July 1, 2010

BURLINGTON – As the heat of summer continues to affect residents throughout North Carolina, Alamance County environmental health and building inspections officials have received many inquiries about fencing requirements around swimming pools.  Drownings are the leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 4, and three children die every day in the United States as a result of drowning.   Recent drowning and near-drowning incidents have shown that proper fencing is one of the smartest things you can do to have a safe pool season. 

According to Bob Strowbridge, Director of Inspections for Alamance County, any swimming pool that contains water over more than 24 inches deep requires fencing under North Carolina Residential Code (NCRC).  This includes temporary above ground pools, which can be assembled or inflated and taken down at the end of the summer swimming season.

NCRC Section AG105 requires a fence around the pool which shall be at least 48 inches above grade on the outside of the fence. The maximum clearance below the fence to grade is two (2) inches.  Other clearance requirements do apply. Also, if the dwelling serves as part of the fence with doors accessing the pool, other conditions for safety must be met.  Access gates to the pool shall be equipped with a self-closing device and a latch. The gate shall open out away from the pool and the latch must be on the inside of the gate, 54 inches above the bottom of the gate or three (3) inches below the top of the gate.

The Alamance County Health Department wants everyone to stay cool by the pool and have fun, throughout this holiday weekend and the rest of the summer.  Adults should not be distracted, know CPR, and have an emergency phone close by when they are supervising children in the pool.  Remembering safety and following building code requirements for proper fence barriers are key to preventing tragedies from occurring at your home.

Homeowners with questions about pool or barrier fence requirements can call the Alamance County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at (336) 570-6367 or the Alamance County Inspections Department at (336) 570-4057.

June 15, 2010

BURLINGTON – As activities involving food and fun gain popularity during the summer months, the Alamance County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division has also seen an increase in the number of food stands operating illegally in the county this year.  These food stands, usually set up along roadsides or in parking lots, can pose serious health risks and take customers away from legitimate businesses. 

North Carolina Public Health Laws and Rules regulate and require a permit where food is prepared or served for pay.  Environmental Health Specialists in Alamance County have investigated numerous complaints of illegal food sales and approximately a dozen vendors in recent months have been shut down.  The latest incident occurred on June 9, at the corner of North Graham-Hopedale Road and Holland Avenue, just two blocks away from the health department. 

By state law, these individuals cannot legally operate without first obtaining a permit.  Mobile food units and push carts must also operate in conjunction with a permitted food service establishment.  Permits are also issued for food or drink vendors at specials events, such as carnivals, fairs, public exhibitions, or other similar gatherings that operates for a period of 15 days or less.  However, these rules do not apply to establishments which only serve items such as dip ice cream, popcorn, candied apples, or cotton candy. 

Some vendors may be exempt from North Carolina regulations requiring an operational permit, such as non-profit corporations, political committees, and other organizations that are preparing food for a fundraiser.  Although an operational permit may not be required for these groups, the health department must be provided information concerning the fundraiser such as a group’s official IRS Section 501(c)(3) documents, a list of foods to be sold, as well as the date and location a group will raise the funds.  These groups can operate no more than once a month, for a period not to exceed two consecutive days.

The Alamance County Health Department will continue to vigilantly investigate all reports of suspected illegal food stands and enforce all food safety rules and regulations to protect the public from potential sources of foodborne illness.  Anyone considering the operation of a food stand or conducting a fundraising event involving food is strongly encouraged to contact the Alamance County Health Department’ s Environmental Health Division and (336) 570-6367.

June 9, 2009

BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh has confirmed Alamance County’s third rabies of 2010.  On Tuesday morning, Burlington Animal Control responded to a residence on East Sixth Street, where two dogs had killed a fox overnight.  Both dogs did not have a current rabies vaccination and were euthanized.

“We are very troubled to see a growing trend of owners failing to keep vaccinations up to date,” said Carl Carroll, Environmental Health Director with the Alamance County Health Department.  “All of Alamance County’s rabies cases thus far, have unfortunately resulted in family pets being quarantined or euthanized.  Pet owners must take the responsibility for keeping vaccinations up-to-date very seriously,” Carroll concluded.

The first rabies shot given to a dog or cat is good for one year.  Booster shots received thereafter are good for three years.  Any lapse could not only endanger the pet, if bitten by a rabid animal, but also any humans that may come into contact with the pet.  State law requires that a dog or cat exposed to a rabid animal and is not vaccinated must either be euthanized or quarantined for six months at an approved animal control facility or veterinarian's office, at the owner’s expense.

The Alamance County Health Department urges any pet owner who has allowed a lapse in their dog or cat’s rabies vaccination to call their local veterinarian office for information or an appointment as soon as possible.

You can also Click Here: to view a series of maps for the entire NCGS County Line.

April 28, 2010  

BURLINGTON – This afternoon, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed that a deceased skunk found at a residence on Mount Vernon Church Road tested positive for rabies.  The resident’s dog is now under quarantine at a local veterinary office due to potential exposure to the skunk.  This case marks Alamance County’s second rabies case for 2010 and the second this month.  

This incident is a reminder of the importance of having pets vaccinated against rabies.  The first rabies shot given is good for one year.  Booster shots received thereafter are good for three years.  However, many pet owners fail to keep the important booster up-to-date.  This lapse could not only endanger the pet, if bitten by a rabid animal, but also any humans that may come into contact with the pet.  State law requires that a dog or cat exposed to a rabid animal and is not vaccinated must either be euthanized or quarantined for six months at an approved animal control facility or veterinarian's office, at the owner’s expense.  

“Rabies is a fatal illness, for animals, as well as humans,” said Carl Carroll, Environmental Health Director with the Alamance County Health Department.  “Pet owners must take the responsibility for keeping vaccinations up-to-date very seriously,” Carroll concluded.

Beginning next week, several veterinary offices in Alamance County will host rabies vaccination clinics.  Rabies shots for dogs and cats will be available for $5.00 per animal, from May 3 through May 8, at the following locations:

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

The renovations to the building include improved security; an improved courtroom with better seating, upgraded technology, and a more open floorplan; upgraded offices and jury room facilities; and ADA-compliant restrooms.

Updating our list of supported browsers is a regular event for us and usually goes unnoticed by website users.  This notice is being published solely as a informational service for our users.

On June 1, 2010, our list will update and our site will be designed for the following browsers: 

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 and higher (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/)
• Mozilla Firefox 3.0 and higher (http://www.getfirefox.com) 
• Apple Safari 4.0 and higher (http://www.apple.com/safari)
• Google Chrome 5.0 and higher (http://www.google.com/chrome)

We strongly encourage you to use one of these browsers (they are all freely available from their manufacturers' websites) when you use the county website.  Other browsers will most likely continue to work for you, but our site will not be designed with those browsers in mind.  It is generally a good idea to check with your chosen browser's manufacturer so that you have the latest security updates.   

Our sister sites (GIS, Register of Deeds, and Tax Property Listings) have their own browser requirements and limitations that are similar to ours (GIS does not work with either Safari or Chrome).  

We've enjoyed the first year of the new Alamance County and Alamance Libraries websites.  We hope you've shared our excitement as we look forward to future web possibilities.  

If you have any questions about this change, please feel free to contact me.  I'll be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

April 5, 2010

BURLINGTON -- Late this afternoon, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s first case of rabies for 2010, in a raccoon.

On Thursday, April 1, a resident reported the raccoon fighting with a dog in the area of NC Highway 49 North and Hester Road, near the town of Green Level.  The raccoon was shot by the owner of the dog.  The Alamance County Sheriff’s Department Animal Control division responded to the scene and the raccoon was collected for laboratory testing.

According to Carl Carroll, Environmental Health Director with the Alamance County Health Department, the dog was euthanized after the raccoon was confirmed to have rabies because its vaccinations were not up-to-date.  “We are concerned that this raccoon may also have exposed other pets that were outside in this area,” said Carroll.  “If someone sees a wild animal, such as a raccoon exhibiting strange behavior, you should immediately call Animal Control.” 

This unfortunate incident is a reminder of the importance of having pets vaccinated against rabies.  The first rabies shot given is good for one year.  Booster shots received thereafter are good for three years.  However, many pet owners fail to keep the important booster up-to-date.  This lapse could not only endanger the pet, if bitten by a rabid animal, but also any humans that may come into contact with the pet.  State law requires that a dog or cat exposed to a rabid animal and is not vaccinated must either be euthanized or quarantined for six months at an approved animal control facility or veterinarian's office, at the owner’s expense.

“Rabies is a fatal illness, for animals, as well as humans.   Pet owners must take the responsibility for keeping vaccinations up-to-date very seriously,” Carroll concluded.

In the event someone is bitten by an animal, they should immediately wash the wound with warm soap and water, seek medical attention, and contact Alamance County Animal Control at (336) 570-6302 or the Alamance County Health Department’s Environmental Health division at (336) 570-6367.

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Public Health in the Piedmont Celebrates Public Health Month

Public health is often referred to as the “quiet miracle.”  Because the work of local, state and national public health agencies is generally preventive, our work often goes unnoticed or is taken for granted.  That is why each April, we celebrate National Public Health Week and, in North Carolina, Public Health Month.  This year, the public health departments in Alamance, Davidson, Guilford and Randolph counties are joining together to draw attention to the important work being done to promote good health in each of our communities. 

North Carolina residents have benefitted from the work of public health for 130 years.  Locally, public health services began in Alamance County in January, 1917; Davidson in 1916; May, 1911 in Guilford County and   1927 in Randolph County.  Our mission, statewide, is to promote and contribute to the highest level of health possible for the people of this state.  The essential services to be provided by public health agencies are outlined in our state’s General Statues.   This is why you can rest assured that in every county in our state we are:

• Identifying and working to reduce the greatest health risks;
• Detecting, investigating and preventing the spread of communicable diseases, like TB;
• Inspecting restaurants and other institutions that provide food or lodging to ensure food is safe to eat and facilities are clean and sanitary;
• Helping families plan for and have the healthiest pregnancies possible, so that all our children are born healthy;
• Helping residents learn how to improve and protect their health and the health of their families.

Throughout the Piedmont, each county’s local health department works in specific and focused ways to address needs unique to the communities within the county.  All our departments use research based and evidence based strategies to improve our services and our successes. 

For example, Alamance County Health Department is now offering CenteringPregnancy®, an innovative prenatal program that allows patients to see the same provider throughout their pregnancies, participate in their own care, eliminate wait time and meet other pregnant women with similar due dates.  Women are given the chance to discuss topics important to them during their pregnancies and form friendships and support that last beyond the pregnancy, while at the same time receiving high quality prenatal checkups.  CenteringPregnancy® has been implemented in a wide range of settings nationally from private OB offices to local health departments and has been associated with lower preterm delivery rates, increased breastfeeding rates and higher patient satisfaction.

“We are exceedingly fortunate to have this program at the health department,” said Dr. Kathleen Shapley-Quinn, Alamance County Health Department Medical Director.  “CenteringPregnancy® has been proven, in multiple locations around the country, to improve outcome of some of the most vulnerable babies, as well as creating supportive communities for pregnant women.  It is programs like this which will help us continue to improve the health of women and children in our community."

As our communities change, our “ways of doing business” change too.  Health education and community partnerships are key components of quality public health efforts around the world.  In Guilford County, the Department of Public Health continues to find new ways to make health information accessible to community members.  The Department has a five module on-line course for child care providers on sanitation in the child care setting.  Continuing education credits are required for child care employees.  The on-line course, approved by the NC Division of Child Development, makes it easier for these professionals to earn ten contact hour credits, while learning important information that helps protect the health of the children and staff.  In addition, the Department is co-creator of the Lay Health Coach training program, in partnership with the Moses Cone Health System Congregational Nurse Program.  The Lay Health Coach Program is a four session training that provides members of participating faith communities with a basic and well-rounded training in health and wellness.  Topics covered include when to call 911; the basics of healthy eating; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; physical activity; healthy relationships; mental health and substance abuse.  Program participants are better able to establish and support health ministries within their faith communities and work with the Department to create more opportunities for faith community members to improve their health.

“Our mission statement includes the phrase, ‘In partnership with the community…’ said Merle Green, Guilford’s Health Director.  “We believe strongly in empowering our residents, be they professionals who need continuing health education or lay persons who want to bring health messages to places where people gather naturally.  Working together, we can make our community an even healthier community.”

Through on-going research within the community, Randolph County Health Department was able to identify widespread concerns about obesity and overweight.  Based on that input, the Department helped to develop the Healthy Children SOAR campaign, designed to create positive behavior change among young children and their parents or caregivers in the areas of nutrition and physical activity.  By following four simple strategies, Slow down on fast food, Opt for water, Add activity, and Reduce TV time, children can lead a lifestyle that is active and nutritionally balanced as well as engage in behaviors that are beneficial to the mind and body.  Community partners of the SOAR campaign include Randolph Hospital, Randolph County Partnership for Children, Asheboro YMCA, Lowes Foods and local pediatricians.
    
The Healthy Children SOAR campaign was developed with financial support from The Duke Endowment.  Now in its third year, over 3,400 Randolph County families have participated in initiatives from the SOAR campaign including parent/child physical activity classes, health fairs, educational seminars or community events.  The campaign has been able to determine positive behavior and attitude changes among these participants in the four SOAR strategy areas.

While the public may know little about health department accomplishments, the recognition and support of local, state and national grant organizations provide validation of program efforts and results.  One highlight in Davidson County Health Department is receipt of funding from the North Carolina Triad Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure for Davidson County’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program    (BCCCP).  The goal of this program is to reduce breast and cervical cancer mortality and morbidity through early detection in Davidson County women, ages 40 to 64.  Women who are eligible for BCCCP receive important health screenings, assessments, a clinical breast exam or cervical pap screening.  If the initial screening indicates a possible problem, the patients are referred to either Lexington Memorial Hospital or Thomasville Medical Center for a mammogram.  The financial support from Susan G. Komen for the Cure will provide for expanded mammogram services, from initial screening through additional breast studies and surgical consultations.  Women who are uninsured, underinsured or low income, ages 18 to 64 will be seen through the Health Department, Davidson Medical Ministries Clinic or one of its hospital/medical center partners.  

Health promotion and prevention work conducted through local health departments often is collaborative, extending the reach of resources.  An example is the Greater Triad Regional Tobacco Free College program, led by a health educator based at the Guilford County Department of Public Health.  This program currently works with nineteen colleges in Guilford, Forsyth, Alamance, Rockingham, Davie and Davidson counties to develop and maintain a strong coalition on campus, provide materials for strengthened policy initiatives, promote and increase access to evidence-based cessation strategies, work towards eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke, and support programs to prevent the initiation of tobacco use in college students. The result:  many of these colleges have taken an important step to create a healthier environment for all by adopting tobacco free campus policies that promoted a healthier lifestyle for the students, faculty, staff and visitors. 

Local health department programs deliver “quiet miracles” almost daily.  Each department strives to provide quality services in the most efficient manner, working to make our local communities, region and state the healthiest in the nation.

The best way we've discovered is simply to link directly to the Twitter Accounts.  While it's not a nice little "widget" that you can look at on our website, the information is up to date and hosted directly on Twitter (rather than having information on Twitter re-transmitted through another website).  

Learn more about Alamance County and its departments that use Twitter here at the Alamance County Website.

February 26, 2010

Health Department to Implement New Fees for Selected Services on March 1
Pregnancy tests and Tdap vaccine to be affected

BURLINGTON – Effective March 1, 2010, the Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) will implement fees for pregnancy tests and Tdap vaccine.  A $10.00 fee will be charged for pregnancy tests and $47.00 for the Tdap vaccine.  These fees were approved by the Alamance County Board of Health at their February 16 meeting.

Pregnancy Tests

The fee for pregnancy tests is not entirely new.  Until approximately eight years ago, a $10.00 fee was charged for the test, when the fee was rescinded.   This fee increase is related to medical laboratory testing and cost of providing this service.  However, an ACHD patient receives a value-added service, in addition to the pregnancy test itself.  One-on-one counseling is provided to all patients receiving a pregnancy test.  Birth control methods, sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, and in the event of a positive test, options and resources related to prenatal care are discussed with the patient.

Tdap Vaccine

The new charge associated with the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine is one of the many repercussions of recent state budget cuts.  Until December 1, 2009, Tdap was provided through the North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) universally, to all children.  Due to the substantial reduction in state funding appropriations for the purchase of vaccines, the NCIP no longer has the funds necessary to supply the same vaccines that were provided in the past to all children.  Additionally, the NCIP was able to procure the Tdap vaccine from the manufacturer at significantly lower cost to local health departments, which are no longer able to capitalize on this cost savings and must incur higher costs to purchase the vaccine.

A patient must fall into one of three categories to qualify for free, state-supplied Tdap vaccine:

1. One dose of Tdap is available for post partum women seen at a local health department if no documentation of Tdap vaccine exists.   Post partum is considered less than six months after delivery.
 
2. One dose of Tdap is available for all children ages 10-18.  (Effective April 1, 2010)

3. One dose of Tdap can be given to any person of any age entering a North Carolina college or university for the first time, who has never received Tdap and Td (tetanus and diphtheria) is required by North Carolina Immunization law. (Effective April 1, 2010)

The Alamance County Health Department regrets the challenges that these changes may present to its patients and the public.  Anyone interested in receiving one of the services affected by the new fees is strongly encouraged to call (336) 227-0101 or stop by the health department for additional information.  The Alamance County Health Department is located on the 1st Floor of the Alamance County Human Services Center at 319 North Graham-Hopedale Road in Burlington.

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Appointments scheduled for Saturday, February 6, will be honored at the same time on April 10.  It is only necessary to call if you need to cancel your child's appointment.

Parents with questions may call (336) 221-1267 between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday-Friday, for additional information.

In some cases, we are simply waiting on Twitter to replace the widgets.  However, in some places, we are displaying the RSS feeds in place of the widget.  While the RSS feeds do accurately display the text of the Tweets, the dates are not displayed on our website.

If you click on the individual Tweets, you should be able to see when the Tweet was posted.  

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.  Unfortunately, this is an issue that is beyond our control and totally out of our hands.  We hope, as you do, that Twitter will be able to fix this flaw quickly and securely.

Our individual Twitter Feeds (as of January 29, 2010) are:

• http://twitter.com/AlamanceNC
• http://twitter.com/ACFireMarshal 
• http://twitter.com/ACLibraries
• http://twitter.com/ACRecAthletics 

If you have any questions about the new website, please contact our GIS Manager.