The Behavioral Health unit at Maria Parham Franklin in Louisburg offers resources for and treatment of a variety of health issues, from mild dementia in older adults to substance abuse and bipolar disorder.
For Jason Roberts, behavioral health director for the in-patient facility, people struggling with mental health problems need to know they aren’t alone in the battle they face. “How you start to heal,” Roberts told John C. Rose, “is you talk about it.” Someone who goes to hospital with a heart attack, for example, gets wraparound care and follow-up treatment to make sure good health is restored, he said during Wednesday’s Town Talk. Mental health also deserves that wraparound treatment and follow-up care. “That’s what we do here,” he added.
The facility has 13 beds for patients 55 years and older; there are 20 beds for adults 18-54, he added. The geriatric side mostly handles mild to moderate dementia patients; the majority of the adults are experiencing a dual diagnosis – a mental health disorder coupled with a substance use problem.
“We are meeting people at their most vulnerable,” Roberts explained. Most referrals are made through the local hospital emergency departments, he said. The “trauma-informed model of care” uses group therapy as part of treatment. “Sharing is a part of recovery,” Roberts said, adding that it “helps the patient know they’re not alone in what they’re going through.”
Podcast of Jason Roberts on TownTalk
Although relatively short stays are the norm – 5 to 7 days for adults and up to 14 days for those who are in the geriatric program – Roberts said the goal is crisis stabilization with a plan for follow-up care.
A team of providers work together to develop a swift medicine management plan of care and provide a range of treatments including individual sessions, group therapy and recreational therapy, all designed to help the patients interact with others and to reassure them they aren’t alone.
Roberts has been at Maria Parham Franklin for about one year, and said a goal for the immediate future is to continue to improve the follow-up, wraparound care that patients often need to be successful.
“For so long, we’ve looked at mental health and behavioral health as things we don’t talk about,” Roberts said. “That’s the crux of the issue — we don’t talk about it. We don’t talk about the reason people are going through what they’re going through. It’s important to talk about how you feel, because it’s how you start to heal,” he said.
The unit is looking to hire nurses, psychiatric technicians and a recreational therapist, Roberts said. An “interview day” will be held on Mar. 29 and those interested in participating can schedule an interview, he added. There will be additional information on social media and traditional media outlets closer to the date. “We’re looking for some talent and anyone who has experience in the field,” he added.
To learn more, visit https://www.mariaparhamfranklin.com/services/behavioral-health.
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(Maria Parham is a paying advertising client of WIZS. This is not a paid ad.)
Vance County Schools Asynchronous Remote Learning Day Thurs, Mar 18 Due to Weather
/by John C. Rose— courtesy of Vance County Schools
With the threat of inclement weather on Thursday, March 18, Vance County Schools will operate as an asynchronous remote learning day for all students and staff. Assignments will be posted to student’s learning platforms for completion. All buildings will be closed. Safety continues to be our priority. We encourage all of our families to keep a close eye on the weather tomorrow (Thursday) and stay safe.
VGCC Law Enforcement Training Division Receives Reaccreditation
/by WIZS Staff— VGCC Press Release
Vance-Granville Community College’s Law Enforcement training division received word last week that three programs have been reaccredited until May of 2026.
Last month, a field representative from the Criminal Justice Standards Division of the State Department of Justice conducted an audit of Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), Speed Measuring Instrument Training, and General Instructor Training programs. The audit included a review of program-related files campus facilities, and program equipment to ensure compliance with guidelines set by North Carolina Training and Standards Commission.
Law Enforcement Training Coordinator, Glen Boyd, said, “Our training and administrative staff work tirelessly to maintain the integrity and proper documentation of our programs. We would like to thank our partner agencies for trusting us to provide training for their agency.”
VGCC’s Law Enforcement Training program has been providing training at all levels for over 40 years. The program partners with and serves law enforcement and corrections agencies in Granville, Vance, Franklin and Warren counties.
For more information about VGCC law enforcement programs please visit https://www.vgcc.edu/program/blet/ or contact Glen Boyd, Coordinator of Law Enforcement Training, at boydg@vgcc.edu or Trudy Hargrove, Administrative Assistant, at hargrovet@vgcc.edu.
Warren County part of internet pilot program
/by WIZS StaffStudents in Warren County will soon be able to access high-speed internet via satellite technology, thanks to a pilot program aimed at supporting remote learning through improving internet access, according to information from Warren County Schools and the Gov. Roy Cooper’s office.
Warren County joins Hyde and Swain counties in a pilot program funded through the CARES Act, with additional support from several other N.C. agencies. It allows students to access Starlink internet service through SpaceX.
“Many students in the county are still without high-speed internet service at a time where having that connectivity is especially critical to their success,” stated Delores Pulliam, Warren County Schools Chief Finance Officer, in the written statement. “We hope this pilot will be a much-needed lifeline for our K-12 students and their families.”
Starlink provides high-speed internet service via Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, which BIO has determined could be a viable option to reach residents in remote areas. Through the pilot, school districts will be able to test the feasibility of the service for K-12 students who live in areas with no broadband infrastructure or reliable cellular service.
The pilot is funded by $200,000 in CARES Act Funding from the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) and $64,000 in CARES Act Funding from NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, on behalf of Hometown Strong. This funding will support this initiative in researching, analyzing, and providing recommendations regarding the use of satellite technologies that may help reduce the homework gap as well as improve rural healthcare and further rural economic development.
The Friday Institute at NC State University is leading the CARES Act-funded program, with additional support from the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), and the Broadband Infrastructure Office (BIO). Besides funding, the partners are also assisting the school districts with implementing the “Satellite Internet Technologies for Student Connectivity Pilot,” which will allow students to access Space Exploration Technologies Corporation’s (SpaceX) Starlink internet service.
“Our students need high-speed internet to succeed not only in these challenging times but into the future,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “Innovative programs like this pilot with SpaceX can connect students to high-quality internet service to help with remote learning, and we are excited for it to expand.”
“The Local Skinny!” March 17 Home and Garden Show
/by John C. RoseEach Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on WIZS 1450 AM / 100.1 FM Your Community Voice, “The Local Skinny!” will feature the Home and Garden Show.
Vance County Cooperative Extension agents Paul McKenzie and Wayne Rowland announce the show each week live and take phone calls at 492-5594 with home, lawn and garden questions.
During the week, you can also call them directly in their office downtown at 438-8188.
Home and Garden Show Podcast of March 17, 2021.
Behavioral Health; It’s Time to Start Talking
/by Laura GabelThe Behavioral Health unit at Maria Parham Franklin in Louisburg offers resources for and treatment of a variety of health issues, from mild dementia in older adults to substance abuse and bipolar disorder.
For Jason Roberts, behavioral health director for the in-patient facility, people struggling with mental health problems need to know they aren’t alone in the battle they face. “How you start to heal,” Roberts told John C. Rose, “is you talk about it.” Someone who goes to hospital with a heart attack, for example, gets wraparound care and follow-up treatment to make sure good health is restored, he said during Wednesday’s Town Talk. Mental health also deserves that wraparound treatment and follow-up care. “That’s what we do here,” he added.
The facility has 13 beds for patients 55 years and older; there are 20 beds for adults 18-54, he added. The geriatric side mostly handles mild to moderate dementia patients; the majority of the adults are experiencing a dual diagnosis – a mental health disorder coupled with a substance use problem.
“We are meeting people at their most vulnerable,” Roberts explained. Most referrals are made through the local hospital emergency departments, he said. The “trauma-informed model of care” uses group therapy as part of treatment. “Sharing is a part of recovery,” Roberts said, adding that it “helps the patient know they’re not alone in what they’re going through.”
Podcast of Jason Roberts on TownTalk
Although relatively short stays are the norm – 5 to 7 days for adults and up to 14 days for those who are in the geriatric program – Roberts said the goal is crisis stabilization with a plan for follow-up care.
A team of providers work together to develop a swift medicine management plan of care and provide a range of treatments including individual sessions, group therapy and recreational therapy, all designed to help the patients interact with others and to reassure them they aren’t alone.
Roberts has been at Maria Parham Franklin for about one year, and said a goal for the immediate future is to continue to improve the follow-up, wraparound care that patients often need to be successful.
“For so long, we’ve looked at mental health and behavioral health as things we don’t talk about,” Roberts said. “That’s the crux of the issue — we don’t talk about it. We don’t talk about the reason people are going through what they’re going through. It’s important to talk about how you feel, because it’s how you start to heal,” he said.
The unit is looking to hire nurses, psychiatric technicians and a recreational therapist, Roberts said. An “interview day” will be held on Mar. 29 and those interested in participating can schedule an interview, he added. There will be additional information on social media and traditional media outlets closer to the date. “We’re looking for some talent and anyone who has experience in the field,” he added.
To learn more, visit https://www.mariaparhamfranklin.com/services/behavioral-health.
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(Maria Parham is a paying advertising client of WIZS. This is not a paid ad.)
WIZS Local News Audio 03-17-21 Noon
/by WIZS StaffWIZS, Your Community Voice — 100.1 FM / 1450 AM
Click Play for today’s Local News Audio.
Local News Airs on WIZS M-F at 8 a.m., 12 Noon and 5 p.m.
PRESENTED IN PART BY OUR SPONSOR DRAKE DENTISTRY
“TownTalk” Airs on WIZS M-F at 11 a.m.
“The Local Skinny!” Airs on WIZS Mon-Thurs at 11:30 a.m.
Vance Commissioners Could Bring Fire Discussion to a Head Soon
/by Laura GabelThe Vance County Public Safety Committee met Monday to continue discussing the possible reorganization of the county’s fire department structure. Although no final decisions have been made yet, County Manager Jordan McMillen said there seems to be some progress toward a satisfactory resolution.
This issue – to create a fire department structure to provide as close to 24-hour protection as possible – has been the topic of conversation for the past several years, and McMillen said Tuesday that there is hope for reaching that goal.
The board renewed its desire to bring the issue to a close at its recent planning retreat in February. The volunteer fire departments have been able to lower their Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings as a result of receiving additional funds from the county, which were used to hire at least part-time paid staff.
“Some good things” have come about as a result of the continuing talks at the county level, and despite some disagreement, “at the end of the day, we’re making some improvements,” McMillen said.
The volunteer fire departments have been able to lower their ISO scores, which operate on a scale of 1 to 10 and indicate how well the community is protected by the fire department. The lower the score, the better protected the community. The volunteer departments have scores of 5 or 6, some down from as high as 9. ISO ratings affect fire insurance rates.
McMillen said the board would hear the update from the public safety committee at its next meeting, and would be considering several key issues: 1)how to handle rescue services – continue with contract services or pull the service in-house; 2)determine whether there is interest in dispersing the county’s fire department; and 3)determine whether to look at revisiting fire district lines which could reduce response times.
The rescue services contract should be able to be decided before the end of fiscal year 2021, but the discussion of the other two components probably will take longer to decide.
McMillen said the committee members stressed that the most important thing is to provide the best fire service possible. “We’re on the right path,” he said.
McMillen said … (Click Here for sound or on the Image Below)
Oxford Water/Sewer Improvements and Adjusting to get the Big Bucks to do It
/by Laura GabelSome residents of Oxford may be annoyed at the rat-a-tat of jackhammers as they chew up sidewalks or asphalt. Others may grimace when they see the ‘Road Work Ahead’ sign marking street construction. But these sights and sounds also are the marks of progress on the city’s infrastructure improvement plan.
In an effort to keep the public informed about what work is going on where, the City of Oxford has begun sending out monthly updates to outline where crews will be working.
Oxford Mayor Jackie Sergent said the idea arose from a town commissioner planning retreat. “It was a simple desire to be more effective at letting people know where work will be happening,” she said in an interview Monday. People want to know, Sergent said, where the work is being done and how long it’s going to take to complete.
The “where” is easy; it’s the “how long” that is less certain, she said.
The improvements are being made as part of a long-range comprehensive improvement plan to make upgrades to the water and sewer infrastructure. Grants and no-interest loans through the 2015 Connect NC bond legislation were available, but the city first had to adjust its water/sewer rates to qualify. Long story short, Sergent said, in the five years since, the city has gotten $50 million – $10 million in grants and more than $25 million in 0-interest loans.
This is a huge undertaking,” Sergent noted. “I am incredibly proud of what we’re doing,” but added that it certainly is not “glamorous.”
Visit www.oxfordnc.org/community/comprehensive_plans_projects.php to learn more. Call 919.603.1100 with questions or concerns.
Cooperative Extension with Paul McKenzie 03-16-21 – What Works in the Garden
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.
For God, For Peace, For Brent, For Family, For Friends, For Community
/by Bill HarrisIf you will, please allow us to remember Brent Montgomery with the words in this attached broadcast.