It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Bennett Place in Center, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Center, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Excellent Senior Care Provider! I highly recommend this senior care provider to anyone looking for compassionate”
“I reached out to Cody and he was amazing and a life saver I had both”
“Cody Edwards has spent the last two months helping our family as we walked a”
“Cody was extremely helpful finding an assisted living facility for our loved one. His guidance”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is a top-notch reliable sitter service covering the Piedmont Triad in”
“I worked with Karla Dixon on a referral. Karla was very involved and helped facilitate”
“I’ve seen firsthand the excellent care Always Best Care Senior Services provides. Their team is”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Great work provided by this company, and great staff to execute their goals!”
“To see the work this company puts in to make sure their clients needs are”
“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office”
“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and”
“Cody was very helpful getting tours setup for my daughter and me to tour independent”
“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Cody while exploring independent living facilities for my mom. He”
“Great care for your loved ones!”
“They have a good work team very satisfied with their care”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of”
“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful”
“Absolutely fantastic caregivers, support staff and management. If you ever need any assistance CALL ABC.”
“If you ever get Alexis on the phone, you’re in for a great experience. She’s”
“We have had a great start with Always Best Care. They send daily caregivers to”
“I am very happy with this provider's service. Cody was our coordinator, and he helped”
“Excellent Senior Care Provider! I highly recommend this senior care provider to anyone looking for compassionate and dependable care for their loved ones. The team is caring, professional, and dedicated to making sure each resident receives the attention and support they deserve. They go above and beyond to create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment. Their commitment to the well-being of seniors and their families truly makes a difference. It’s reassuring to know that there are care providers who treat every individual with dignity, kindness, and respect. Thank you for all that you do! Highly recommend this wonderful senior care provider! Thank you Cody Edwards!”
“I reached out to Cody and he was amazing and a life saver I had both of my parents in need of a asst living who are in their 90’s and he was able to place them and help me navigate the nightmare of paperwork, of moving out of state, and all the medical issues I recommend him for anyone who is going through this”
“Cody Edwards has spent the last two months helping our family as we walked a difficult journey with a sick loved one. He worked very hard to help us in spite of challenges and setbacks. He has a great attitude, always positive and solution-oriented! Laurie Hopkins, Hickory NC”
“Cody was extremely helpful finding an assisted living facility for our loved one. His guidance and knowledge made an extremely difficult situation easy. He was able to work with our schedule and set everything up. We thank you so much for all your help and for the follow up.”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is a top-notch reliable sitter service covering the Piedmont Triad in NC. Their internal staff is professional and efficient. They are always happy to answer any questions or concerns and they always respond in a very timely manner. ABC has quality sitters who will provide excellent care for your loved one with compassion, whether in a home or in a care facility. Always Best Care is appropriately named because they have “always” provided the “best care” to my mother-in-law, who has dementia. They have been helping her daily for the past three years. We are grateful for ABC’s help!”
“I worked with Karla Dixon on a referral. Karla was very involved and helped facilitate the meeting and tour. Loved working with her and look forward to our partnership in the future!!!!”
“I’ve seen firsthand the excellent care Always Best Care Senior Services provides. Their team is professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated to the well-being of those they serve. I highly recommend their services to anyone who may need them!”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell they genuinely care about their clients and their families.”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Great work provided by this company, and great staff to execute their goals!”
“To see the work this company puts in to make sure their clients needs are met, means a lot to the community. Having care you can trust means the world to the families in need. From the first interaction over the phone to a smiling face that greets you at the door, this company is great for in home care!”
“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office is just as impressive. It’s comforting knowing you can call and talk to someone who genuinely cares and helps guide you through everything.”
“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are this compassionate. From day one, the entire team made us feel comfortable and answered so many of our questions with guidance.”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and professionally.”
“Cody was very helpful getting tours setup for my daughter and me to tour independent living facilities. He contacted the facility and got all the needed information. He kept us well informed of what to expect. I appreciated his services. Cody is very caring.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Cody while exploring independent living facilities for my mom. He spent time talking with us to learn what my mom was looking for in a place to live during the next chapters of her life and shared a variety of options. He scheduled and accompanied us on the tours. Cody was thorough, patient, kind and answered all of our questions. Even though my mom chose not to pursue independent living at this time, we appreciated the time Cody spent working with us and he will be the first call we make when/if she decides to pursue this route in the future. Thank you Cody!!!!”
“Great care for your loved ones!”
“They have a good work team very satisfied with their care”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of your in home care needs!”
“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful throughout the process. She was kind, professional, and took the time to answer questions and make everything feel easy and comfortable. It’s clear that she truly cares and wants to provide the best support possible. I would definitely recommend Always Best Care Services to anyone looking for dependable and compassionate care.”
“Absolutely fantastic caregivers, support staff and management. If you ever need any assistance CALL ABC. They were absolutley fabulous for our family.”
“If you ever get Alexis on the phone, you’re in for a great experience. She’s funny, lively, and full of great energy. I actually caught myself laughing during the call, which almost never happens when calling places. Just a genuinely positive person who makes the conversation easy and enjoyable. Loved the energy! -cora”
“We have had a great start with Always Best Care. They send daily caregivers to help my mother and always follow their well-thought out care plan. Their program is very organized and they are great with communication. Our caregiver, Allison, is especially fabulous ... she is ABOVE and BEYOND. She is so thorough, creative, and thoughtful. We feel very lucky to be on her list!”
“I am very happy with this provider's service. Cody was our coordinator, and he helped my family and I find a caring, affordable, and beautiful assisted living facility for my mother. He was thorough and kind, keeping us updated with new finds and even helping me into one of the facilities we were touring with an umbrella against the pouring rain. He asked all the right questions, ensuring we found a good fit. After much searching, Cody ultimately discovered the place my mother is at now. Thanks for all the help, Cody!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting White Deer Park Nature Center in Center, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local McNinch House Restaurant or visit Mordecai House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Center, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Center, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Center, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) - North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is calling on state regulators to establish a distinct utility rate class for data centers served by Duke Energy, arguing the move is needed to prevent rising costs from shifting to residential customers.The proposal was submitted to the North Carolina Utilities Commission as part of Duke Energy’s ongoing rate cases, following a separate proceeding requested by Jackson’s office to examine the grid impact of large-load commercial facilities.Jackson a...
RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) - North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is calling on state regulators to establish a distinct utility rate class for data centers served by Duke Energy, arguing the move is needed to prevent rising costs from shifting to residential customers.
The proposal was submitted to the North Carolina Utilities Commission as part of Duke Energy’s ongoing rate cases, following a separate proceeding requested by Jackson’s office to examine the grid impact of large-load commercial facilities.
Jackson argues establishing a dedicated rate classification can help standardize operating rules, enhance transparency and protect consumers from financial and operational risks associated with fast data center growth.
“Duke Energy is onboarding an unprecedented number of data centers without a clear plan on how to protect ratepayers from higher rates and unacceptable risk,” Jackson said in a statement. “These data centers are upending our energy system, and we need to know that the Utilities Commission is making sure data centers pay for the strain they put on the grid and don’t unfairly burden ratepayers.”
The filing follows a proposed order submitted last month regarding Duke Energy’s long-term Carbon Plan, which directs future utility infrastructure and generation development. According to filings in that case, Duke projects that roughly 80% of its anticipated demand growth will stem from data centers and other large-scale energy users.
Duke has proposed expanding power generation and transmission assets to meet those projections, raising concerns among consumer advocates about potential rate increases if demand falls short.
In the Carbon Plan docket, Jackson asked regulators to implement several oversight measures, including:
Jackson also urged the utility to formally adopt the federal Ratepayer Protection Pledge guidelines, which require large energy users to pay for the extra generation and transmission upgrades needed to support their facilities.
The proposal marks Jackson’s latest challenge to the utility’s recent rate proposals. Jackson previously declined to support proposed settlements in both the Duke Energy Carolinas case, which sought an average 9.5% increase on residential customers, and the Duke Energy Progress case, which proposed a 15% rate hike totaling nearly $960 million over two years.
EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Aug. 10, 2026) — The National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institutes of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) has awarded North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University a five-year $16.9 million award to create a research center that focuses on alleviating health disparities.This funding is awarded by the NIH Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) mechanism. The RCMI at N.C. A&T will be housed in the John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Scienc...
EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Aug. 10, 2026) — The National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institutes of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) has awarded North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University a five-year $16.9 million award to create a research center that focuses on alleviating health disparities.
This funding is awarded by the NIH Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) mechanism. The RCMI at N.C. A&T will be housed in the John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences and will initially focus on brain health research, with support for two RO1-scale research projects.
“This $16.9 million RCMI is the largest single NIH award to the Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences and will be a game changer for team-science driven multidisciplinary health disparities research,” said Elimelda Moige Ongeri, Ph.D., Hairston College dean. “More importantly, the RCMI will advance N.C. A&T’s community engagement efforts, positioning us to partner with community organizations to lower the burden of chronic and infectious disease in underserved communities.”
A&T holds the Carnegie Classification’s earned credential in Community Engagement and is poised to achieve Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production status. The RCMI will complement existing A&T investments in health disparities research which include the Center for Integrative Health Disparities and Equity Research (CIHDER), Center for Outreach in Alzheimer’s, Aging and Community Health (COAACH) and multiple doctoral programs in health and behavioral sciences.
“Securing an RCMI award is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the excellence and competitiveness of N.C. A&T’s research enterprise,” said Andrew P. Daire, provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “We are excited to leverage this investment to advance health disparities research, enhance the human condition and further our longstanding commitment to improving outcomes for communities historically impacted by inequity.”
The RCMI has four cores that combined ensure a balanced approach to addressing health disparities research: Administrative, Investigator Development, Community Engagement, and Research Capacity.
The RCMI will also support the development of a new research cluster consisting of faculty members from the departments of kinesiology, psychology, sociology and social work, and nanoengineering, who will apply emerging nanotechnology in brain health research. Additionally, the research projects associated with the RCMI will support the training and mentoring of postdoctoral scholars and graduate students in many doctoral programs.
“Our team’s resilience, perseverance and dedication to the communities that we serve is what makes earning this award special for us all,” said Marc Cook, Ph.D., associate kinesiology professor, associate CIHDER director, and RCMI lead principal investigator. “This bolsters N.C. A&T’s capacity to make a significant impact on these particular health disparities, while providing a huge investment into our communities, including faculty, students, staff and those impacted by these disparities, to foster generational change.”
The RCMI at A&T aligns with two of CIHDER’s focus areas – aging and cardiometabolic disease – and will be integral to expanding outreach within the Piedmont Triad region and throughout North Carolina.
It also enhances the university’s broad expertise in brain health. A&T is a partner in the NC Brain Health Registry, while COAACH-affiliated researchers and team members also promote and contribute to the Black American United Memory and Aging Project.
“This significant investment from the NIH recognizes North Carolina A&T researchers’ exceptional track record, commitment and capacity to advance our understanding of brain health, and to translate innovative discoveries into tangible benefits for our communities,” said Lisa Clough, Ph.D., vice chancellor for Research. “For example, studies show that 80% of Americans would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s disease, and with 7.2 million Americans living with the diagnosis, now is the time to ramp up our efforts to address this and other health challenges.”
A pro-data center lobbying group has poured $367,272 into an advertising campaign in North Carolina touting the economic and business benefits of data centers.The industry is facing an uphill publicity battle in North Carolina. Community pushback against data centers has grown dramatically in recent months. More than two dozen counties and cities have passed moratoriums on new data centers, and two bills in the state legislature would impose new regulations on the industry.North Carolina Connects, the group behind the ads, has ...
A pro-data center lobbying group has poured $367,272 into an advertising campaign in North Carolina touting the economic and business benefits of data centers.
The industry is facing an uphill publicity battle in North Carolina. Community pushback against data centers has grown dramatically in recent months. More than two dozen counties and cities have passed moratoriums on new data centers, and two bills in the state legislature would impose new regulations on the industry.
North Carolina Connects, the group behind the ads, has sponsored pro-data center billboards, television, and audio commercials across the state over the past month. The group bought 747 ad spots across all channels, with 189 of them on Fox News and 90 on Spectrum News Raleigh.
The ads try to counter common critiques of data centers, including increasing demand for energy and their impact on water supply and quality. They also trumpet what they say are the benefits of data centers, including generating jobs and tax revenue that can be used to fund schools, hospitals and local infrastructure.
The highly-produced ads feature female narrators’ voices over landscapes, neighborhoods, workers at an electrical site, and happy families in their homes, presumably in N.C.
“North Carolina data centers — committed to paying their costs so North Carolina families don’t,” one of the commercials says.
North Carolina Connects is an offshoot of America Connects, which backs similar media campaigns in other states.
America Connects started as Virginia Connects in June of 2024, but underwent a name change in February after expanding to other states. The group’s corporate filing in Virginia only lists three people: Chairman Kevin Hughes, President Josh Levi and Treasurer Allison Gilmore.
All three also serve in leadership roles at the Data Center Coalition, a pro-industry lobbying group. Levi is the president and CEO of the organization, Gilmore is the chief operating officer, and Hughes is the treasurer of the board of directors.
The Data Center Coalition describes itself as a nonprofit organization that advocates for data centers through public outreach and public policy advocacy.
Among its members are Google, Microsoft and CyrusOne — which operate major data centers in North Carolina — and Amazon, which is building a $10 billion data center campus in Richmond County. CyrusOne, which operates a data center near Research Triangle Park, has proposed a $900 million data center in Lee County, despite the opposition of some residents.
“Through North Carolina Connects, the industry seeks to better explain the role of data centers to the public — including how they operate, why they are important to our daily lives and the 21st-century economy, as well as information about the industry’s responsible usage of water and its commitment to paying for the energy it uses,” Levi, president of the Data Center Coalition, wrote in a statement to NC Newsline.
Mary Maclean Asbill, state director of the Southern Environmental Law Center, says she wishes data centers would put their money towards addressing community concerns instead of ads.
“I would like to see evidence, not just some fanciful tale told on a television ad,” she told NC Newsline. “I would like to see — and communities would like to see — proof of what are these great jobs you’re talking about, and how did you come up with these numbers?”
State lawmakers could consider proposals to regulate the industry when they return from break July 27.
BREVARD, N.C. (WLOS) — There are several places across western North Carolina where people can visit to honor the victims and first responders of Sept. 11, 2001, all year long.Two local fire departments have World Trade Center steel beams at the center of permanent memorials.The memorials in Brevard and Clyde serve as reminders of the lives lost that day and of the lasting bond between firefighters across the country.A day that changed everythingThe ripples from Sept. 11, 2001, were felt around the world. ...
BREVARD, N.C. (WLOS) — There are several places across western North Carolina where people can visit to honor the victims and first responders of Sept. 11, 2001, all year long.
Two local fire departments have World Trade Center steel beams at the center of permanent memorials.
The memorials in Brevard and Clyde serve as reminders of the lives lost that day and of the lasting bond between firefighters across the country.
The ripples from Sept. 11, 2001, were felt around the world. For firefighters, those ripples were felt through the bonds of brotherhood.
"We heard something was going on, didn't know what," said Wentfard Henson, chief of the Clyde Fire Department.
"My oldest son woke me up and said, 'Dad, come on down and look at this,'" said Brevard Fire Department Safety Officer Craig Budzinsky.
Budzinsky said he watched the attacks unfold.
"It was heartbreaking to see that and know that they were in the building and felt frustrated that you couldn't help," he said.
'THOSE BEAUTIFUL TOWERS WERE GONE': HENDERSONVILLE WOMAN REMEMBERS SURVIVING 9/11
That connection became even more personal for Budzinsky. The husband of his cousin was a New York City firefighter.
"He worked off that morning, Ladder 15, and went to Ladder 7 and got his gear and went back in — and of course perished in the World Trade Center towers when they collapsed," he said.
Only a small piece of his equipment was recovered.
"They only found one piece of his helmet shield. That's all," Budzinsky said.
The physical remnants of the World Trade Center are difficult reminders of the tragedy, but they also help preserve the stories of those who were lost.
At the Brevard Fire Department, a piece of World Trade Center steel is now part of a permanent memorial.
25 YEARS AFTER 9/11, BREVARD MUSEUM PRESERVES PIECES OF WORLD TRADE CENTER
Firefighters at the department were involved in creating the display themselves. The memorial also serves to teach younger generations about what happened.
The Clyde Fire Department also has a piece of World Trade Center steel on display. Its design came from an idea sketched during a meal break.
For the firefighters involved, building the memorial was about creating something that would last long after their own memories of September 11 fade.
The memorials in Brevard and Clyde give residents and visitors a place to pause and reflect on the events of 25 years ago — and to remember the firefighters, police officers, medics and civilians who lost their lives.
The goal is simple: make sure they are never forgotten.
WTVDRALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A proposed data center planned for southeast Raleigh is off the table for now after the company behind the project withdrew its request to annex the property into the city, according to city officials.The proposed project involved a nearly 100,000-square-foot data center on a 14-acre site along Jones Sausage Road near Rock Quarry Road. The annexation request had been scheduled to appear on the Raleigh City Council agenda in two days.The proposal generated significant opposition. The city said ...
WTVD
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A proposed data center planned for southeast Raleigh is off the table for now after the company behind the project withdrew its request to annex the property into the city, according to city officials.
The proposed project involved a nearly 100,000-square-foot data center on a 14-acre site along Jones Sausage Road near Rock Quarry Road. The annexation request had been scheduled to appear on the Raleigh City Council agenda in two days.
The proposal generated significant opposition. The city said more than 130 people had signed up to speak about the project.
Some people who live nearby told ABC11 they were unaware a data center was planned next to their homes, while others voiced strong opposition.
Although the annexation item remained on the council agenda, city leaders confirmed the request had been withdrawn.
The property is partially owned by Charlotte-based Beacon Partners, which said it is not involved in the proposed project.
"Beacon Partners entered into a contract to sell the parcel back in November 2025 and is not involved in the prospective project in any capacity. We are aware that the purchaser withdrew their annexation application," the company said in a statement.
The withdrawal comes amid growing debate over data center development across the Triangle. Cities and counties in the region have been considering how to address concerns related to such projects, including Apex, where officials approved a 12-month moratorium on data centers.
"I mean, you have water consumption and environmental impacts and you have electric power, all those things and general infrastructure impacts. And we need to make sure that we have our rules in place under our UEO to address those concerns. And I have been very vocal about my thoughts about data centers based on what I know today," Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert said.
"I don't think I've been convinced that they're the best for Apex. And as I quoted before, I'm not interested in a data center in Apex," Gilbert said.
Raleigh has not approved a broader moratorium on data centers and continues to evaluate proposals on a case-by-case basis.
Gilbert said regional cooperation may be necessary as communities consider future projects.
"And, you know, some of those things of what I've seen or heard or read about evolving data centers could be a problem in neighboring towns and cities if approved in another town. So we're watching. We're willing to work with other cities and towns to make sure that we get this right as a region," he said.
It is unclear whether a revised proposal could be submitted in the future. For now, the southeast Raleigh data center proposal has been withdrawn.
According to our newsgathering partners at The News & Observer, the proposal would have brought a data center to a site near residential neighborhoods in southeast Raleigh, prompting concerns from community members about the project's impact on the area. Council members had expressed skepticism about the proposal during recent discussions.
The withdrawal means the annexation request tied to the proposed development will no longer move forward.
The identity of the prospective purchaser behind the project was not immediately clear, and Raleigh officials have not indicated whether a revised proposal could be submitted in the future.
336-654-5001
