Latest news with #NCDHHS
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Stein declares May 25-31 as North Carolina heat awareness week
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — Governor Josh Stein proclaimed May 25-31 as North Carolina Heat Awareness Week to bring attention to climate warming. 'North Carolina state agencies and community partners are working to make sure North Carolinians have the resources they need to stay safe when temperatures soar,' Governor Josh Stein said. 'North Carolina is preparing for another summer of record heat. While you are outside this summer, please take the necessary steps to prevent heat exhaustion and illness.' Communities across N.C. are encouraged to prepare for high summer temperatures. Among weather-related hazards, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of deaths each year. Some signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include: Heavy sweating Paleness Muscle cramps Racing or weak pulse Dizziness Headache Fainting Nausea or vomiting. Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone regardless of age, income, physical condition or occupation, People with underlying health conditions are at a disproportionate risk of experiencing adverse health effects. Additionally, NCDHHS Operation Fan Heat Relief is underway through Oct. 31, 2025. Visit DHHS's website to see if you qualify for a free fan for the hot summer months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Memorial Day weekend at NC coast: Concerns after 13 rip current rescues last week, 2 active swim advisories for bacteria
OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WNCN) — With Memorial Day weekend a kickoff for the summer beach season, North Carolina coastal areas are watching for dangerous rip currents and two swimming spots are under scrutiny for high bacteria levels. At least two coastal swim advisories are in effect, with high levels of bacteria recorded heading into the weekend, state officials said. Last weekend, there were 13 rip current rescues in Carteret County at Emerald Isle — which was under a moderate rip current risk at the time, the National Weather Service reported. Just last week, three North Carolina coastal swimming areas were under an advisory by the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program. However, advisories in Dare County at the Outer Banks and in New Hanover County near Wilmington were lifted by Wednesday, state officials said. But, on Thursday, a new swim advisory was issued for a sound-side site in Brunswick County in Southport, officials said. Don't swim at these NC beaches, officials warn; man-of-war swarm OBX and NC island The new advisory is for the public kayak launch in Cottage Creek at the end of W. West Street in Southport. Test results of water samples taken Tuesday and Wednesday indicate bacteria levels that exceed the state and federal action levels of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters. Also, an earlier swimming advisory in Beaufort County is still in effect for public access to Pantego Creek at East Main and Tooley streets in Belhaven. Test results of water samples indicate a running monthly average of 37 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water. This exceeds the state and federal standards of a running monthly average of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters. The advisories are not beach closures. Swimming advisories are for waters within 200 feet of signs erected about each advisory. State recreational water quality officials sample 222 sites throughout the coastal region, most of them weekly, from April to October. Rip currents are an important focus for authorities at the North Carolina coast, where dozens of rip current rescues took place several weekends last summer. A high rip current risk was issued Wednesday for several beaches, including Oak Island in Brunswick County and Emerald Isle in Carteret County. Last weekend, lifeguards rescued 13 Emerald Isle swimmers when there was a moderate risk for rip currents at that beach. For Memorial Day weekend, rip currents are forecast as a moderate risk in most beach areas at the North Carolina coast. Meanwhile, Oak Island officials said Saturday they are still dealing with Portuguese man-o-war washing up on the beach. 'We recommend you watch your step on the strand and stay out of water. Their tentacles are long and burn like (fire),' Oak Island officials said on Facebook. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NCDHHS offers water safety tips for National Water Safety Month
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — May is National Water Safety Month and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents to take proactive steps to enjoy outdoor activities safely. 'Every North Carolinian deserves to enjoy the summer season without risk to their health or safety,' said Dr. Kelly Kimple, Interim State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer. 'By taking small, thoughtful actions — like supervising children near water, staying cool during extreme heat and practicing safe grilling — we can all stay safe this summer.' Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. NCDHHS urges everyone to keep these water safety practices in mind: Actively Supervise: Drowning can happen silently and in seconds. Always keep a close eye on children near water. Secure Pool Areas: Keep gates and doors closed and locked. Remove pool ladders when not in use. Know the Water: Be aware of currents, depth changes and undertows at beaches, lakes and rivers. Stay Healthy: Don't swim when ill with diarrhea to prevent spreading germs. Check Water Quality: Ensure pools are properly disinfected. Local health departments routinely inspect public pools, spas and splash pads. Be Cautious in All Recreational Waters: Lakes and rivers may carry bacteria or harmful algae blooms. Check advisories before swimming. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Worker charged, daycare license suspended after 16-month-old child's death
One person has been charged with manslaughter, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has suspended the license of a daycare in Lenoir after a 16-month-old child died there earlier this week. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 16-month-old dies at Lenoir daycare; investigation underway Channel 9 reported when the child, identified as Maddy, was found unresponsive at Creative Beginnings of Lenoir Monday afternoon. First responders said Maddy didn't wake up after a nap. NCDHHS sent out a notice Wednesday afternoon saying it was suspending the daycare operator's license 'based on the agency's findings that the public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action.' The report says the Division of Child Development and Early Education got information about an incident at the daycare on May 20, the same day that Maddy died. The report doesn't reference Maddy's death, specifically. The daycare was ordered to close at the end of the business day on Wednesday. The operator of the daycare, Kids Time of Lenoir LLC, can appeal the administrative action. Channel 9 learned that one woman has been criminally charged in connection with the case. According to court records, 29-year-old Alexandra Lee Coffey is charged with involuntary manslaughter. She was booked into custody in Caldwell County. Officials said the daycare has been cooperating with the investigation. A GoFundMe has been created to help Maddy's mother and siblings. This is a developing story, check back for updates. (VIDEO: 2-alarm fire destroys daycare under construction near Cabarrus-Mecklenburg County line)
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hurricane Helene Emergency Prescription Assistance Program ends May 31
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — Hurricane Helene Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, which provided financial assistance for prescription medications and vaccines, will officially end on May 31, 2025. The program also provided temporary help with medical supplies and forms of equipment for uninsured individuals impacted by the storm. 'This federal emergency assistance program provided life-saving resources for our residents who needed it most,' said State Pharmacist Amanda Fuller Moore, PharmD. 'While this program is temporary, our commitment to supporting western North Carolina in their continued recovery is not.' As western North Carolina continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, NCDHHS recommends the following resources: Apply for health care coverage through NC Medicaid Access free or low-cost medications at participating free and charitable clinics, community health centers, and rural health centers through the NC Medication Assistance Program Access the NC MedAssist Free Pharmacy Program, which provides free prescription medications to North Carolina residents who are uninsured and fall at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level Visit the federal Health Insurance Marketplace to apply for coverage Additional resources are available online at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
