July, 2024

Community Newsletter

Trillium Tailored Plan Launches

It’s finally here! Trillium is proud to launch our Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Tailored Plan on July 1. We look forward to continuing to serve our communities with innovative, impactful life-changing services and supports. For Medicaid members placed on the Trillium Tailored Plan, July 1 also marked the launch of the following services: 

• Physical Health and Pharmacy Services 
• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) 
• Nurse Line 
• Physical Health Prevention Programs 
• Trillium Advantage offering value-added services 

Trillium continues to serve members remaining in NC Medicaid Direct or who are uninsured. Certain services, such as mobile crisis, will still be available to all populations, regardless of insurance.

Visit trilliumhealthresources.org/tailored-plan for updates as they become available. You can also stay up to date with the Trillium Facebook page.

We are hosting an online member information session on July 11 at 6 p.m. to help answer questions. 

Recent Highlights

Native American Health Summit shares expert guidance on whole health 

The Native American Health Summit took place on April 20 in Pembroke. Many of the speakers were members of the native tribes in our catchment. This included members of the Lumbee and Waccamaw Siouan tribes. Thanks to our speakers for their presentations on the following topics: 

• Joy Hunt, RD, LDN–Diabetes 
• Tonia Deese, MSW–Mental Health 
• Linda Massey–Alcohol and Substance Abuse Testimonial 
• Nanci Agostinelli, BSN, MBA & Brooke Grooms, MPA, FNP-C–Access to Primary and Behavioral Healthcare 

LGBTQ+ Health Summit celebrates Pride Month and health 

Trillium was honored to host the Take PRIDE in Your Health LGBTQ+ Summit. The event took place in Greensboro on June 18. Topics included 988 and the Trevor Project, Safe Zone, and HIV/AIDs. Special thanks to our speakers who shared their expertise: 

• Secretary Kody Kinsley of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services  
• Lisa Deciantis, NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services 
• Lauren Mathers, Executive Director of Sandhills PRIDE, and Dr. Devlyn McCreight, LCMHC and Sandhills PRIDE volunteer 
• Dru Fulcher, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Trillium 

Be on the lookout on the Trillium website and social media for more Summit events coming soon!  

Trillium Town Hall events continue in July  

Trillium is excited to meet with providers, members, and stakeholders across the legacy Eastpointe and Sandhills Center counties. In May and June, Trillium staff have hosted town halls in 13 counties. The events gave a snapshot of Trillium. The events also opened discussions of what Trillium can do as we continue forward in partnership with these communities. We look forward to rounding off this tour with stops in the following counties in July: 

• July 16: Anson County & Richmond County   
• July 17: Montgomery County & Randolph County   
• July 30: Guilford County   

Taking Flight: Trillium member Walker builds community with birdhouse business 

The right support can help anyone soar. Growing up, Trillium member Walker loved creating birdhouses. With help from Trillium, Walker was able to turn this lifelong passion into purpose. He is now on the precipice of launching his own small business, Roost. 

Walker first began building birdhouses in elementary school. As a Cub Scout, he learned about woodworking. He progressed to the rank of Eagle. His Eagle Scout Project was building bat boxes for the Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington. After graduating high school, Walker began thinking about what might be next. His future was a big point of discussion with Trillium staff. Walker’s care manager informed him of grant funds available through the Small Business Funding Project. The initiative helps eligible Trillium members start or support their small businesses. These ventures can not only provide financial security but also purpose and community. 

With the grant, Walker purchased the cedar wood and materials for his first hundred birdhouses. He also used funds to work with a web designer to create the Roost brand and a website to sell his products. Walker brands each birdhouse with his signature logo for a personal touch. He also particularly enjoyed the photoshoot to help showcase his business. 

He plans to offer three different styles of birdhouses. Walker cannot wait to launch his website very soon. He also looks forward to selling official Roost birdhouses at local markets in Wilmington. The work has also helped him set new goals. His speech therapist helped him prepare for potential questions from customers. Production and getting plans lined up have kept him busy. Walker is excited to see his business in action. He will be able to meet new people and build connections with his community as a business leader. Walker and his family are grateful for their care managers and support staff who have helped Roost take flight. 

Walker is no stranger to staying active in the Wilmington community. “When he’s not working, he’s moving,” Walker’s mom, Michelle, said. He enjoys playing open basketball at the YMCA. He has even run track in the Special Olympics State tournament. Walker is also a music lover. He plays the drums and enjoys local music performances. From his work to everyday life, Walker finds fulfillment and community wherever he goes. 

Learn more about this initiative on the Small Business Funding Project page. 

Noteworthy

Join us for a Trillium Family Weekend at Victory Junction this fall 

Get ready—the newest session for Trillium Family Weekend at Victory Junction is here! Take advantage of the camp’s inclusive environment and diverse amenities this fall. Family Weekends will take place on September 27-29, October 4-6, and October 25-27. The weekend is a unique experience for families to connect. Campers of every ability can feel fully empowered. Victory Junction adapts activities for every need. There is no cost to attend for Trillium members and their families or natural supports. Come experience the magic of camp with us! Spots are limited! Complete the Fall 2024 Interest Form to begin your application. Check the Fall 2024 flier or visit the Victory Junction webpage to learn more!  

Thirty-four Trillium families attended the most recent retreat, held April 12-14. You can see just how exciting and empowering the event was by checking out the Spring EGGstravaganza Weekend video, from our partners at Victory Junction. 

Healthy Opportunities Pilot launched in May   

Trillium Health Resources launched the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) on May 15. The pilot includes 27 services for eligible Medicaid enrollees. These services are related to non-medical resources like housing, food, and transportation. Trillium counties participating in the initial pilot include Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Chowan, Columbus, Edgecombe, Halifax, Hertford, Martin, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Pender, and Pitt Counties. Learn more on the HOP page.  

New inclusive playground Grand Opening coming to Hyde County 

Are you ready to play? Trillium is proud to welcome our newest inclusive playground in Hyde County this July! Join us as we cut the ribbon on July 22 from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at 33478 US-264 in Engelhard. Playgrounds give kids and families the chance to boost their health and connect with others. That kind of fun is made better when everyone can play! Visit our Inclusive Playgrounds page for more information. There are now over 30 other inclusive playgrounds located across the Trillium region. Be on the lookout for a new inclusive playground coming to Robeson County coming late Summer 2024. 

Trillium staff helping to build health and inspire lives across the region    

Our staff are out in our communities building the health and well-being of our neighbors! We’re excited to see our colleagues providing the information, access, and skills to lead healthy, fulfilled lives.  

• Community Liaison Coordinator Dena Hamilton attended the Spring Fling event on April 6. The Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start) hosted the event. It featured games and activities set up for kids and vendor information tables. There was also a bike giveaway and silent cake auction benefitting Smart Start. They were celebrating “Week of the Young Child.”  
• Dena Hamilton attended the National Association of Social Workers annual conference on April 9. The event took place at the Wilmington Convention Center. It included social workers from across the state.   
• Regional Vice President Cecelia Peers attended the first graduation for the New Hanover County Veterans Treatment Court on April 12. Between the two veterans, they had a combined 580 days of sobriety. In attendance were Commissioners Barfield and Zapple, Judge Corpening, and District Attorney Ben David, who all helped get the recovery courts in place in New Hanover County. Coastal Horizons provided treatment services to the veterans.  
• Community Liaison Coordinator Melissa Reese attended the Goldsboro City Council and County Commissioners meeting on April 2. Melissa joined other community partners in reading a proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month.   
• Melissa Reese attended the “Kids on the Lawn” event put on by the partnership for Child Abuse Prevention Month in Wilson County on April 9. Trillium provided a sign and pinwheels from our office that staff put out to support in Whirligig Park. Chief Operating Officer Cindy Ehlers presented alongside Trey Sutton of Siftwell and Sean Schrieber of Alliance Health at the NC TIDE conference. The presentation focused on “How LME/MCOs Are Leveraging AI and Other Strategies to Navigate NC’s Healthcare Climate.”  
• Project Coordinator Sean Lanham visited the Greenville EMPOWER location to teach members about proper bike safety. Kids used accessible bikes and helmets to have a fun and safe time enjoying riding around.  
• Talent Sourcing Specialist Jakita Wilkins attended two job fairs in our communities. She attended the AMEXCAN Bilingual Job Fair held at the Pitt County Agricultural Center on April 12. She also participated in the New Hanover County Schools Career Exploration Fair in Wilmington on April 16. Jakita noted she looks forward to attending future job fairs! 

• Community Liaison Coordinators Dena Hamilton and Annette Daugherty attended the Our State, Our Wellbeing Statewide Summit on Suicide Prevention in Chapel Hill on June 13.  
• Community Liaison Coordinator Tiffanie Herring attended the Community in Action event at BeeBee Memorial Park in Washington. The event included networking, education, and information about the resources available to residents of Beaufort County. 
• Senior Regional Vice President Dave Peterson presented at the Pitt County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 17. Commissioner McLawhorn, Pitt County Commissioner and member of Trillium’s Regional Advisory Board, thanked staff for their work during the meeting. His remarks can be found at 41:15 in the meeting video following Dave’s presentation.  
• Annette Daugherty attended Warren County Memorial Library’s Summer Reading Program Kickoff event. She was able to share information about Trillium and got a lot of interest from Warren County folks about the free trainings that Trillium offers. Annette met Warren County’s Sherriff Branche, and connected him to our training department for CIT. 
• Tiffanie Herring delivered Narcan to the Hyde County Health Department on June 7. Mike Wheeler, a Substance Abuse worker with Hyde County, received the delivery. 

Congratulations to new CIT officers and community members across Trillium’s region 

We’re proud to announce the following law enforcement officers, first responders, and community partners completed their CIT and other mental health trainings! 

• Nine members of various law enforcement agencies completed the 16-hour Advanced CIT training held at Central Carolina Community College – Emergency Services Training Center in Lee County. Agencies represented included police departments from Apex, Greensboro, and Sanford; Sheriff’s departments from Hoke and Richmond Counties; NC Department of Adult Corrections – Community Supervision: Rockingham County; and North Carolina State Parks.   
• Personnel from the Currituck 911 Dispatch and Pasquotank EMS for completing 24 hours of CIT training the week of March 26-28.  
• Dare County law enforcement officers representing the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, Nags Head PD and the Kill Devil Hills PD completed the 40-hour requirements to become CIT Officers.  
• 18 law enforcement officers and one victim advocate completed the 40-hour requirements of CIT training at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount on April 12, 2024. They represent Rocky Mount PD, Wilson PD, Nashville PD and NCDAC – Probation/Parole.  
• 24 members of law enforcement and other first responder agencies graduated from CIT training, held April 1-5, in Guilford County. Participants represented the following first responder agencies: Greensboro PD, Guilford County EMS, Guilford Metro 911, Guilford County Sheriff’s Office – Detention, NC A&T State University PD, Piedmont Triad International Airport PD, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, and the UNC Greensboro PD. CIT training in Guilford County is a partnership between NAMI-Guilford, Greensboro PD, High Point PD, and Trillium Health Resources.  
• 22 officers and first responders representing the Greensboro Police Department, Guilford County Emergency Medical Services, Guilford Metro 911, Guilford County Sheriff’s Office (Detention), High Point Park Rangers and the Piedmont Triad International Airport Police Department.  
• 15 new CIT Officers representing Pitt and Nash County Sheriff’s Offices, the NC Department and Human Services, Caswell Development Center, Department of Veteran Affairs, as well as the Greenville and Havelock Police Departments.  
• 15 officers representing the Robeson and Cumberland County Sheriff’s Offices as well as the Lumberton, UNC Pembroke, and Fayetteville Police Departments.   
• 18 Pasquotank librarians and DSS Workers for completing CCI Training.  
• 14 employees of New Hanover DSS for completing the CCI training.  
• Six members of the NC Department of Adult Corrections (NCDAC) Prison Division completed requirement to become NCDAC CIT Instructors.  The new instructors will present on the topics of Self-Care, Schizophrenia, and Correctional Officers De-Escalation Education and will assist with scenario exercises. 
• 28 NC Department of Correction Officers who completed out Adult Mental Health First Aid training at Wayne Community College.  
• Six new CIT Officers at Bladen County Emergency Services Training Center.  
• Community advocates in Hertford County for spending their Saturday completing Youth MHFA and QPR.  These advocates are learning all they can to support the youth in their community.  
• First responders representing the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Beaufort County EMS, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Williamston Police Department and the Emerald Isle Police Department. CIT trainees completed the 40-hour training in May.  
• The first Advanced CIT training with individuals representing both legacy Sandhills Center and Trillium regions. CIT trainees represented the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office – Detention, NCDAC - Community Supervision Moore County, FirstHealth Hospital Security, and Alamance County Sheriff’s Office.  
• 14 officers representing Brunswick County Probation, Onslow County Detention Center, as well as police departments representing Leland, Swansboro, Holly Ridge, Surf City, Wrightsville Beach, UNCW, and Kure Beach. 
• 13 officers and first responders representing the Asheboro Police Department, Greensboro Police Department, North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections - Community Supervision, Randolph County Emergency Medical Services, and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.  
• 16 officers representing New Hanover Sherriff’s Office, Holly Ridge Police Department, Pender County Sherriff’s Office and Sunny Point Terminal. 
• 22 officers representing the Greensboro Police Department, Guilford County EMS, Guilford Metro 911, Guilford Sherriff’s Office, Detention High Point Park Rangers and Piedmont Triad International Airport. 

If you or someone you know experiences a mental health emergency and is at risk for harming themselves or others, dial 911. Make sure you request a CIT officer.  

Staff Spotlight

Monthly Awareness

Recognizing Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in July

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. It shines a spotlight on the challenges racial and ethnic minority groups face accessing resources for care. Causes of mental illness in marginalized communities often are attributed to poverty and discrimination. Stigma, cost, and lack of access to providers and transportation are obstacles that often keep people from seeking treatment. We know that everyone benefits when underrepresented communities can thrive. In July and throughout the year, we recognize that we all have a role to play in promoting health equity. 

A look back at previous awareness months 

This past winter brought us amazing stories of our neighbors and communities here in North Carolina and beyond. Take a look back at the following awareness months we recognized: 

• Hurricane season began June 1. Are you ready? The season runs until November 30. Get the latest tips on how to prepare from Audrey Hart, Trillium’s Head of Regional BH Community Crisis & Disaster Response. Learn how to prepare with her blog post, “Lessen the Stress: Be Prepared Before Disaster Strikes.” 
• June was LGBTQ+ Pride Month. It was an exciting recognition of LGBTQ+ inclusion and living life as your true self. Acceptance is an essential building block of health. Pride is a calling to continue the work of acceptance and equality for all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer neighbors.  Trillium’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dru Fulcher, answers the question, “Why Pride?”, as part of June’s Pride Month blog post. 
• June 19 recognized Juneteenth’s celebration of freedom. It commemorates the official end of slavery in the United States. It is a vital day of freedom, justice, and the march towards equality that persists to this day. 
• June also recognized National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month and Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. 
• Mental Health Awareness Month in May highlighted the importance of good mental health. The goal is to encourage understanding and compassion for those struggling with mental health issues, reduce stigma, and celebrate recovery. Dr. LaDonna Battle, Trillium’s Care Management Population Health Officer, shared an important reminder for caregivers to prioritize their mental health. Read her blog post, “As a caregiver, don’t forget to take care of yourself!” 
• Military Appreciation Month pays tribute to the sacrifices made by the brave members of the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present. We were excited to express our gratitude to those service members and veterans within our communities—thank you for your service and our freedoms! 

Take a look back on these awareness months and more on Trillium’s social media pages. 

Recent Trillium News Releases & Blog Posts