FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 17, 2009

Media Advisory

H1N1 Vaccination Clinic for Adults and Pregnant Women

this Friday in Burlington

The Alamance County Health Department will administer H1N1 vaccine on a first-come, first-served basis, to the following target groups:

• Adults 25–64 years old with chronic medical conditions

(i.e. asthma, emphysema, diabetes, heart disease, and auto-immune disease)

• Pregnant women

In order to receive the vaccine, individuals cannot currently be sick.  There is no cost for the H1N1 vaccine.  To assist our vaccinators, please plan to wear short sleeves or clothing that allows for easy access to the upper arm.

For additional information or eligibility questions, please contact the Alamance County Flu Call Center at (336) 570-H1N1 (4161).

“Over the past few years, we have been amazed by the generosity of others. But, we have also seen the need to support our troops continue.” says Brittany Bergquist, Cell Phones for Soldiers co-founder. “It is easy for Americans to make a small sacrifice of support by donating their unused cell phones, and providing families with a much-needed connection to their loved ones overseas.”

Local residents can support the collection drive by donating their phones at Alamance County’s main offices, located at 124 W. Elm St, Graham, NC  27253.  
 
Alamance County is grateful to be able to serve as a collection point.  The generosity of our residents and employees since we began a year ago allowed us to collect over 400 cell phones for our soldiers.  We are also grateful to the AT&T Cellular Store at Alamance Crossing for their generous assistance with this project.
 
Teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money, founded cell Phones for Soldiers. Since then, the registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $1 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.
 
“We are continuously overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support of thousands of Americans who have helped our troops speak with their loved ones,” says the teens’ father, Bob Bergquist. “However, the need for support keeps growing as more soldiers are sent to the Middle East or are asked to serve extended tours of duty.”
 
Through increased fundraising efforts, the Bergquist family hopes to raise more than $9 million in the next five years to fund new programs, such as providing video phones and prepaid service to allow soldiers abroad to see their families on a regular basis.
 
The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each phone – enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad.
 
Approximately half of the phones ReCellular processes are reconditioned and resold to wholesale companies in over 40 countries around the world. Phones and components that cannot be refurbished are dismantled and recycled to reclaim materials, including:

• Gold, silver and platinum from circuit boards
• Copper wiring from phone chargers
• Nickel, iron, cadmium and lead from battery packs
• Plastic from phone cases and accessories 

About Cell Phones for Soldiers:
Cell Phones for Soldiers was created by Brittany & Robbie Bergquist of Norwell MA.  After reading a story about a soldier who ran up a huge phone bill calling home from Iraq, these two teenagers decided to help out. They started by opening an account with $21.00 of their own money.  They are collecting cash donations and old cell phones.  The cell phones are recycled for cash and the proceeds are used to buy prepaid calling cards for our soldiers serving in the Middle East.  Cell Phones For Soldiers is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Their efforts have motivated people and businesses around the country to donate to this worthy cause.  Their goal is to provide every US soldier with a way to call home for free.  For more information, please visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com <http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/> 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 12, 2009

 MEDIA ADVISORY

H1N1 Vaccination Clinic This Saturday in Burlington

The Alamance County Health Department will administer H1N1 vaccine on a first-come, first-served basis, to the following target groups:

• Individuals between 6 months - 24 years old
• Pregnant women
• Caregivers of infants less than 6 months old

To receive the vaccine, the following requirement(s) must be met:

• Individuals must not be currently sick.

There is no cost for the H1N1 vaccine.  For additional information or eligibility questions, please contact the Alamance County Health Department at (336) 227-0101 or the Alamance County Flu Call Center at (336) 570-H1N1 (4161).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 3, 2009

Media Advisory

H1N1 Vaccination Clinic in Mebane

WHAT:          H1N1 Vaccination Clinic      

WHEN:          Thursday, November 5, 2009, from 1:30 P.M. until 4:30 P.M.  

WHERE:       Mebane Arts and Community Center

                      622 Corregidor St.

                      Mebane, NC 27302

The Alamance County Health Department will administer H1N1 vaccine on a first-come, first-serve basis, to the following target groups:  

• Individuals between 6 months - 24 years old
• Pregnant women
• Caregivers of infants less than 6 months old

To receive the vaccine, the following requirement(s) must be met:  

• Individuals must not be currently sick.

There is no cost for the H1N1 vaccine.  For additional information or eligibility questions, please contact the Alamance County Health Department at (336) 227-0101 or the Alamance County Flu Call Center at (336) 570-H1N1 (4161).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 27, 2009

Media Advisory

H1N1 Flu Nasal Mist Vaccination Clinic

WHAT:          H1N1 Vaccination Clinic (Nasal Mist ONLY)

WHEN:          Friday, October 30, 2009, from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.

WHERE:        Fairchild Community Center
                        827 South Graham Hopedale Rd.
                        Burlington, NC 27215

The Alamance County Health Department will administer a limited supply of H1N1 nasal mist to children on a first-come, first-serve basis, to the following target groups:

• Children who are between 2 - 18 years old ONLY.

To receive the nasal mist, the following requirement(s) must be met:

• The child must not be currently sick.
• The child must be generally healthy, with NO chronic medical condition(s).

There is no cost for the H1N1 vaccine.  For additional information or to determine if your child is eligible, please contact the Alamance County Health Department at (336) 227-0101 or the Alamance County Flu Call Center at (336) 570-H1N1 (4161).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2009

BURLINGTON – Starting Monday, Alamance County residents will have two new ways to obtain the latest information and updates about H1N1 influenza and community vaccination clinics when the Alamance Flu Call Center and AlamanceFlu.com officially go live.

Callers may reach the flu call center by calling 570-H1N1 (4161).  Information will be provided to callers through the selection of menu option choices.  Additionally, between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M., Monday-Friday, callers who are possibly ill have the option to speak with a healthcare professional to ask specific flu-related questions.  Based on call volume, these day and times may expand at a later date.

Residents with internet access may also visit http://www.alamanceflu.com to access general information about H1N1, resources for specific populations (businesses, families, childcare, etc.), and H1N1-related updates in the community.

The Alamance Flu Call Center and AlamanceFlu.com is a collaborative of several community partners, including the health department, county government, Alamance County EMS, and Alamance Regional Medical Center.

Alamance Flu Call Center Quick Facts

• The phone number is 570-H1N1 (4161).
• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions available through selecting menu options.
• Healthcare professionals are available from7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M., Monday-Friday, to answer specific flu-related questions.

AlamanceFlu.com Quick Facts

• The web address is http://www.alamanceflu.com .
• Provides general information about H1N1, resources for specific populations (businesses, families, childcare, etc.), and H1N1-related updates in the community.

H1N1 Flu Nasal Mist Vaccination Clinic

WHAT:          H1N1 Vaccination Clinic (Nasal Mist ONLY)

WHEN:          Saturday, October 17, 2009, from 9:00 A.M. until 12 noon

WHERE:       Alamance County Health Department

                       319 North Graham-Hopedale Rd.

                       Burlington, NC 27217

In the spirit of protecting our youngest residents against illness and accommodating the busy weekday schedules of parents and guardians, the Alamance County Health Department will administer a total of 600 doses of H1N1 nasal mist on a first-come, first-serve basis to the following target groups:

• Children who are 2 -17 years old ONLY.

To receive the nasal mist, the following requirements must be met:

• The child must not be currently sick.
• The child must be generally healthy, with NO chronic medical condition(s).

For additional information or to determine if your child is eligible, please contact the Alamance County Health Department at (336) 227-0101.

October 7, 2009

BURLINGTON - The Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) received its first allocation of H1N1 vaccine on Monday.  ACHD’s initial 200 doses, in the form of a nasal spray, are designated for clinic providers with direct patient contact at the health department and EMS personnel.  As more shipments of H1N1 vaccine are received by the health department from the N.C. Immunization Branch, vaccination efforts will expand to target groups in the general public, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  These additional allocations, which are anticipated to arrive in the coming weeks, will include vials and pre-filled syringes of the H1N1 vaccine.

In addition to preparations surrounding the administration of the H1N1 vaccine, seasonal influenza vaccination has resumed.  ACHD currently has a supply of seasonal vaccine and will be administering these doses on a walk-in basis, Monday-Friday, at the following times:

• 8:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
• 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Vaccine will be given to the following high-risk groups:

• Adults over the age of 65
• Children 5 years old and younger
• Any individual with an underlying medical condition (i.e. COPD,  asthma, diabetes)

The cost for the seasonal vaccine is $25.00.  Individuals interested may wish to call the health department at (336) 227-0101 and speak with a nurse to verify high-risk eligibility.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24, 2009

The Alamance County Health Department received notification late Wednesday from its primary supplier of seasonal flu vaccine that shipments will be delayed.  The delay is attributed to the challenge of producing and shipping two influenza vaccines in one year, but will not affect the shipment of influenza A (H1N1) pandemic vaccine.  The partial shipments of seasonal flu vaccine are anticipated to arrive sometime in October, with final shipments to arrive by the end of November.

 “While it is untimely that the majority of our seasonal flu vaccine shipments will be delayed, this should not prevent anyone from receiving vaccination,” said Barry Bass, Alamance County Health Director.  “Many healthcare providers and retail pharmacies have already started administering seasonal flu vaccine.  Those who desire to receive the seasonal flu vaccine now should take advantage of existing flu clinics in the community.”

Until an adequate supply of vaccine is received to begin seasonal flu vaccination, the Alamance County Health Department will not identify any tentative dates, times, and locations for seasonal flu clinics.  When the schedule for clinics has been confirmed, we will immediately release details through the media and post the schedule on the health department’s website.

Since our new website launched in April, we've received extremely positive feedback from you, our customers.  There have been a lot of positive comments about the way the new website works and looks, and as webmaster, I appreciate all the kind comments.

I've also received a few suggestions on ways to make the website even better, and have taken those suggestions to heart.

The first major changes you'll see are on the front page.  I'm working on re-organizing the front page to put the things you use most often right at your fingertips.  You'll see some things appear, disappear, and move around - so don't be alarmed.  It's all part of the re-organizing.  We're not deleting anything - you can still find everything you need by following our menus (to the left and above) or by using the search tool at the top-right of every page.

The other changes are still in the planning stages.  Our Web Site Committee (the folks that actually make the decisions on the website design) will be reviewing these changes before they're implemented, and I will keep you informed of their decisions.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, you can e-mail me at webmaster[at]alamance-nc[dot]com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 26, 2009

With the start of the new school year, the clock is now officially counting down to the final bell for sixth grade students who have not complied with the Tdap vaccine requirement.  All current sixth grade students attending a middle school on the traditional Alamance-Burlington School System calendar have until September 23 to receive and provide proof of vaccination to the school.  Failure to comply with the requirement by this date will result in a student’s suspension from school until the requirement is fulfilled.

The Tdap requirement is not exclusive to students in public schools.  Students attending private or charter schools and those that are home schooled are also subject to the requirement.  Deadlines for these schools may differ, due to varying start dates.

Starting today and continuing through mid-September, the Alamance County Health Department will offer Tdap vaccinations on a walk-in basis at the following times:

• DAILY from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

• MONDAY EVENINGS until 6:00 PM on the following dates:

To expedite your visit, it is recommended that you bring a copy of your child’s immunization records.  Parents may also obtaining vaccine information sheets and print clinic registration forms in English or Spanish by visiting http://www.alamance-nc.com and clicking on Health under the Departments A-Z tab at the top of the homepage.

For more additional information about the Tdap requirement, contact your child’s school or call the Alamance County Health Department at (336) 227-0101.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 3, 2009

Laboratory results from a fox were received late Friday afternoon from the North Carolina Division of Public Health in Raleigh, confirming Alamance County’s fourth case of rabies for 2009.

On Thursday, July 30, a fox attacked an 89-year-old man, while working in his yard. The attack occurred in the vicinity of NC Highway 119 North and Corbett Road, near the Caswell County line.   The gentleman was able to shoot the fox and call Alamance County Animal Control. The gentleman received medical treatment and is currently undergoing post-exposure treatment.

According to Carl Carroll, Environmental Health Director with the Alamance County Health Department, a rabies exposure is not exclusively limited to a bite from a potentially rabid animal.  “A rabies exposure can also include contamination of scratches, abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes with the saliva or other potentially infectious material (such as brain tissue) from the animal.” 

Even though this attack was certainly a frightening situation for the individual bitten by the fox, the public should not be afraid to venture outside while enjoying the weather.  However, everyone should be aware of their surroundings while working or playing in their yards.

“If a person has an exposure, they should immediately wash the wound with warm water and soap, seek medical attention, and call Animal Control or the Health Department,” Carroll reiterated.

Friday’s lab confirmation marks a milestone in Alamance County, as this is the 100th documented case of rabies.  The first documented case of rabies (in an animal other than a bat) since the 1950s, occurred in 1997.  So far this year, 299 animals in North Carolina have tested positive for rabies.  Of those animals, 61 have been foxes.

“In light of this most recent case of rabies, dog and cat owners should continue to be vigilant in keeping their animals current on rabies vaccinations,” concluded Carroll.

June 29, 2009

Novel H1N1 Case Count Now at Twelve in Alamance County
Three additional cases confirmed late Friday, 12th confirmed Monday afternoon

The Alamance County Health Department was notified late Friday by the North Carolina Division of Public Health that laboratory tests from three additional Alamance County residents have been confirmed for Novel H1N1 Influenza.  On Monday afternoon, notification of another confirmed case was received.  These new cases bring the total of Alamance County H1N1 cases to twelve (12).

The four new cases include:
• A child attending an in-home daycare in Burlington.
• A volunteer with a summer program at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Burlington.
• A student attending summer school at Harvey R. Newlin Elementary School in Burlington.
• An Alamance County resident that is hospitalized at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill.

With the exception of the hospitalized patient, all other individuals are currently undergoing antiviral treatment and are recovering at home.

The affected individuals are currently undergoing antiviral treatment and are recovering at home.

If you have symptoms of influenza, such as a fever greater than 100 F (37.7 C) and sore throat or cough, you or your child should remain at home for seven days or until at least 24 hours after symptoms end, whichever is longer.  The Centers for Disease Control also recommends other people in the household also remain at home for seven days to prevent the spread of infection in the community.  Individuals with the symptoms above who are less than 5 years of age or pregnant, or have chronic medical conditions, should contact their doctor.   Others with worsening symptoms should also seek medical attention.

The Alamance County Health Department is committed to protecting and improving the public’s health in Alamance County.  Information and developments surrounding the Novel H1N1 Influenza continues to change frequently, therefore, the public is strongly encouraged to monitor the local news outlets for updates from local public health officials.  Any information regarding the confirmation of new Novel H1N1 cases in Alamance County will be released on Wednesdays, in conjunction with the NC Division of Public Health’s weekly update.  Individuals seeking additional information may go to the CDC’s website (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu) or call the Alamance County Health Department at (336) 227-0101.