Author: Ariana Lawrence

Latest site visit extends accreditation thorough 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 19, 2011

BURLINGTON – The continued commitment to protecting and improving the public’s health in Alamance County has been confirmed once again by state officials.

The Alamance County Health Department has been awarded re-accreditation status by the North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation Board.  Alamance was one of five counties to receive re-accreditation by the Accreditation Board at its meeting on December 16.

“We are very pleased to have completed this process successfully,” said Alamance County Health Department Director Barry Bass. “The department’s accreditation is a validation of the staff’s hard work and dedication to quality.  We are particularly appreciative of the work of our Agency Accreditation Coordinator, Kathy Brooks, Carl Carroll and Lynn Connor, our technical consultant. The agency takes very seriously its mission of protecting and promoting the health of our community.”

North Carolina is the first state to mandate accreditation for its local health departments in the country.  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, 64 health departments have been accredited in North Carolina.  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 certain 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 accreditation process is a collaboration of the North Carolina Division of Public Health, part of the Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Institute for Public Health of the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, with input from the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors.

For more information about the North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation program, please visit www.sph.unc.edu/nciph/accred.

Minority rate decreases by over 50%

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 8, 2011

BURLINGTON – Thanks to a combined countywide effort, more babies in Alamance County are living to see their first birthday.  Infant Mortality Rates for 2010, released recently from the North Carolina Center for State Health Statistics (NC SCHS), reflect a continued downward trend for infant deaths in Alamance County.

Overall, the Infant Mortality Rate in Alamance County for 2010 is 6.5 per 1000 live births.  The current rate for the state is 7.0 deaths per 1000 live births.  This is also the first year that the NC SCHS has reported specific rates for the African American and Hispanic populations, rather than using the minority classification.  The rate among African Americans is 8.2 deaths per 1000 live births.  In past years, African Americans have been 2-3 times more likely to experience an infant death, but this year marks a significant decline in the disparity.

“We are absolutely delighted with the continuing decline in the death rate for our minority children,” said health department Medical Director Kathleen Shapley-Quinn, MD.  “Improving outcomes for this group of children is particularly challenging since the science behind this historical trend of increased minority deaths is not clear.  We should take this opportunity to celebrate, as well as recommit ourselves to further advancing all of the good work underway.”
Since 2005, when a five-year action plan was created by the health department and Alamance County Board of Health, several interventions have been implemented to improve the health of women and infants.

These programs include: • Formation of an infant mortality reduction coalition. • 5A’s smoking cessation program at the health department. • Offering mental health services at the health department to pregnant women. • “Back to Sleep” SIDS prevention public awareness campaigns. • Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention public awareness campaigns. • Horizons Substance Abuse counseling at the health department for moms and pregnant women • Neonatal and Special Care Nursery services at Alamance Regional Medical Center. • Smoking cessation public awareness campaigns. •  Teen Outreach Program (TOP). •  Distribution of multivitamins containing Folic Acid to Maternity clinic and Women’s Health clinic clients.  • Safe Surrender Law education and public awareness campaigns. • Preconception and interconception health education and counseling. • Duke Perinatal Services at Alamance Regional Medical Center. • Pregnancy Medical Home and Pregnancy Care Management • Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program • 17P Promotion and Utilization
Infant mortality is multi-factorial.  It is likely all the programs, in addition to the good work done by our many community partners, have in some way contributed to the decline.

Additionally, research has found that a woman’s health prior to pregnancy can impact pregnancy outcomes.  As women become healthier, the likelihood of a healthier pregnancy increases and in turn, the likelihood of healthier babies increases.

HEY Ladies program wins 2011 NC SOPHE Kathy Kerr Outstanding Health Project Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2011

BURLINGTON – The Alamance County Health Department’s HEY (Health Education for You) Ladies program received top honors at the North Carolina Society for Public Health Education’s (NC SOPHE) annual conference, recently held at the Sheraton Four Seasons/Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.

HEY Ladies was the recipient of the 2011 Kathy Kerr Outstanding Health Education Project Award.

The Kathy Kerr Outstanding Health Education Project Award is given by NC SOPHE to recognize organizations in North Carolina which have sponsored outstanding projects in health education.  The award honors the late Kathy Kerr, a former project award recipient.

The HEY Ladies program, which functions as a clinical component of the health department’s Women’s Health clinic, was honored for its demonstrated positive outcomes in improving preconceptional health behaviors in women through the use of motivational interviewing.  Since this project’s inception in 2007, over 2000 women have been served through HEY Ladies, with approximately 80% of clients successfully making one of more behavior changes, including weight loss and smoking cessation.

“We are very proud of the work done through our HEY Ladies program and it is most gratifying that NC SOPHE has provided the well deserved recognition by bestowing the Kathy Kerr Outstanding Health Education Project Award to HEY Ladies,” said Health Director Barry Bass.  “Kudos to our dedicated Women’s Health staff that has worked so hard to make this program a success,” concluded Bass.

The North Carolina Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education, Inc. (NC SOPHE) is a professional organization formed in 1965 to promote, encourage and contribute to the advancement of health of all people.  NC SOPHE encourages its professional members to stay informed through continuing education, to strive to improve the practice of health education, and to make a positive contribution toward making health accessible to all people.

BURLINGTON – North Carolina’s public health professionals were recently honored with GlaxoSmithKline Child Health Recognition Awards for improving children’s health through a variety of programs. All nominees were recognized and winners announced at an awards ceremony in Charlotte during the North Carolina Public Health Association’s annual meeting. Two members of the Alamance County Health Department staff, Eric Nickens, Jr. and Kathleen Shapley-Quinn, MD, were among the recipients.  Nickens serves as Health Education Supervisor and Public/Media Affairs Officer.  Shapley-Quinn serves as Medical Director.

This year’s GlaxoSmithKline Child Health Recognition Awards focused on outstanding collaborative programs that affect the health of children in all nomination categories. The awards, which include monetary grants, were presented in four categories.

Nickens and Shapley-Quinn were two of three individuals to receive the Public Health Staff Recognition Award.  The Public Health Staff Recognition Award is given to full-time or part-time employees or retirees of local health departments in recognition of outstanding service in preventive health activities in their local communities.

Nickens was recognized for his media and public health education initiatives associated with the Alamance-Caswell Give Kids a Smile program.  The program, a partnership between the Alamance County Health Department and the Alamance-Caswell Dental Society, provides free preventative dental treatment for children that have no insurance coverage and do not qualify for Medicaid or the NC Health Choice program.  In addition, participating dentist also adopt children seen during the annual event into their dental practices for further restorative treatment, at no cost.

Shapley-Quinn was recognized for her work in meeting mental and physical health needs of low-income and minority women.  Through a successful collaborative partnership with experts at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, many pregnant women and new moms suffering from addiction have been treatment.  In addition, Shapley-Quinn has worked to reduce disparities in breastfeeding, and developed materials to train staff to assess and treat psychiatric illness during the perinatal period. The awards program, which is sponsored by the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation, is intended to recognize and thank public health professionals for their innovative and creative approaches to the many health care needs of children and families, particularly those with low incomes.

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation supports activities that help meet the educational and health needs of today’s society and future generations. The Foundation focuses on programs that emphasize the understanding and application of health, science and education at all academic and professional levels.

Nickens Receives North Carolina Public Health Association 2011 All-Star Award

In addition to GlaxoSmithKline honors, Nickens was one of ten public health professions in North Carolina to receive NCPHA’s 2011 All-Star Award.  The award recognizes individuals working in public health agencies throughout North Carolina that embody the spirit of the public health profession.

NCPHA was formed in 1909 by a group of concerned county superintendents of health in an effort to promote public health in North Carolina.  One hundred years later, the Association of individuals and organizations continues working to improve the public’s health through political advocacy, public awareness, professional development, and serving as an interface between research and practice.

Mothers and children to compete to set world breastfeeding record on October 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2011
BURLINGTON – Breastfeeding mothers, are you ready to attempt a new world record?  Ready, Set, Feed!

The Alamance County WIC Program will host a Breastfeeding Challenge on Saturday, October 1, at the Civitan Shelter in Burlington City Park, as a part of the Quintessence Global Breastfeeding Challenge.  Activities will begin at 10:00 A.M. with limited free food, games, activities, and giveaways for participants.  The official “latch on” time will be 11:00 A.M.

This fun event is a challenge to see which geographic area has the most breastfeeding babies “latched on” at 11:00 A.M. local time.  Mothers and children at sites across the United States, Canada, and other countries around the world will compete to set the record for the most infants breastfeeding at one time.  The winners of the competition will be the site with the most infants breastfeeding at one site, the country with the most children breastfeeding at registered sites and in North America the region (state, province or territory) with the most children participating as a percentage of the birth rate.  To level the playing field between large and small, each site will be entered into one of four groups determined by birth rate.

The purpose of the event is to celebrate breastfeeding and milk-banking, and demonstrate promotion, protection and support for breastfeeding women and their families.  In addition, the event is also a chance for education and peer support in a fun and social way.  In 2010, the Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge included 4,373 children in eighteen countries at over 213 sites with a total of over 20,000 supporters.

“There are so many reasons to celebrate breastfeeding,” according to Breastfeeding Coordinator Catherine Cunningham. “The Alamance County WIC Program has had three breastfeeding peer counselors on staff for well over a year now and they have done a tremendous job since their arrival, especially meeting the challenges of a rapidly growing caseload.  In addition to a combined caseload that surpasses 500, our counselors now teach breastfeeding classes and conduct support groups,” concluded Cunningham.

For more information about the Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge, visit the challenge website at www.babyfriendly.ca or contact Cunningham at (336) 570-6475.

The Alamance County WIC Program is an equal opportunity provider.

BURLINGTON – Flu season is upon us and the Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) is out to help you “Tackle the Flu.”  Beginning Monday, September 19, the health department will begin offering seasonal flu shots to the public.

The cost for the seasonal flu shot is $20.00.  The health department will file Medicaid and Medicare Part B only.  Shots will be given on a walk-in basis, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), at the following times:

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

This year’s seasonal vaccine again contains several strains of influenza, including H1N1.  Therefore, 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.

Clients with internet access can visit www.AlamanceFlu.com or follow the health department on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-the-minute flu clinic updates and information on special clinic hours, if needed.  For general flu vaccine questions or specific questions regarding the filing of a particular insurance or Medicare plan for flu shots, please call the health department at (336) 227-0101.

There is an extra incentive for getting your flu shot this year.  The N.C. Division of Public Health is partnering with Scholastic Sports Marketing, based out of Charlotte, N.C., and high schools across the state this fall for the Tackle the Flu campaign.

People who participate in the Tackle the Flu campaign also can enter the “text to win” contest, giving fans the opportunity to win four tickets to a North Carolina professional sports event of their choice.  Anyone can enter by texting TACKLEFLU to 94253.  For more information, visit www.flu.nc.gov.

Help you and your family stay in the game by getting your flu vaccination today.  Additionally, don’t forget to wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue or your sleeve, stay home when sick, and don’t forget to text TACKLEFLU to 94253 and enter to win four tickets to your favorite North Carolina professional sporting event.

Students at five Alamance-Burlington schools to receive nutrition-themed book

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 12, 2011

BURLINGTON – In the coming days, some Alamance County elementary school students will be feasting on more than just nutritious cafeteria cuisine.  This take home meal will be brain food, full of nutritional nuggets to help students and families develop healthier eating habits.

The Alamance County WIC Program will donate books through a book drop at Andrews, Eastlawn, Haw River, Newlin, North Graham, Pleasant Grove, and South Graham elementary schools.  Each child will receive the book “What’s in Grandma’s Grocery Bag?”  The book, which will be available in English and Spanish, promotes a message of shopping for the right foods.

Information on the WIC Program will also be available at the participating schools.

“WIC truly works in Alamance County and is making a difference in not only the lives of clients and their children, but also the community at-large,” said Nutrition Program Director Michele Herbek.  “The roughly 4,500 clients served through the WIC Program generate approximately $4 million dollars in the county through vouchers redeemed at local retailers.”

WIC is a federally funded special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children that eligible families have relied on for over 30 years.  The program is designed to provide nutrition education and counseling, food vouchers (including cash value vouchers for fruits and vegetables) and breastfeeding promotion and support through the breastfeeding peer counselor program.  Referrals are also provided to other health providers and community resources to ensure program participants get a balanced approach to their healthcare needs.

For more information about the WIC Program, please call (336) 570-6745, or stop by the WIC Office located on the first floor of the Alamance County Human Services Center at 319 North Graham-Hopedale Road in Burlington, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.  Special clinic hours are also available for clients, based on need.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Fast Facts – WIC Program Eligibility • Must be a pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman. • Have an infant or child up to 5 years old. • Must reside in the State of North Carolina • Gross annual household income cannot exceed 185% of the Federal Poverty income guidelines. • Applicant or child must have a nutritional/medical risk, as determined by a nutritionist. • All Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services and Work First recipients automatically meet the WIC income eligibility criteria.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8, 2011

MEDIA ADVISORY Alamance County Health Department Community Rabies Vaccination Clinics

While humans are taking precautions to get vaccinated against the flu, don’t forget about the vaccination your furry tailwaggers and purring felines can’t go without…a rabies shot!

Your pet’s rabies vaccination also protects you and your family members as well.  This year alone, there have been seven confirmed cases of rabies in Alamance County.

Protect your dog or cat…get them vaccinated at our convenient community rabies clinics!  It’s not a choice, it’s the law!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Mountain View Ruritan Club 5161-D Mt. Herman Rock Creek Road Snow Camp, NC 27349

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Buttermilk Creek Outfitters 3860 Fleming Graham Road Burlington, NC 27217

Please have your cat(s) in a carrier and dog(s) on a leash!

The cost is $5.00 per animal.  For more information, please contact the Alamance County Health Department’s Environmental Health division at (336) 570-6367.

Deadline is Tuesday for year-round calendar, September 23 for traditional calendar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2011
BURLINGTON – The familiar sea of yellow school buses will paint the landscape in earnest next week.  However, for rising sixth-grade students, the trip to school may be short-lived if they are not in compliance with the state’s Tdap vaccination requirement.

The deadline for sixth-grade students attending Graham Middle School, Alamance County’s only middle school on the year-round calendar, is Tuesday, August 23.  Alamance-Burlington students attending a middle school on the traditional calendar have until Friday, September 23.
After these dates, any sixth-grade student without a Certificate of Immunization showing proof of compliance shall be suspended from school until the parent or guardian provides certification, as required by law, or shows that the child has started the immunization process.
Beginning Friday and concluding September 30, the Alamance County Health Department will implement their Tdap Fast Track system in the Immunizations Clinic for students needing Tdap only.  An appointment is not required.  Tdap Fast Track will be available Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M., and again from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.  Parents are required to bring their child’s shot record on the day of their visit.
“Providing this fast track option for Tdap will give parents with busy schedules more flexibility, without having to make an appointment,” said Christie Sykes, Immunizations Coordinator.  “As in years past, as the deadline gets closer, even fast track gets backed up.  The sooner parents get this taken care of, the better it is for everyone,” Sykes concluded.
The Alamance County Health Department is committed to making sure school-aged and college-bound students are ready to learn, by making sure immunizations required by law are up-to-date.  For questions or more information about immunizations, please call (336) 227-0101.

Caged baby fox at a residence may have potentially exposed several individuals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29, 2011

BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s sixth rabies case for the year in a baby fox on Wednesday morning.

On Tuesday, Alamance County Animal Control was called to a residence on Monroe Holt Road just south of Burlington, in response to a report of an aggressive fox.

Upon further investigation by animal control, it was determined that the baby fox had been captured and caged for the past two weeks.  During this time period, two children and one adult have been confirmed to have handled the animal.

Animal control and the Environmental Health division have contacted those individuals that are known to have had an exposure.  Any other individuals in the area who have questions or may have come into contact with the baby fox should contact Environmental Health at (336) 570-6367 immediately.  Rabies is a fatal illness not only for animals, but humans as well.

As people will more than likely spend time outdoors this holiday weekend, there is always the likelihood of encountering wild and possibly rabid animals.  Therefore, everyone should be aware of their surroundings while working or playing outside.  Incidents such as this further emphasize the importance of not approaching or playing with any wild animal, caged or roaming freely; no matter how cute or innocent it may appear.  Although animals such as foxes and raccoons may not initially exhibit any obvious signs or symptoms of rabies, they still may be carriers of the disease.

Although no dogs or cats were not known to be exposed in this particular incident, owners of dogs and cats should make sure their tailwagger is up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.  The next rabies clinic in Alamance County will be held on July 30 from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Burlington Pet Adoption Center, located at 221 Stone Quarry Road in Haw River.  The cost is $5.00 per shot.

If you are bitten or scratched 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 animal