URBAN CALL — HEALTHY LIVING EVERY DAY!
Vol.24 Issue 1
Health insuranceProgram is available Affordable Connectivity for many people right now Helping Households Connect
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is truly a lifesaver, and you may be able to sign up Goler Community Development Additionally, it offers a one-time To enroll, eligible households can for affordable health insurance right now. Corporation discount of up to $100 for the visit GetInternet.gov to submit Although the main and timeitstomarketing get health insurance SMSi 1Healthy ispartner November throughLiving January 15purchase of a computer, laptop, or an online application or opt for a each year, you may qualifytheir for a special Solutions, Inc., unveiled tablet, with the household conmail-in application. Alternatively, Individuals qualify for a special enrollment enrollment period (SEP). commitment to raising awareness tributing between $10 and $50 they can contact their preferred
WHO CAN GET HEALTH INSURANCE NOW? period based on certain
tive by the Federal Communica-
Households qualify for the
The ACP not only addresses eco-
1. Limited GREAT LOW COSTS! tions BENEFITS! Commission (FCC). Aimed ACP if their income is at orhousehold below nomicincome. constraints but also em-
2. Loss of qualified health coverage. at addressing the digital divide, the 200% of the Federal Poverty powers communities by bridging
discount of up to $30 for broad-
Call now to see if you qualify, orthis, participates in various assisBe a lifesaver: if you are covered, share band service to eligible house336-759-7477. tance Urban Call publication with a loved one or programs such as SNAP, holds and up toneed $75 for qualifying friend who might health insurance. Medicaid, or public housing.
Publisher, Urban Call; SMSi-Urban Call Marketing, Inc. President & CEO
PARTNERS MESSAGE First things first!edition Welcome to another
27 Forsyth County Health Officials
To obtain additional free copies of Urban Call for distribution to members of your organization: Call: 336-759-7477 Email: SMSipartners@smsi-net.com For a digital copy of Urban Call, visit http://Issuu.com/SmsiUrbanCallMarketing.com Jonathan Swift, Dir., Public Health
Shontell Robinson, Dep. Mgr
5
Health Champions
Simone Biles, Olympian
3
Tyler Perry, filmaker
Goler CDC
Angela Garrett Bassett, Bolden, Actress CFO
Michael Suggs, President
2
CHOOSE A techcareers Income key to insurance costs
Courtney B. Vance, Actor
Inside...
Lafayette Jones
know that right ofWe Urban Call, anthe SMSi publithings to do are to eat a cation, as we celebrate Goler healthy diet, exercise CDC’s 25th and year get anniversary. regularly, enough sleep. Although things Founded in 1998,these the misare easier said than done, sion of the organization is to we can’t stop trying. Since strengthen community our mental its health is also by vital, takeeconomic advantage of thejob fostering growth, mental and health counseling creation, increasing wealth that is covered in all ACA and theInsurance quality of plans. life forStay the Health residents. healthy!
All ACA policies cover annual physicals, 3. Change in household ACP ensures that households can Eligibility is estabthe digitalsize. gap, ensuring equal mammograms, colonoscopies, and manyGuidelines. vac4. Change in primary place of living. proafford essential broadband services cines at no cost to the consumer. About lished 1/3 ofif a household member re- access to the opportunities 5. Other situations or exceptional for work, education, healthcare, the consumers pay less than $10 a month for a Federal Pell Grant, meets vided by the digital age. ceived their and insurance no more. premiums, and many pay criteria for a circumstances. participating provid- Register today as program ends premium at all. The program extends a monthly er’s low-income internet program, soon!
,,
SMSi Healthy Living Solutions, Inc. Founder & CEO
Sherita Sutton, Asst. Dir., Public Health
about the Affordable Connectivity
through a participating broadparticipating broadband provider For free help to sign up call 336-759-7477. life events or circumstances, including: Program (ACP), a pivotal initiato choose a suitable plan. Or email SMjones@smsi-net.com.band provider.
Sandra Miller Jones
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URBAN CALL - HEALTHY LIVING EVERY DAY!
GOLER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION: CONNECTING TO THE FUTURE The Goler Community Development Corporation was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1998 as the development arm of the Goler Memorial AME Zion church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The vision was to revitalize the area around the church into a multicultural, mixed-income neighborhood that offers a safe, diverse, affordable community for those seeking the benefits of a downtown urban atmosphere. To date, the organization has developed over 300 units of housing, commercial properties, and urban farming initiatives to address food insecurity, but there is still more to do.
Goler CDC Headquarters Wake Forest Innovation Quarter Winston-Salem, NC
In order to build a strong and sustainable community, it’s equally important to nurture the individual people so that they have the economic and health-oriented initiatives that allow them to prosper and enjoy their community. To address these issues, we have developed our workforce development program (Techcareers), healthcare (Affordable Care Act), and internet access (Affordable Connectivity Program). Community development is not just one thing but taking on multiple challenges that negatively impact our community.
Underserved Populations Barriers A 2017 Poverty Study by Forsyth Futures revealed that Forsyth County faced higher unemployment rates in 2014 compared to peer communities. Demographic disparities were evident, with African American residents experiencing almost double the unemployment rates of Hispanic/Latino residents and three times that of White, non-Hispanic residents. Younger residents, especially between 16 to 24, had higher unemployment rates. The study proposed recommendations for local organizations to address job and workforce disparities. Despite economic challenges, the Information & Technology Industry, particularly in Winston Salem, showed significant growth. The North Carolina Department of Commerce projected a 14% increase in IT industry employment by 2026.
However, participants in workforce programs faced barriers like financial hardship, childcare, transportation, housing, and mental health. Affording essential items for education, such as course materials and computers, was a challenge. The cost of attending North Carolina universities in 2019 was $10,925 annually, with Forsyth Technical Community College’s in-state tuition at $2,199. The region known as “The Carolina Core” boasts economic opportunities, with companies like Hanesbrands and Honda Aircraft calling it home. The Wake Forest Innovation Quarter in Downtown Winston Salem, a rapidly growing hub for innovation, aims to create a diverse environment, offering opportunities for newcomers in the IT industry to contribute to the area’s exponential growth.
URBAN CALL - HEALTHY LIVING EVERY DAY!
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TechCareers Education Program Celebrates Graduation The air was charged with excitement and achievement as the TechCareers program recently celebrated the graduation of its latest cohort of 20 budding IT professionals. The ceremony, held at Forsyth Tech’s Mazie Woodruff Campus, marked a pivotal moment for the graduates, showcasing their dedication and hard work in mastering CompTIA IT fundamentals. PAGE 2 This program, funded by the City of Winston-Salem ARPA, is designed to cater to underemployed and unemployed individuals seeking opportunities in the tech industry, witnessed an inspiring group of individuals completing rigorous training and education modules. From learning Graduating Class of TechCareers Education Program about coding languages to delving into The TechCareers Program remains dediThe event concluded with cheers and cybersecurity, the graduates emerged cated to supporting these graduates as they equipped with in-demand skills poised applause as the graduates received their well-earned certificates, a testament to their venture into the professional realm, bridging to make a significant impact in the dedication and the program’s commitment to the gap between education and employment, ever-evolving world of technology. empowering individuals in the tech sphere. and contributing to the thriving tech ecosysThe ceremony was attended by As Winston-Salem’s tech sector continues tem of Winston Salem. industry professionals, mentors, and We are now enrolling for the next cohort. community leaders, emphasizing the to expand and innovate, the graduation cersignificance of collaboration between emony stands as a beacon of hope, showcas- For further information about the program, education and industry in nurturing ing the potential and promise of individuals please visit the website at www.techcareers2020.com or call 336-761-0595 x103. passionate about pursuing careers in IT. the next generation of IT talent.
URBAN CALL - HEALTHY LIVING EVERY DAY!
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How has the Internet helped healthcare?
The Internet has helped healthcare in information on the Internet can help pa- healthcare history, which they can review a variety of ways. Physicians, nurses and tients realize some questions they might from the privacy of their own home, acpharmacists have an array of up-to-thecording to the NIH. have to ask their physician about their minute information at their fingertips, and health concern, according to the NIH. The MyChart is a free electronic medical so do most patients. record service offered to patients of Prehealthcare information patients find on the The Internet has become a valuable re- Internet can help patients and their physi- mier Health. source for health information for many pa- cians build a better partnership as a healthBy getting online in the comfort of tients, according to the National Institutes care team but only if patients communicate their own homes, MyChart allows paof Health (NIH). If a patient has and ache, with their physicians about information tients to: pain or other concern, they can do a quick they find on the internet. • Access trusted health information Internet search and choose reliable sources resources The NIH also states that patients who to learn about some possible reasons for • Communication electronically with have a diagnosis they might find difficult their health concern. your medical team (but not for to deal with – such as finding out they have Patients who do research online can get cancer – can find a lot of positive stories emergency situations) value out of the convenience, anonymity • Renew prescriptions online of other people who have had the and the quantity of information, according same conditions. These stories can help • Schedule medical appointments to the NIH. Of course the internet does not give patients hope and help them stay moti- • View a health summary take the place of a physician or hospital and vated to fight for their health, too. Another • View certain test results should never be relied upon for emergency advantage of the Internet in healthcare is Talk to your physician for more inforsituations. mation about how the Internet might help the electronic medical record, which is a Having access to the massive amount of personalized record of a patient’s benefit your personal healthcare future.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Embrace the Affordable Connectivity Program for Enhanced Access Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is partnering with Mecklenburg County’s Center for Digital Equity to sign up eligible families for low-cost internet services through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is a federal program that provides $30 a month toward home internet service, making some plans free. Access to home internet has become a necessity for our students to fully engage in both academics and extracurricular activities, and this service will ensure that all students have equal access to our schools’
resources at home. To learn more and apply, families must Families are eligible if: visit thecenterfordigitalequity.org/acp or • Their child attends one of our 68 call Mecklenburg County’s Digital NavigaCommunity Eligibility Provision tor Service by dialing 311. schools. (Whitewater is) • Their child receives free or reduced-price lunch. • Their income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if someone in the household already participates in a government assistance program, such as SNAP, WIC or Medicaid.