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Robeson County is doling out opioid settlement money. But the process isn’t always easy

By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org When Tamiko Murphy first heard that Robeson County would get millions of dollars from opioid settlement cases, she was excited about what it could mean for her nonprofit, Tae’s Pathway, which serves children who use drugs. Since she founded the organization, which she named for her son who died in a car accident 2013, Murphy says she has paid most expenses …Read more Continue reading Robeson County is doling out opioid settlement money. But the process isn’t always easy

Rachel BaldaufApril 3, 2024April 3, 2024

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Health

What the Trillium merger means for Medicaid recipients in NC’s Border Belt

By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org Mental health services for people enrolled in Medicaid in much of southeastern North Carolina will soon be consolidated following a merger approved by the state. Trillium Health Resources will manage mental health care, substance misuse treatment and disability services for many low-income residents in 46 counties — including Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland — when it merges with Eastpointe and Sandhills …Read more Continue reading What the Trillium merger means for Medicaid recipients in NC’s Border Belt

Ben RappaportJanuary 3, 2024January 8, 2024

Bladen County, Health, Profile

Border Belt People Q&A: Murchison’s cleats honor twin brother’s bout with cancer

By Kerria Weaver kerriaweaver@borderbelt.org Larrell Murchison, 26, was born and raised in Elizabethtown playing football from a very young age alongside his twin brother, Farrell. Today, Larrell plays defensive end for the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams. On Dec. 3, Murchison wore customized cleats for the Rams’ matchup against the Cleveland Browns to raise awareness and represent the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation. The Border Belt Independent …Read more Continue reading Border Belt People Q&A: Murchison’s cleats honor twin brother’s bout with cancer

Kerria WeaverDecember 6, 2023December 6, 2023

Health

Medicaid expansion starts Dec. 1 in NC. Here’s how Border Belt counties are preparing

By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org Medicaid expansion will begin in North Carolina on Dec. 1, opening the door for hundreds of thousands of people who were previously ineligible to enroll. The Scotland Health Care System in Laurinburg wants to be prepared. The hospital now has three on-site employees dedicated to helping people through the sign-up process, and staff members are compiling a list of patients who …Read more Continue reading Medicaid expansion starts Dec. 1 in NC. Here’s how Border Belt counties are preparing