Guilford County Department of Public Health has a new tool to help the community stay updated about its flu vaccine availability:  a flu information line.  This telephone line (641-4FLU or 641-4358) provides the caller with flu vaccine and appointment information in both English and Spanish. “We are trying to make getting a flu shot as easy as possible for our residents,” stated Merle Green, Health Director.�
Flu vaccination information is also posted on the agency’s website at www.guilfordhealth.org. Click on the Seasonal Flu icon at the bottom of the home page. You may post your questions on flu and flu vaccine to our Medical Director, Ward Robinson on his blog, www.askguilfordhealth.com
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the NC Division of Public Health are recommending an annual seasonal flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months of age and older.�

Cynthia Simpson MSW, LCSW was selected by her peers as Guilford County Department of Public Health’s Employee of the Year for 2009-2010. She was recognized for this honor at the September 20th Board of Health meeting in High Point where she was presented with a special plaque. Simpson is a licensed clinical social worker at the 501 E. Green Drive, High Point facility. She has been employed with Guilford’s health department for 17 years and the county for 23 years.
Simpson provides counseling and educational services for persons presenting in the agency’s clinical services program.  The information and counseling is related to preventing disease and adverse conditions whether physical, emotional and behavioral from ever occurring by promoting healthy behaviors, prevention activities and protective measures. Services are also rendered to patients in crisis to rehabilitate or restore improved functioning.  Crises include unplanned pregnancies, diagnosis of chronic health conditions such as HIV, domestic violence and substance abuse. Simpson also coordinates and provides educational classes including Parent Connection with the focus of healthier parenting and QuitSmart®, a smoking cessation program. Simpson’s work includes consultation to medical providers and social service agencies for purpose of coordinating services for health department patients. Earlier this year, Simpson served on the Guilford County Board of County Commissioners’ substance abuse task force.
Simpson stated upon receiving her award, “I believe we have choices to make a difference everyday in our own lives and in the lives of others. My work at the Health Department allows me to be a “builder” and to join with others to build their knowledge and skills to enhance their lives.  I am honored to have been chosen as the Department of Public Health’s Employee of the Year.”
 

Guilford County will serve as host to two local events in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is October.  (more…)

Guilford County Department of Public Health is adding more appointments in its existing schedule on Friday, September 17 and Monday, September 20 to administer Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine to children who are currently in 6th grade or who were 12 years of age on or after August 1, 2008 who have not yet received the vaccination. (more…)