Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)

Shining a Light on Elder Abuse – Awareness, Prevention, and Action

Triad Regional Connections Podcast Episode: Shining a Light on Elder Abuse – Awareness, Prevention, and Action Join hosts Audra Adams and Lamar Powell for a powerful and timely conversation on a topic that touches families and communities throughout the Triad and beyond: Elder Abuse. In this episode, we welcome special guests Adrienne Calhoun and Heather Magill. Adrienne serves as the Director of the Area Agency on Aging with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council. Heather is an Elder Justice Specialist with the Family Justice Center in Guilford County. Together, we explore the often-hidden reality of elder abuse, why it’s so underreported, and what we can all do to protect our older adults. Links:  Piedmont Triad Regional Council - Area Agency on Aging:https://www.ptrc.org/services/area-agency-on-aging [https://www.ptrc.org/services/area-agency-on-aging] Guilford County Family Justice Center:https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/government/departments-and-agencies/family-justice-center [https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/government/departments-and-agencies/family-justice-center]Elder Abuse Awareness Walk:https://www.ptrc.org/walk [https://www.ptrc.org/walk]

Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)

In this episode of the Triad Regional Connections Podcast, co-hosts Audra Adams and Lamar Powell sit down with Jeanie Myers Schepisi, Field Operations Manager and Central Regional Manager for the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Jeanie shares valuable, unbiased information to help seniors and their families navigate Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, and long-term care insurance. Whether you're a Medicare beneficiary, caregiver, or simply planning ahead, this conversation delivers practical guidance on understanding your options, avoiding common pitfalls, and accessing free counseling services available across all 100 North Carolina counties. Key Topics Discussed: * What is SHIIP and how it provides free, objective Medicare counseling * Medicare enrollment, plan comparisons, and common questions * Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help for prescription drugs * Protecting yourself from Medicare fraud and billing errors * Local resources and how to connect with a SHIIP counselor near you 🎙️ Episode Links & Resources: * SHIIP Helpline: 1-855-408-1212 (Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm) * Learn more about SHIIP: https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/medicare-and-seniors-health-insurance-information-program-shiip [https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/medicare-and-seniors-health-insurance-information-program-shiip] If you're in the Piedmont Triad or across North Carolina and want clear answers on senior health insurance, this episode is a must-watch. 👍 Like if this information is helpful! 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 💬 Drop your questions in the comments — we may feature them in a future show! Triad Regional Connections Podcast is brought to you by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC). #SHIIP #MedicareNC #SeniorHealth #MedicareHelp #TriadNC #NorthCarolina #ElderCare #PTRCPodcast

Fall Prevention – Expert Strategies for Safer Aging

Triad Regional Connections Podcast Episode: Fall Prevention – Expert Strategies for Safer Aging In this episode of the Triad Regional Connections Podcast, host Audra Adams is joined by experts from the Piedmont Triad Regional Council and Winston-Salem State University to discuss one of the most important topics for older adults and their families: fall prevention. Guests include: ● Christina People, Long-Term Care Ombudsman at PTRC (6 years, 8 months with the organization) ● Sara Miligarese, Physical Therapist and Professor in the Health and Science Program at Winston-Salem State University ● Megan Edwards-Collins, Occupational Therapist and Professor in the Health and Science Program at Winston-Salem State University Key Topics Covered: ● What is fall prevention, and why are we talking about it? ● Why Falls Prevention Matters ● Risk Factors for Falls ● Practical Fall Prevention Tips ● Addressing Fear of Falling ● Who Should be Paying Attention? Whether you’re a senior, caregiver, family member, healthcare professional, or community leader, this conversation delivers actionable insights, evidence-based strategies, and local resources to help reduce fall risks and promote independence and confidence in daily living. Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults—learn how to prevent them effectively. Episode Links & Resources: ● Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging: https://www.ptrc.org/services/area-agency-on-aging [https://www.ptrc.org/services/area-agency-on-aging] ● Piedmont Area Falls Prevention Coalition: https://www.ptrc.org/services/area-agency-on-aging/age-well/piedmont-area-falls-prevention-coalition [https://www.ptrc.org/services/area-agency-on-aging/age-well/piedmont-area-falls-prevention-coalition] ● Winston-Salem State University Health & Science Programs Triad Regional Connections Podcast is brought to you by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC).

Regional Planning Solutions

Triad Regional Connections Podcast: Regional Planning Insights with Carter Spradling, AICP In this episode of the Triad Regional Connections Podcast, hosts Audra Adams and Lamar Powell welcome Carter Spradling, AICP, Assistant Planning Director at the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC). Carter shares his journey with PTRC, explains what the prestigious AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) designation really means and why it matters, and breaks down the essential role planning plays at the regional level. He also discusses how planning shapes land use, transportation, economic development, and quality of life across the Piedmont Triad — and shares recent examples of the impactful work underway. The conversation wraps with Carter’s inspiring vision for what an ideal future for the region could look like. Whether you’re a planner, local government leader, community advocate, or resident who cares about smart growth and regional collaboration, this episode offers valuable perspective on the people and processes building the Triad’s future. Tune in now to hear how thoughtful planning is helping shape a stronger, more connected Piedmont Triad. https://www.ptrc.org/services/regional-planning

PTRC - Regional Workforce and Economic Development

Triad Regional Connections PodcastWorkforce and Economic DevelopmentIn this episode of the Triad Regional Connections Podcast, co-hosts Audra Adams and Lamar Powell welcome Wendy Walker-Fox, Director, and Jessica Raby, Assistant Director of Workforce & Economic Development at the Piedmont Triad Regional Council.Wendy and Jessica walk through how their team supports job seekers, employers, justice-involved individuals, and regional economic growth across the 12-county Piedmont Triad. They highlight NCWorks Career Centers, the Mobile Career Fleet, grantwriting and technical assistance, reentry services in Alamance and Forsyth counties, and strategic initiatives that connect people to training and opportunity.Whether you're a job seeker, business owner, community partner, or simply curious about the resources available through PTRC, this episode is full of practical information you can use.https://www.ptrc.org/services/workforce-development [https://www.ptrc.org/services/workforce-development]