Mecklenburg County Blog

Search results for: 'public health'

Give Back

What’s Your Gift? Serving the Community On and Off the Job

Comments Off on What’s Your Gift? Serving the Community On and Off the Job

If you’ve visited a County building lately, it’s easy to see that employees are feeling festive. Like most places this time of year, our holiday spirit has taken the form of garland and festive lights.

But what you might not see is the way the holiday spirit shapes our involvement in the community – working with our partners to make sure our clients have an extra special holiday, volunteering with local nonprofits, and even collecting items to donate. County employees give “gifts” like this every day, but here is one of the stories behind the gift.

Alice Wirz spends her time Monday through Friday working as a substance abuse coordinator for the County’s Health Department. But, it’s her activities after hours that have captured the attention of many of her clients and coworkers.

Continue Reading

Comments Off on What’s Your Gift? Serving the Community On and Off the Job
Health and Human Services

Gift Yourself a Tobacco-Free Life

Comments Off on Gift Yourself a Tobacco-Free Life

by Kim Bayha, Health Policy Coordinator for Tobacco Control, Mecklenburg County Public Health  

It’s no secret that tobacco dependence is a wicked addiction. When used as directed, tobacco kills half of its loyal users. Yet, 90 percent of those people start using before they’re 18. The human brain isn’t even fully-formed and able to give informed consent at that age!

There has been incredible progress in the fight against tobacco. Smoking rates have declined from nearly half the population in 1965 to about 17 percent today. But, tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable death and disease in our community. The Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society every November, provides an opportunity to talk about some of the strategies that are most successful for reducing tobacco use and developing a quit plan.

Continue Reading

Comments Off on Gift Yourself a Tobacco-Free Life
Environment

Five Tips To Make Fall Yard Maintenance A Breeze

Comments Off on Five Tips To Make Fall Yard Maintenance A Breeze

Leaves changing color are a beautiful sight, but knowing those falling leaves have to be raked? Not as exciting. But never fear! We’re here to help with the basics of fall yard care.  

Whether you’re a green thumb or a lawn care novice, here are a few tips to maintain your yard this fall.

Continue Reading
Comments Off on Five Tips To Make Fall Yard Maintenance A Breeze
Resources

Reentry Means Leaving Prison and Never Going Back

Comments Off on Reentry Means Leaving Prison and Never Going Back

Written By Hope Marshall, Criminal Justice Program Manager 

Reentry is an important part of helping people released from prison get a second chance. Our prison and jail populations have decreased in the last 10 years. That’s a good thing! It also means we need a plan to help them stay out and off the streets.

Continue Reading
Comments Off on Reentry Means Leaving Prison and Never Going Back
Resources

Confianza Leads the Way by Connecting on Culture

Comments Off on Confianza Leads the Way by Connecting on Culture

Written by Betsy Abraham, Community Support Services

Domestic violence can happen to anyone. It doesn’t matter their age, race, sex or nationality—or the language they speak. Mecklenburg County attracts people from around the world. As a result, it’s important that those who don’t speak English know where they can get help in case of domestic violence. The Community Support Services Prevention & Intervention Division provides care to Spanish-speaking clients through culture with the Confianza program.

Continue Reading
Comments Off on Confianza Leads the Way by Connecting on Culture
Resources

How to Watch.MeckNC.Gov Your Tax Dollars at Work

Comments Off on How to Watch.MeckNC.Gov Your Tax Dollars at Work

Written by Public Information Manager Bill Carroll

Have you ever been to a public meeting? If your answer is “no,” you are missing your opportunity to literally see your elected public officials hard at work on your behalf.  

So what’s stopping you from attending a Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners meeting? 

A lot, possibly. We know that. And we can help.

Continue Reading
Comments Off on How to Watch.MeckNC.Gov Your Tax Dollars at Work
Environment

Go Green at Work One Step at a Time

Comments Off on Go Green at Work One Step at a Time

When you think about sustainability and going green at work, your first thought might be, “Aha! It is time to build a brand new energy-efficient building.” To that, I say, slow down. That might be the right move for some companies but maybe your company can’t do anything that big and expensive. That doesn’t mean you’re locked out of taking action. Smaller steps are important, too! 

And according to N.C. State’s sustainability program, “Sustainability isn’t just about the health and well-being of the planet; it’s about the health and well-being of people. From the air we breathe to the food and water we consume, the environment impacts human health.” So let’s tackle this idea of sustainability from a few angles to give you some new ideas.  

Continue Reading
Comments Off on Go Green at Work One Step at a Time
Around Town Health and Human Services

Mask Up! Wall of Fame

Comments Off on Mask Up! Wall of Fame

Phone, wallet, keys, mask. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a mask anytime we are in public, at a gathering, or around other people. We know it’s one of the best ways for us to protect our health and our families. But, it’s also one of the best ways for us to support our community and the local economy!

Continue Reading
Comments Off on Mask Up! Wall of Fame

Type on the field below and hit Enter/Return to search