North Carolina Reports 22% Increase In Overdose Deaths

/by

NCDHHS Continues Fight Against Overdose Epidemic

With overdose deaths in 2021 increasing 22%, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services continues to extend mobile crisis care, treatment programs and other efforts to improve behavioral health services across the state.

— press release courtesy of NCDHHS

RALEIGH – With overdose deaths in 2021 increasing 22%, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services continues to extend mobile crisis care, treatment programs and other efforts to improve behavioral health services across the state. The 2021 statistics show this is more critical than ever, as 4,041 people in North Carolina lost their lives to overdose. This is the highest number of overdose deaths in a single year on record in the state.

“North Carolina’s communities and families are meeting the tragedy of overdose deaths and the opioid crisis head on, every day,” said NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “With the right treatment and support, recovery is possible, and individuals can go on to live full and productive lives. Our goal is to break the costly cycle of addiction and the smartest investment we can make to do that is expanding Medicaid.”

Reaching people before they are in crisis is critical to behavioral health. NCDHHS has expanded mobile crisis services, increased peer supports and collegiate recovery programs — all to get people the care they need at the right time and place. NCDHHS also launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing behavioral health-related distress. Since the launch of the easy-to-remember number in July, the NC Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center has seen an 85% increase in callers identifying “substance use” as their primary reason for calling 988.

The rise in overdose deaths in recent years is driven by illegally manufactured fentanyl. In 2021, more than 77% of overdose deaths in the state likely involved fentanyl, often in combination with other substances. In response, NCDHHS is expanding access to treatment and prevention. Our efforts include the distribution of more than 719,000 units of naloxone to agencies across the state to assist in overdose response efforts. Additionally, the department is working to increase access to medication assisted treatment by changing regulations so mobile medication units can provide methadone and other FDA-approved medications for the treatment of opioid use disorders in North Carolina. The department will also be working with EMS agencies in eight counties to allow them to offer buprenorphine as a medication to treat people who have an opioid use disorder.

NCDHHS continues to implement the North Carolina Opioid and Substance Use Action Plan to prevent addiction, reduce harm, connect people to care and increase access to supportive services, such as housing and employment support. Progress is monitored on a data dashboard that tracks many local actions and state, regional and county-level metrics. Since launching this plan, the number of people receiving prescribed opioids has decreased by at least 36%. The number of people who don’t have insurance or have Medicaid receiving opioid use disorder treatment has increased by 48%. In 2021, there were nearly 17,000 emergency department visits related to drug overdoses.

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this crisis. Overdose deaths have increased 72% since 2019, with a 40% jump in 2020 during the first year of the pandemic. The number of people who have died from overdose has also worsened in some historically marginalized communities. The overall number of overdose deaths is still highest among non-Hispanic white people; however, when measured as a portion of population, American Indian/Indigenous people have the highest overdose death rate. The percentage by which overdose death rates increased from 2019 rates to 2021 rates was highest among Black/African American people with a 139% increase in their overdose death rate.

Overdose Death Rates by Year and Race, Increase from 2019 to 2021:

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available to assist those who need confidential emotional support, counseling referrals or connection to community resources. You can call or text 988 or go to 988lifeline.org.

TownTalk: Osteopathic Medicine Helps with Those Aches And Pains

/by

There are lots of reasons why people develop arthritis – either we’re genetically predisposed to achy joints, we’ve suffered an injury that later brings on pain or it could be just simple wear-and-tear on our bodies that produces the aches and pains we associate with getting older.

But Mark Messmer, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, says treatment of arthritis is not a one-size-fits-all approach. And people who suffer with some forms of arthritis may have more options today than they would have had, say, 20 or more years ago.

Messmer has been practicing osteopathic medicine at Maria Parham Health since he left the Navy back in the summer of 2022. He spoke with John C. Rose Wednesday on TownTalk about his experiences in the Navy and how the journey that led him to Henderson.

During his service with the Navy, he said he got to treat military personnel coming back from war. “That really pushed me into orthopedics,” he said, adding that is the area where he felt he could make the biggest contribution.

He said it is gratifying to be able to offer someone a potentially life-changing surgery.

When he left military service, he said he was looking to work in a small community with a community hospital. He and his wife both are from Michigan, and after experiencing one relatively mild North Carolina winter while Messmer was at Camp Lejeune, they both decided it was way better than freezing in Michigan.

With close to 10 years of practice now under his belt, Messmer said he’s seen advances in the way the medical community can help arthritis sufferers.

And he offers some practical advice for anyone who is dealing with what he calls “little nagging injuries:” Don’t ignore them.

“It’s always good to get it checked out,” Messmer said, instead of brushing it off or ignoring it. Often, those conditions simply progress, which cause bigger problems sooner rather than later, he said. And once that happens, he said treatment options narrow.

If you think of the cartilage in your joints like the treads on a tire, you can understand that the cartilage, like the treads, wear over time. And although tires can be replaced, it’s not quite that simple with cartilage.

In some cases, the whole joint can be replaced – think knees and hips.

But there are things that can slow the progression of cartilage loss – from exercises that decrease stress on joints to reducing inflammation that causes the cartilage to break down in the first place.

Surgery isn’t always the first – or best – treatment option, Messmer said.

There are many options to consider before surgery, including the use of braces and injections.

In the months that he’s been working in Henderson, he said he’s seen patients with arthritis in their hips, knees and shoulders, as well as rotator cuff problems and lower back pain.

In some cases, less invasive treatments can do the trick, and Messmer said lots of patients find relief from braces, or steroid injections, or regular visits to the chiropractor.

“The last thing people want to hear about is surgery,” Messmer said. “If you’re seeing a chiropractor and you’re getting results, by all means keep doing it.” As long as symptoms aren’t worsening, he said, keep using the less invasive options.

Joint replacements are lasting longer now, and Messmer said it’s possible that we’ll see  robotics-style devices being used in the future. “It’s not for every patient,” Messmer said, “but certain patients with complex joints could benefit” from robotics devices.

There were fewer options for patients with arthritis 30 years ago, but fast-forward to today and there are all different types of treatment, including using different lubrications in joints that mimic cartilage.

Providing pain relief for mild to moderate arthritis, in some cases, keeps surgery at bay for years, he added.

Make an appointment with Messmer or his colleagues at Maria Parham Health’s orthopedics office to learn what options may be best suited for you. Call 252.436.1314 or visit https://www.mariaparham.com to schedule a visit.

 

CLICK PLAY!

SportsTalk: Carolina Hurricanes Outdoor Hockey Success

/by

To understand more about the success of last Saturday’s outdoor hockey event, we caught up with John Brockwell, radio producer and engineer, for the Carolina Hurricanes Radio Network.

CLICK PLAY!

 

Kerr Tar Workforce and NCWorks

TownTalk: CyberHIRE 2023 Makes It Easy To Find A New Job

/by

Job seekers and employers will get a unique opportunity to “meet” later this week during a Cyber Hire event sponsored by the Kerr-Tar COG.

Employers from across the five-county region – Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person – will make presentations that will be livestreamed to a site in each of the counties, where prospective employees will be gathered, explained Desiree Brooks, business services manager of KTCOG’s workforce development board.

This hybrid hiring event is just another way that KTCOG connects employers who are looking for workers and individuals who are looking for employment, Brooks told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s TownTalk.

She and co-worker Adam Perkins said the CyberHire 2023 event creates a convenient way for employers to participate without having to leave their offices. Participants will be checked in and all settled in their spots beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 24. The presentations will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and will conclude about 12 noon.

Each county has its own site where the CyberHire 2023 can be viewed:

  • Vance County – NC Works Career Center, 826 S. Garnett St., Henderson
  • Granville County – VGCC South Campus in Creedmoor
  • Warren County – Warren Memorial Library
  • Franklin County – VGCC Franklin Campus, Louisburg on Hwy. 56
  • Person County – Business Development Entrepreneurship Center, 105 N. Main St., uptown Roxboro

Brooks said they wanted to bring back the in-person events after things got shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. The KTCOG has held outdoor events in the area, and she said the hybrid event will be convenient for everyone involved and has been strategically planned for effectiveness.

“They all need employees,” she said of the companies and manufacturers that will be represented Friday. “This is an opportunity for these employers to be in the comfort of their offices” while making a pitch to prospective workers.

The presentations will be viewed live, but in “listen-only” mode. Brooks said she expects follow-up interviews to be scheduled quickly so hires can be made.

Among the employers taking part in Friday’s session are: Versatrim, Maria Parham Health, International Paper, CertainTeed, Altec and Warren Correctional Institute. The positions range from machine operators and manufacturers to administrative positions, Perkins said.

“We have an array of employers from all of our counties,” he added.

Brooks agreed, adding that “every single employer will be promoting positions that pay a minimum of $16 an hour. They’re going to be learning about some great opportunities,” she said.

To learn more about this and other KTCOG programs, call 252.598.5200 or visit

www.kerrtarworks.com

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

TownTalk: American Legion Post 60 Celebrates 100 Years

/by

 

Henderson’s American Legion Post 60 is celebrating 100 years of service to the area with a special program Saturday evening to mark the occasion.

Post 60 Commander Ted Grissom reminds members of the program that is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25, beginning at 6 p.m.

Post 60 Vice-Commander Hartwell Wright spoke with John C. Rose on Tuesday’s TownTalk and he said the local post provides support to military veterans in the area.

One goal on the horizon for Post 60 is establishing a veterans memorial in downtown Henderson. Although the idea is in the early stages, Wright said he hopes to have details soon about a tangible way to honor the military veterans of Vance County.

Wright recalled the early days of the American Legion in the U.S., when Congress decided that the newly established group would be the voice for veterans. The American Legion was instrumental in the formation of the Veterans Administration, he noted.

One of the group’s goals, Wright said, is “to keep the membership strong so we can be relevant in the future.” One way the local post supports veterans is with financial help. “When there is a significant need brought to our attention, we do our best to help that veteran,” Wright explained.

Membership is strong at this time, he said, adding that more veterans from the Vietnam and Iraq conflicts are choosing to participate in legion activities.

“It’s imperative on us to continue to recruit…so the future will be bright for the American Legion and the veterans we serve,” Wright said.

Among the activities planned for the program Saturday is a presentation of the post’s history by Ret. Col. Ed Blue.

“It will be the highlight of the event,” Wright said.

The event will be held at the Post 60 building, located at the corner of Garnett and Spring streets and will include a covered dish supper.

In addition to local post leaders, American Legion division commanders, vice-commanders and other district, state and local dignitaries are expected to be present. And although this particular event is by invitation only, American Legion leaders want to make sure that all local veterans know about ongoing activities that Post 60 participates and to raise awareness about services and membership in the organization.

CLICK PLAY!

 

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Perry Library Youth Services Upcoming Programs

/by

Students in middle or high school are invited to take part in a “survival skills” workshop at the Perry Memorial Library, but the skills learned bear no resemblance to those of reality TV shows where you have to eat weird stuff or navigate deserted islands.

No, this month’s survival skills workshop involves sewing machines, said Melody Peters, the library’s youth services director.

Last month, participants learned how to sew on a button – if you stop by the library this afternoon, you’ll see the group sewing mittens, Peters told WIZS’s Bill Harris on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Originally designed for youth in grades 6-8, Peters said the class is going to be opened up for high school students, too.

Next month’s project is making a shirt and then they’ll move on to making stuffed toys.

These basic skills used to be taught in home economics classes, if they weren’t taught by parents or grandparents, but Peters said offering the workshop at the library is just one way to interact with young people and help them feel successful.

“Education is your ticket,” Peters said, “but it can look differently for everybody.” Sometimes, kids just need a little help to learn those skills – like basic sewing – as they become more independent and self-reliant.

 

Next Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 4:30 p.m.,  the library programming shifts gears as it welcomes Mama Azia as part of African American History Month. This interactive event features music and storytelling, Peters said. “I’m so excited to see her engage our youth – it’s going to be amazing!”

 

Then, on Tuesday, Mar 7 at 4:30 p.m., the library will have another in a series of workshops called  “life hacks.” The March workshop will help young people begin the process of creating a resume.

“I want kids to be ahead of the game,” Peters said, to be prepared with a resume and choosing references when they go out in search of a summer job, for example.

Participants will get individualized attention from adults knowledgeable about building a resume and what it should include to be as effective as possible.

Peters said young people can have a document in their Google Drive, ready to send at a moment’s notice.

“You can do all of this mobile,” she said. So when kids are out and about and hear about a possible job opportunity, they can retrieve a resume virtually and can send it along to a prospective employer right away. The workshop will give young people a chance to practice interview skills.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ for details on all upcoming events and programs.

CLICK PLAY!

 

RR Crossings At Chavasse Avenue, St. Matthews Street Scheduled To Close For Maintenance

/by

A couple of railroad crossings in the Henderson area will be closed for some planned maintenance in the next couple of weeks.

Southern Commercial Development made the announcement as it handles traffic control for CSX. SCD’s Chief Operations Officer Angela Nelis said her team will be creating a traffic detour during the closures. NC DOT crews will assist with paving the areas.

The Chavasse Avenue crossing is scheduled for maintenance beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21. It will remain closed until Thursday, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m.

The crossing at St. Matthews Street is scheduled for work beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 and will remain closed until Wednesday, Mar. 1 at 5 p.m.

As a reminder, during this maintenance work, no vehicles will be able to cross the tracks.