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

Guilford County Family Justice Center:https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/government/departments-and-agencies/family-justice-centerElder Abuse Awareness Walk:https://www.ptrc.org/walk

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

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.

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Triad Regional Connections Podcast is brought to you by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC).

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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

● 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).

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.

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

Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) Apprenticeship & Workforce Programs help employers build a skilled local talent pipeline while giving employees (and job seekers) paid,hands-on training combined with classroom instruction for in-demand careers.For Employers: PTRC’s Business Services team (including Jacob Thompson) connects businesses with customized training solutions, Registered Apprenticeship opportunities,on-the-job training (OJT) grants, and partnerships with community colleges and K-12 schools. This reduces recruitment costs, builds loyalty, and helps fill critical skills gaps in key industries across the 12-county Piedmont Triad region.For Employees/Apprentices: Participants earn while they learn through structured programs leading to industry-recognized credentials, certifications, or degrees. It offers clear career pathways with mentorship and progressive wage increases.In this episode of the Triad Regional Connections Podcast with co-hosts Audra Adams and Lamar Powell, Jacob Thompson dives into how these programs work in practice, real successstories, and practical steps for both employers and individuals to get involved. Whether you're a business leader looking to grow your workforce or someone seeking a rewarding career path without massive student debt, this conversation highlights actionable opportunities in the Piedmont Triad.Watch now to learn how apprenticeships are strengthening our regional economy!

In this episode of the Triad Regional Connections Podcast, brought to you by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, hosts Audra Adams and Lamar Powell sit down with two local transportation leaders to discuss the critical work happening to make our roads safer for everyone.

Andrew Edmonds, Transportation Planning Administrator for the City of High Point and Director of the High Point Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Carter Spradling, Assistant Regional Planning Director with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, join us to explore the Transportation Safety Action Plan.

Tune in as they break down the regional approach to reducing traffic crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries across the Triad. From data-driven strategies and priority corridors to community engagement and innovative safety solutions, this conversation highlights how local and regional partners are working together to build a safer transportation network for all users—drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and families.

Whether you're a planner, elected official, or concerned resident, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most important issues facing our communities today.

Links:

https://www.ptrc.org

https://www.ptrc.org/services/regional-planning/transportation

https://www.highpointnc.gov

https://www.highpointnc.gov/186/Transportation

In this episode of the Triad Regional Connections Podcast, hosts Audra Adams and Lamar Powell welcome Drew Corbett, Program Operations Manager at the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC). Drew joins us to discuss PTRC’s vital work in Weatherization, Housing Rehabilitation, and the Energize Carolinas Training Center.Drew shares insights into how these programs help improve energy efficiency, enhance home safety and comfort, and provide hands-on training for professionals across the region. Learn about practical solutions for healthier, more affordable housing and the workforce development opportunities available through the Energize Carolinas Training Center.Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, local leader, or simply interested in sustainable community development, this conversation highlights impactful ways PTRC is strengthening the Piedmont Triad.*Tune in now* to hear how weatherization and housing rehab are making a difference in our communities.

Learn more at: PTRC.org

In the inaugural episode of the Triad Regional Connections Podcast, hosts Audra Adams and Lamar Powell welcome Matthew Dolge, Executive Director of the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC).

Matthew provides an overview of the PTRC and the vision behind this new podcast. With more than 30 years in public administration, Matthew has extensive experience in both municipal and regional government. He played a key leadership role in the 2010–2011 consolidation of the Northwest Piedmont Council of Governments and the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments into the 12-county Piedmont Triad Regional Council. In July 2011, he was appointed Executive Director.

Matthew holds a Bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and a Master’s of Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill, where he was named a John House Scholar. His professional development includes programs with the Institute of Government, the NC Rural Center, and the Center for Creative Leadership.

He currently serves as President of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Board of Directors, Treasurer of the NC Association of Regional Councils of Government, and has held board positions with the National Association of Regional Councils, the Southeastern Regional Directors Institute, Twin City Kiwanis Club, Forsyth Futures, and the Appalachian State College of Arts and Sciences Development Board.

Links: https://ptrc.org

Regional Housing Solutions is the topic on this episode of the Triad Regional Connections Podcast hosted by Audra Adams and Lamar Powell.

Our Guests:

Carter Spradling is the Assistant Planning Director of the Piedmont Triad Regional Council.

Thanena Wilson is the Director of Community Development and Housing with the City of High Point,

Our conversation includes details about the upcoming Piedmont Triad Regional Housing Summit being held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at The Terrace at Greensboro Coliseum. The theme is Land, Labor, and Lending.

Housing Summit Link:

https://www.ptrc.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/12808/21