care providers, pharmacies and retail locations, local health departments and others that are providing testing for COVID-19. Some of the sites that are federally funded do not cost anything for the individual being tested. Doctors and clinicians may also provide testing at their offices.

Based on the metrics laid out last month by Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen, officials need to continue watching the trends before announcing a shift into Phase 2.

Secretary Cohen reported North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is slightly increasing.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive has been decreasing and is starting to level.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is 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:

Laboratory Testing

  • North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate from approximately 2,500-3,000 to more than 6,000

Tracing Capability

  • The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has already hired close to 100 new contact tracers adding to the 250 already working at our local health departments.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.

The Phase 1 executive Order remains in effect until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22.

However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase 2. Phase 2 will only start if data and indicators remain stable.

Read a copy of today’s graphs and slides.

Maria Parham Health Celebrating National Hospital Week May 10-15

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health (MPH) is proud to join the American Hospital Association and healthcare organizations around the country in celebrating National Hospital Week, which is observed May 10-15.

Each May, National Hospital Week provides an opportunity to pause and honor the millions of healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to taking care of people in their greatest times of need and to recognize the positive difference hospitals and healthcare organizations make in the communities they serve.

“As our community continues the fight against COVID-19, the pivotal role our healthcare workers play in the well-being of society is clearer than ever,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Their tireless efforts on the front lines of this disease and their commitment to quality care and patient safety year-round are critical to our mission of Making Communities Healthier. We proudly honor these heroes during National Hospital Week and commend their inspiring efforts to serve others.”

Maria Parham Health in Henderson and Maria Parham Franklin will be marking the national observance with special gifts and prizes for all staff. Community members are encouraged to leave a special note of thanks for hospital employees at www.thankahealthcarehero.com.

As one of the region’s economic leaders, the organization employs approximately 800 staff and contributed more than $8 million in taxes to the local and state economies last year. Additionally, it is proud to sponsor a number of local community organizations and non-profits.

Ensuring that everyone has access to the high-quality and compassionate care they need is a top priority for the organization and fundamental to its mission. In 2019 alone, Maria Parham Health provided more than $62 million of charity and other uncompensated care, regardless of patients’ ability to pay.

“We are privileged to have a significant impact on its health and economic well-being,” said James Johnson, chair of MPH’s board of trustees. “As we celebrate National Hospital Week amid unprecedented challenges this year and begin to look to the future, we are aware that healthcare – like other aspects of life – might look a little different. What will not change, though, is our mission and our commitment to this community. We will continue to put the health and well-being of our neighbors first, ensuring safe places of care and a healthier community for us all.”

Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Office Arrests Warren Co. Man on Felony Drug Charges

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On May 6, 2020, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group arrested Warren County resident Tyrone Neal on three felony drug charges.

The arrest came as a result of a vehicle stop in the White Level area of Franklin County. The Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group was conducting enforcement patrol after receiving complaints and information regarding drug activity occurring throughout that area of the county.

On May 6, 2020, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group arrested Warren County resident Tyrone Neal on three felony drug charges. (FCSO photo)

Mr. Neal’s vehicle was stopped and, as a result, approximately 58 grams of Powder and Crack Cocaine, as well as US Currency, were seized. The street value of the drugs seized is estimated to be $5,800.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Our Special Operations Group continues to be responsive to information provided by the citizens of our county. This type of information allows our enforcement to be strategic and raises the chances we can be successful in removing these dangerous drugs from our neighborhoods.”

Tyrone Neal was placed in the Franklin County Detention Facility under a $65,000 secured bond.

Tyrone Neal (48)
213 Neal Ln.
Warrenton, NC 27589

Charges include:
Trafficking in Cocaine (2 counts)
Maintain a Vehicle for the Purpose of Selling Controlled Substances

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