suicide prevention

Jail suicides are on the rise in North Carolina

North Carolina jail suicides reached record high last year, amid calls for reform

June 4, 2020 by Hannah Critchfield Leave a Comment

North Carolina jail suicides reached record high last year, amid calls for reform - North Carolina Health News

Advocates say the deaths highlight the critical need for reform of outdated state jail policies, which remain in limbo at the state legislature.

By Hannah Critchfield In the first month of the new year, Melissa Middleton Rice, 49, was left alone in the booking room at the Jackson County Detention Center. Nearly an hour later, an officer would check on her for the first time, even though on a closed circuit monitored by guards, she had not moved […]

Students holding colorful cards in a program about suicide prevention

Churches are an unlikely ally in solving the rural internet access puzzle

May 21, 2020 by Liora Engel-Smith 1 Comment

Churches are an unlikely ally in solving the rural internet access puzzle - North Carolina Health News

With the coronavirus pandemic highlighting the depth of rural broadband needs, churches have set their sights on increasing access in their communities.

By Liora Engel-Smith Bridgette Diaz can’t use her cell phone without Wi-Fi. Her cellular carrier does not cover Robbinsville, the tiny mountain town where she has made her home. Diaz doesn’t have an internet connection either. Robbinsville, the Graham County seat, is situated in a four-county pocket with some of the worst broadband adoption rates […]

shows three politicians who are usually at odds on the same dias, they're there in order to sign bills to provide COVID relief

Coronavirus Today – May 12 – Pandemic politics; NC manufacturers help; mental health awareness

May 12, 2020 by Editor

Coronavirus Today – May 12 – Pandemic politics; NC manufacturers help; mental health awareness - North Carolina Health News

Political divides are emerging again during the pandemic slightly more than a week after Republicans and Democrats reached consensus on a relief package.

By North Carolina Health News staff ‘Pandemics cannot be partisan’ Eight days have passed since Republican leaders at the helm of the General Assembly stood side-by-side with Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, to show that the two parties could come together in consensus to support a $1.5 billion pandemic relief package. The harmony was short-lived. […]

a montage of all the stressors and things to remember as people attempt to cope with covid-19

Managing mental health during COVID-19

May 8, 2020 by Taylor Knopf

Managing mental health during COVID-19 - North Carolina Health News

Healthy coping skills, mental health resources can ease the pain of physical distance during the pandemic.

By Taylor Knopf North Carolinians will be living in a state of uncertainty a little longer. This week, Gov. Roy Cooper announced a modified “stay home” order that extends to May 22 which looks very similar to the original order with a few exceptions. It’s clear that our lives will not return to normal anytime […]

A group of people at tables watching a speaker on stage at a suicide prevention event

Charlotte community events bring suicide prevention to the fore

November 14, 2019 by Yen Duong

Charlotte community events bring suicide prevention to the fore - North Carolina Health News

Events sponsored by Atrium Health and nonprofit group Healthy Charlotte Alliance brought together community members, health care providers and advocates to raise awareness of suicide and prevention.

By Yen Duong Last week, the North Carolina Child Task Force released a report showing that suicide among 10 to 17-year-olds reached its highest rate ever in 2018, with 52 child deaths by suicide in North Carolina. That report underscores the need that pushed two groups in Charlotte to hold community suicide awareness and prevention […]

Hurricane Dorian thrashes farmer’s tobacco crop

September 6, 2019 by Greg Barnes

Hurricane Dorian thrashes farmer’s tobacco crop - North Carolina Health News

Brunswick County farmer Jody Clemmons tried to remain upbeat as Hurricane Dorian approached. This morning, after surveying his fields, he was left wondering if he will have to change how he farms to remain solvent after three hurricanes in 36 months.

By Greg Barnes Shortly after sunrise today, Brunswick County farmer Jody Clemmons left his house to survey the damage Hurricane Dorian caused to his tobacco and soybean crops in fields near the coast. What he found was expected, and heartbreaking, for a farmer who has now endured three hurricanes in four growing seasons. Dorian brought […]

A field of corn that's leaning over with pines trees behind it.

For one Brunswick County farmer, it feels like hurricanes “have become the new norm”

September 5, 2019 by Greg Barnes

For one Brunswick County farmer, it feels like hurricanes “have become the new norm” - North Carolina Health News

Three hurricanes in four growing seasons have taken an economic and emotional toll on many of North Carolina’s farmers.

By Greg Barnes The only thing Brunswick County farmer Jody Clemmons can do now is wait. And hope. Is there still a chance that a high pressure ridge could push Hurricane Dorian back out to sea, he wondered Wednesday morning? That is unlikely at this stage. The National Weather Service in Raleigh says to expect […]

shows a rack of rifles. They're part of the debate over red flag laws.

Want to prevent gun violence? Some states turn to ‘red flag’ laws.

August 13, 2019 by Side Effects Public Media

Want to prevent gun violence? Some states turn to ‘red flag’ laws. - North Carolina Health News

Earlier this year, police dispatchers in Evansville, Indiana, received a chilling call. A man said he was holding his wife at knifepoint, and he warned police that he was heavily armed.

By Isaiah Seibert Side Effects Public Media Earlier this year, police dispatchers in Evansville, Indiana, received a chilling call. A man said he was holding his wife at knifepoint, and he warned police that he was heavily armed. “I’ve spent the last two days arming my residence against forced police entry, and I’m armed to […]

a young man looks down, his lips a tight line while he paused while speaking about the effects of gun violence on his life

Lawmakers attempt to move gun safety bills at the statehouse

August 7, 2019 by Emily Davis

Lawmakers attempt to move gun safety bills at the statehouse - North Carolina Health News

Democrats pushed to have two bills promoting gun safety through the committee where they've been stuck for months. The measures take a public health approach to preventing gun violence.

By Emily Davis and Rose Hoban On the tail end of their summer vacation, instead of hitting the beach, three North Carolina high school students paced the halls of the state’s legislative office building. Darshan Raj, Lauren Smith and Gianna Gregory arrived at the legislature Tuesday morning as advocates for a parliamentary procedure that would […]

map shows states that have not expanded Medicaid in orange (14) and states that have in dark blue (36 + DC)

In state health report cards, North Carolina falls below average

June 13, 2019 by Yen Duong

In state health report cards, North Carolina falls below average - North Carolina Health News

In a report released this week, nonprofit research foundation The Commonwealth Fund ranked North Carolina 34th out of 50 states and Washington, D.C in terms of overall health performance.

By Yen Duong North Carolina has continued to perform below average in a national ranking of state health systems, moving from 35th in 2018 to 34th this year. On June 12, the Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit health policy research foundation, released its annual report comparing state health systems based on 47 measures including health care […]

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