All in Health

Dr. Greg Murphy: Fentanyl is killing more young Americans than COVID-19

For two years, our nation has been combating the COVID-19 pandemic, which has tragically claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Families across eastern North Carolina have adapted their daily routines to combat this public health crisis, which has overwhelmingly targeted seniors and those with preexisting conditions and comorbidities. There is, however, another devastating reality that has failed to make headlines: Fentanyl is killing more young Americans than COVID-19.

FEMA ambulance strike team to assist Lenoir County EMS with call volume

Effective immediately Lenoir County residents may see different ambulances responding to their calls. Lenoir County Emergency Services (LCES) announced on Saturday, February 5th that a FEMA ambulance strike team will provide much-needed relief to their staff. “Our EMS call volume is increasing,” said LCES Director Murry Stroud. “Lenoir County EMS answered 12,416 calls for service in 2021, as compared to 11,085 in 2020, and 10,861 in 2019. Increasing system demand can be attributed, at least in part, to the COVID pandemic.”

A more meaningful New Year’s Resolution

Every year, we are bombarded with “New Year, New You” messages about how to be a healthier happier person. While it's commendable to work towards a better you in 2022, health and wellbeing is a lifelong journey. Forbes states, according to a study by the University of Scranton, that only 8% of people will achieve their New Year's resolutions.

NC Medicaid Direct Care workers to receive one-time bonus in recognition of their work and ongoing efforts during COVID-19 pandemic

he recently adopted North Carolina state budget includes funds to give a one-time bonus to eligible home- and community-based direct care workers and support staff who provide services to Medicaid and NC Health Choice beneficiaries. The budget also includes a provision to implement a home- and community-based direct care worker wage increase for eligible employees who provide services to Medicaid and NC Health Choice beneficiaries.

All 100 North Carolina Counties Sign On to $26 Billion Opioid Agreement

Attorney General Josh Stein, the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and the North Carolina League of Municipalities today announced a major milestone – all 100 North Carolina counties and 45 largest municipalities have signed on to the $26 billion multistate agreement with the nation’s three major pharmaceutical distributors – Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen – and Johnson & Johnson over the companies’ role in creating and fueling the nationwide opioid crisis.