NCDHHS

State Launches Testing Initiative for Nursing Homes

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-Press Release, NCDHHS

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) will partner with Omnicare, a CVS Health company, to make facility-wide testing available to residents and staff in all North Carolina skilled nursing facilities. There are over 400 nursing homes in the state with approximately 36,000 residents and more than 30,000 staff. Testing will begin in July and continue through August.

“We are using every tool we have to respond to COVID-19,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “Building on North Carolina’s early and aggressive actions to protect residents who live in long-term care settings, DHHS will pay for proactive testing of staff and residents in all nursing homes to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

NCDHHS already recommends that nursing homes with one or more cases test all staff and residents. This initiative further makes testing available to all nursing homes to conduct a baseline test of all residents and staff.

“While testing is a key component of our COVID-response strategy, it is important to remember that the actions we take as a result of that testing are most important,” said NCDHHS Section Chief of Chronic Disease and Injury, Susan Kansagra, M.D., MBA. “Testing will enable our skilled nursing facilities to identify positive cases earlier and better determine additional infection prevention and control measures necessary to contain spread.”

“At CVS Health, our testing efforts in nursing homes are just one example of the support we provide to states like North Carolina to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jim Love, President of Omnicare. “With our expert understanding of the long-term care industry, we are deploying solutions to help these critically important health care facilities address their most significant challenges arising from the pandemic.”

CVS Health will bill insurance as possible, and NCDHHS will cover any additional costs for testing. Facilities should continue to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for repeat testing and work with the community and private vendors to support ongoing testing needs.

“We continue to work closely with the state to protect the residents and staff in our skilled nursing facilities. This testing initiative is another example of how the state is providing our facilities with valuable tools and resources,” said Adam Sholar, President and CEO of the NC Health Care Facilities Association.

These actions build on earlier measures North Carolina has taken to protect residents and staff in long-term facilities, including:

  • Issuing Executive Order 138 which codified public health and safety requirements for long-term care facilities, including requiring staff to wear surgical masks and screenings all staff and residents for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 daily.
  • Distributing PPE to over 3,000 state-licensed long-term care facilities, including 14-day supplies of gloves, procedure masks and face shields.
  • Conducting remote infection prevention and control consultation with skilled nursing and other long-term facilities across the state through a partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the North Carolina Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology.
  • Providing targeted funding to support nursing homes and adult care homes to provide the intensive care needed for residents with COVID-19 and limit the spread of the virus to other residents and staff.
  • Providing a toolkit to support long-term care facilities in preparing for and responding to COVID-19 outbreaks in their facility. The toolkit contains an infection control assessment, infection staffing worksheet, infection prevention educational resources and other tools.
  • Helping to fill staffing shortages in long-term care facilities and other health care facilities through a partnership with East Carolina University School of Nursing to match Registered Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants with facilities, particularly long-term care facilities, seeking to urgently hire staff for temporary, part-time or full-time roles. Interested health care employees can register at nc.readyop.com/fs/4cjq/697b.
  • Implementing several temporary regulatory changes to assist providers in caring for their residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, including adopting an emergency rule granting reciprocity to nurse aides certified in other states to work as nurse aides in North Carolina and allowing facilities to exceed the number of licensed beds if needed to provide temporary shelter and services to adequately care for residents with COVID-19.
  • Providing virtual trainings for more than 2,000 staff working in long-term care sites. Trainings are available online at www.ncahec.net/covid-19/webinars.

A list of additional guidance for long-term care facilities can be found here: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/guidance#long-term-care-facilities.

For more information about North Carolina’s response to COVID-19, visit nc.gov/covid19.

Confederate Monument and Statue Vance County

Vance Commissioners Vote 4-3 To Remove Confederate Statue

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In a special called meeting of the Vance County Commissioners Tuesday, June 30, a motion was made and voted on 4-3 to remove, store and preserve a Confederate statue located in front of the County Administration Building.

County Manager Jordan McMillen told WIZS News by email, “The board voted 4-3 this evening to remove, store and preserve the statue and monument.”

The Chairman of the Vance County Commissioners, Gordon Wilder, told WIZS News by phone the removal was being done for safety reasons.

Wilder said, “That is very simply how the motion went.”

Carolyn Faines, Yolanda J. Feimster, Leo Kelly, Jr. and Archie B. Taylor, Jr. voted in favor of the motion. Dan Brummitt, Tommy Hester and Wilder voted against the motion. The motion carried, and the Confederate memorial will be taken down at an undisclosed time.

Apparently there were credible threats for the forcible removal of the statue. Wilder said, “Any attempt by any group to take it down unprofessionally would be a safety issue and so therefore it was found by the board to be unsafe, and so there was a motion to take it down.”

For similar reasons of safety, it remains undisclosed and will remain undisclosed as to the time and date the statue and monument will be taken down and removed.

Wilder said, of himself and Brummitt and Hester, “We did not want to break the law. The letter of the law says it cannot be removed.”

NCGS 100-2.1. Protection of monuments, memorials, and works of art. Part (a) reads, “Approval Required. – Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, a monument, memorial, or work of art owned by the State may not be removed, relocated, or altered in any way without the approval of the North Carolina Historical Commission.” Part (b) and (c) list limitations on removal and exceptions respectively. You can click the NCGS above or anywhere here in this paragraph to see the full statute.

The monument and statue are owned by Vance County, and the monument and statue sit on Vance County owned property.

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Vance County Logo

Benny Finch Named Interim H-V Economic Development Director

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In a statement to WIZS News, Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen announced that Benny Finch has been named the interim director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission (HVEDC). Finch begins his new role next week.

Dennis Jarvis II, director of the HVEDC since November 2017, recently accepted a position as the executive director for the Jefferson County Development Authority in his home state of West Virginia. Jarvis’ last day with the HVEDC will be July 3.

Finch served as the director of the HVEDC for 25 years before retiring in 2009.

“I will recommend to the Vance County Board of Commissioners at their Monday meeting that an executive search firm be brought in to hire Dennis’ full-time replacement,” said McMillen. “I anticipate the process could take six months.”

VGCC Logo

VGCC’s 36th Annual Golf Tournament Set for September

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College is getting ready for its 36th Annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament, which is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at the Henderson Country Club. The tournament was delayed from its traditional spring date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, Gupton Services, Inc., of Henderson will serve as the event’s presenting sponsor for the first time.

All proceeds from the tournament support the mission of the college and fund student scholarships. 

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of golfers and sponsors from our community, the VGCC golf tournament has raised more than a million dollars since its inception in 1985,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “With the strong support of Gupton Services leading the way, we can look forward to another successful event that will give us more resources to support VGCC students.”

Gupton Services is a commercial roofing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) company that traces its origins back to 1921 when C.P. Tanner established a sheet metal working plant in Henderson. The business became known as Tanner Roofing and, later, Owen Gupton Roofing. Greg Etheridge, a Henderson native, became its owner and president in 2019. 

“As a local small business, we are happy to take a leadership role in the community and to support Vance-Granville Community College,” Etheridge said. “If you look at the research, the benefits of postsecondary education and skills training to both the individual and our community are enormous. The VGCC Endowment Fund helps make education affordable and accessible to this region, and we must encourage that, in order to promote economic mobility and job security for our citizens.”

Other businesses and individuals supporting the tournament include: Kilian Engineering, the morning round sponsor; Altec, the afternoon round sponsor; MR Williams of Henderson, the scoreboard sponsor; Mast Drug Company, the pharmacy sponsor; Glen Raven of Norlina, the breakfast sponsor; First Citizens Bank Investor Services of Raleigh, the lunch sponsor; Duke Energy, the dinner sponsor; Charles Boyd Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, the car sponsor; Wester Insurance Agency of Henderson, the driving range sponsor; John Nelms, Jr., of Raleigh, the trophy sponsor; Private Wealth Management of NC of Henderson, the putting green sponsor; Durham Coca-Cola Bottling Company, the soft drink sponsor; “Vanguard Sponsors” Bridgestone Bandag Tire, Carolina Commonwealth, CertainTeed, Coldwell Banker Advantage, Henderson Fruit and Produce, K-Flex, Novozymes North America, Inc., Robling Medical, Rose Oil Company and Universal Leaf North America U.S., Inc.; “Platinum Sponsors” Core & Main, Henderson Collegiate, Union Bank and Variety Wholesalers; and Vanco Outdoor Equipment, the tractor sponsor.

Businesses and individuals can still take advantage of sponsorship opportunities at various levels. Businesses may also donate products or premium items featuring the company’s logo to be placed in golfers’ gift bags or to be given as door prizes.

This year’s morning and afternoon rounds will begin with shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and at 1 p.m. The afternoon round is sold out, but there are openings in the morning round.

The format is four-person “Captain’s Choice Super Ball.” Golfers can form their own teams of four, or sign up and be put on a team. Teams will be handicapped based on handicaps supplied by each player. Trophies will be awarded for first net, second net and first gross. Other awards will be given for “closest to the pin” and “longest drive.”

A hole-in-one on Hole 9 will be rewarded with a car, courtesy of Charles Boyd Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC. A player who hits a hole-in-one (with a $10 donation) on Hole 16 will win $5,000, while another $5,000 will be awarded to the VGCC Endowment Fund.

The cost for one golfer to enter the tournament is $150. That fee includes greens fees, cart, meals, gift bag and practice balls.

A light breakfast, lunch and dinner (immediately following the afternoon round) will be served in the HCC clubhouse. A silent auction and door prize drawings will be held in conjunction with dinner.

For more information, contact Kay Currin at currink@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3409.

Local News Audio

WIZS Local News 06/30/20 Noon

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WIZS – YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE

LOCAL NEWS AT 8AM, 12 NOON AND 5PM; M-F

  • Unemployment and economic impact in NC with State Treasurer Dale Folwell
  • Vance County Regional Farmers Market “Twilight Market” Today 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • NC Schools and covid-19 and specifically Granville County Public Schools

 

Vance Virtual Village

Application Process for Vance Virtual Village, VCS’ New Online School, Opens July 1

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance Virtual Village Academy, Vance County Schools’ newest school, will begin accepting applications on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. VCS is excited to offer this completely virtual K-12 school called V3.

Characteristics of a V3 student include an independent learner that is computer literate, has good time management and organization skills, has personal commitment and is an effective communicator.

The student will also adhere to procedures and expectations, have academic readiness and be prepared to access information and interact virtually.

The application will be accessible at https://bit.ly/vancevirtual and also on the VCS website at www.vcs.k12.nc.us beginning July 1.

NC Coop Extension

Warren/Vance Coop. Extension Announces New ‘Backyard AG 101’ Series

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-Information courtesy Warren/Vance County Cooperative Extension

Backyard AG 101: Online Seminar Series

Warren/Vance County Cooperative Extension is pleased to announce that a new series of the popular Backyard Ag 101 classes will begin Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at 10 a.m.

Seven additional sessions are scheduled for every other Wednesday through late September. All sessions will meet on the Zoom video conference platform, which is a free app. More details and the registration link are available at http://go.ncsu.edu/backyardag101.

Topics to be covered in this series include:

  • Perennials/herbs
  • Pruning
  • Poultry
  • Beekeeping
  • Composting
  • Weed ID
  • Livestock Health

Join a Virtual Chat With Master Gardener Volunteers

You are invited to join Master Gardener volunteers for a fun and informative online chat each Thursday at 2 p.m. through the end of July.

Each week, Warren/Vance Cooperative Extension will offer a brief featured presentation, timely gardening tips, links to on-line resources, and answers to your questions. For more details and to register, please visit http://go.ncsu.edu/mastergardenerchat.

VCS Partnership Awards 2020

Vance County Schools Recognizes Partnerships of the Year 

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools strives to build community and business partnerships. These individuals, organizations and businesses make an impact on our students, schools and district as a whole. We are grateful for each and every one of them. Each school celebrates its top partnership, focusing on impact.

This year, the following were recognized: 

Advance Academy, Gang Free, Aycock Elementary, Craig Compton, Carver Elementary, Cokesbury United Methodist Church, Clarke Elementary, Debra Jiggitts, Dabney Elementary, Turning Point, CDC, Inc., Early College High, Vance- Granville Community College, EM Rollins Elementary, Clearview Baptist Church, EO Young Elementary, Flat Rock United Methodist Church, LB Yancey Elementary, Fearldine Simmons, New Hope Elementary, Woodsworth Baptist Church, Pinkston St. Elementary, Holy Temple Church, STEM Early High, Dr. Meg Blanchard & Katie McCance, Vance County High, AtwoZ Bonds, Vance County Middle, The City Ministries, Zeb Vance Elementary and Plank Chapel.

Letitia Fields (left), principal at New Hope Elementary, presented Pastor Glendora Hargrove (right) with the District Partnership of the Year award on June 26, 2020.

A district committee reviews all of the school partnerships and awards one as the District Partnership of the Year. This year, the recipient is Woodsworth Baptist Church for their partnership with New Hope Elementary.

Pastor Glendora Hargrove’s church and members have assisted in exposing students to the arts through generous contributions. Their efforts provided opportunities for every student to attend a show at McGregor Hall.

Additionally, a new sound system for assemblies and performances was also donated by the church. The sound system was given in honor of Pastor Hargrove’s two granddaughters, who passed away this year. Even when she has experienced much loss, the pastor and her church continue to find ways to give back.

Letitia Fields, Principal at New Hope Elementary, presented Pastor Glendora Hargrove with the District Partnership of the Year award on June 26. 

VCS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson, along with Board of Education Chair Ed Wilson, presented Henderson Toyota General Manager Joe Coffey with the Shining Moment in Education award on June 3, 2020.

Each year, Vance County Schools awards the Shining Moment in Education to a business or community partner working to make an impact on a larger scale. This year, the 2020 recipient is Henderson Toyota for their ongoing support of our Vance County Teacher of the Year car lease.

In coordination with the Henderson Toyota General Manager, Vance County Schools has been able to award the District Teacher of the Year a one-year lease, allowing them to showcase their title on the car.

This is an honor and continues to build a strong partnership. Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent, along with Board of Education Chair Ed Wilson, presented General Manager Joe Coffey with the award on June 3. 

Business partnerships, community agencies and individuals continue to be an intricate part of VCS’ success. 

NCDHHS

NCDHHS Expands County Data; Reports COVID-19 Clusters at Schools, Child Care Settings

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-Press Release, NCDHHS

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has expanded the COVID-19 Dashboard to include expanded county data on trends, demographics and testing. The updated dashboard also includes a new report on COVID-19 clusters in child care and school settings.

The interactive NC COVID-19 Dashboard now includes county trends over time in cases and deaths, as well as demographic information on cases and deaths by race, ethnicity, sex and age. It also displays one of the key statewide metrics by county– percent of tests that are positive. Together, these data provide a more in-depth picture of COVID-19 at the county level.

Previously, testing data by county was not available because a large proportion of negative tests were reported manually and did not include county information. With more tests now being reported electronically with county data, there is now sufficient data to reliably share the percent positive by county. The dashboard will also display the number of tests that are reported electronically in each county.

There are limitations to the data. About a quarter of recent tests reported to North Carolina are not reported electronically, and some counties may be more likely to use a lab that reports electronically.

In addition to the expanded county data, the Department now provides a biweekly report on COVID-19 clusters in child care and school settings. A cluster is defined as both a minimum of five cases in the same facility within a 14-day period and plausible epidemiological linkage between cases.

The report includes the facility type (school or child care), county and the number of cases and deaths among staff and children. This information will be part of the Outbreaks and Clusters section of the Dashboard, which also includes cases and deaths at long-term care facilities, other congregate care settings. The first report of clusters in child care and school settings will be available later today.

NCDHHS will continue to assess and provide additional data as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves and more information becomes available. The dashboard can be accessed online at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard.

For more information about North Carolina’s response to COVID-19, visit nc.gov/covid19.

Local News Audio

WIZS Local News 06/29/20 Noon

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WIZS LOCAL NEWS

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Your Community Voice

  • Latest Covid-19 in Vance County
  • United Way 30K in Local Charities
  • Vance County Schools Partnership Awards