Weekly Insights

A new prescription drug discount card will help all citizens cope with the high price of prescription drugs. Wake county is making the free cards available to all citizens, regardless of income or insurance status, as part of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Prescription Drug Discount Card Program. Wake County employees may use the card only for prescriptions not covered by insurance.

Starting this week, NACo Prescription Drug Discount Cards will be available at Wake County government buildings including libraries and human services centers. The card is also available at most pharmacies. It may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. One card can be used for all family members, including pets. Consumers will save an average of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs at retail locations, and are eligible for higher discounts on a three-month supply of some medications through mail service.

Answers to frequently asked questions, including how to get a card are available online at www.wakegov.com/naco or by calling 1-877-321-2652.

Celebration Gives Back to County Volunteers

Thousands of Wake County volunteers and their families celebrated community service during the Wake County Board of Commissioners' third annual Volunteer Celebration at the RBC Center, prior to the Carolina Hurricanes' preseason hockey game vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets, on September 28.

Twenty three Commissioners' Volunteer Awards nominees were recognized at the event - Commissioners and County staff honored 23 individuals and one group nominated for Wake County Volunteer of the Year Awards. Nominees attended a special reception with County Commissioners. More than 630 volunteers and their families were treated to dinner and the hockey game.

Rebecca Brenner, a dedicated student and top fundraiser for the Walk of Hope, was selected as the 2007 Wake County Larry B. Zieverink Volunteer of the Year. William "Bill" Speller Smith Jr., an avid reader and coordinator of the Wake County Public Libraries booksale, was named the 2007 Wake County Government Volunteer of the Year. The winners and their families watched the hockey game from a suite.

See yourself in the stands next year. Sign up to volunteer today. For more information, contact Anne Cameron at 250-3842.

Election Day is Almost Here

Election Day is next Tuesday, October 9. It's your chance to choose leaders for the City of Raleigh, the Town of Cary and the Wake County Board of Education. The ballot will also include 4 bonds. The Wake County Open Space Bond, the Wake Tech Community College Bond, the Wake County Public Libraries Bond and the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Bond.

The polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Voters also have the option to cast an absentee vote until October 6. Click here for a list of locations and times.

Wake County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) promoted 20 paramedics to Field Training Officer (FTO) status and four FTOs to Senior FTOs on Friday, September 21.

"To work as a paramedic in Wake County's system takes a lot of dedication and professionalism," said EMS Chief Skip Kirkwood. "These paramedics have not only performed at the highest level, but have demonstrated the ability to coordinate emergency care and the integration of new staff members into this high-tech EMS system."

The newly promoted FTOs were greeted by the Wake EMS Honor Guard and the Wake and District Public Safety Pipes and Drums band as they entered the pinning and oath ceremony. Commendable Service and Baby Delivery awards were also distributed.

'Lets Get to Work' Initiative Receives National Award, Recognition by Commissioners

Wake County Commissioners recognized members of the "Let's Get to Work" initiative at their October 1 meeting. The group recently received a Community Service Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners for appreciation of their work with the Research Triangle, N.C. communities and the Our Women in Business organization.

The organization, staffed by county employees and volunteers, assists the homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless in Wake County. The initiative is part of the regional 10-year Plan to End Homelessness and provides access to resources such as childcare and transportation and other programs to help those in need to obtain and maintain jobs. The Human Services Department's Child Care Subsidy Program works with The City of Raleigh, Wake Continuum of Care, Triangle United Way and other community groups to fulfill the needs of homeless families.

Storytelling Festival 2007

Dozens of families enjoyed an afternoon of tall tales at the annual Storytelling Festival, Saturday, September 29 at Historic Oak View County Park in Raleigh.

As visitors traveled through the park they heard historical yarns, legends, folk tales, ghost stories and much more. The event was sponsored by Wake County Libraries.

Local Authors Night a Big Hit in Apex

Eva Perry Regional Library hosted its 4th Annual Local Authors Night on September 18. This year's North Carolina writers, who discussed and signed books, were Debbie Moose, Ellen Elizabeth Hunter, Peggy Van Scoyoc, Carmine Prioli, June Spence and Maurice Hargraves. The authors entertained a large audience with personal anecdotes and readings from their books.

Caring, Serving and Respecting Customers Winners

Insights is proud to feature winners of the Wake County Caring, Serving and Respecting Customers award each quarter. This quarter's CSRC winners were recognized at the September 17, 2007, Board of Commissioners meeting.

Deborah Wiggins Carter
Deborah Wiggins Carter is a Senior Case Manager in the Human Services Department. Carter serves the community above and beyond the requirements of her position as Employment Counselor for Work First Family Assistance.

In one case, Carter realized that one of her client's, a mother, was experiencing low self-esteem and was hesitant to look for a job because of dental problems. Carter stepped in and made arrangements for the woman to receive a dental "makeover." The mother followed through with the appointment and was able to gain employment to support her family.

Monica Lucas
Monica Lucas is a library assistant at the Richard B. Harrison library in Raleigh. The library serves many patrons struggling to find jobs, secure health insurance and childcare. When these challenges are blended with the high volume of business at the library, it can be difficult for any employee to stand all day and deliver warm, caring and effective service. Monica always connects with her customers and has gone out of her way to help them. Examples include:

Relive the 80s to Raise $80,000

Do you remember Pop Rocks and Pac-Man? Do you know all the words to Karma Chameleon?

This year, the 2007 Combined Campaign, which supports more than 150 local programs that meet citizens' most critical needs, celebrates everything 80s to reach our fundraising goal of $80,000.

The campaign kicks off on October 15, and concludes on November 12 with the 17th Annual Combined Campaign Golf Tournament. Activities and events will take place throughout the month.

Employees who contribute before October 15 will become part of this year's new "Pace Setters" club and will receive a pin that recognizes them as a leader in giving. They will also be qualified for special prize drawings.

Watch your e-mail for announcements about kick-off events that feature refreshments, trivia games, and 80s karaoke and dance contests. Here are a few of the events already in the works:

For more information, contact Denise Kissel at 212-7083.

Get In Insights!

Insights is always looking for story ideas. Submit your suggestions to Insights@wakegov.com or call 856-7532. The next edition of Insights will be out Tuesday, October 16. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 11.