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

Event designed to foster stronger relationships between fathers and children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 10, 2011

BURLINGTON – Father’s Day weekend means more than just gifts and pampering by loved ones.  For some Alamance County fathers, it means building stronger relationships with their children.

The Men’s Empowering Resource Center (MERC) will hold its second annual Father’s Day Rally on Saturday, June 18, from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. at the North Park Community Center.

The event is a partnership between the MERC, the Alamance County Health Department’s Teen Outreach Program, Burlington Housing Authority, Alamance-Caswell LME, Adolescent Health Partnership, and the Alamance Alliance.

The free event, which will include food, entertainment, competitive games, and interactive educational exhibits, is designed to foster the positive impact of father involvement.

According to 2009 U.S. Census Bureau data, over 24 million children live apart from their biological fathers.  That is 1 out of every 3 (33%) children in America. Nearly 2 in 3 (64%) African American children live in father-absent homes.  One in three (34%) Hispanic children, and 1 in 4 (25%) white children live in father-absent homes.  In 1960, only 11% of children lived in father-absent homes.

For more information about the MERC Father’s Day Rally, please contact Zoe Walker (336) 684-8073.

Skunk attacks unvaccinated dog, placed under six month quarantine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 20, 2011

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

On Tuesday evening, a skunk entered a fenced enclosure in the 1700 block of Whitney Burche Trail in the Pleasant Grove community.  A 3-year-old basset hound housed in fenced enclosure attacked the skunk.  The dog’s owner was able to shoot and kill the skunk during the confrontation.

The dog’s owner transported the skunk to Alamance County Animal Control on Wednesday, where it was subsequently sent off to state laboratory for testing.  The health department and animal control were notified on Thursday evening that the skunk tested positive for rabies.

Upon further investigation, the dog was found not to be current on its rabies vaccinations.  As an alternative to euthanization, state law allows for an animal to be quarantined at a facility approved by the local health director for a period up to six months.  The dog’s owner will be responsible for all costs during the quarantine period.

Earlier this week, two residents and a dog were attacked by a fox in a west Burlington neighborhood.  Both victims were treated at Alamance Regional Medical Center and are undergoing post-exposure treatment.  The dog that was attacked was current on its rabies vaccinations and has received a booster shot.

“In the past week, we’ve seen where a dog being current on its vaccinations saved its life and unfortunately, now we’re seeing the consequences of not having animal up-to-date, said Carl Carroll, Alamance County Health Department’s Environmental Health Director.  “These events clearly illustrate the importance of making sure dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.  If your pet’s rabies vaccination has lapsed, get the booster immediately to protect them and your family from contracting rabies.”

Thursday’s lab confirmation also marks the third case of rabies in the Pleasant Grove area of northern Alamance County in the past 90 days.

Since April 2010, thirteen documented rabies cases have occurred in Alamance County.  Of those thirteen, ten involved dogs were not up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. Eight of those dogs were euthanized, one was quarantined for six months and now another is under six month quarantine. The cost alone to quarantine two dogs for six months could provide rabies vaccinations for hundreds of dogs and cats.

As more people spend time outdoors, there is an increased likelihood of encountering wild and possibly rabid animals.  Therefore, everyone should be aware of their surroundings while working or playing outside.

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

Incident marks fourth confirmed case for 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 2011

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

On Sunday, a resident of Coachlight Trail in Burlington was out walking his dog at about approximately 8:30 A.M., when a fox wandered down the street, came into the driveway, and attacked the family dog.  The dog’s owner kicked the fox and was bitten on the leg.

About a half hour before the incident on Coachlight Trail, less than a half mile away, a resident on Garden Road saw a fox attempting to attack her dogs.  After yelling at the fox, it proceeded to chase her.  Before she could escape into her residence, the fox bit her on the leg and ran away.

Burlington Police and animal control officers responded to the area.  After searching the area, the fox was located and killed.  The health department and animal control were notified on Tuesday that the fox tested positive for rabies.

Both victims were treated at Alamance Regional Medical Center and are undergoing post-exposure treatment.  The dog that was attacked was current on its rabies vaccinations and has received a booster shot.

Although this attack was certainly frightening for those involved, this incident should not deter the public from venturing outside.  However, since outdoor temperatures are getting warmer, there is an increased likelihood of encountering wild and possibly rabid animals.  Therefore, everyone should be aware of their surroundings while working or playing outside.  Pet owners should also make sure that their dogs and cats are current on their rabies vaccinations.

Additionally, residents in this area that have outside pets should closely examine them for wounds that they might have received from this fox and notify animal control or the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367, if they have questions or concerns.

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

Unvaccinated dog involved in fight with rabid fox on Wednesday night

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2011

BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s third rabies case for the year late Friday afternoon.

On Wednesday evening at approximately 10:30 P.M., an unvaccinated dog was involved in a fight with a fox at a residence in the 4400 block of North NC Highway 62.  The fox was killed by the dog’s owner, but the incident was not reported until Thursday morning.  The animal control division of the Alamance County Sherriff’s Office responded to the residence where the fox was found and collected for testing.  The dog was also removed from the property and taken to the animal shelter for quarantine.  On Friday, upon positive lab confirmation lab of rabies in the fox, the dog was euthanized.

For the purpose of rabies control in Alamance County, several veterinary offices in Alamance County will host rabies vaccination clinics this upcoming week.  Rabies shots for dogs and cats will be available for $5.00 per animal, from May 2 through May 7, at the following locations:

Alamance Animal Emergency Hospital 2643 Ramada Rd. Burlington, NC 27215 (336) 228-7226

Animal Hospital of Mebane Mebane Ridge Marketplace 1935 NC Hwy 119 South Mebane, NC 27302 (919) 304-1600

Creekside Animal Clinic 626 N First St Mebane, NC 27302 (919) 563-9663

Graham Animal Hospital 851 South Main St. Graham, NC 27253 (336) 228-1600

Mebane Veterinary Hospital 1938 Jones Dr. Mebane, NC 27302 (919) 563-5006

Tri-County Veterinary Service 7716 NC Hwy 87 South Graham, NC 27253 (336) 376-6838

Please contact the veterinary office for details and special hours for vaccination.  An appointment may be needed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6, 2011

Spring has sprung!  As everyone spends more time outside enjoying warmer temperatures, there’s also an increased chance of coming into contact with rabid animals.  Make sure you and your furry tailwaggers are protected by getting them vaccinated!

Last year, there were eight confirmed cases of rabies in Alamance County.  Seven of the eight cases involved dog or cats whose rabies vaccination had lapsed, resulting in their untimely euthanization.

Rabies is easily preventable.  As a part of Public Health Month activities, you can get your dog or cat (four months or older) vaccinated at our convenient Saturday rabies clinic!  It’s not a choice, it’s the law!

WHAT:      Alamance County Health Department Rabies Vaccination Clinic

COST:       $5.00 per animal   WHEN:      Saturday, April 9, 2011                 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M.

WHERE:    Alamance County Environmental Health Office                 209 N. Graham-Hopedale Rd.                 Burlington, NC 27217

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

For more information, please contact the Alamance County Health Department’s Environmental Health division at (336) 570-6367.

Social media launch kicks off month-long Public Health Month activities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 1, 2011

BURLINGTON – A new era of connecting with the community officially begins today at the Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) with the debut of its presence on Facebook and Twitter.

“Really, this isn’t an April Fool’s Day joke,” said Eric Nickens, Jr., ACHD Media and Public Affairs Officer.  “The community, as well as our current clients and patients have desired this form of interaction with us for quite some time.  With the assistance of the county MIS Department, we’re elated to finally make this service available.”

By “Liking” us Facebook and “Following” us on Twitter, residents of Alamance County and beyond can stay informed on the latest events, news, and new services offered by health department.  In addition, the community, as well as current clients and patients can provide the health department with valuable feedback regarding current and potential future programs and services.

April also kicks off North Carolina’s Public Health Month celebration.  Public health is present everywhere, every day and in everybody’s life, but many in our communities are not even aware of this silent force in their lives.  Public health affects us all, ensuring that food served in our restaurants is safe to eat, keeping our water clean, making sure our children are vaccinated against dangerous diseases, and generally contributing to the quality of life in our county.

ACHD will celebrate Public Health Month with a variety of activities throughout the month, including various education programs, a rabies vaccination clinic, and participation in community-wide events, such as Healthy Kids Day at Burlington City Park and the Mebane Dogwood Festival 5K Run.  For a complete summary of activities, please visit the Public Health Month section on the health department’s website.

Since 1938, the staff of the Alamance County Health Department have been working with and serving the public health needs of Alamance County residents, providing clinical, environmental, and community health education programs and services that are critical to the well-being of the community.  For more information about the health department or any of its programs or services, please call (336) 227-0101.

Progress made in overall health outcomes, physical environment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 30, 2011

BURLINGTON – Community mobilization and public awareness of health issues are proving to be the key ingredients in a recipe for better health amongst Alamance County residents.  The annual County Health Rankings, released today by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, show Alamance County advancing six spots from 26th in 2010 to 20th healthiest in North Carolina.

“This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to just how powerful our community can be when there’s a call to action,” said Alamance County Health Director Barry Bass.  “Through the joint efforts of the health department, Healthy Alamance, and community groups, we are making an impact in the health and lifestyles of Alamance County residents.”   “While we’ve made progress in some areas, there’s much more to accomplish before we can become the healthiest county in North Carolina,” Bass concluded.

Since the release of last year’s rankings, many groups and agencies have joined forces to address some of Alamance County’s major health issues, resulting in:

• Parks and recreation departments throughout the county collaborating with the Alamance County Health Department and Healthy Alamance to develop the Physical Activity and Recreation Challenge (PARC) Passport program.  In its inaugural year, PARC Passport exposed over 5,000 residents to the county’s most popular, as well as undiscovered recreational areas, in an effort to get residents to get up, out, and moving.

• Significant facility renovations and enhancements, such as the addition of a dance/aerobics room, a physical activity arcade, a new walking track, lighting, and outdoor fitness stations at Burlington’s North Park.  The project was funded though a N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund FIT Communities grant.  Through the efforts of Healthy Alamance, Burlington Recreation and Parks, and neighborhood residents, park utilization has increased significantly, as well as a renewed sense of community pride in this socio-economically challenged area.

• The development of Mebane’s City Trail systems.  The trails, tentatively scheduled to open in the summer of 2011, are located throughout Mebane and range from approximately 1 to 4 ½ miles in length.  This project was born through a partnership between Mebane on the Move, the City of Mebane, and citizens from the area.

• The Alamance County Area Chamber of Commerce, Alamance Regional Medical Center, and Alamance County Health Department partnering with NC Prevention Partners (NCPP) and Pfizer for the Alamance County Prevention Academy.  The academy, consisting of approximately 25 local businesses and organizations, utilizes NCPP’s WorkHealthy America, an innovative and successfully proven program to help employers reduce healthcare costs while improving employee health.  The program is being provided to the participating businesses and organizations at no charge over the next three years, a value of $6,000 per participating entity.

• The expansion of the air quality flag and vehicle anti-idling programs to all campuses within the Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS).  This awareness initiative between the Healthy Alamance Pediatric Asthma Coalition, ABSS, and the Alamance County Health Department, has expanded with funding from the North Carolina Asthma Program.  Expansion funding currently provides asthma education to childcare providers and will debut Know the Code, an awareness campaign to familiarize Alamance County residents with what each air quality color means.

This is the second year of the County Health Rankings, the most comprehensive report of its kind to rank the overall health of nearly every county in all 50 states by using a standard way to measure how healthy people are and how long they live. The Rankings helps everyone see how where people live, learn, work and play influence how healthy they are and how long they live.

For more information, please visit www.countyhealthrankings.org.

Recent clinic changes increasing efficiency, cutting door-to-door time by 25%

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 17, 2011

BURLINGTON – A special team, comprised of Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) staff, have been on a mission.  While maintaining a full clinic schedule and other critical operations, their assignment has involved quick thinking and precise steps to ensure the efficient use of resources while improving overall client and patient satisfaction.  Enter the ACHD Quality Improvement (QI) Team.

The Alamance County Health Department is one of nine counties throughout the state involved in Phase II of the NC CPHQ Public Health QI 101 initiative.  Over the past few months, with the assistance of consultants from the N.C. Center for Public Health Quality (NC CPHQ) and N.C. State University’s Industrial Extension Service, the QI Team received training and applied their knowledge to pinpoint and eliminate wasteful activities to increase efficiency.

In less than two weeks since the team implemented changes in the Women’s Health Clinic, they’re already seeing remarkable improvements.  Total door-to-door time (which includes check-in, waiting room, time with provider, lab, and check-out) has decreased by 25% from two hours to one hour and thirty minutes.  Additionally, with the relocation of the Women’s Health check-in area and reconfiguration of rooms and equipment, the distance a patient travels during a clinic visit has been reduced by half.  Additional areas of the health department are already being evaluated for future phases of the ACHD QI Project.

“Time is money,” said Kathy Brooks, QI Project Lead.  “This philosophy not only applies to the business world, but affects the patients that we see daily, since thirty minutes can mean the difference in the size of one’s paycheck.  By reducing waste and increasing our efficiency, we’re allowing our patients get the healthcare they need while keeping disruptions to their daily routine at a minimum.”

The NC CPHQ is a partnership between the North Carolina Public Health Foundation (NCPHF) and the North Carolina Division of Public Health (DPH), funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of North Carolina, The Duke Endowment, The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  NC CPHQ collaborates with state and local partners to provide training in QI methods and tools and develops, leads, and supports strategic QI initiatives for the Division of Public Health and local public health agencies in North Carolina.