February 1, 2023

February is American Heart Health Month

Several health conditions, your lifestyle, and your age and family history can increase your risk for heart disease. These are called risk factors. About half of all Americans (47%) have at least 1 of 3 key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.

Some risk factors for heart disease cannot be controlled, such as your age or family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the factors you can control.

February 3 is National Wear Red Day

Upcoming Diabetes Classes

Do you or a family member have diabetes or pre-diabetes? We are now recruiting for our Diabetes Self-Management Education Services, where you can get the support and information you need to lead a healthy lifestyle and manage your diabetes.

Service Overview:  An American Diabetes Association Service that is 10-hours of education on the basics of diabetes prevention and management. Services are led by a multi-disciplinary team trained in diabetes.  Class topics include living with diabetes, monitoring blood sugars, nutrition, medication management, exercise, managing sick days, and complication prevention. Additionally, we provide an education manual and prizes to help participants better manage their diabetes. 

Upcoming Class Schedule:

• February 9 and 16
• March 16 and 23

Cost: The classes are free to county employees and family members and we also accept most insurances.

Register: Please email Renee Kemske (rkemske@orangecountync.gov) or call us at 919-245-2380.

February is International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month

Did you know a baby can get some disease protection from the mom during pregnancy? Getting flu, Tdap (tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis), and COVID-19 vaccines while you’re pregnant helps your body create protective antibodies (proteins produced by the body to fight off diseases), and you can pass on some of those antibodies to your baby. These antibodies can protect your baby from those diseases during the first few months of life.

Orange County Health Department offers pregnancy care and family planning services for people of all genders. To schedule an appointment, please call the health department at 919-245-2400.

February is Black History Month

The theme this year is Black Resistance. Join us this February as we honor the progress that the contributions Black communities have made that continue to help us all today. Learn more: minorityhealth.hhs.gov/bhm. 

Orange County Government Black History Month activities can be found here: https://www.orangecountync.gov/3095/Black-History-Month.

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Please be aware that the Chapel Hill vaccine clinic is by appointment only. The Hillsborough vaccine clinic located at Bonnie B. Davis Environment & Agricultural center has been CLOSED effective 11/30/2022.

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 and boosted! To make an appointment call (919) 913-8088.

Chapel Hill
Southern Human Services Center
2501 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Appointments only
Please call 919-913-8088 for appointment information.
***Ages 6 months and up.

North Carolina COVID-19 Cases

The following data is based on the data available as of 01/25/2023 according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). NCDHHS reports 38,629 COVID-19 cases and 156 deaths in Orange County, with 172 new cases in the last week.


Orange County COVID-19 vaccinations:
Percentage of Population Vaccinated with One New Booster Dose: 38% 

For more information regarding live updates (NCDHHS updates the site every day around noon), please visit the NCDHHS website.