NC Safe Week of Action

In response to a skyrocketing number of deaths of children and youths caused by firearm injury and a surge in firearm thefts, the N.C. Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) today launches a statewide initiative to raise awareness of the importance of safe firearm storage. The NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) public awareness campaign includes: digital, TV and radio advertising; social media; and a website, ncsafe.org, where North Carolinians can find more information about effectively and safely securing their guns.

From Sunday, June 4, through Saturday, June 10, as part of its inaugural Week of Action, NC S.A.F.E. will co-host events across the state in conjunction with partner organizations dedicated to making a difference in their communities.

Wear Orange to End Gun Violence

On January 21, 2013, Hadiya Pendleton marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade. One week later, Hadiya was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago. Soon after this tragedy, Hadiya’s friends commemorated her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others. Wear Orange is now observed every June. Thousands of people wear the color orange to honor Hadiya and the more than 40,000 people who are killed with guns and approximately 85,000 who are shot and wounded every year. We wear orange to call for an end to gun violence in all of its forms, including domestic violence, suicide, and city gun violence. 

Join Us for a Pre-Juneteenth Freedom Fair 

The Pre-Juneteenth Freedom Fair is a free community event to celebrate and end educate the public on the Juneteenth holiday. Enjoy door prizes, free food, outdoor activities for adults and children, and learn about local businesses and organizations. Bring your families!

OCHD Seeks Volunteers for the 2023 Community Health Assessment 

The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) is seeking volunteers to assist with the 2023 Community Health Assessment (CHA) data collection process.

The CHA is an organized collection, assembly, analysis and sharing of information about the health of Orange County. This comprehensive process will help identify health issues and barriers that prevent Orange County residents from living their best and most fulfilling lives. We are accepting volunteers to help us collect community input and data through various community events and engagements.

To view community events and to sign up to participate, click here.

Mosquito Control Awareness Week 

June 18-24 is mosquito control awareness week. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance; they are vectors for disease. That means if they are infected with a disease, they can transmit that disease when they bite another organism, including humans. Learn how to protect yourself with the Five D's of Protection from Mosquitoes:

Drain – Many mosquito problems in your neighborhood are likely to come from standing water that you can help to eliminate. All mosquitoes need water in which to breed. Be sure to drain any standing water around your home.

Dress – Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Many mosquitos are attracted to dark clothing and some can bite through tight-fitting clothes. When practical, wear long sleeves and pants.

Dusk to Dawn – Avoid mosquito mealtimes— early evening to early morning hours. If at all possible, avoid outdoor activities during these times.

Defend – Choose a mosquito repellent that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Registered products have been reviewed, approved, and pose minimal risk for human safety when used according to label directions.

Learn more here.

Healthy Homes

June is Healthy Homes month. This year's National Healthy Homes Month focuses on the important relationship between housing quality and health. Orange County Health Department’s Healthy Homes program is a free educational program for families in Orange County. The Healthy Home Specialist can help you take control of health hazards in the home such as air quality, fire safety, fall prevention, prevention of household poisoning, gun storage, onsite water protection, and childhood lead prevention.

For more information about the services available through Orange County Health Department, click here.

Fireworks

Grilling Safely

As you prepare for July 4th festivities, be sure to think about your plan for grilling safely. Food poisoning peaks in the summer months when warmer temperatures cause food-borne germs to flourish. Follow these steps for a safe and enjoyable grilling season: 

• —Separate it from other food
• —Refrigerate food before grilling and be sure leftovers are refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking
• —Wash your hands before and after handling it
• —Make sure its juices do not touch other food, utensils, and surfaces
• —Use a food thermometer to ensure it is cooked to a safe internal temperature

When grilling, cook to:

• —145°F—whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and veal (then allow the meat to rest for 3 minutes before carving or eating)
• —145°F—fish (or cook until the flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork)
• —160°F—hamburgers and other ground beef
• —165°F—all poultry and pre-cooked meats, like hot dogs
  
• —And after grilling, keep food hot: 140°F or warmer—until served

Health Department Locations

Contact Information

Contact the Orange County Health Department’s Public Information Officer at: healthpio@orangecountync.gov.

Orange County Health Department:
Web: www.orangecountync.gov/coronavirus
Phone: 919-245-2400
Facebook: Orange County Health Department
Instagram:OrangeHealthNC
Twitter:Orange Health NC
Youtube: OCHDNC  

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