Who makes the referral?
Referrals are made by hospital staff, medical providers, developmental evaluation centers, day cares, and social services.

Do I need to participate?
This is a voluntary program offered to families.

How much does it cost?
This program is free to families.  If the child is on Medicaid, the Medicaid program will be billed, otherwise, a state grant will be billed.

I am going back to work.  How can I continue with the program?
We will try to arrange our schedule to meet your work hours or make visits at your child's day care.
 

Environmental Health  (contact information)
What are your hours of operation?
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

How do I get my land checked for a building site that would require a septic tank and/or well?
Fill out the necessary county application in its entirety.  The specialist will then visit the lot, evaluate the soil characteristics, and determine the suitability of the relevant parameters and either approve or disapprove the lot.  Fees are variable, dependent upon the size of the lot in question.

If my land is turned down as a building site, can I appeal that decision? 
Yes.  For a fee of  $100 per acre, due at the time of submission, a denial may be appealed.

How can I file a complaint about a failing septic system?
Contact the Environmental Health Division, where the call will be referred to the designated specialist who will follow up with the complaint in a timely manner.

How can I get my well water sampled and tested? 
For $47, a standard bacteriological analysis is performed for the presence of fecal and total coliforms, which indicate contamination of the water supply.  The sample must be taken by an Environmental Health Specialist (EHS). 

What is required for the construction and operation of a public swimming pool?
The first step is to complete a plan review application.  Then, submit plans designed by an engineer, with an engineer's seal and await the plan review approval.  The EHS will conduct construction inspections.  Next, permit fees need to be paid for the application for operations permit.  Then the EHS will conduct a final inspection and permit the pool.  Keep in mind a Certified Pool Operator must be available and responsible for the swimming pool.  Existing pools require annual renewal applications and payments of relevant fees associated.

How do I become a Certified Pool Operator (CPO)?
Contact the Environmental Health Division for names and addresses for a list of instructors available within the private sector.

How do I file a complaint about a restaurant and/or a possible food related illness?
Call the Environmental Health Division, where the call will be referred to the designated specialist who will in turn, investigate the complaint as soon as possible.

How do I get a permit to operate a food service establishment?
Contact the Plan Review Specialist with the Environmental Health Division for forms and relevant information.

What can be done regarding rodent control and garbage complaints?
The Environmental Health Division investigates complaints relating to rodents on the exterior of homes or establishments  as well as improper garbage disposal.

What are the health department's requirements to open and operate a child care center? 
Contact the Plan Review Specialist with the Environmental Health Division for forms and relevant information.

Should I have my child tested for lead poisoning? 
If your child is under the age of six, it is a good idea to have him/her tested.  Testing is especially important if your child lives in a home built prior to 1978, or if the child regularly visits a home that was built prior to 1960.  If paint is in poor condition (flaking, chipping, peeling) or has been disturbed by recent remodeling in any location your child spends time, then it is also a good idea to have the child tested. 

If my child is over the age of six, should I have him/her tested for lead poisoning? 
The risk is not as great due to changes in hand to mouth activities.   Also, the development of the central nervous system and brain is not as readily affected by lead after the age of six.  Lead is still not healthy at any age, but the body doesn't absorb it as well as people progressively age.
 

Family Planning  (contact Information)
Can a minor (under 18 years old) receive birth control services without consent of her/his parent?
Yes.  The law requires us to provide services to minors upon their request without parental consent.  However, we do encourage minors to discuss their birth control needs with their parents.

Do you give out condoms?
Yes.

Can you perform a paternity test?
No.  You need to see your personal physician for this.

Do you give emergency contraception or "the morning after pill?"
Yes.  If you think that you are in need of emergency contraception, please call 560-7630 and ask to speak to a Family Planning nurse.
 

Health Check/Health Choice  (contact information)
What is this letter that I received in the mail from EDS about?
This letter could be about three things: 
1. an introductory letter about the Health Check/Health Choice program
2. a missed appointment letter
3. a follow-up notice 

Can you help me with transportation to a clinic?
We will assist you in obtaining transportation through the Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA) ((919) 683-3282) or the Red Cross ((919) 493-3551), but we do not provide the transportation for you.
 

Home Health   (contact information)
How can I get home health services started?
The physician must give orders for services based on medical need and homebound status.  The nurse will make an appointment to make a home visit to assess the needs.  If the person meets the guidelines, services will be initiated.

How long can I receive services?
This varies with the patient needs and the reimbursement source.  The nurse can explain this when she makes the home visit for the assessment.

How are services paid for and will I receive a bill?
If the services qualify under the Medicare and Medicaid guidelines as covered services, we accept payment from these sources as payment in full and the patient does not receive a bill.  If the services qualify under our sliding scale fee schedule, the charge is based on income and family size.  Payments from private insurance companies vary with each company.  The nurse discusses this information at the initial home visit and the patient/caregiver is given the information about any charges.

My parents live in a rest home.  Can they receive home health services?
If the requirements for home health services are met, your parents can receive only skilled services from home health in the rest home.  Aide services for personal care cannot be provided by home health in a rest home.
 

Nutrition  (contact information)
Can I sign up for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program at the Health Department?
The Health Department does not provide WIC services.  Durham County's WIC Program is located at the Lincoln Community Health Center, 1301, Fayetteville Street, Durham, 956-4042.

How can I get help to understand my diet?
A licensed dietitian/nutritionist at the Health Department can help you.  A referral from your physician is generally required for nutrition appointments.  Call 560-7791 for more information.  Charges for nutrition counseling are based on a sliding scale fee.  Medicaid and Healthchoice can be charged for certain visits.

What does nutrition counseling include?
Nutrition counseling is provided by registered dietitians, who are also licensed by the state of North Carolina to practice nutrition.  The nutritionist will conduct a nutrition assessment and counsel the client on how to best modify their diet and physical activity to address their health and dietary goals.  Several nutrition visits are generally needed to provide the necessary instruction as well as feedback and support to the client.
 

Pharmacy (contact information)
When is the pharmacy open?
The pharmacy is open from 8:30am until 5:00pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  The pharmacy is also open from 8:30am until 7:00pm on Tuesday.  We remain open during the lunch hour.  We close at 12:00 noon on the first Wednesday of every month and for all county holidays.

Who can get prescriptions filled at the Health Department Pharmacy?
We only fill prescriptions written here at the Health Department, no outside prescriptions can be filled at this pharmacy.

What medicines do you have at your pharmacy?
We only carry a limited number of drugs, we do not have heart, pain, diabetes and blood pressure drugs.

What is the cost for the drugs you do have?
There is no cost for the medications at our pharmacy.
 

Prenatal Care   (contact information)
Can I come to the Health Department for my prenatal care?
The Health Department provides prenatal care at Lincoln Community Health Center ((919) 956-4052).
 

Transportation
I need transportation. Can you pick me up?
We will assist you in obtaining transportation through the Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA) ((919) 683-3282) or the Red Cross ((919) 493-3551), but we do not provide the transportation for you.

Do you have a bus stop near you?
Yes, we have a bus stop directly across Main Street from the Health Department building.