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Get Boosted, Orange County!
Public health officials and community leaders share their reasons why they got a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine in a new video titled, “Get Boosted, Orange County!” Participants include Carrboro Mayor Damon Seils, Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart, Hillsborough Mayor Jennifer Weaver, Orange County Board of County Commissioners Chair Renée Price, and Vice Chair of the Board of Health Keith Bagby.
According to the CDC, Orange County, NC is at a high community level of COVID-19, which means people should consider increasing COVID-19 layered prevention strategies — like staying up to date on vaccines, screening testing, ventilation and wearing masks — to help limit severe disease and reduce the potential for strain on the healthcare system.
"Now more than ever, receiving a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible is an urgent, healthy choice to protect yourself and your family," said Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart. "Even if you were fully vaccinated earlier this year, two shots are no longer enough. We know protection against infection from the vaccines declines over time, so booster doses are critical for everyone. I got boosted because I don’t want to get others sick.” |
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New National 9-8-8 Number for Mental Health Crisis
People in mental health crisis can dial 9-8-8 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) and get immediately connected to trained crisis counselors 24/7. The new three-digit number provides a faster, easier way to get the help already available at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
For more information on the NSPL, go to 988lifeline.org.
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Expanded Availability of At-home COVID-19 Tests for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Last month, the Biden-Harris Administration launched an initiative to expand the availability of at-home testing options that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. The tests work with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone app to provide users with audible instructions and test results. Read more about the tests.
Due to very limited supplies when the program began, each order included only two test kits. People were asked to order these tests only if they did not have options for using the traditional kits. Starting today, the program is expanding. People will now receive 12 test kits with each order. In addition, anyone who is blind or who has low vision is now encouraged to order the more-accessible tests.
To order or for assistance, READ MORE.
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Anonymous Screening Tool to Check Drinking and Make a Change Plan
More than 140,000 people die from excessive alcohol use in the U.S. each year. Use this link to access a screening tool to check your drinking, and learn more about the benefits of drinking less alcohol. Access the tool and Prevention Strategies: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/CheckYourDrinking/
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New COVID-19 Testing Schedule to Begin August 1
The Orange County Health Department hosts COVID-19 testing at two different locations for free, convenient PCR tests (insurance will be billed). For those without insurance the tests are also available and are free. NCDHHS contracts with Mako Medical to do this testing at OCHD locations. The new schedule:
Drive-thru Testing in Hillsborough
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
9 am to 4 pm
113 Mayo St., Hillsborough (in front of the Dept. of Social Services)
To register visit https://bit.ly/makotesting or call (919) 913-8088.
Walk-in Testing in Chapel Hill (*Beginning August 2nd. There will be no testing in Chapel Hill on Thursday, July 28)
Tuesday and Thursday
8 am to 3 pm
2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill at the Southern Human Services Center
To register visit https://bit.ly/makotestingch or call (919) 913-8088.
Both locations will offer PCR tests only for all ages.
VIEW THE CALENDAR.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Vaccines are free, and no ID is required! If you are coming for your second dose, or a booster please bring your vaccination card with the record of your previous doses. Visit our COVID-19 Vaccine page for the most up-to-date information: www.orangecountync.gov/getyourshot.
Ages 6 months and up can be vaccinated! To make an appointment call (919) 913-8088 or visit https://takemyshot.nc.gov.
Chapel Hill
Southern Human Services Center
2501 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Appointments only.
***Ages 6 months and up.
***Moderna, J&J, and Pfizer vaccines are available.
Hillsborough
Bonnie B. Davis Environment & Agricultural Center
1020 US Hwy 70 W., Hillsborough, NC
Friday and Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Appointments encouraged but walk-ins also accepted.
***Ages 6 months and up.
***Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are available.
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North Carolina COVID-19 Cases
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reports 2,949,198 COVID-19 cases, 25,435 deaths and 1,039 hospitalizations. 65% of North Carolina's population is up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination.
There are currently 32,773 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 139 deaths in Orange County.
Orange County COVID-19 vaccinations:
Percentage of Population Vaccinated with at least One Dose: 80%
Percentage of Population Vaccinated with Two Doses or one Dose J&J: 77%
Percentage of Population Vaccinated with One Booster/ Additional Dose: 59%
For more information regarding live updates (NCDHHS updates the site every day around noon), please visit the NCDHHS website.
Orange County Health Department also has a COVID-19 dashboard webpage, with information on COVID-19 data in the county.
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