North Carolina

Why three NC medical students think an anti-DEI bill would be a disaster for medicine • NC Newsline

Published

8 months ago

April 17, 2024

Why three NC medical students think an anti-DEI bill would be a disaster for medicine • NC Newsline

Washington, Hyde, Gates, and Yancey are four of the North Carolina counties without a single pediatrician, OB-GYN, or psychiatrist. This is not uncommon — 20 of our state’s counties lack a pediatrician, 26 lack an OB-GYN, and 32 lack a psychiatrist.

These provider shortages disproportionately impact rural and low-income communities and would likely worsen under a new proposal introduced by eastern North Carolina Congressman Greg Murphy.

Misleadingly entitled the “Embracing Anti-Discrimination, Unbiased Curricula, and Advancing Truth in Education (EDUCATE) Act,” the bill would block U.S. medical schools from receiving federal funding if they support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)-related policies or programs.

At present, DEI offices support medical education pipeline programs that train low-income and rural students, who are more likely to return home to practice medicine.

Also on the chopping block: medical education programs for underrepresented students, patient advocacy initiatives and health equity certifications, needs-based scholarships, and LGBTQ+ affirming care training.

North Carolina is a diverse state with diverse needs. Beyond enhancing our medical education, DEI initiatives improve the quality of care for our patients. As medical students enrolled in three of our state’s medical schools, we believe the EDUCATE Act would harm our patient communities and should not win approval.

When our medical workforce is diverse, our patients thrive. Research shows that patient satisfaction and key clinical outcomes such as cholesterol screening rates and medication adherence improve when healthcare providers share the same racial or ethnic background as their patients.

Over the last decade, North Carolina has become significantly more racially and ethnically diverse, particularly with the growth of our Hispanic and Asian populations. Following the Supreme Court’s ban on affirmative action, DEI programs at medical schools are even more important to ensure that the state develops qualified medical students who are representative of our population.

In addition to improving medical education, DEI offices offer many programs that improve the health of communities. DEI outreach and pipeline programs connect students who are underrepresented minorities in medicine, of low socioeconomic status, and from rural areas to academic enrichment resources that support them in becoming qualified medical school applicants and future doctors. Such programs are critical to addressing primary care shortage areas, as physicians from underserved communities are more likely to work in these communities.

Health providers can also partner with DEI offices to educate their colleagues about the specific needs of individual communities and to advocate for increased patient access to high-quality care. DEI programs support collaboration between medical student groups, hospital leadership, and patient communities in organizing training sessions that enhance care for marginalized patient groups. Such sessions foster the growth of high-quality patient-physician partnerships and are associated with improved patient satisfaction. DEI offices also catalyze health professional involvement in initiatives that seek to improve the health of all patients and students, regardless of their demographic characteristics.

Critics of DEI initiatives claim that they could lead to harmful consequences for patients under the false assumption that DEI casts aside merit and “admits students based on their race, gender, or religion.” What these critics fail to acknowledge, however, is that all medical students undergo an extremely rigorous admission selection process and are required to meet the same academic and clinical standards to become licensed physicians.

Other critics argue that DEI places an undue burden on physicians to fix larger social issues. Yet, omitting education about the social factors affecting health would be a disservice to patients whose social needs may influence their most optimal treatment plans. We support a medical curriculum that is evidence-based, comprehensive, and factual.

From fostering the growth of qualified medical school applicants to advocating for the health needs of marginalized patient populations, DEI initiatives benefit the health workforce and patients alike. The Association of American Medical Colleges, American College of Physicians, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently released statements in opposition to the EDUCATE Act. As concerned future physicians who recognize the need for DEI programs in North Carolina and nationwide, we urge members of the United States Congress to oppose the EDUCATE Act.

This essay reflects the individual views of the authors and does not represent the views of their medical institutions.

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North Carolina

NC Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Dec. 25, 2024

Published

8 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

The NC Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

15-26-27-30-35, Powerball: 03, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

04-10-35-42-45, Lucky Ball: 02

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

Day: 8-0-0, Fireball: 3

Evening: 7-3-2, Fireball: 2

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

Day: 9-0-3-0, Fireball: 7

Evening: 9-3-8-4, Fireball: 7

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

03-09-28-39-40

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Double Play numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

01-11-15-18-22

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All North Carolina Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.

For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at North Carolina Lottery Offices. By mail, send a prize claim form, your signed lottery ticket, copies of a government-issued photo ID and social security card to: North Carolina Education Lottery, P.O. Box 41606, Raleigh, NC 27629. Prize claims less than $600 do not require copies of photo ID or a social security card.

To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a prize claim form and deliver the form, along with your signed lottery ticket and government-issued photo ID and social security card to any of these locations:

Asheville Regional Office & Claim Center: 16-G Regent Park Blvd., Asheville, NC 28806, 877-625-6886 press #1. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Greensboro Regional Office & Claim Center: 20A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407, 877-625-6886 press #2. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Charlotte Regional Office & Claim Center: 5029-A West W. T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269-1861, 877-625-6886 press #3. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
NC Lottery Headquarters: Raleigh Claim Center & Regional Office, 2728 Capital Blvd., Suite 144, Raleigh, NC 27604, 877-625-6886 press #4. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.
Greenville Regional Office & Claim Center: 2790 Dickinson Avenue, Suite A, Greenville, NC 27834, 877-625-6886 press #5. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Wilmington Regional Office & Claim Center: 123 North Cardinal Drive Extension, Suite 140, Wilmington, NC 28405, 877-625-6886 press #6. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://nclottery.com/.

When are the North Carolina Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
Pick 3, 4: 3:00 p.m. and 11:22 p.m. daily.
Cash 5: 11:22 p.m. daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Carolina Connect editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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North Carolina

Santa Claus swaps reindeer for alpacas at farm in Waynesville

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Santa Claus swaps reindeer for alpacas at farm in Waynesville

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. — At Winchester Creek Farm, Santa Claus traded in his traditional reindeer for alpacas during the farm’s Santa Tour on Monday.

The event offered visitors a unique opportunity to pose for photos with Santa and interact closely with the farm’s animals.

The farm also featured a large mailbox for children to send their letters to Santa. Luanna Baldwin, a mother from Canton, expressed her delight with the experience.

“This was a great outing to take the girls for some Christmas magic,” Baldwin said. “They’ve been asking to see Santa, write a letter specifically, so that was super fun.”

At Winchester Creek Farm, Santa Claus traded in his traditional reindeer for alpacas during the farm’s Santa Tour, which concluded on Monday, Dec. 23.

WLOS via CNN Newsource

In addition to the alpacas, the tour allowed guests to feed and pet various other farm animals. Farm Manager Ashley Edwards highlighted the joy the event brings to visitors of all ages.

“We have people come in who are in their 60s, 70s, and above who have never touched a chicken before, and I’m able to provide that kind of happiness to their hearts to their soul, and I think it’s great,” Edwards said. “This is a memory people aren’t going to forget.”

Winchester Creek Farm has been hosting the Santa Tours for the past six years. Although this year’s event has ended, the farm offers tours throughout the year.

Winchester Creek Farm operates as a year-round working farm, raising animals primarily for the fiber produced by their coats.

SEE ALSO | Schools closed for winter break: Family fun things to do

Featured video is ABC11 24/7 Livestream

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North Carolina

Multiple injuries reported in northeast Charlotte 8-car crash

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Multiple injuries reported in northeast Charlotte 8-car crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – An eight-car crash injured several people and shut down a major interstate on Christmas Eve, the Charlotte Fire Department confirmed.

The crash happened at Interstate 85 North at West W.T. Harris Boulevard. I-85 was shut down by 7:40 p.m. and isn’t expected to reopen before 10:40 p.m.

Of those injured, two were taken to area hospitals, according to Medic.

Crews at the scene said to expect significant delays in the area.

For the latest traffic maps, visit drivenc.gov.

WBTV is working to find out more information. Download the free WBTV News app for the latest updates sent straight to your device.

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