NCDHHS

Anyone 65 and Older Eligible to Sign Up for Covid Vaccine

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— news release courtesy of ncdhhs.gov

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced today that vaccine providers that are ready to expand may vaccinate all health care workers and anyone 65 years and older.

“Doctors, hospitals and local health departments are working hard to get people vaccinated. There may be a wait, but when it’s your spot, take your shot to stay healthy and help us get back to being with family and friends,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.

Because vaccine supplies are currently limited, states must make vaccine available in phases.  To save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19, independent state and federal public health advisory committees recommend first protecting health care workers, people who are at the highest risk of being hospitalized or dying, and those at high risk of exposure to COVID-19.

North Carolina moves through vaccination phases by aligning to federal priorities while giving local health departments and hospitals the flexibility to move to the next priority group as they complete the previous one and have vaccines available. With today’s announcement, vaccine providers who are ready may vaccinate adults 65 years and older and health care workers, which will be followed by frontline essential workers, then adults with high risk of exposure and increased risk of serious illness, then everyone. It is the responsibility of all vaccine providers to ensure equitable access to vaccines. This will mean taking intentional actions to reach and engage historically marginalized communities.

“We know that people are doing all that they can to learn about the vaccines so they can make the best decision for themselves and their families. It can be hard to know what is true and what can be trusted. We are here to provide you with honest, factual information,” said Secretary Cohen.

As part of the ongoing effort to educate North Carolinians about the safety, benefits and importance of receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, NCDHHS launched You have a spot. Take your shot. to provide all North Carolinians with information about COVID-19 vaccine development, testing, safety, side-effects and reactions.

A searchable list of health departments and hospitals administering the vaccination is available on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination website, yourspotyourshot.nc.gov. There is a wait time in many areas. Counties are in various stages as they deal with new COVID-19 cases and vaccinations. To support communities, NCDHHS is partnering with health systems, local health departments and community health centers across the state to host large community vaccine events for people currently eligible to be vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccinations are free of charge, regardless of whether or not people have insurance. However, most doctors cannot provide COVID-19 vaccines in their office at this time. Individuals who are currently eligible and would like to receive the vaccine must make an appointment with their local health department or hospital.

In collaboration with local and statewide media outlets, pooled video footage and photos from recent vaccination clinics, PSAs produced by NCDHHS and other resources are available for publication and broadcast use, and can be downloaded from bit.ly/3rTOcS2. 

For more information, visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov.

Local News Audio

Noon News 1-14-21 Vaccine Protocol; Covid 19 Update; Granville Co. Extension Service

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Noon News for 14 Jan. 2021. Stories include:

– Covid 19 vaccine protocol

– Covid 19 update

– Granville County Extension Service

For full details and audio click play.

 

H-V Emergency Operations

Covid Update from Brian Short, Dir of Emergency Operations Hend-Vance County

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— written and provided by Brian Short

As of now, the total number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 (since the pandemic began) in Vance County is 3,169. We no longer have specific information regarding community spread, long-term care facilities or the number of individuals who have recovered. To date, 69 individuals have tragically lost their lives to this illness in Vance County.

It is still very likely that our cases will continue to increase over the days and weeks ahead. At this time, our coordinated response posture remains the same and we are not altering our recommendations to the general public.

Local vaccination efforts are underway. The Vance County Health Department is currently providing vaccine by appointment only. Please DO NOT just show up without an appointment.

If you are currently eligible to receive the vaccine and would like to receive it, please call the Granville – Vance Public Health COVID Vaccine Hotline at 252-295-1503 to schedule an appointment. They are understandably receiving a high volume of calls so please be patient when calling.

Appointments may be scheduled Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm. The following link will take you to the Health Departments COVID vaccine website for additional information https://gvph.org/covidvaccines/. You may also visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/granvillevancedhd

Maria Parham Hospital is administering vaccines at the Maria Parham Health COVID Vaccine Clinic, 566 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:45 am to 2:00 pm. Appointments can be made by calling 252-436-1693 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Granville Health System will offer the vaccines on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00am – 3:00pm by appointment only in the parking lot of Granville Primary Care & OB/GYN located at 110 Professional Park Drive in Oxford, on the campus of Granville Medical Center. Appointments can be made at the following link: https://www.ghshospital.org/patients-visitors/ghs-covid-19-vaccine.

Testing is ongoing through both Maria Parham Health, our local Health Department and private institutions. Please visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus statistics page at the following link to stay current on the number of cases in our state: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc

211 continues to operate a hotline for COVID-19 related questions. We ask that our citizens contact their local physician or take advantage of the hotline if they have medical related questions.

There is also a toll free Coronavirus hotline manned by trained individuals that can answer questions that you may have. The number is 888-892-1162. You may also visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services website at the following link: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina

Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department Tri-City Seahawks Football Meeting

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— from the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department

Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks will be having  a Zoom interest meeting to discuss the possibility of playing spring football. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. We will discuss safety precautions, practice and game scheduling. Parents of returning players or potential players and anyone that is interested in coaching/volunteering is encouraged to attend the meeting. If you have questions/concerns you would like addressed during the meeting, please email Darius Pitt (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us ) by 3:00pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/91437437171?pwd=aGxHaklOdytCSCtmaElHUHZKYThhUT09

Meeting ID: 914 3743 7171

Passcode: 017568

Vance-Granville Community College continues to “cultivate” new Agri-Tech program

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— press release

Vance-Granville Community College continues to “cultivate” new programs for the Spring semester.  The Sustainable Agri-Tech program will grow one’s knowledge in the agricultural field and prepare students for occupations in a wide variety of jobs in agriculture (both production and value-added) with a range of skills and knowledge.

The program addresses agricultural concepts, skills, and techniques that are required by the agriculture industry. Upon completion, students would have explored sustainable and organic methods, plant, soil and animal science, field management, equipment maintenance and basic computer skills and marketing techniques.

Class begins on February 22, 2021 at 6:00 PM.  Kelly Dixon will be leading this hybrid class at our Warren Campus.  The 96-hour program is made up of only 30 hours in the classroom and 66 hours online.  Cost is $188.25.  Tuition assistance is available to those who meet eligibility guidelines.  Space is limited.

For more information, please visit our webpage:   https://www.vgcc.edu/coned/agritech/

(This is not sponsored content.)

Local News Audio

WIZS Noon News 01-13-21: Hungry Heroes; H-V Rec; GCPS Plan C; State Retirement

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WIZS Noon Local News Audio for 1-13-21

– Hungry Heroes
– HV Rec Dept Spring Football
– GCP Schools Plan C
– NC State Retirement Benefits; State’s AAA Bond Rating

Click Play for Audio

 

Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen

Jordan McMillen Credentialed by International Local Government Management Organization

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— press release

Jordan McMillen, County Manager of Vance County, North Carolina, recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA, the International City/County Management Association. Mr. McMillen is one of over 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.

ICMA’s mission is to advance professional local government through leadership, management, innovation, and ethics and by increasing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers, assistant administrators, and other employees who serve local governments and regional entities around the world. The organization’s 13,000 members in 27 countries also include educators, students, and other local government employees.

To receive the prestigious ICMA credential, a member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government; have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field; and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development.

Jordan McMillen is qualified by having over 12 years of professional local government executive experience. Prior to his appointment in 2016 as County Manager of Vance County, North Carolina, he served a dual role of Deputy County Manager/Planning and Development Director for three years, Planning and Development Director for two years and prior to that as Planning Services Manager for three years. He is more than deserving of this designation having worked in Vance County for a number of years and having made the positive impact that he has and continues to make for our citizens. This is even more notable following his recent honor being named County Manager of the Year for the Kerr-Tar Region.

For more information regarding the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program, contact Jenese Jackson at ICMA, 777 North Capitol Street, N.E., #500, Washington, D.C. 20002-4201; jjackson@icma.org; 202-962-3556.

Maria Parham Health Welcomes First Baby of 2021

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— press release

Maria Parham Health is ringing in 2021 with the year’s first bundle of joy. Weighing 5 pounds and 15 ounces and measuring 19 inches, Raylen Nicole was born to Alyssa and Donnie, Monday, Jan. 4, at 4:54 PM.

 “We are so excited to meet the newest member of our family!” said Alyssa. “We are so grateful to the physicians, nurses, and staff at Maria Parham for taking such good care of us and making this experience special for our family.”

Maria Parham’s Women’s Center is committed to providing high quality, compassionate care close to home for new and expecting parents in the region. The Center offers 24-7 in-house obstetrical coverage, attentive and dedicated nursing care while in labor, and dedicated and experienced staff.

“Our clinical and support staff are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment for moms and babies,” said Janice Martinez, CNM at Maria Parham. “It is one of our great privileges to help our community’s families welcome their newest additions in a positive and memorable way.”

Maria Parham’s Women’s Center is located at 566 Ruin Creek Rd, Henderson, NC.  To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call 252-438-4143, or visit MariaParham.com.

About Maria Parham Health 

Maria Parham Health, a Duke LifePoint hospital, is a regional health system with campuses in Henderson, N.C., and Louisburg, N.C. serving the people of north-central North Carolina and Southside Virginia. Maria Parham offers a wide range of services and the latest technology to meet the health care needs of the community. It is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and CMS. For more information about Maria Parham Health, please call (252) 438-4143 or visit mariaparham.com.

(This is not sponsored content.)

Noon News 1-12-21 Wilton Baskett Obit; Covid 19 Vaccine; Vance Co. Manager; First Birth Of 2021

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Noon News for 12 Jan. 2021. Stories include:

– Obituary for Vance Co. basketball coach Wilton Baskett

– Update on Covid 19 vaccinations for area counties

– Vance Co. Manager Jordan McMillan receives credential

– Maria Parham Hospital announces first birth of 2021

For full details and audio click play.

 

 

Covid Vaccine Things to Know in Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin Counties

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Area health departments continue to update the public on progress with administering the COVID-19 vaccine. Please see below for updates from the Granville Vance Public Health, the Warren County Health Department and Franklin County Health Department. Although some details differ, all health department officials stress that residents’ patience and continued vigilance in the use of the 3 W’s – Wear, Wait, Wash – are vital components to combating the pandemic.

Three counties remain in Phase 1a, but are scheduled to open up Phase 1b, Group 1 soon. Franklin County began vaccinating eligible residents in Phase 1b last week.

Granville and Vance counties

Granville and Vance counties remain in Phase 1a distribution and plan to move to Phase 1b, Group 1 (only those aged 75 and over), on Thursday, Jan. 14. Health Director Lisa Harrison hopes to complete vaccinating groups 1a and 1b by March.

Phase 1a is only for eligible health care organizations and individuals with additional instructions to sign up for the vaccination. Harrison urges all others to wait to ask for an appointment until news outlets announce or publish that the phase for which you’re eligible to receive the vaccination is underway. Residents can also visit the GVPH COVID-19 website https://gvph.org/covidvaccines/ to find updated information. More information is forthcoming about how to register in the mandatory statewide COVID Vaccine Management System (CVMS). There is a survey everyone must fill out as part of registration and the system is not accessible to individuals at this time, Harrison added.

Individuals 75 years and older may call the health department now to schedule an appointment. Phase 1b, Group 1 vaccinations are scheduled to begin Thursday, Jan. 14. Any other instructions that may help make your vaccine appointment move faster (such as forms you need to fill out ahead of your appointment) will be posted on our website.

If you are not in Phase 1a or Phase 1b Group 1, but want more information, please call the COVID Vaccine Information Hotline at 252-295-1503.

Only hospitals and health departments have the vaccine at this moment, but in the coming weeks and months, primary care offices, pharmacies, and federally qualified health centers will receive vaccine and be able to vaccinate community members as well. The health department is working with Granville Health System and Maria Parham Health to make sure that the vaccination process is working as efficiently as possible.

Warren County

The Warren County Health Department is giving COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment to all healthcare workers in Phase 1a, which includes:

  • Healthcare workers caring for and working directly with patients with COVID-19, including staff responsible for cleaning and maintenance in those areas
  • Long-term care staff and residents – people in skilled nursing facilities and in adult, family, and group homes
  • Healthcare workers administering the vaccine
  • Healthcare workers handling people who have died from COVID-19

Individuals who fall in the category of Phase 1b can begin getting the vaccine the week of January 19, 2021.

Anyone 75 years and older, regardless of health status or living situation, is eligible to get the vaccine. Call the health department at (252) 257-1185 to make an appointment.

Franklin County

Franklin County began Phase 1b, Group 1 (residents 75 and older) on Jan. 7, 2021 in a drive-through event and delivered 323 vaccinations.

Franklin County residents who think they are eligible to get the vaccine should email covidvax@franklincountync.us and will receive an automated reply with instructions about how to register for the vaccine. You may also phone the health department’s dedicated COVID-19 phone line at 919–729-0654. If you leave a message, please leave a phone number and your call will be returned.

County Health Director Scott Lavigne said that although the line was long at times during the Jan. 7 drive-through vaccination event, everyone who had signed up got their shot.