Stokes: Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives. NWRL

We continue our series of Local People, Local Stories, Local Impact, with Joan Sherif from Northwest Regional Library.

The NWRL has branches in Danbury, Walnut Cove and King and are currently closed, but offer a wide variety of options to residents to advance knowledge, strengthen our communities and inspire diversity.

 To read our story about the Walnut Cove Public Library click here.

To read our story about the King Public Library click here. 

To read our story about the Danbury Public Library click here.

How has COVID19 affected the NWRL?

With the Governor’s announcement in March, we closed all libraries to the public and provided curbside service until April 1 when we had to discontinue it. It was very popular, and it was very hard for the staff to stop serving the public in person which is our goal. We were very fortunate that the Regional Board approved all staff working from home.

At first, it was almost surreal since we were closing our doors to the public and that has always been the opposite of what we try to do.  After the initial shock wore off, the staff swung into action.  We began virtual communication with all libraries (Stokes, Surry, Alleghany, and Yadkin) which has been a lifeline for us to stay in touch.  We are using Google Classroom and Meet.  We formed three teams on priority issues to get input from all staff and further collaborate. The teams meet weekly, and there is good discussion and some good outcomes.

 

Since the initial closing, staff has worked from home with catch up work, continuing education, and re-inventing how library services are delivered.  It did not take long for staff to jump on many webinars that will help all staff do an even better job now and in the future.  We have transformed all services online and now provide even more virtual services than ever.

These services are available on www.nwrl.org

We added new tabs to our website (www.nwrl.org) to include information on CO-VID 19, employment resources, and remote services.

Anyone with checked out materials was asked to hold onto books, DVD’s, and audiobooks until we re-open with no overdue fines.

People can now get a temporary card online as well.

Our staff stepped up to the challenge. Although we had some virtual programs before, the staff has taken hold of the possibilities and are offering online storytimes, readings from Harry Potter,  fairy tales, celebration of Earth Day, book talks, and much more.

And, I think that we have just begun! The response has been excellent with many comments about how people are not only enjoying seeing their library workers but also enjoying the programs.

Free learning resources available on www.nwrl.org.

Since not everyone has wifi at home, we are encouraging folks to use the outside wifi from library parking lots.  We have seen an increase of usage and are glad to provide the service especially now.

The staff have been great and risen to the occasion. I think that we all have learned so much about ourselves and our communities that will be continued after we are able to open up fully to the public.

How will NWRL continue these services for Stokes residents?

We have all become aware of how we can develop remote and virtual services to a greater extent.  Staff are building on what they know about online services (including NC LIVE databases and NC Kids Digital) and learning more at an exponential rate!  It seems like everyday there is a new find, and talent is emerging!

These free learning resources are available at www.nwrl.org

Please visit www.nwrl.org and check out the Virtual Programs.

We have discussed more online services as well as asynchronous ones such as story walks and scavenger hunts that kids can do with their families or each other and get outdoors.

These services and others will become part of what NWRL libraries do.

Can you share anything positive from this situation we are all facing?

I think that we all agree that there have been many positives from the CO-VID19 crisis.  Although it is a hard and scary time for all of us, I think that we have all found a new resilience and hope for the future. 

Our staff is working even more closely together and supporting each other even more.  We realize that we all are in this together with our communities and truly believe that we will be stronger and better at the other end of it.

We know that many services that have started will be regular parts of library services.  We have learned much about ourselves, each other, and our organization.  Although we are planning for (and very much looking forward) to the day when we can reopen to the public, we know that we are stronger and better and have learned some very valuable lessons about ourselves and our communities.  We are even more aware of the importance of the essential value of our libraries to each community.

Not only are libraries a place for books, Audio/visual, information, and programs but also they are places for human connection.
In a survey that is posted on the website about what people miss most about their libraries and services that they would like to see, we are seeing that people often say that they miss the staff. 

Library workers are community helpers and although the way we are helping has changed since the beginning of the stay at home order, we are continuing on a different level that we will continue as we grow and change.  The library is online and in person.

-Joan Sherif, Northwestern Regional Library

Information regarding the Northwestern Regional Library can be found online here


 

Read our other entries in Local People, Local Stories, Local Impact here.

Stokes: Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives. Part 6

The latest in our series of Local People, Local Stories, Local Impact, we talked to Vicky East, Program Director for Senior Services in Stokes County about COVID-19 and how it has been impacting the services they provide senior citizens across the county.

The Advocacy Council To Seniors (ACTS) is a United Fund agency.
  1. What are you and your agency doing here in Stokes County to address COVID-19?

Currently our offices are closed to the public. We are currently accepting phones calls and we are providing essential transportation appointments. We are serving our most vulnerable clients Meals on Wheels by offering frozen meal delivery once per week. Meals are delivered Mondays for Walnut Cove, Danbury and Francisco. Meals are delivered Tuesdays for King.

ACTS holiday meal in Francisco

We are offering once a week frozen pick-up for our congregate clients. These are clients would normally attend the sites Monday- Friday for a program and lunch. We offer the same days for congregate pick-up as we do home meal delivery. We are staying in touch with all of our clients via phone each week. We are also giving each client care packets delivered with the meals each week.

  1. Why is it important that out community take these measures?

We are charged with the task of keeping our elderly population as safe and healthy as we possibly can. We are asking everyone to stay home and save lives.

Senior Services Staff with Santa at the last ACTS holiday meal.

It is so important for all of us to do our part and listen to those in charge. Remember you are safe if you are at home with your families. Staying home is important to keep our frontline workers safe so they may return to their families. Remember we are all in this together.

Senior Services serves the most vulnerable population. Much of our clientele suffer from other under lying health conditions. With this COVID-19 pandemic they are more vulnerable and would most likely not survive should they contract the virus.
ACTS holiday meal in Francisco
  1. What is something positive you have seen in the midst of chaos of COVID-19 as we navigate this together?

We have wonderful volunteers that help us deliver meals for our home bound Monday through Friday.

Walking Club from the Walnut Cove Senior Center walking at the Elder Abuse Awareness Walk

Most of these volunteers are over the age of 65 themselves but they did not hesitate when asked if they would come in once per week to deliver the frozen meal boxes to our most frail and needy clients. Not one of them said no. This group of volunteers go above and beyond always willing to step up and help.

I am humbled by their graciousness and their willing to do. They are extraordinary!!! Words cannot express how grateful we are to have this group of people work with us and care for our seniors.

Vicky East, Program Director Senior Services

If you can support Senior Services you can reach them at 336-593-8156

More on the Local People, Local Stories, Local Impact can be found here.

Mental and Physical Self Care: Virtual Wellness Kit

During our series of Local People, Local Stories, Local Impact, we featured Amanda Smith, Member Engagement Specialist for Cardinal Healthcare Innovations.

Amanda mentioned digital resources to help support Stokes County residents physically and emotionally. Below are links for entertainment for kids and adults, support for mental health and physical health, recipes and more. During these uncertain times remember your mental health and wellbeing is as important as your physical wellness.

“As we all continue to shelter in place, we at Cardinal want to thank you for letting us provide you with what we hope is a weekly dose of wellness. And in case a reminder is needed–you deserve to feel good both physically and emotionally. See below for easy ways to practice self-care.”-

Amanda Smith, Member Engagement Specialist for Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

 

 

 

 

 

 

Links Specific for Kids:

General Links:
  • Free Photography Classes-Nikon is offering free online photography classes through April 30, 2020. Normally between $15 – $50 each, all 10 classes at the Nikon School can now be streamed for free. Each class is taught by a professional photographer. Some classes cover Nikon products, but many teach photography basics that anyone can benefit from.
  • Google’s Arts & Culture collection-Virtually tour hundreds of well-known museums around the world including the Guggenheim, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, the National Gallery in London, the Acropolis Museum in Athens and more. In many, you can use Google’s street view feature to ‘walk’ the museum.
  • Free Guitar Lessons-Guitar manufacturer Fender is currently offering a free 3 month subscription to their Fender Play tuition app to new subscribers who want to learn acoustic or electric guitar, bass or ukulele.

Links below will open to a pdf in new window


To all health care professionals, first responders, grocery store workers, professional and lay caregivers, and those working to make things as normal as possible in such a stressful time, our deepest thanks.

As always, take care and be well.

Stokes: Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save lives. Part 5

Continuing our series of Local People, Local Stories, Local Impact, we asked Amanda Smith, Member Engagement Specialist for Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, about COVID-19 and the impact it has had on the Stokes Wellness Center.

  1. What are you and/or your agency doing here in Stokes County to support our residents during COVID-19?
  2. Why is it important that our community practice self-care, for mental and physical well-being? 
  3. What is something positive you have seen in midst of chaos of COVID-19 as we navigate this together?

“We recognize that the effects of COVID- 19 are far reaching beyond just our physical health. The fear of contracting the virus, adapting to new routines, isolation and difficulties obtaining necessities can have profound effects on our emotional health. Supporting our members and our communities in maintaining their health and wellness is always our top priority.”

“In efforts to support the Stokes Community we have worked collaboratively with community partners such as Insight Human Services, the Stokes County Cooperative Extension, local artist Dianna Altrath and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Diana Bryant to provide ‘Virtual Wellness Programming’.”

Each day community members can access free programming that will range from line dancing, stress management education, arts and crafts and more by viewing our Cardinal Innovations FACEBOOK PAGE, TWITTER ACCOUNT or our blog.

“I have had the pleasure of working with these agencies and individuals on a regular basis in the community at our Cardinal Innovations Wellness Center in Walnut Cove before COVID-19 and am excited to have a new platform for them to share their knowledge, talents and abilities to those who may need it.”

“As an organization we are also sending out ‘Virtual Wellness Kits’ to community members that includes entertainment links, tips to talking with your child about COVID-19 and how to access community resources to address needs such as food insecurities. I am proud to say that we have also started the COVID-19 Relief Fund which is a grant that will fund the efforts of non-profits who are supporting those affected by COVID-19.”

As a Member Engagement Specialist, we are working closely with other departments within our organization, behavioral health providers and community members to ensure access to mental health, substance use and developmental disability services.

“We understand that navigating behavioral health resources can be difficult and COVID-19 has added complexity to this. We want our communities and the residents of Stokes County to know that we are committed to ensuring that you get connected to the behavioral health services that you need.”

“Now is more important than ever to connect people who may be experiencing a mental health crisis to the right help at the right time and place.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Access Line by dialing  **ASK and you will be connected with a licensed clinician.

This helps us to support our local community hospitals and keep our Emergency Rooms free for those who need them the most during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Please know that you are not alone and many people are struggling with adapting to all life changes large and small.

While COVID-19 has been a difficult experience for us as a whole, I am inspired by my colleagues, Stokes Community Partners and the Stokes Community at how far everyone will go to provide support to those in need. We truly are in this all together!”

Amanda Smith, a stokes county resident, member engagement specialist for cardinal innovations healthcare, stokes wellness center

OUR FIRST CONTRIBUTOR WAS DR. MICHELLE LINKOUS OF NOVANT HEALTH PEDIATRICS IN KING AND CAN BE FOUND HERE.
OUR SECOND CONTRIBUTOR WAS SHELLY GREENWOOD, MOTHER OF AN AT-RISK CHILD AND STOKES COUNTY RESIDENT AND CAN BE FOUND HERE.
OUR THIRD CONTRIBUTOR WAS DR. AMBER HAIRFORD FAMILY PHYSICIAN AND ASSOCIATE LEAD CLINICIAN OF MOUNTAINVIEW MEDICAL/PILOT MOUNTAIN MEDICAL CARE AND CAN BE FOUND HERE.
our fourth contributor was janna kiger, at-risk young adult and stokes county resident.
A COLLECTION OF OUR LOCAL PEOPLE, LOCAL STORIES, LOCAL IMPACT CAN BE FOUND ON OUR COMMUNITY OUTREACH PAGE HERE.

COVID-19 Checklist for Community and Faith Leaders

Community and faith-based organizations are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in their communities.

Use this checklist to protect the health of those you serve and staff in your care.

PLAN AND PREPARE

  • Update your emergency operations plan with the help of your local public health department, emergency operations coordinator or planning team, and other relevant partners to include COVID-19 planning.
  • Identify space that can be used to separate sick people if needed.
  • Develop an emergency communication plan for distributing timely and accurate information to workers and those you serve.
  • Identify actions to take if you need to temporarily postpone or cancel events, programs, and services, especially for groups at greater risk such as older adults or people with chronic health conditions.
  • Promote the practice of everyday preventative actions.
    • Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow
    • Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.
    • Stay home when sick.
  • Provide COVID-19 prevention supplies at your organization (e.g., soap, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, tissues, trash baskets, and a couple of disposable facemasks, just in case someone becomes sick during an event).
  • Plan for staff absences by developing flexible attendance and sick-leave policies, plan for alternative coverage, and monitor and track COVID-19 related staff absences.
  • Engage with stigmatized groups and speak out against negative behaviors to help counter stigma and discrimination.

TAKE ACTION

If there is COVID-19 in your community:

  • Stay informed about local COVID-19 information and updates.
  • Put your emergency operations and communication plans into action.
  • Communicate with your community members if events and services are changed, postponed, or cancelled.
  • Emphasize everyday preventive actions through intensified communications with employees and visitors to your organization.Stay home when sick.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.
    • Wash hands often.
    • Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet).
  • During an event, if someone becomes sick separate them into an isolated room and ask them to leave as soon as possible.