unfurls

Tag: greenville

  • A Quiet Epidemic: The Rise of STIs in North Carolina

    A Quiet Epidemic: The Rise of STIs in North Carolina

    North Carolina has seen an alarming increase in sexually transmitted infections over the past decade, particularly among those ages 15 to 24 in rural areas posing the biggest risk. In 2023 alone, the state reported over 26,000 cases of gonorrhea, with those disproportionately occurring in rural areas, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.  

    A combination of limited healthcare access, inadequate transportation, and lack of comprehensive sex education contributes to this public health crisis. Many rural areas lack nearby clinics, and young people often struggle with the cost and management in seeking care. As a result, infections frequently go undiagnosed and untreated, increasing the risk of long-term complications and further transmissions, according to the Health and Human Services department.  

    Dr. Kristina Simeonsson, a public health professor at East Carolina University and pediatrician, connects rising STI rates to modern hookup culture and the stigma surrounding sexual health. “The use of dating apps has given more people access to partners they didn’t have before,” she explains. She adds that because young adults engage in risky behaviors and conversations surrounding sex are often stigmatized, this often leads to young people avoiding seeking care, even when something is wrong. 

    Image from CDC about Sexually Transmitted Infections

    The problem is compounded by the fact that many STIs are asymptomatic. “Most STIs are spread when people don’t have symptoms and assume they’re in the clear,” says Brian Cavanaugh, a sexual health professor at East Carolina University. “That’s why regular screening is so important, especially in communities where access to healthcare is already limited.” 

    Cultural barriers and medical mistrust further isolate young people from essential resources. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that young people of color in rural areas often face providers who lack cultural competence or awareness of their specific needs. 

    To combat the growing STI crisis, organizations like the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina are taking action. Their SYNC (Sexual Health for Youth in Care) program provides free, evidence-based sexual health education to teens in out-of-home care across the state. Health officials and educators emphasize the importance of expanding access to screening services, improving transportation to healthcare facilities, and implementing sex education programs that reflect the realities rural youth face. 

    2023NorthCarolina-STD-SurveillanceDataTablesFinal (1)Download

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has called for more resources in underserved areas, while public health advocates continue to push for better education, outreach and culturally competent care. 

    As rates continue to rise, experts say addressing the gaps in care and communication could help reduce infections and protect long-term health outcomes, especially for young people in rural communities who remain the most at risk. 

    2023NorthCarolina-STD-SurveillanceDataTablesFinalDownload
  • Inside the World of Moth.Doodlez  

    Inside the World of Moth.Doodlez  

    On a calm Saturday afternoon inside HK Tattoo in Greenville, a client prepared to get her dream tattoo: a “Bulbasaur” from the beloved Pokémon franchise. The soft hum of the tattoo gun filled the air as it glided across the client’s forearm, bringing a cherished part of their childhood to life. In just an hour or two, what had once been an image on paper became permanent art on skin. The studio transformed into a quiet space of trust, creativity and a little pain, but for most customers it was all worth it to see the final result. 

    Moth tattooing a rib piece

    The artist behind the needle: Moth.Doodlez, a Greenville tattoo artist known for their colorful, anime-inspired and illustrative style. Their journey into tattooing began at East Carolina University’s College of Business. “Although my degree is in business, my entire life has been a pursuit of art,” said Moth, who goes by Moth.Doodlez and uses she/they pronouns and declined to give a last name. From glassblowing and painting to ceramics and sewing, they explored every form of creative expression they could find. 

    “What led me to tattooing specifically is my background as a cosplayer,” they add, referred to as the act of dressing up as a character from a work of fiction. Today this cosplayer with a degree in entrepreneurship has become one of five go-to artists at Harm the Karma Tattoo, bringing beloved characters from shows like “Pokémon” and “Gravity Falls” to life?  

    The entrance of Harm the Karma in Downtown Greenville

    Moth works tirelessly to bring their clients’ vision to life. They ask about inspiration, preferences, and limitations, adjusting designs based on what can realistically be done within a given timeframe. “I go through a checklist: no tangent lines, proper color theory, and at least one-third of the design has black ink or shadows,” they explain. 

    Moth tattooing the side of a customer’s head

    Some tattoos stand out more than others. “My most memorable ones were the circle I gave my future mother-in-law, and a client who’s been with me since the beginning,” they say. “I tattooed a perfect circle on her ribs, which is notoriously difficult, and I still get invited to family functions!” they said, laughing. “As for the other client, I was only two months into tattooing when she first came to me. I’ve done over a dozen pieces for her since, and her joy and excitement make me incredibly happy. She still chooses me to be her artist.” 

    Beyond the art, Moth has made it clear that their studio is a safe and welcoming space for all. “Around the time of Trump’s election, many of my queer friends were facing physical and verbal assault from emboldened voters,” they say. As someone who identifies as queer, Moth made a choice: her space would be different. “I refuse to tattoo anyone who expresses homophobia, sexism, xenophobia or transphobia,” they say. “At the very least, I knew I could create an LGBTQIA+ safe space to let others in town know they’re not alone.”

    Moth’s impact isn’t just felt through her clients; it resonates in the tattoo community itself. “They take art seriously, but doesn’t take themselves too seriously,” says Stephanie, who declined to give a last name who goes by batbitepiercings on Instagram, a body piercer who works alongside Moth at HK Tattoo. “From coming in groggy in the morning to being the energy unicorn of the shop, there never seems to be a dull moment when she’s here.” She adds that Moth does a great job at interacting with other artist at the shop. “Her ability to reach out to other tattooers and book guest spots all over is incredible. I’m an introvert, so seeing her talk to people like it’s nothing, it’s awesome.” 

    In a small city like Greenville, where creativity can sometimes feel limited, Moth finds a way to shine. They share some of their dream projects that are high on their tattoo wish list: “I would love to do a large back piece featuring the legendary ‘Johto Pokémon Ho-oh’ and ‘Lugia’ in a traditional Japanese style, or a Wonderland or deep-sea girl ‘Hatsune Miku’ half sleeve.” From colorful anime characters to intricate designs, Moth.Doodlez’s tattoos are works of art.  

     

  • ECU Students Get Clarity on High February Bills From Greenville Utilities Commission

    ECU Students Get Clarity on High February Bills From Greenville Utilities Commission

    Many ECU students living in off-campus houses were shocked when they opened their February utility bills, which were substantially higher than they had expected.

    The bills came from the Greenville Utilities Commission, which is responsible for providing the City of Greenville and 75% of Pitt County residents with electric, water, sewer and natural gas services. Students at East Carolina University started to raise concerns when they noticed their February utility bill was noticeably higher than their previous month’s bill. Many students live in homes in a neighborhood located north of campus called “The Grid.”

    Many students who have rented the same homes for the past two years said they noticed their gas usage nearly doubled in February when compared to February 2024. Water, electric and sewer usage all remained relatively the same. They knew this because Greenville Utilities Commission provides customers with an assortment of data that includes all previous billing statements and usage.

    Jordan Reid, an ECU student, provided a summary of her utility statements since moving in August 2023 to her Fifth Street house. In February 2025, her gas usage had showed a 72% increase when compared to February 2024. While her home includes six residents, each had to pay about $30 more that month. A nearby ECU student, Hailey Wilkes, said she found herself paying about $50 more that month, as her utility bill is shared among fewer roommates.

    As the weather differs, students understand that each month’s bill will fluctuate, and no billing statement will be the exact same as another. Yet, many students say none have been as dramatic as their February 2025 charge. In the winter, gas usage is always greater than other months due to increased use of heating systems.

    Concerned about the increase, Reid asked GUC to ensure her home was billed correctly. A GUC customer service representative told her that the bill was correct, “and gas was working overtime everywhere because of the recent snow.” On Jan. 22, Greenville got 2.7 inches of snow, according to WITN News. This was the only snow during the February billing period.

    GUC Communications Manager Steve Hawley said students’ bills went up because of the colder temperatures. The average temperature for this year’s February billing statement was 10 degrees colder than last year’s, Hawley said, adding, “the colder it is outside, the harder heating systems have to work.”

    According to the minutes of the Jan. 16 GUC Board of Commissioners meeting, commissioners voted to extend GUC’s gas supply contract and re-calculate the rates. Hawley confirms that “rates will not go up because of this contract,” which was “extended for another 6 years.”

  • Data Shows Pedestrians Take Risks on Greenville Roads

    Data Shows Pedestrians Take Risks on Greenville Roads

    Greenville ranked fifth in reported car crashes among all North Carolina cities with populations topping 10,000 in the two most recent years statistics are available.

    The only cities that outranked Greenville were Greensboro, Lumberton, Charlotte and Asheville, according to crash data from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

    Kristen Hunter, public information officer for the Greenville Police Department, said the city’s rapid population growth is one factor in its number of car accidents, but the city’s engineering division has been part of a task force to try to drive those numbers down.

    In 2023, the North Carolina DMV reported 12,938 car crashes, 32 of them fatal, and 3,282 non-fatal injury crashes. In that same year, drivers experienced 3,309 car crashes in Greenville. Of that number, 10 were fatal, while over 1,000 resulted in injuries.

    That same year, 41 pedestrian accidents happened in Greenville, with five resulting in fatalities. In Winterville, the next town over, only three pedestrian accidents and one fatality were reported that year.

    Hunter said that, on average, Greenville Police respond to about 400 accidents a month. Areas in Greenville that are common for accidents are on Greenville Boulevard. The intersection of Arlington Boulevard and Fire Tower Road is the highest location for crashes in Greenville.

    Five-year comparison for pedestrian crashes in Greenville. Information provided by Kristen Hunter.

    As for pedestrians, most pedestrian accidents happen near the East Carolina University campus on 10th Street, Hunter said. Improvements have been made in recent years with the addition of crosswalk lights and pedestrian signals, but “pedestrians have to use those in order for them to be effective,” Hunter said, adding that pedestrians should cross streets only on crosswalks and use the signals. Pedestrians should also make eye contact with drivers before crossing the road to ensure safety.

    A student crossing the crosswalk on East 10th Street outside of Umstead Residence Hall.

    Chapel Hill, home of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, experienced far fewer pedestrian accidents than Greenville, even though it is also a college town and has far more students. In 2023, according to data from the North Carolina DMV, Chapel Hill had 23 pedestrian crashes. Of those 23, all resulted in injury, and one resulted in death. According to data from the North Carolina 2023 Traffic Crash Facts, Chapel Hill had a total of 3,845 crashes.