-information provided by Betsy Hunt, Chief Nursing Officer at Maria Parham Health
Although the COVID-19 virus still poses a health risk to many Americans, the widespread panic brought on by the pandemic as it raged and surged over the past few years is a thing of the past, thanks largely to the development and use of vaccines.
In May, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced an end to the public health emergency brought on by COVID-19.1 Since the peak of the Omicron variant in January 2022, COVID-19 cases have declined rapidly – though the disease still poses a health risk to many Americans, COVID-19 death rates have dropped 95 percent from their height in 2021.2
Much of our achievement in combatting the virus can be attributed to a record-breaking vaccine rollout, according to information from Betsy Hunt, chief nursing officer at Maria Parham Health.
Since the first COVID-19 vaccine was released to the public, more than 270 million Americans have received at least one dose, and over 70 percent are considered fully immunized,3 making this the largest adult vaccination program in our nation’s history. As more of us become resistant to the virus, we are able to return to the activities we love – visiting restaurants, traveling outdoors and hosting social gatherings – without fear that we’ll endanger ourselves or the people around us.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Each year, we take this time to recognize that vaccines are essential to our health and the health of our community – a lesson that the past few years have made especially clear. For centuries, immunization has been one of the most effective ways we can protect ourselves from preventable illness.4 Diseases that were once deadly, such as polio, have all but vanished thanks to the power of community-wide vaccination, while others such as COVID-19 are becoming much less dangerous. Whether we’re young or old, we can stop the spread of disease by following vaccination guidelines.
Although COVID is on the forefront of everyone’s mind, it’s important to remember that other diseases have not gone away. The CDC has observed that over the past few years, many children missed yearly check-ups due to concerns surrounding COVID.5 September is approaching, which for many Americans means the start of the school year – as you gear up your child with books and pencils, make sure to also check their immunization record, and talk to their pediatrician about making up any missed appointments.
Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Adults also benefit from certain vaccinations, to protect against diseases such as shingles, tetanus, and the common flu. Some vaccines can even reduce your risk of cancer – the Hepatitis B vaccine can prevent liver cancer, while the HPV vaccine immunizes you against the most common cause of cervical cancer.6 Your recommended vaccines may vary, depending on your age, lifestyle, and prior immunization history – for instance, adults who travel frequently, or who missed important vaccinations during childhood, may be due for a check-up. Talk to your primary physician about your vaccine history, and ask if any of the following vaccines are right for you:
If there is a lesson we should take away from the past few years, it’s that our community’s health is everything, and protecting our health is everyone’s responsibility. When you get vaccinated to strengthen your immune system, you’re not just safeguarding yourself from common illnesses – you’re also protecting your family, neighbors, and the most vulnerable members of your community.
Different vaccines are recommended, depending on the age of the patient. COVID-19 and flu vaccines, for example, are recommended for anyone between the ages of 6 months and 80+. Shingles vaccines are recommended for anyone over 50 and HPV vaccines target those in the 11-26 age group.
Schedule a check-up with your primary care provider today. To find a provider, call 800.424.DOCS. For more information on immunization recommendations by age, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html or talk to your primary care provider.
Warren Library Gets $28,500 Grant To Better Serve The Community
/by WIZS StaffThanks to a grant totaling more than $28,000, the Warren County Memorial Library is kicking off a plan to seek community input that will expand the services it provides to patrons.
The $28,500 grant comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and is administered through the State Library of North Carolina. The IMLS provides funding to agencies affiliated with the State Library by using a population-based formula.
“This assessment will help the library to gather feedback from the community on how to best serve the residents in Warren County,” stated Library Director Christy Bondy.
“We want to expand our services as much as we can,” Bondy said. “To do that, we need to find out where our blind spots are. We’re looking for creative ways to serve the community and want to see everyone’s basic needs get met when it comes to literacy. But as libraries evolve, we’re here to help people in whatever way we can.”
The information gathered through the surveys and focus groups scheduled for the fall will be used to learn what services patrons use, but Bondy said it also will help learn why the community is not using the library.
“We will use the survey and focus group input to learn what services and resources the community is using, as well as what services are being provided that the population is unaware of,” Bondy said. “The feedback will also aid us in determining what could be added to improve the overall experience.”
The assessment will be conducted by Rethinking Libraries, LCC, a library consulting firm that helps clients to see their institutions differently and embrace changes to become more vibrant, 21st Century libraries. Rethinking Libraries has been involved in numerous facilities projects, strategic planning processes, building programs and other consulting work with hundreds of libraries across the United States. Clients range from small rural public libraries to large urban facilities.
The needs assessment portion of the project kicked off Aug. 4; paper copies are available at the library’s circulation desk; complete the online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WCMLPRMedia.
The Warren County Memorial Library is located at 119 S. Front St. in Warrenton. For more information, visit www.wcmlibrary.org.
TownTalk: Cruise In For Christ Coming This Saturday
/by Laura GabelCome to the Cruise-In for Christ this weekend and prepare to satisfy your tastebuds as you see up-close and personal some pretty delicious-looking vehicles.
Union Chapel Church is hosting the Cruise-In on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Tony’s Automotive at 415 Raleigh Rd.
Proceeds will be donated to the Vance County Special Olympics, according to organizer Tony Sanford and Radford Frazier, pastor of Union Chapel Church in Kittrell.
Last year, Sanford pitched his idea of a cruise-in to the church’s missions team. Frazier admitted it sounded a bit unorthodox, but the cruise-in got the green light. There were three cruise-ins last year; this year, there will be six.
“It was such a good idea as a way to reach the community,” Frazier told WIZS co-host Bill Harris on TownTalk. “It was a great way to get back in and get engaged with the community” following the pandemic resitrictions.
“Everything is given to the cause,” Sanford said.
The guidelines are simple, he said: Come on out, have some food, see some cars, have some fun.
Car enthusiasts love to get up close to vintage cars, lovingly restored to glimmering perfection. Whether you have one or just like to look, Saturday’s event is sure to please.
The cruise-ins average 25-25 vehicles, and Sanford said there’s plenty of room for more at his location.
Next month’s event is Saturday, Sept. 9 and will benefit Community Partners of Hope as it continues its plan to transform the former City Road Methodist Church to a year-round men’s shelter.
Contact Frazier at 919.482.2319 to learn more about becoming the recipient of the Cruise-In proceeds.
Or better yet, find Sanford and Frazier Saturday at the Cruise-In – or Sunday, at Union Chapel’s 10:30 a.m. worship service.
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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 08-08-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Students At 3 VCS Campuses Start A New School Year
/by WIZS StaffStudents headed back to class Monday in three Vance County Schools – getting the 2023-24 school year off to a good start with smiles, high fives and lots of excitement.
The first day of class at E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, Vance County Early College and Vance County High School began without a hitch, and VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin stated that teachers and staff are ready to educate students and empower them to engage in opportunities and experiences, taking learning to the next level.
The annual back-to-school convocation for all staff is scheduled for Aug. 22 at McGregor Hall in advance of the Aug. 28 start date for all traditional calendar schools in the district.
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Brown Marmorated Stinkbug
/by Bill HarrisListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
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Keep Immunizations, Vaccines, Up-To-Date For Maximum Protection
/by WIZS Staff-information provided by Betsy Hunt, Chief Nursing Officer at Maria Parham Health
Although the COVID-19 virus still poses a health risk to many Americans, the widespread panic brought on by the pandemic as it raged and surged over the past few years is a thing of the past, thanks largely to the development and use of vaccines.
In May, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced an end to the public health emergency brought on by COVID-19.1 Since the peak of the Omicron variant in January 2022, COVID-19 cases have declined rapidly – though the disease still poses a health risk to many Americans, COVID-19 death rates have dropped 95 percent from their height in 2021.2
Much of our achievement in combatting the virus can be attributed to a record-breaking vaccine rollout, according to information from Betsy Hunt, chief nursing officer at Maria Parham Health.
Since the first COVID-19 vaccine was released to the public, more than 270 million Americans have received at least one dose, and over 70 percent are considered fully immunized,3 making this the largest adult vaccination program in our nation’s history. As more of us become resistant to the virus, we are able to return to the activities we love – visiting restaurants, traveling outdoors and hosting social gatherings – without fear that we’ll endanger ourselves or the people around us.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Each year, we take this time to recognize that vaccines are essential to our health and the health of our community – a lesson that the past few years have made especially clear. For centuries, immunization has been one of the most effective ways we can protect ourselves from preventable illness.4 Diseases that were once deadly, such as polio, have all but vanished thanks to the power of community-wide vaccination, while others such as COVID-19 are becoming much less dangerous. Whether we’re young or old, we can stop the spread of disease by following vaccination guidelines.
Although COVID is on the forefront of everyone’s mind, it’s important to remember that other diseases have not gone away. The CDC has observed that over the past few years, many children missed yearly check-ups due to concerns surrounding COVID.5 September is approaching, which for many Americans means the start of the school year – as you gear up your child with books and pencils, make sure to also check their immunization record, and talk to their pediatrician about making up any missed appointments.
Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Adults also benefit from certain vaccinations, to protect against diseases such as shingles, tetanus, and the common flu. Some vaccines can even reduce your risk of cancer – the Hepatitis B vaccine can prevent liver cancer, while the HPV vaccine immunizes you against the most common cause of cervical cancer.6 Your recommended vaccines may vary, depending on your age, lifestyle, and prior immunization history – for instance, adults who travel frequently, or who missed important vaccinations during childhood, may be due for a check-up. Talk to your primary physician about your vaccine history, and ask if any of the following vaccines are right for you:
If there is a lesson we should take away from the past few years, it’s that our community’s health is everything, and protecting our health is everyone’s responsibility. When you get vaccinated to strengthen your immune system, you’re not just safeguarding yourself from common illnesses – you’re also protecting your family, neighbors, and the most vulnerable members of your community.
Different vaccines are recommended, depending on the age of the patient. COVID-19 and flu vaccines, for example, are recommended for anyone between the ages of 6 months and 80+. Shingles vaccines are recommended for anyone over 50 and HPV vaccines target those in the 11-26 age group.
Schedule a check-up with your primary care provider today. To find a provider, call 800.424.DOCS. For more information on immunization recommendations by age, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html or talk to your primary care provider.
State Fair 2023 Taking Applications For ‘Farm Family Of The Day’
/by WIZS Staff-information courtesy of the N.C. State Fair Office
The N.C. State Fair is looking for 11 farm families to recognize during the fair for its Farm Family of the Day, presented by Tractor Supply Company. Nominations are being accepted through Sept. 15.
If you are proud to be an N.C. farmer, work hard to contribute to the state’s No. 1 industry and love both farming and the N.C. State Fair, your farm family could be one of the lucky ones selected.
Families recognized as Farm Family of the Day honorees will be awarded an N.C. State Fair gift basket including fair tickets to use on any day of their choice during the 2023 N.C. State Fair, ride passes and additional swag from Tractor Supply Company and the N.C. State Fair.
Families will be chosen by both nomination and application. Applications can be found at https://www.ncstatefair.org/2023/Attractions/FarmFamilyOfTheDay.htm.
The “Farm Family of the Day” program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, is returning for its third year to recognize and celebrate more of our state’s rich agricultural heritage and the farm families that are behind our $103.2 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry.
“The State Fair’s earliest beginnings sought to elevate the understanding of new agricultural practices and technology. Helping people make the connection between farming and the food that they enjoy is one of our top missions at the N.C. State Fair each year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.
“Thanks to Tractor Supply Company, we can help tell the story of our farmers because they are the individuals out there every day working to grow the food, fiber and fuel that we need to survive.”
The 2023 N.C. State Fair will run Oct. 12-22 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina for all who attend, and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights.
For more information, visit www.ncstatefair.org.
VGCC Protocols Help Maintain Safety
/by John C. RoseCampus safety is a priority at all educational institutions.
Thursday morning at Vance-Granville Community College, the protocols in place helped maintain safety and order on the main campus in what was a real situation that turned out to involve a BB gun.
Law enforcement responded to the Poplar Creek Road location shortly before 9:30 a.m.
VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais described the situation to WIZS about two hours after it happened, and she said, “There was no threat to the campus … We determined that but we didn’t know to begin with … I am proud that our systems held up, that we responded appropriately.”
Two parents were using the campus as a halfway point to exchange custody of a child. The offending parties, including a dad and his two minor-age children, were in fact trespassing. While they were waiting for the mom, some horseplay broke out along the tree line towards Poplar Creek Road, and a BB gun was in plain view.
Desmarais used a couple of words while talking to WIZS News such as “astounding” and “inappropriate” and “harrowing.”
She said, “I was one of the people who observed it and you don’t know that that’s play acting.”
Neither parent nor the children were affiliated with the school at all. Desmarais said campus was a “halfway point for them so it had nothing to do with us. Unbeknownst to us they had used the campus previously to make this transfer between the children, but obviously not when school is in session.”
Of the protocols, Desmarais said, “They were followed, and they worked.”
Sheriff Curtis Brame told WIZS that no charges would be filed.
Apparently the parents were told not to be on campus again.
“Safety is really important to us,” Desmarais said.
SportsTalk: Vipers Introduce New Defensive Coordinator
/by Bill HarrisCLICK PLAY!
SportsTalk: Oxford Prep Prepares For Fall Sports
/by Bill HarrisFall sports are beginning to ramp up at schools around the area, and Oxford Prep is no exception. The school’s athletic director, John Hammett, has a full plate as the school’s varsity volleyball team will be scrimmaging twice next week ahead of opening the season. Also, Coach Kevin Grant’s soccer team kicks off the season on August 14th against Granville Central. The volleyball team will have no seniors meaning that the team will have, ideally, no changes over the next two seasons. The soccer team will only have two seniors out of 21 players.
In addition, other fall sports are also gearing up. “Cross Country, women’s golf and middle school teams all start next week,” Hammett said on Thursday’s SportsTalk.
While academics come first at Oxford Prep, Hammett hopes sports can play a role in the lives of students. He added that when it comes to expectations, his biggest goal is for the students at Oxford Prep enjoy the experience.
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