New EMS training program to be offered at VGCC

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Vance-Granville Community College will soon expand its Emergency Medical Services training options to include the internationally-recognized Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) program.

Developed by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians in cooperation with the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma, PHTLS is the leading continuing education program for prehospital emergency trauma care. The stated mission of PHTLS is “to promote excellence in trauma patient management by all providers involved in the delivery of prehospital care through global education.” The courses are intended to improve the quality of trauma care and, in turn, to save patients whose lives are in danger before they can reach the hospital. 

PHTLS promotes critical thinking as the foundation for providing quality care. It is based on the belief that, given a good foundation of knowledge and key principles, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) practitioners are capable of making reasoned decisions regarding patient care. The PHTLS course is continuously updated and revised to keep up with advances in the field.

“Adding this program will help our local responders have a better understanding of trauma and how to treat the patient,” said Stephen Barney, VGCC’s coordinator/instructor for EMS Programs. “It will bring students up to the national standard of trauma care. This will allow providers to give better care to patients.”

There are several different PHTLS courses, which, Barney said, VGCC will offer as needed, starting in the fall. The offerings include a 16-hour “Provider Course” for emergency medical responders, EMTs, Paramedics, nurses, physician assistants and physicians; an 8-hour “Refresher Course” for individuals who have successfully completed the PHTLS provider course within the past four years; a four-hour “Instructor Update,” and an 8-hour “PHTLS for First Responders” course for emergency medical responders, police officers, firefighters, rescue personnel and safety officers to prepare for rendering care to trauma patients until EMS personnel arrive. Barney said that VGCC will become one of several North Carolina community colleges offering PHTLS, while many others use the “International Trauma Life Support” training course.

VGCC offers EMS training from the basic to the Paramedic level, in addition to continuing education. For more information, call Stephen Barney at (252) 738-3273.

–VGCC–

Henderson Press Release: Bypass of Untreated Wastewater

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The City of Henderson experienced a sewer spill of approximately 1,200 gallons in the collection system due to a blockage in the sewer main. The blockage was removed and the Jet-Vac Truck was used to unstop the sewer main.

Collections system personnel raked all debris and performed other methods to properly address the spill.

This occurred in the area of Shirley Drive Outfall on July 11th, 2017. The overflow entered Nutbush Creek.

North Carolina General Statues article 21 chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.

Questions concerning this matter should be directed to the Public Services ORC Joey Long Jr. at 252-226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at 252-431-6118.

Home and Garden Show 07/11/17

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Volunteers Needed for Next Coop Food Giveaway

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VANCE COUNTY FOOD GIVEAWAY!

On Thursday, July 13, 2017 the NC Central/Eastern Food Bank will be distributing bags of food to community members who are in need of food at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Drive, Henderson, NC.

The distribution will start at 10:00 a.m.

Citizens will receive disbursements using a drive-through method, as bags will be brought to individual cars when citizens arrive at the site.

Please contact the Vance County Extension office if you are interested in volunteering; email tapride@ncsu.edu or call 252-438-8188.

All volunteers should arrive at 9:00 a.m.

Thirty Seven Domestic Violence Related Homicides Reported in NC in 2017

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From January 1 to July 2, 2017, there have been 37 Homicides as a direct result of Domestic Violence in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

THIS HAS TO STOP!

If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Violence, please call FAMILIES LIVING VIOLENCE FREE.

919-693-5700 or Hispanic line 919-690-0888 anytime day or night, 7 days a week.

You could be saving a life…may be your own.

 

Peggy Roark

Adult & Empowerment Services

Families Living Violence Free

125 Oxford Outer Loop Road

PO Box 1632

Oxford, NC 27565

Office: 919-693-3579

Crisis: 919-693-5700

Website: www.flvf.org

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Critical Red Cross blood shortage prompts emergency call for donations

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RALEIGH, N.C. (July 5, 2017) — The American Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for eligible blood and platelet donors of all blood types to give now and help save lives.

Blood donations have fallen short of expectations for the past two months, resulting in about 61,000 fewer donations than needed and causing a significant draw down of the Red Cross blood supply. The shortfall is the equivalent of the Red Cross not collecting any blood donations for more than four days.

“It’s crucial that people donate now to meet the needs of patients every day and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services. “Every day, blood and platelet donors can help save lives, and right now these heroes are needed to give as soon as possible.”

How to Help

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross has added more than 25,000 additional appointment slots at donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks to accommodate more donors. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time it takes to donate.

Summer Months Lead to Shortage

Blood shortages often worsen around Independence Day due to many fewer volunteer-hosted blood drives at places of work, worship or community gathering, and this year is no exception. Nearly 700 fewer blood drives are scheduled during the Independence Day week than the weeks before and after the holiday.

Overall, the summer months are among the most challenging times of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving while they vacation and participate in summer activities. In a recent survey of Red Cross blood donors, more than 73 percent indicated vacation plans this summer, many of them occurring the weeks before and after Independence Day.

New donors and those who haven’t given in a while are especially encouraged to roll up a sleeve and help save lives. Nearly one-third fewer new blood donors came out to give last summer than during the rest of the year due in part to schools – where blood drives are held and where new donors give – being out of session during the summer months.

Who Blood Donations Help

Every two seconds in the United States blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant procedures, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect nearly 14,000 blood donations every day for patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals across the country.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 5-25

 

 

 

Franklin

Louisburg

7/15/2017: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Maple Springs Baptist Church, 1938 NC 56 Hwy E

Person

Roxboro

7/16/2017: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Theresa Baptist, 3919 Chublake Rd

7/18/2017: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Person Memorial Hospital, 615 Ridge Rd.

Semora

7/21/2017: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Semora Ruritan Club, Hwy. 119 N

 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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Keep Independence Day celebrations safe with these fire-safety tips

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RALEIGH – Officials with the N.C. Forest Service encourage people to celebrate Independence Day by viewing public fireworks displays rather than risk starting fires with their own fireworks.

“The careless use of sparklers, fountains, glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers and other Class C fireworks can cause wildfires,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Each year, wildfires in North Carolina endanger people, destroy millions of dollars’ worth of timber and property, and damage the environment.”

If people use their own fireworks, here are some safety tips:

  • Don’t use fireworks such as ground spinners, firecrackers, round spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, which are illegal in North Carolina.
  • Do not use fireworks near woods or any combustible material.
  • Make sure fireworks are always used with adult supervision.
  • Follow the instructions provided with the fireworks.
  • Do not use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol.
  • Always use in a large, open and, preferably, paved area or near a body of water.
  • Have a rake or shovel and a bucket or two of water on hand.
  • Monitor the area for several hours after use.

With more homes being built in wooded areas, it’s important to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires in residential areas, said State Forester David Lane. “In addition to taking measures to use fireworks safely, campfires or grills should never be left unattended and should never be started with gasoline,” Lane said.

Ashes should be doused in water and stirred. Repeat this process to ensure the ashes are cold. Never put ashes in a paper bag or other flammable container, but instead place them in an outside metal container or bury them in mineral soil in a garden. Never store ashes in a garage, on a deck or in a wooded area. Double-check ashes and coals before throwing them away to make sure they won’t start a fire.

Public Health Serving You 06/28/17

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Home and Garden Show 06/27/17

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Peak-Season Kickoff this Saturday at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market

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Summer is officially here… and so is your fresh, local summer produce at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market!

Support your local farmers and stop by the VCRFM this week. Summer fruits and vegetables are available at your farmers market now! To celebrate we are going to have our annual PEAK SEASON KICKOFF June 24th! Join us at the VCRFM for the best locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables. Visit with our regular vendors and meet our new vendors.

Maria Parham Health will be offering free blood pressure checks from
9:00 am – 11:00 am

The VCRFM is open Wednesdays and  Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. and features a variety of locally grown produce, bedding plants for the garden including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and shrubs, pasture raised beef, eggs, and handmade crafts.

There will also be canned goods, jams, jellies, salsa & sauces.

Knowledgeable farmers and nursery vendors will be on hand to answer summer planting and growing questions.

GET YOUR MID-WEEK FRESH FOOD FIX! VISIT VCRFM THIS WEDNESDAY.

Free Zumba & Nutrition Class Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m.  Join the party! Thursdays at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market meet certified nutritionist and Zumba Instructor Rodney Steverson. He will conduct a 30 minute nutrition class and a 30 minute  Zumba class for an hour of fitness fun! Zumba fitness is exercise in disguise. It’s the most fun, energetic, feel good workout that you will ever come across. It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating. Every class will feel like a party! So – move your feet to the beat and learn what to eat at the market tonight. 
What You Will Find This Week

  • Beef (Saturdays only)
  • Beets
  • Blackberries
  • Black Raspberries
  • Beans – Green, Snap, String & Wax,
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Cantaloupe
  • Corn 
  • Cucumbers
  • Cut Flowers
  • Eggs – chicken, guinea hen & duck
  • Garden Plants & Vegetables
  • Garlic
  • Honey & Honey Straws
  • Jams
  • Jellies
  • Lettuce
  • Muscadine Products
  • Mushrooms – Shiitake & Oyster (Wednesdays only)
  • Onions – Red, Yellow & White
  • Peas – Garden
  • Peppers – Green Bell; Gypsy Frying; Jalapeno
  • Potatoes – Red, White & Blue
  • Salsa
  • Sauces
  • Squash
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Tomatoes – Green, Red & Heirloom
  • Turnips
  • Wine – Red (Saturdays only)

Social Media: For more information about the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, view our website at vancecounty.org, plus follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Contacts: Persons interested in selling at the VCRFM may contact:
Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814
Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

Location: The VCRFM is located at 210 Soutpark Dr. Henderson, NC, off Beckford Dr. behind the DaVita Dialysis Center.

VCRFM  is open Wednesdays & Saturdays 7:30 am – 1:00 pm