Topics Related to Public Health

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and local health departments are working with restaurants and food establishments impacted by Hurricane Helene to help them reopen and feed their communities.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging western North Carolinians who rely on a private well for their drinking water and were impacted by Hurricane Helene to continue to use bottled, boiled or treated water until private wells can be disinfected and tested for dangerous bacteria. Safety measures and precautions are also needed for septic systems that have been impacted by the storm before returning to use.

READOUT — NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley toured Mitchell and Yancey counties with Governor Roy Cooper on Tuesday, surveying storm damage, meeting with community members and thanking first responders at the Burnsville and Spruce Pine fire departments. The trip concluded with a visit to Sibelco Quartz Mine, a top employer of Mitchell County with about 500 employees. While speaking with members of the media, the Secretary shared updates from the department’s work in collaboration with local, state and federal partners to get the needed care and resources to the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Media Advisory — As part of efforts to help people and communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is sharing opportunities for people to contribute to relief efforts, including donating blood. NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley will participate in a blood drive at the American Red Cross in Raleigh on Monday afternoon to encourage other North Carolinians across the state who are eligible to consider donating blood in support of people and communities impacted by the storm.

PRESS RELEASE — Access to safe and potable water remains a top concern in Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Currently, approximately 160 boil water advisories remain in effect and 27 water plants are closed and not producing water. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is sharing guidance on actions people can take to ensure water is safe and to prevent waterborne disease or illness after the storm.

STATEMENT - The NCDHHS Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, has been postponed due to impacts of Hurricane Helene across the state, especially the severe impacts in western North Carolina.

PRESS RELEASE — **This project is postponed until Spring 2025** The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services to prevent and eliminate the spread of rabies. Beginning next week, Wildlife Services will be distributing the annual oral rabies vaccine for wild raccoons in Western North Carolina.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how seasonal vaccines, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV, help protect communities against severe illness, hospitalization and long-term health complications. The event will be moderated by Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, M.D., NCDHHS’ State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today published the 2024 Health Disparities Analysis Report. The report offers a comprehensive view of the effects of health disparities on health outcomes across North Carolina and highlights opportunities for improvement and action.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is encouraging everyone 6-months and older to get their seasonal flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness, hospitalization and long-term health complications from viruses. Both vaccines have been updated for the new flu and COVID-19 virus strains that will continue to spread this fall and winter.