Thankful to live in Rowan,
a community that cares

At the Rowan County United Way’s campaign finale meeting, I watched Penny Greer-Link, this year’s campaign chair, as she welcomed each community volunteer up on the stage to report how much we have raised towards our $ 1, 999,999.99 goal — destined to be distributed to the 16 United Way agencies so they can serve our Rowan County families.

I saw Jackie Harris, United Way’s resource development and marketing director, in tears as we realized that we had not yet met our goal. Even with all the time, energy, and prayers exhausted by the end of this campaign by a multitude of volunteers, we were just a little over $300,000 short of the finish line.

As one of the 16 United Way agencies, each year Families First, serves more than 4,000 children and families. Through the generosity and support of the United Way and this community we have been able to extend a helping hand for teen parents to stay in school and graduate, offer parenting classes and resources for fragile families, and provide classes that teach our children how to care and respect one another and get along.

Even in the toughest economic times, for the past four years this community has met or exceeded the United Way campaign goal, demonstrating that we care about each other — and want to help.

“Red, White, and You — United We Can” was the theme of this campaign, representing how we as Americans answer the call when times get tough. Just like we are doing now in the wake of the horrific events in Paris — all over this country — we send a strong message. We care!

This community is very special — a small town community that comes together when people need us — and I believe that we will do that again. We are almost there.  Our children and families are depending on us.

I urge all of us to search deep in our hearts and dig deep in our pockets for that spare change and give to the United Way. ‘Tis the season to be thankful for a community that cares. Thank you!

— Jeannie Sherrill

Rockwell

Sherrill is director of Families First, a United Way agency

220 vets seen on special day

On Saturday, Nov. 14, the Salisbury VA Medical Center, along with VA medical centers across the country, participated in the Department of Veterans Affairs National Access Stand Down. During the week of Nov. 9-13, we contacted veterans identified as having the most important and acute needs, and scheduled appointments for Nov. 14, earlier if possible, or within the next 10 days.

On Saturday, in addition to our regularly scheduled clinics, special access clinics were held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Medical Center as well as the Charlotte and Winston-Salem Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).

Approximately 220 veterans were seen in primary care and various sub-specialties, including cardiology, urology, gastroenterology, podiatry, mental health, dental and imaging. Additional Saturday clinics will be scheduled as needed.

Thank you to all of our nation’s veterans, and our staff who worked Saturday to improve access, many of whom are veterans themselves. The Salisbury VA Health Care System is committed to providing the best health care possible to America’s heroes.

—  Marlous H. Black

Black is public affairs officer for the  Salisbury VA Health Care System.