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  Until approximately eight years ago, a $10.00 fee was charged for the test, when the fee was rescinded.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.

2009 State of the County Health Report (SOTCH) Released

BURLINGTON - The Alamance County Health Department has released the 2009 Edition of the State of the County Health Report (SOTCH).  The SOTCH Report, an annual report required by the North Carolina Division of Public Health from all Local Health Departments in the state during non-Community Health Assessment years, provides updated health statistics and information about priority health issues.

The SOTCH Report highlights several key health indicators including morbidity and mortality data specific to our community.  Additionally, ongoing Public Health activities in Alamance County such as infant mortality, teen pregnancy, and air quality are features.  The report also covers the overall progress in priority areas related to the 2007 Community Health Assessment; including transportation, substance abuse, and chronic disease.  H1N1 is featured as the 2009 SOTCH Report’s Emerging Issue.  First featured in the SOTCH in 2008, the Emerging Issue focuses on a health issue of significance that was not previously identified or anticipated and how the challenge was addressed by the local health department in the community.

To view the SOTCH Report in its entirety, please visit our website at: http://www.alamance-nc.com/d/health.html.  The link to the report can be found by scrolling down the home page to the What’s New section.
 

For questions about the SOTCH Report, please contact the Alamance County Health Department’s Office of Health Education and Public Information at (336) 227-0101.

ACHD Women’s Health Programs Featured in N.C. Medical Journal Article

BURLINGTON - The Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) was recently recognized in the N.C. Medical Journal for implementing best practices and providing innovative programs to women across the reproductive health continuum.

The N.C. Medical Journal’s September/October 2009 “Spotlight on the Safety Net” feature, which became publically available in early December, focused on the health of women, particularly during childbearing years.  ACHD programs and services featured in the article included the Alamance Teen Outreach Program (TOP), the Targeted Infant Mortality Reduction (TIMR) program, Women’s Health, Mental Health, and CenteringPregnancy® prenatal program.

“We are honored to be recognized by our peers in the medical community for our unwavering commitment to innovative programming and use of best practices to serve the mental and physical health care needs of women in Alamance County,” said Dr. Kathleen Shapley-Quinn, Alamance County Health Department Medical Director.  “This is only one of the many ways our staff and practitioners demonstrate their commitment to protecting and improving the public’s health in Alamance County on a daily basis.”

The “Spotlight on the Safety Net” featuring the Alamance County Health Department can be found on the N.C. Medical Journal’s website at http://www.ncmedicaljournal.com/Sept-Oct-09/SpotlightSafetyNet.pdf . 

For questions about any of featured programs and services, please contact the Alamance County Health Department at (336) 227-0101.

ACHD and Alamance-Caswell Dental Society Partner to Give Kids a Smile!
Appointment scheduling begins January 19

BURLINGTON - As a part of National Children’s Dental Access Day, the Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) and the Alamance-Caswell Dental Society are proud to Give Kids a Smile.

The event, now in its fifth year locally, will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2010, at the Alamance County Children’s Dental Center, from 8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.  The Children’s Dental Center is located at 1914 McKinney Street, near the corner of North Graham-Hopedale Road and McKinney Street in Burlington.  Aside from a day of fun activities and dental care for children, participating dentists preformed a total of over $35,000 in free dental services.

Appointment scheduling for free limited dental exams, cleaning, fluoride, and sealants will begin on Tuesday, January 19, and end on Thursday, January 21.  Anyone residing in the counties of Alamance or Caswell, interested in scheduling an appointment for their child(ren), should call the Give Kids a Smile appointment line at (336) 221-1267 between 10:00 AM and noon or 3:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M.  Please note that appointments are limited to the first 100 children.

Children should meet the following criteria:

• In Grade K - 8
• Have a financial need
• Have NO Dental Insurance
• Are not enrolled in the N.C. Medicaid or N.C. Health Choice programs
• Reside in Alamance or Caswell County

For more information or for further details, please call the Alamance County Children’s Dental Center at (336) 570-6415.

The Cell Phones for Soldiers program takes these phones, gives them to a recycler in exchange for money which is used to purchase long-distance calling cards for soldiers serving overseas.

So far, Alamance County residents have been extremely generous with their old cell phones, and we are extremely grateful to those residents who have donated and who will donate for this excellent cause.

If you aren't able to drop off your old cell phones in 2009, don't worry - Alamance County's main offices will remain a drop-off point into 2010, as will the other locations mentioned earlier.

For more information, please visit http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
December 7, 2009  

H1N1 Vaccination Clinic to be held in Mebane on December 11
Health Department: Don’t let H1N1 take the joy out of the holidays

BURLINGTON - The Alamance County Health Department’s H1N1 vaccination efforts continue on Friday, December 11, 2009, with a free community H1N1 Vaccination Clinic in Mebane.  The clinic will be held at the Mebane Arts and Community Center at 622 Corrigidor Street, from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. 

Despite recent reports that H1N1 Flu infections are on the decline, that doesn’t mean it’s time to let down your guard.  “With individuals in such close proximity to each other while out shopping, athletic events, attending parties, worship and going to family gatherings, the holidays are a prime time for the spread of disease,” says Debbie Garrett, Alamance County Health Department’s Nursing Director.  “It’s hard to enjoy the spirit of holidays if you’re sick.  By being vaccinated, in addition to proper hand washing, covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying home if you are sick, the risk of catching or spreading disease is greatly reduced.”

Per CDC guidelines, the following target groups are eligible:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
(this includes children under 9 years of age who are due for their second dose of vaccine)
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have chronic medical conditions
(i.e. asthma, emphysema, diabetes, heart disease, and auto-immune disease)

To expedite the screening process, please visit AlamanceFlu.com to download forms and complete them upon arrival.

The Child Support office will be closed November 30 – December 1, 2009 due to the move.  The Child Support office will reopen at its new location (319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road) December 2, 2009.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 27, 2009

Health Department to Offer H1N1 Vaccine by Appointment
Appointments to be taken on Monday for select dates in December

BURLINGTON – As the holiday season gets underway, the Alamance County Health Department wants to take the stress out of receiving the H1N1 Vaccine.  On Monday, November 30, area residents will be able to schedule an appointment instead of having to rearrange busy schedules to attend a community vaccination clinic.

To schedule an appointment for the H1N1 Vaccine, please call (336) 570-4162.  The appointment center will be staffed starting on Monday (November 30), between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., or until all appointments are filled.

Callers MUST speak with an operator in the appointment center.  If the line is busy, please try your call again within a few minutes.  Messages left on any health department extension will not be returned or secure an appointment. 

The following target groups are eligible:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
(this includes children under 9 years of age who are due for their second dose of vaccine)
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have chronic medical conditions
(i.e. asthma, emphysema, diabetes, heart disease, and auto-immune disease)

To decrease your wait time on the day of your appointment, please visit AlamanceFlu.com to download forms and complete them upon arrival.

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).