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County Offers Guidance on COVID-19 Preparations

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Commissioners, County News, Covid-19, Employees, General News, Health, Public Events, Public Safety.

Alamance County Board of Commissioners Chair Amy Scott Galey urges residents to take steps to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and to make preparations to check on or care for those who are at higher risk for infection. The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) recommends that those over 65 years of age, or those with underlying health conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, or those with weakened immune systems, to avoid crowds and stay home to prevent the risk of infection.

“While there have been no confirmed coronavirus cases in Alamance at this time, County Government, along with the Alamance Health Department and Emergency Management, have been monitoring the situation and taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our residents and employees,” says Chair Amy Scott Galey. “Our local health department, as part of their daily responsibilities, plan, prepare, and practice for these types of situations. All of our county employees are working hard to ensure continuity of services for our residents.”

At this time, the county has been communicating with employees to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines in taking precautions to protect themselves and others to limit the spread of infection.

The County will be activating the Emergency Operations Center and will continue to meet and update partner organizations and stakeholders to communicate any changes or recommendations regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The County is currently evaluating all scheduled programs and events.

Please visit www.alamance-nc.com/covid19 for the most updated information regarding any cancellations. A Coronavirus (COVID-19) Call Center will be available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 7 pm beginning on Monday, March 16. Residents and organizations are encouraged to call 336-290-0361 for general Coronavirus (COVID-19) questions or information regarding the County’s response.

The County encourages residents to follow the NCDHHS and CDC guidelines to minimize the spread of infection:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Do not reuse
  • tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.


If you develop symptoms or suspect you may have Coronavirus (COVID-19), please contact your health care provider. For the most current state and national information or recommendations regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit cdc.gov/coronavirus or ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus. Residents are also encouraged to visit www.alamance-nc.com/covid19 for Alamance County information, cancellations, or updates.

Alamance County Health Department Awarded Reaccreditation – Receives Reaccreditation with Honors Designation

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Commissioners, County News, Employees, General News, Health.

BURLINGTON – Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) was one of eight health departments awarded reaccreditation status by the North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation (NCLHDA) Board on November 22, 2019.

“All of the agencies recently achieving reaccreditation have much to be proud of. They have not only demonstrated their ability to meet a set of important performance standards but excelled in many areas. Through reaccreditation, these agencies demonstrate a strong commitment to continuously work to improve the quality of services provided to their respective communities,” comments Amy Belflower Thomas, NC Local Health Department Accreditation Administrator.

Reaccreditation with Honors designation was awarded to seven agencies. This honorary designation was implemented for the first time in the fall of 2017 to recognize agencies that especially excelled in their accreditation assessment by missing one or less activities within each of five standards set by the NCLHDA program. ACHD received 100% completion on all 147 reaccreditation activities in all five standards. With successful completion, the health department’s reaccreditation period is 2019-2023.

“I could not be more proud of our reaccreditation with honors. It is a true testament to the hard work and integrity our public health professionals demonstrate each day in providing quality services and programming to improve health in Alamance,” stated Health Director Stacie Saunders.

North Carolina is the first state in the country to mandate accreditation for its local health departments. The purpose of the accreditation program is to assure a basic level of capacity and services in each of the local health departments across the state.

Since the pilot program involving six local health departments began in 2004, all eighty-five health departments have all been initially accredited and reaccredited at least once. The process of accreditation includes three major components – a self-assessment completed by the agency, a site visit by a multidisciplinary team of peers to review performance standards, and determination of accreditation status by an independent Accreditation Board comprised of state and local public health officials, Board of Health members, County Commissioners, and public members.

The NC Local Health Department Accreditation program is a collaboration of the North Carolina Institute for Public Health (part of the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) and the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors.

The Alamance County Board of Commissioners will recognize ACHD for their reaccreditation achievement at the December 16 meeting.

Seventh Rabies Case of 2019 Confirmed in Alamance County

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, County News, Environmental Health, General News, Health, Public Safety.

BURLINGTON – On October 22, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s seventh case of rabies for the year.

On October 18, Burlington Animal Services was notified that a raccoon and two dogs were in an altercation on Fairview Street in Burlington. Alamance County Animal Control sent the raccoon to the State Laboratory for Public Health for testing and the raccoon was positive for rabies. The two dogs were up-to-date on vaccinations and received a post-exposure booster. One adult was exposed to the raccoon and is receiving post-exposure treatment.

If you live in this area and have outside pets, the Health Department encourages you to examine them for any wounds that may have come from contact with this cat and notify Animal Control or the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if you have questions or concerns.

If you are bitten by any animal:

  • Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
  • Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department.
  • Do not try to catch any wild or stray animal

Alamance County Environmental Health Office, located at 209 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, is offering a rabies vaccination clinic on November 9, 9am-12pm. The cost is $5. Please have all cats in carriers and dogs on leashes.

Last year, Alamance County had five confirmed animal cases of rabies.

For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.

Health Department Begins Offering Vaccinations for 2019 Flu Season – Flu Shots Now Available to the Public

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, General News, Health, Public Safety.

BURLINGTON – Flu season is upon us and the Alamance County Health Department wants you to protect yourself and your family. Monday, October 7, the health department began offering seasonal flu shots to the public.

This year, the health department will be providing the following vaccine options to the public:

  • Quadrivalent flu vaccine injection which covers four strains of influenza
  • Flublok flu vaccine injection which is recommended for people with egg allergies that are ages 18 years and older
  • High Dose Trivalent vaccine which covers three strains and is recommended for people over 65 years

The vaccine is available while supplies last. One shot is all most people will need. Children under age 9, who have not previously been vaccinated against the flu, may need two doses.

The cost of the Quadrivalent vaccine is $35.00. The cost of the Flublok and High Dose Trivalent is $65.00. Uninsured children less than 19 years old are eligible for free vaccine. Insured children less than 19 years old whose insurance does not cover the cost of a flu shot may be eligible for free flu vaccine, pending certain qualifications.

The health department can bill Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurances. The flu vaccine will be available by appointment only at the following times:

Monday – Friday (excluding holidays)

  • 8:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
  • 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Increase your chances of keeping the flu away by getting the vaccine. Also, remember to wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick to help stop the spread of illness. For an appointment or more information, call the health department at 336-570-6459.

Six Confirmed Cases of Mumps on Local University Campus

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Community, County News, General News, Health, Public Safety.

BURLINGTON- Three additional cases have tested positive for mumps, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to six.

“We continue to implement our local public health response which has included up to this point offering vaccinations to the university population, identifying individuals with possible symptoms and supporting the university in increasing awareness”, says Alamance County Health Director Stacie Saunders. “We are grateful for Elon’s quick communication with our health department and their continued proactive participation in the response.”

Throughout the month of October the health department will work with the university to offer MMR vaccinations to Elon students, faculty, and staff at Student Health Services by appointment. Vaccination appointments can be made by calling 336-278-7230 during operational hours. Between the open clinics held on campus and vaccinations given at Student Health Services, nearly 800 individuals have received an additional dose of MMR vaccine, which further reduces the risk of contracting mumps and is recommended by health officials in a situation like the one we are experiencing.

Students exhibiting symptoms or those with medical concerns should contact the Student Health Center at 336-278-7230. Faculty and staff with medical questions should contact their primary care provider or the Faculty & Staff Wellness Clinic at 336-278-5569. Community members may call their primary care provider or the Alamance County Health Department at 336-516-7715 to speak with a public health nurse.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend two doses of the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps and complications caused by the disease. The recommended two doses of the vaccine provides approximately 88 percent protection against infection. According to the CDC, mumps outbreaks can still occur in highly vaccinated U.S. communities, particularly in close-contact settings like college campuses. High vaccination coverage helps limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks. Elon enforces the State of North Carolina requirement that all incoming students provide evidence of two vaccinations against mumps or proof of immunity against mumps. Nearly all students at Elon have had both of their mumps vaccines, which are administered as a combination vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) as part of the childhood recommended vaccines.

Confirmed Case of Mumps on Local University Campus

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, General News, Health, Public Safety.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2019

Health Department and Elon University partnering to address illness

BURLINGTON- Alamance County Health Department received notification on September 23 of a single confirmed case of mumps in a student who attends of Elon University. At this time, the cause of the infection is unknown and no other cases have been identified. The individual had previously received age-appropriate MMR vaccinations.

Health Director Stacie Saunders stated, “We are working with our university and state public health partners to identify those who may have had contact with the confirmed case and will provide assessment and additional vaccine, as needed.”

Mumps is a viral illness best known for causing parotitis, a swelling of the salivary glands below the ears and above the jaw. Other common symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. The virus is spread through close contact, like kissing, drinking after someone else, coughing or sneezing.

Students who are exhibiting symptoms consistent with mumps should make an appointment with Elon Student Health Services. Appointments can be made by calling 336-278-7230. Members of the community who are concerned about symptoms are encouraged to contact their primary health care providers or urgent care. Community members may also call the Alamance County Health Department at 336-516-7715 to speak with a public health nurse.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend two doses of the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps and complications caused by the disease. The recommended two doses of the vaccine provides approximately 88 percent protection against infection. According to the CDC, mumps outbreaks can still occur in highly vaccinated U.S. communities, particularly in close-contact settings like college campuses. High vaccination coverage helps limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks. Elon enforces the State of North Carolina requirement that all incoming students provide evidence of two vaccinations against mumps or proof of immunity against mumps. Nearly all students at Elon have had both of their mumps vaccines, which are administered as a combination vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) as part of the childhood recommended vaccines.

Alamance County has not had a confirmed case of mumps in the last 10 years.

Alamance County WIC Program Introduces Lactation Stations at Community Events

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, General News, Health.

BURLINGTON – Moms have an opportunity to breastfeed their infant while still being able to enjoy outdoor community events. The Alamance County WIC program has recently introduced a new community initiative, the Lactation Station, to create an environment where breastfeeding moms feel safe and welcomed to breastfeed while attending community events. The Lactation Station is a private, comfortable space that moms can go to breastfeed, pump, or change their infants while out at community events. Amenities provided at the station include chairs, fans, during warmer weather, a changing table, and electric outlets for those who need to express milk.

The space has already been a success at six events since its debut in March 2019, including the St. Patty’s Day Bash in Burlington and Slice of Summer in Graham. In the short time the Lactation Station has been available, there has been an overwhelmingly positive response. Moms with older children have expressed their gratitude and sentiment wishing there had been something available years ago when they were breastfeeding. Dads were also thankful for the space for the support it offers. With scorching temperatures at the last two events, breastfeeding moms have expressed such gratitude that they did not have to go to their car, or sit somewhere with a blanket in the heat. All the organizers of these events have been encouraging of this innovative idea and the service it is providing for the community.

In addition to supporting moms, the Lactation Station is meant to spark conversation about the benefits of breastfeeding in efforts to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates within the County. “We are hoping that by providing a mobile lactation station that we can rally and inform the community around the benefits of breastfeeding and support our moms who are breastfeeding,” stated Sarah Austin, Alamance County WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator

Check out the Lactation Station for yourself, while learning more about the many benefits of breastfeeding, at the World Breastfeeding Week event on August 7 at Burlington Community Health Center and at “Boo in the Park” on October 27 at City Park in Burlington.

WIC, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a service for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. The WIC Program promotes healthy habits for families through nutrition education and counseling services, breastfeeding promotion and support, referrals to other health and community resources, and healthy foods.

To be eligible for WIC services, mom or child must:

  • Live in North Carolina.
  • Have a family income less than 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. For a household of two, that would be anything less than an annual income of $31,285. A person receiving Medicaid, Work First Families Assistance (TANF), or assistance from the NC Food and Nutrition Services automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.
  • Be at nutritional risk. This will be assessed by a nutritionist or other health professional at no cost to the participant at the WIC office.

For more information about WIC or to make an appointment, visit the Alamance County WIC office, located at the county Health Department, at 319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington, or call 336-570- 6745. You may also visit the website at https://www.nutritionnc.com/wic/.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The Duke Endowment Awards $430,000 School-Based Oral Health Expansion Program Grant to the Alamance County Children’s Dental Health Center

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, General News, Health.

BURLINGTON – The Alamance County Children’s Dental Health Center received a $430,000 School-Based Oral Health Expansion grant from The Duke Endowment to provide on-site dental health services in the elementary schools of Alamance-Burlington School System. These services will include classroom education, examinations, x-rays, prophys, fluoride, sealants, amalgam fillings, and case management. For more advanced cases, children will be referred to the Alamance County Children’s Dental Health Center office located at 1914 McKinney Street in Burlington or to a pediatric dental health specialist.

“School-based programs are designed to remove barriers by meeting children where they spend much of their days and to help ensure they are healthy, pain-free, and ready to learn,” said Stacy Warren, program officer for health care at The Duke Endowment. “We are proud to support Alamance County Children’s Dental Health Center in expanding dental care for children living in rural and underserved areas with few or no treatment options.”

The grants are part of a multi-year initiative to address oral health in the state, with an early focus on school-aged children. To learn more about the School-based Oral Health Expansion Program, please visit https://dukeendowment.org/our-work/supporting-oral-health. The Duke Endowment is working with partners throughout North Carolina and South Carolina to develop an initiative to improve oral health in the Carolinas. This multi-year initiative will help health departments, safety-net providers and non-profit organizations expand dental services into rural and underserved schools to ensure that all children receive dental care.

The goals of this initiative are to:

  • improve access to preventative and restorative dental care for school-aged children
  • improve meaningful oral health outcomes for school-aged children
  • proliferate school-based programs that have viable business plans that lead to sustainability

The Alamance County Children’s Dental Health Center offers a variety of oral health treatments including cleanings, fluoride treatment, infant oral care, nutrition counseling, extractions and emergency treatment up to the age of 21 years old. They currently serve 3,500 to 4,000 children annually.

The grants are part of a multi-year initiative to address oral health in the state, with an early focus on school-aged children. To learn more about the School-based Oral Health Expansion Program, please visit https://dukeendowment.org/our-work/supporting-oral-health. The Duke Endowment is working with partners throughout North Carolina and South Carolina to develop an initiative to improve oral health in the Carolinas. This multi-year initiative will help health departments, safety-net providers and non-profit organizations expand dental services into rural and underserved schools to ensure that all children receive dental care.

The goals of this initiative are to:

  • improve access to preventative and restorative dental care for school-aged children
  • improve meaningful oral health outcomes for school-aged children
  • proliferate school-based programs that have viable business plans that lead to sustainability

The Alamance County Children’s Dental Health Center offers a variety of oral health treatments including cleanings, fluoride treatment, infant oral care, nutrition counseling, extractions and emergency treatment up to the age of 21 years old. They currently serve 3,500 to 4,000 children annually.

County Preps for Upcoming Weather Event

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, C-Com, County News, Emergency Management, EMS, General News, Health, Public Information Office, Public Safety, Shelters, Social Services, Storm Information.

Due to the impending winter storm, the County is currently working to ensure that services remain available to residents.

The County is planning to activate the Emergency Operations Center early Sunday morning staffed with emergency services departments and community partners. The Sheriff’s Department, EMS, and Central Communications (911) are working to up-staff in order to accommodate the anticipated bad weather.

At this time, Social Services and the Health Department are preparing to set up a shelter in case there is significant weather that impacts power. The County will provide information once the decision is made to open the shelter to the public.

For assistance pertaining to the winter storm, please call the Alamance County Emergency Operations Center at 336-290-0362.

Fifth Rabies Case Confirmed in Alamance County

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, County News, General News, Health, Public Safety.

BURLINGTON – On October 19, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s fifth case of rabies for the year.

On October 19, Alamance County Health Department was notified that a dog came in contact with a bat on Hickory Lane in Burlington. The health department sent the bat to the State Laboratory for Public Health for testing and the bat was positive for rabies. The dog was reported to be current on its vaccinations and did receive a vaccine booster. There was no direct human contact with the bat.

If you live in this area and have outside pets, you should examine them for any wounds that may have come from contact with this bat and notify animal control or the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if you have questions or concerns.

If you are bitten by any animal:

  • Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
  • Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department.
  • Do not try to catch any wild or stray animal

“The best way to protect your pet from rabies is by vaccinating them and keeping up-to-date on vaccinations,” states Environmental Health Director Terri Craver. “It is the law in North Carolina.”

Tractor Supply on Garden Road vaccinates cats and dogs every Saturday. Call 336-586-9222 for more information. In addition, Pet Supermarket on South Church Street vaccinates dogs and cats every other Sunday. Cost is $21.00. For more information, call 336-584-8044.

Last year, Alamance County had three confirmed animal cases of rabies.

For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.