Press Release from NC DHHS

Raleigh, N.C. — Secretary Aldona Wos announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services has secured additional funds to continue the WIC program as of October 11, 2013. DHHS has determined it can ensure the stability of the program through the end of October using lapsing funds from the previous fiscal year, additional contingency funds from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and product rebates from WIC formula manufacturer, Nestle Foods.

“By securing sufficient funds, we are able to continue supporting the women and children who depend on WIC,” said Secretary Aldona Wos. “Our state is one of the highest volume states for the WIC program so we take the impact of the shutdown very seriously.”

In response to the federal government shutdown, the issuance of WIC vouchers was suspended on October 8 because DHHS did not have sufficient funds to issue new vouchers.

“Because of the uncertainty of the federal shutdown, we know this may only be a temporary solution,” said Wos. “But we are committed to meeting the needs of the people of North Carolina.”

Local health departments are being notified to resume issuing WIC vouchers.

The WIC Program has an annual budget of $205 million. During September, the program provided supplemental food, health care referrals and nutrition education for almost 264,000 women, infants and young children in North Carolina. WIC also impacts more than 2,000 local grocery stores and other food businesses around the state.

Federal shutdown will impact local WIC office

BURLINGTON –The Alamance County Health Department received communication from the NC Department of Health and Human Services Nutrition Services Branch on October 8 that due to the federal shutdown, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, also known as the WIC program, will discontinue issuing benefits at close of business on Tuesday, October 8.  DHHS has determined that federal WIC funds available to the state will be sufficient to cover WIC vouchers already issued for the month of October, but not sufficient to issue additional vouchers.

According to state guidance at this time, individuals in need of services should continue to visit the WIC office and will be screened for eligibility.  Individuals found to be eligible will be placed on a wait list for vouchers but will receive nutrition education and other services at time of assessment.  As vouchers become available, the vouchers will be distributed to participants based on the wait list.

Current WIC recipients who have been issued vouchers may continue to use their current vouchers. WIC clients should keep their nutrition appointments and continue redeeming October vouchers and WIC vendors should continue normal operations to accept existing vouchers. Reimbursement of the vouchers is not affected at this time.

The Alamance County WIC office will remain open at this time to provide eligibility assessments, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.

“This will have significant effect on the women and children we serve,” stated Alamance County WIC Director Nicole Alston. “We will work with our community partners and do our best to refer our clients to other nutrition services and local food banks.”

WIC is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  WIC serves children up to five years of age, infants, and pregnant women.  WIC provides healthy foods, health care referrals, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education.  Alamance County WIC served more than 4,500 individuals in September. Statewide, the program provided supplemental food, health care referrals and nutrition education for almost 264,000 women, infants and young children in North Carolina in September.

BURLINGTON – On September 18, the Alamance County Health Department received the GlaxoSmithKline Child Health Recognition Award for its work with local Project LAUNCH.  The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Child Health Recognition Awards program honors local health departments, public health staff and individuals for innovative, collaborative programs that improve the lives of North Carolina’s children. Project LAUNCH promotes the wellness of all children ages 0-8 years and their families in Alamance County.  Project LAUNCH has worked with local pediatricians to implement family-centered medical homes, provide Positive Parenting Program training and support, and supported early childhood mental health services in the community.  The health department was one of three recipients for the state award.

In addition, three health department staff members received North Carolina Public Health Association (NCPHA) All-Star award. The award recognizes public health staff that exhibit dedication, collaboration and professionalism in public health practice. Karen Saxer, certified nurse mid-wife, received the award for her dedication to improving maternity care and birth outcomes for health department patients through Centering Pregnancy (Centering).  Centering is an evidence-based, group prenatal care model that has been shown nationally to improve the outcomes of mothers and infants.  Ayo White and Christie Sykes, both registered nurses, were recognized for their work in the 2011/2012 outbreak of pertussis in Alamance.  Sykes and White coordinated the public health response and collaborated with local partners to prevent the spread of disease.

The awards were presented at the 2013 North Carolina Public Health Association conference held in Asheville.

BURLINGTON – The Alamance County Health Department will be hosting a rabies vaccination clinic on October 19 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Environmental Health Office at 209 N. Graham-Hopedale Rd. in Burlington.

“Vaccination will protect your pets and your families,” states Environmental Health Director, Carl Carroll. “This is a great opportunity to take advantage of low-cost rabies shots.”

The cost of the rabies shot at the clinic will be $5.00 per pet. Pet owners attending the vaccination clinic are reminded to keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers.

There have been six confirmed rabies cases thus far in 2013.  There were six total rabies cases in Alamance County for 2012.  There were a total of 432 rabies cases statewide in 2012.

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

More options available for vaccine

BURLINGTON – Flu season is upon us and the Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) wants you to protect yourself and your families.  Beginning Friday, September 20, the health department will begin offering seasonal flu shots to the public.

This year, the health department will be providing more vaccine options to the public.  In addition to the trivalent flu vaccine which covers three strains of influenza, the health department will provide the following:

• Quadrivalent flu vaccine injection which covers four strains of influenza
• Flu mist which is the nasal spray live vaccine and only for ages 2-49 years
• Flublok flu vaccine injection which is recommended for people with egg allergies that are ages 18-49 years
• High Dose Trivalent vaccine which covers three strains and is recommended for people over 65 years

This year’s vaccines contain 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.

The cost of the seasonal Flu Mist, Trivalent vaccine, and Quadrivalent vaccine is $25.00.  The cost of the Flublok and High Dose Trivalent is $35.00.  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.

The health department can bill Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurances.  Shots will be given by appointment, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), at the following times:

8:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.

1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Help you and your family stay healthy this season by getting the flu shot today. Don’t forget to wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick to help stop the spread of illness.

For more information, call the health department at 336-227-0101.

BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh has confirmed Alamance County’s sixth rabies case for the year.

On August 17th, a skunk fought with two dogs that were not up-to-date on rabies vaccinations on Highway 49 North near John Lewis Rd. Residents in this area with outside pets should examine pets for any wounds that may have come in contact with the skunk and notify animal control or the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if they have questions or concerns.

“North Carolina law states that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies,” stated Environmental Health Director Carl Carroll. “Over the past two years, 35 dogs were euthanized after being exposed to rabid animals; this could have been prevented if their vaccinations had been up-to-date.”

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 animal

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

BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh has confirmed Alamance County’s fifth rabies case for the year.

On August 5th, a raccoon fought with two dogs that were not up-to-date on rabies vaccinations on Parker Street in Graham. Parker Street is less than a mile from downtown Graham. Residents in this area with outside pets should examine pets that may have come in contact with the raccoon for any wounds and notify animal control or the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if they have questions or concerns.

“It is North Carolina law that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies and over the past two years, 33 dogs were euthanized after being exposed to rabid animals. If their vaccinations had been up-to-date, their lives could have been spared,” stated Environmental Health Director, Carl Carroll. “Rabies vaccination protects not only your pet, but also helps to protect you and your family.”

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 animal

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

DISASTER NEWS

Loans for Homeowners, Renters and Businesses of All Sizes

SBA Disaster Assistance – Field Operations Center- East – 101 Marietta Street, NW, Suite 700, Atlanta, GA 30303

Release Date: July 17, 2013 Contact: Michael Lampton

Release Number: 13-636, NC 13663/13664 Email: Michael.Lampton@sba.gov

Phone: (404) 331-0333

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to North Carolina Residents

Affected By Severe Storms and Flooding

WASHINGTON – North Carolina residents and businesses affected by severe storms and flooding on

June 30 can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA

Administrator Karen G. Mills announced today.

Administrator Mills made the loans available in response to a letter from

Gov. Pat McCrory on July 11, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. The declaration covers

Orange County and the adjacent counties of Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham and Person in

North Carolina.

“The SBA is strongly committed to providing the people of North Carolina with the most effective and

customer-focused response possible to assist homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes with

federal disaster loans,” said Administrator Mills. “Getting businesses and communities up and running

after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”

“Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed

real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace

damaged or destroyed personal property,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations

Center East in Atlanta. SBA’s customer service representatives are available at the Disaster

Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help individuals

complete their applications.

The Center is located in the following community and is open as indicated:

Orange County

University Mall North Carolina

201 S. Estes Drive, Suite A10

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Hours: Monday, July 22 – Thursday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closing: Thursday, July 25 at close of business

-more“

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or

replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other

business assets,” said Lynn Douthett, SBA’s North Carolina district director.

The SBA may increase a loan up to 20 percent of the total amount of disaster damage to real

estate and/or leasehold improvements, as verified by SBA, to make upgrades that lessen the risk

of property damage by similar future disasters.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses and most

private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans

(EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available

regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 1.875 percent for homeowners and renters, 2.875 percent for

non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts

and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure

website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Individuals and businesses unable to visit the center may also obtain information and loan

applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339

for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan

applications can also be downloaded at http://www.sba.gov/. Completed applications should be

returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and

Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is September 13, 2013. The

deadline to return economic injury applications is April 15, 2014.

###

For more information about the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program, visit our website at www.sba.gov/disaster.

NOTE: Due to the nationwide Tubersol PPD shortage and until further notice, the Alamance County Health Department will only perform PPD skin tests based on priority guidelines recommended by the NC Department of Health and Human Services.  TB skin tests for all others will be deferred until shortage has been resolved.  If you are in need of a TB skin test, please call 336-570-6416 to determine eligibility.

BURLINGTON – The Alamance County Health Department will be hosting a rabies vaccination clinic on April 27 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Environmental Health Office at 209 N. Graham-Hopedale Rd. in Burlington. The cost is $5.00 per animal.  Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers.

Additional public rabies vaccination clinics will be held for one week, May 6-11, at the following local veterinary offices:

–          Mebane Veterinary Hospital                      (919) 563-5006

–          Graham Animal Hospital                           (336) 228-1600

–          Tri-County Veterinary Service                   (336) 376-6838

–          Creekside Animal Clinic                            (919) 563-9663

In addition, Alamance Animal Emergency Hospital, available at (336) 228-7226, will provide rabies vaccinations May 6-10 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and again on May 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. only. Please call the veterinary office for clinic hours and to schedule an appointment for the participating clinics.  Rabies vaccines at the participating offices above will cost $5.00 per animal.

State law requires the vaccination of cats and dogs against rabies. Animals should begin receiving rabies vaccination at 4 months of age.  For more information or questions about rabies control, vaccination requirements, or upcoming clinics, contact the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.