Lisa Harrison, health director for the Granville Vance Public Health Department, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss current health initiatives as well as a possible relocation for the department’s Granville County office.
Buildings
With office locations in both Vance and Granville County, Harrison said the buildings of the 40- year-old health district are beginning to show their age.
“With all of the recent rain, leaks were discovered along with structural issues, particularly in the Granville County location,” said Harrison.
The Granville Vance Public Health Department’s Granville Co. building is located at 101 Hunt Drive in Oxford. Recent rain has brought to light leaks and other structural issues. (WIZS photo)
According to Harrison, Granville County Commissioners are discussing options for the health department’s Granville office, including a possible new location.
The Granville County building is currently located at 101 Hunt Drive in Oxford, while the Vance County office is housed at 115 Charles Rollins Road, across from Maria Parham Health, in Henderson.
Health Initiatives
Quickly adapting to the ever-changing health care needs of the local community is essential to the success of a public health department. Harrison said one example of the way Granville Vance adapts to changing needs is evident in their response to the recent opioid crisis.
According to Harrison, many factors have contributed to the crisis, including a lack of understanding of the changes in brain chemistry while on opioids, and the quickness of addiction.
“Doctors were taught ten years ago that opioids weren’t as addictive as we now know that they actually are,” said Harrison. “When I was undertaking my hypnosis continuing education, I inferred that hypnosis could be a solution to many maladies.”
Harrison also explained that a system of tying patients’ pain levels and satisfaction ratings into payments ultimately made to the hospital further added to the fallout that many communities are now facing.
“Many come to this addiction through no fault of their own. It might have happened after a surgery or after an injury playing sports in high school.
I think, as a society, we can fight this and get this right, but we are going to have to be very human and very heart-centered in how we approach it.”
For their part, the health department seeks federal grant assistance and partners with local hospitals and physician groups to provide recovery options for those addicted to opioids.
In the spirit of addressing current community needs, the health department is proud to announce that it is also a part of the “Stepping Up Initiative,” a program designed to study mental health issues, substance use and prison sentences among inmates.
“We have telehealth in all jails in the region – Granville, Vance, Franklin, Warren and Halifax. These five counties participate together as the only regional ‘Stepping Up Initiative’ group in the nation,” Harrison said.
UNC Public Television will air a segment on the “Stepping Up Initiative” and the work being done to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in local detention centers tonight (March 28) at 8 p.m.
The segment will re-air at other times over the weekend and will also be available for viewing on the UNC-TV website.
To hear the Town Talk interview with Lisa Harrison in its entirety, click here.