News & Updates

Note from Cindy Tuttle, Executive Director Stokes Partnership for Children

Stokes: Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives. Part 8. is a condensed version of the note below.

Cindy Tuttle, Executive Director Stokes Partnership for Children contributed to the Local People, Local Stories, Local Impact series and her entire article is listed below.

The Smart Start Network is made up of 75 local partnerships across the state of North Carolina. Each local partnership is its own independent 501(c)(3). Stokes Partnership for Children (SPC) is one of those local partnerships, specifically serving Stokes County. SPC has a history of over 25 years serving our early childhood community, with a focus on children birth to age five. Our primary goal is to identify and meet the needs of young children so that they are prepared for success in school and beyond.

With COVID-19, NCDHHS thought of the Smart Start Network as a primary partner in our local communities, classifying local partnerships as essential businesses.

Daily, SPC is working to ensure that child care programs, providing care for the children of essential workers, have access to critical expert health and safety consultation and are connected to available resources, such as information about funding, supplies, financial assistance, teacher supports and more.

It is the job of SPC to track the needs of centers and families so that state officials are kept informed and aware of the needs of child care programs and families in our community.

L To R: Shanda Cox, Child Care Resource and Referral Coordinator; Joan Sherif, SPC Board Chair; Shannon Cox, NC Pre-K Coordinator and Program Manager; Wanda Craig, Administrative Assistant and Dolly Parton Imagination Library Coordinator; Arden Browder, SPC Board Member; Cindy Tuttle, Executive Director; Dianne Durham, Workforce Innovation to Support Early Education (WISEE) Coordinator; Anne Moser, Finance Manager; Rep. Kyle Hall, NC House

For example, the Smart Start Network, in Collaboration with the Child Care Services Association (CCSA) and Child Care Resource and Referral Networks have created the CCSA COVID-19 Relief Fund for child care programs. Local child care programs submit their applications to SPC. SPC processes them and then forwards eligibility information back to CCSA. Through the CCSA COVID-19 Relief Fund, child care programs are provided extra funds to support them during this health crisis.

During this time of chaos, it is amazing how our community has come together to develop new methods of operation. Making connections has been vital to the early childhood centers providing care for the children of essential workers. Having the supplies to provide this care is imperative, but difficult, with restrictions being made to daily supplies such as toilet paper, cleaning products and milk. SPC helped to bridge the gap between child care programs and local suppliers by personally contacting local stores and speaking directly with managers to explain how child care facilities were considered essential businesses and that caring for the children may require an increase in supplies. SPC provided the businesses and the child care facilities with a letter verifying their role as an essential business. This helped the centers to be able to purchase the necessary supplies they needed to remain open. The connection made between local suppliers and child care programs built an understanding of support and care in our community.

In addition to being the local Smart Start agency, SPC also is the Contract Administrator for the NC Pre-Kindergarten Program for Stokes County. SPC contracts with the Stokes County Schools, Head Start and private child care programs to provide high-quality educational experiences to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year-old children. Classrooms for approximately 160 children enrolled in the NC Pre-K program in Stokes County closed along with Stokes County Schools classrooms mid-March.  Thirteen classrooms in some elementary schools, Head Start centers and a private childcare facility were providing high-quality early education to these at-risk 4-year olds to help prepare them to be successful in kindergarten next school year.

Dedicated Pre-K Teachers are finding creative ways to offer virtual learning.  They are using take-home packets as well as online platforms to reach their students and engage families to actively participate in teaching.

One teacher stated, “I’ve gotten into the swing of things and I’ve received great feedback from the families–they say it is easily accessible and they all seem to love the activities (families and children). They send me pictures and videos of what they are doing, how they complete the extension activities, and can answer questions that I ask, all of which brings me so much joy!” 

For children who do not have access to on-line resources, teachers are texting, emailing and calling individual families in order to rise to the challenge of teaching, in spite of the pandemic.

In addition to providing in-house programs, SPC subcontracts Smart Start funds out to other community organizations to provide needed services to Stokes County’s young children and families. SPC supports these service providers as they creatively continue to serve children and families during COVID-19, while ensuring they are being a good steward of state funds. It is amazing how innovative these programs have been to continue serving our community.

One great example of this is the Children’s Center of Northwest NC, who SPC contracts with to provide the Nurturing Parenting Program (NPP).

NPP is a family-centered trauma-informed initiative designed to build nurturing parenting skills as an alternative to abusive and neglecting parenting and child-rearing practices. NPP staff have continued to provide services by mailing NPP lessons weekly to families, then are following up each week either by phone or virtual technology (Zoom, FaceTime) if the family has access to this technology.

The families then have the lesson in front of them while NPP staff discusses it with them and answers any questions they may have. NPP also mails any types of resources/helpful information the family may request or NPP staff may feel is beneficial. NPP staff have sent information about how to stay safe and healthy during COVID-19, ways to talk to their children about it, helpful ways to assist with school work, etc. If NPP staff discovers they have a need for food or supplies they see how they can help them so that their needs are being met. Despite COVID-19, NPP staff are still taking referrals for this program.

During this pandemic, SPC strongly encourages the community to follow all of the safety guidelines related to COVID-19, to stay home and follow the latest NC Shelter in Place orders.

With that thought in mind, Stokes Partnership for Children staff are working mostly from home, but you can rest assured we are still working very hard from behind the scenes. We can be reached via email or by calling us at 336-985-2676 and leaving a voicemail. We check our voicemail several times daily.

For our staff directory and to learn more about us go to www.stokespfc.com or follow us on Facebook for daily updates and sharing of resources.

Cindy S. Tuttle, Executive Director

Stokes Partnership for Children

Stokes: Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives. Part 8.

We continue our series of Local People, Local Stories, Local Impact with an update from Cindy Tuttle at Stokes Partnership for Children.

Cindy Tuttle, Executive Director of Stokes Partnership for Children, discusses how COVID19 is impacting the efforts and programs her agency provides to children and families in the county.

Stokes Partnership for Children has a history of over 25 years serving our early childhood community, with a focus on children birth to age five. Click here to read more about the impact COVID19 is having on early childhood education in Stokes.

What are you and your agency doing here in Stokes County to support child-care centers during COVID-19?

Stokes Partnership for Children (SPC) is working to ensure that child care programs who are providing care for the children of essential workers have access to critical expert health and safety consultation and are connected to available resources, such as information about funding, supplies, financial assistance, teacher supports and more.
L To R: Shanda Cox, Child Care Resource and Referral Coordinator; Joan Sherif, SPC Board Chair; Shannon Cox, NC Pre-K Coordinator and Program Manager; Wanda Craig, Administrative Assistant and Dolly Parton Imagination Library Coordinator; Arden Browder, SPC Board Member; Cindy Tuttle, Executive Director; Dianne Durham, Workforce Innovation to Support Early Education (WISEE) Coordinator; Anne Moser, Finance Manager; Rep. Kyle Hall, NC House

It is the job of SPC to track the needs of centers and families so that state officials are kept informed and aware of the needs of child care programs and families in our community.

Can you share how Pre-K Teachers are supporting their students during COVID-19?

Dedicated Pre-K Teachers are finding creative ways to offer virtual learning.  They are using take-home packets as well as online platforms to reach their students and engage families to actively participate in teaching.

One teacher stated, “I’ve gotten into the swing of things and I’ve received great feedback from the families–they say it is easily accessible and they all seem to love the activities (families and children). They send me pictures and videos of what they are doing, how they complete the extension activities, and can answer questions that I ask, all of which brings me so much joy!” 

For children who do not have access to on-line resources, teachers are texting, emailing and calling individual families in order to rise to the challenge of teaching, in spite of the pandemic.

What free resources are available for parents/guardians of children birth to 5 years?

It is amazing how innovative these programs have been to continue serving our community. One great example of this is the Children’s Center of Northwest NC, who SPC contracts with to provide the Nurturing Parenting Program (NPP).

NPP is a family-centered trauma-informed initiative designed to build nurturing parenting skills as an alternative to abusive and neglecting parenting and child-rearing practices.

NPP staff have continued to provide services by mailing NPP lessons weekly to families, then are following up each week either by phone or virtual technology (Zoom, FaceTime) if the family has access to this technology. The families then have the lesson in front of them while NPP staff discusses it with them and answers any questions they may have. NPP also mails any types of resources/helpful information the family may request or NPP staff may feel is beneficial. NPP staff have sent information about how to stay safe and healthy during COVID-19, ways to talk to their children about it, helpful ways to assist with school work, etc. If NPP staff discovers they have a need for food or supplies they see how they can help them so that their needs are being met. Despite COVID-19, NPP staff are still taking referrals for this program.

What message do you have for parents/guardians of children birth to 5 years in Stokes County?

During this pandemic, SPC strongly encourages the community to follow all of the safety guidelines related to COVID-19, to stay home and follow the latest NC Shelter in Place orders. With that thought in mind, Stokes Partnership for Children staff are working mostly from home, but you can rest assured we are still working very hard from behind the scenes.

We can be reached via email or by calling us at 336-985-2676 and leaving a voicemail. We check our voicemail several times daily.

For our staff directory and to learn more about us go to www.stokespfc.com or follow us on Facebook for daily updates and sharing of resources.

Cindy S. Tuttle, Executive Director

Stokes Partnership for Children

For more information about Stokes Partnership for Children and their role in early childhood development in Stokes during COVID19 click here.

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

For Parents/Caregivers of Youth: Underage Alcohol

Underage alcohol consumption is an issue that parents and caregivers of youth should address.

According to the last Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) 26.5% of NC High School youth reported consuming alcohol in the last 30 days.

The following video will give parents and caregivers of youth ways they can talk to their teen to discourage alcohol use. There are tips for effective communication between parents and child as well as peer pressure avoidance techniques that youth can use.

Stokes: Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives. Part 7.

We continue our series of Local People, Local Stories, Local Impact with Patti Snyder. She is a new mother, a Stokes resident and Family and Consumer Science Agent for Stokes County Cooperative Extension.

What are you and/or your agency doing here in Stokes County to address COVID-19?   

Our mission is to extend research-based information to the citizens of Stokes County. During COVID-19 our mission is still the same and we will continue to deliver knowledge that can be transformed into solutions that improve our community. 

It is still important that we deliver relevant and trustworthy information to our citizens, but what has changed is how we deliver our information. We are working diligently to provide our community with knowledge through virtual platforms instead of face-to-face interactions. This way we are being good stewards of social distancing but still serving our community. 

We have also transformed the Feed Stokes 5k/Half Marathon Race to an online platform. For those that have registered for the race, they can sign up for free and compete with others.
If you are not registered and would like to compete you can go to our facebook page, Feed Stokes 5k/Half Marathon and register.
All proceeds are split up between the three Stokes County Food Banks

Going from face-to-face contact to all online, is strange. Thankfully we have great organizations in the County who have each other’s backs. I have worked with so many great organizations to continue to provide content for our communities.

So far I have partnered with Cardinal Innovations to post line dancing videos and made bread in a bag with Stokes Arts Live. Additionally, myself and the City of King Parks and Recreation Director have taken our Friday morning walking group virtual as a way to encourage people to get outside and continue exercising.  

I have continued to send out resources to our teachers who were participating in our Steps to Health programming by sending out videos that they can send to the students. The children may not be in the schools, but this is no reason for them to stop learning about healthy foods and how to grow your own food.

Each week I plan to post information on our website that is helpful to our citizens of Stokes County. Click here to visit Stokes County Cooperative Extension.

Why is it important that our community take these measures?

I find it to be important to take the recommended measures, like social distancing, to keep ourselves and others safe. Personally, I have a young child at home, so following current recommendations helps reduce the risk of jeopardizing her health as well as mine.

What is something positive you have seen in the midst of chaos of COVID-19 as we navigate this together?

I have really enjoyed seeing more children and families playing outside. I have seen families start planting gardens, which for some may be a completely new hobby. I think it is exciting for them to explore new talents, like gardening. I know one positive for my family is we have found the time to do all of those home remodel projects we always talked about!

patti snyder, Family & consumer science agent, stokes cooperative extension
For more information about Family and Consumer Science programs available in Stokes County click 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.

Stokes: Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives. Part 4

Our series of Local People, Local Stories, Local Impact, continues with Stokes County resident Janna Kiger. She is a young adult who is a part of the high-risk population for COVID-19 due to complications from Type A flu in 2019 that required open heart surgery.

  1. Why are you concerned about COVID-19 in Stokes County? 
  2. Why is it important to the at-risk population of Stokes County to take precautions regarding COVID-19? 
  3. What is something positive you have seen in midst of chaos of COVID-19 as we navigate this together?

‘In March of 2019 I ended up at  multiple hospitals including Duke University Hospital for 3 months because of Type A flu attacking my heart and lungs shutting down every organ in my body. I was put on complete life support. I am often asked if I had a flu shot prior to becoming sick and the answer is yes, every year. My doctors say that it helped me survive. That being said my past situation has really opened up my eyes to sickness and how quickly things can change, even among young healthy people.

During the last few weeks of COVID-19 being on the rise I have been on high alert and taking all the necessary precautions to help slow/stop the spread of this virus. I have avoided close contact with people, I have made sure I do proper hand washing and I have chose to quarantine myself.

Another reason why it is so important for myself and others to take these precautions so seriously is to help protect those who do have to work. My fiancé is a fireman and continues to work through this pandemic. I also have a brother who is a physical therapist, he is in contact with people daily.

I pray that his patients are honest with who they may have been in contact with, if they have any symptoms, and if they have been in quarantine. It is important that we think of each other during this.

My family has seen how devastating an acute sudden illness can be. I personally would not want to be the one responsible for causing someone else to contract such a terrible sickness.

I believe as a community we have really stepped up and worked together to help minimize the spread COVID – 19. Our community is small but we have rallied together once again and grown closer by helping one another in these times. It is uplifting to see so many people helping in so many ways.

I pray for healing and comfort for everyone. I pray for protection for the ones that are having to work. I pray that we can do our preventative part as a community and then let go of our fears and let The Lord handle this crisis.’

Janna Kiger, Stokes County resident and young adult who is high risk for COVID-19.

 

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.
A collection of our Local People, Local Stories, Local Impact can be found on our Community Outreach page here.

Stokes: Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives. Part 3

In the latest installment of our series of Local People, Local Stories, Local Impact, we asked Dr. Amber Hairford, Family Physician and Associate Lead Clinician of Mountainview Medical/Pilot Mountain Medical Care, about the impact of COVID-19 she is experiencing.

  1. What are you and/or your agency doing here in Stokes County to address COVID-19? 
  2. Why is it important that our community take these measures? 
  3. What is something positive you have seen in midst of chaos of COVID-19 as we navigate this together?

“As a cornerstone of health in Stokes County, Novant Health Mountainview Medical has taken several steps to address COVID-19. We have canceled all “well patient” visits such as physicals and well child checks for now. We are also in contact with our routine scheduled visits to see if it is necessary for them to come in. We have opened up several virtual options for healthcare such as video visits, E-visits and telephonic visits and patients are strongly encouraged to use these options if possible.

if a patient calls with respiratory concerns, we are directing them to the Mountainvew Medical Extended Care clinic at 167 Moore Road in King.

We have a dedicated respiratory illness screening center here to keep sick patients in a centralized area.

The spread of the virus can happen in asymptomatic patients which has the potential to cause an exponential spread of the disease, as we have seen in the NC reported cases lately. It is important to stay home as much as possible and wash your hands to reduce transmission of illness.

Through all of this, those of us in the healthcare field have felt an overwhelming amount of concern from those around us. Our jobs expect us to be on the front lines of this pandemic, and that is where we choose to be. Whether it be helping with childcare, school assignments, prayer or just offering a happy text during the day, it is such an encouragement to feel the love and support from our community. I expect this will continue as the illness becomes more prevalent, and it is more appreciated than I could ever express.”

Amber Hairford, MD Family Physician and Associate Lead Clinician of Mountainview Medical/Pilot Mountain Medical Care

 

The first part of our series featured Dr. Michelle Linkous from Novant Health Pediatrics in King.
The second part of our series featured Shelly Greenwood, mother of an at-risk child and Stokes County resident. 
Both articles can be found under Community Outreach.

Stokes: Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives. Part 2

In our series of Local People, Local Stories, Local Impact, we asked Shelly Greenwood, mother of an at-risk child, about COVID-19 and it’s direct impact on their family.

  1. What are you and your family doing in Stokes County to address COVID-19? 
  2. Why is it important that our community take these measures? 
  3. What is something positive you have seen in midst of chaos of COVID-19 as we navigate this together?

“Our daughter, Elizabeth, was born with several major heart defects. Therefore we live in a state of fear quite a bit of the time. She is more susceptible to illness and those illnesses such as the flu, pneumonia and even the common cold can land us at Duke University Hospital for weeks at a time. For our part of COVID-19 we are being very vocal about ways to help keep families like us, as well as healthy families, safe. We are using our social media as platforms to get the word out that we believe that social distancing will help keep the spread of this virus to smaller numbers.”

As for our family, we are staying home, practicing good  hand washing, removing shoes outside and other healthy practices.

“I believe that it is important that we take the safety measures that have been put into place in order to protect ourselves, our families and our community. So many of these practices are things that families with children with special needs or children that are medical compromised are doing daily.  Especially during the winter months.”

“I am in awe of the community spirit that has come out of the COVID-19 pandemic.  We are once again checking on our neighbors, shopping for each other as needed, and being kind to one another as a whole. As hard and sad as this has been for our country and our little community, I feel as though this has also brought us closer.  Perhaps we remember some of those beautiful traits that our grandparents and great grandparents practiced on a daily basis.  It is my hope that we will continue to be kind and thoughtful of one another once this is all over and we go back to whatever our normal is.”

I understand that these times are hard, but for the safety of my daughter, my family and other families like mine, it is imperative that we follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC and the government.
Shelly Greenwood, a Stokes County resident and mother of an at-risk child

 

For the first part of this series, comments from Dr. Michelle Linkous, click here.