Scotland County Health Department

12/23/2025

Did You Know? During the holiday season, it’s important to remember that while this time of year can bring joy and celebration, it can also bring stress, loneliness, and emotional challenges. Scotland County Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services wants every North Carolinian to know: you are not alone. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, help is always available:
Call or text the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7. Trained crisis counselors are ready to listen and help you through whatever you're facing.

12/19/2025

Did You Know? Taking care of our mental health as an older adult isn’t just about addressing problems; it’s about thriving. When we are proactive in caring for our mental well-being, we can help make sure our later years are as vibrant as possible. Making our mental health a priority can help us age with greater joy, contentment, and purpose. To help you manage stress and anxiety and improve your mental well-being, visit https://www.ncoa.org/article/7-ways-older-adults-can-manage-their-mental-health for tips and information about improving, managing and protecting our well-being.

12/19/2025

Did You Know? Each year, one in six Americans becomes sick with a foodborne illness. In North Carolina, outbreaks increase during the holiday season. NCDHHS recommends the following food safety tips to stay healthy this holiday:
1. Hygiene First. Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
2. Avoid Cross-Contamination. Keep raw meats, poultry and seafood separate from cooked and ready-to-eat foods to prevent bacterial spread.
3. Cook Thoroughly: Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to their safe internal temperatures.
4. Proper Food Storage: Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours to slow bacterial growth.
For more information please visit For more information on foodborne illness prevention, visit NCDHHS' website at https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/food.html
Scotland County Health Department wishes everyone a Happy, Safe, and Healthy Holiday Season! Merry Christmas!

12/18/2025

Did You Know? The signs and symptoms for the Cold and Flu can be similar, but are different too. They are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but caused by different viruses. The flu is caused by influenza viruses only, whereas the cold can be caused by a number of different viruses including seasonal coronaviruses.
The important thing to know is how to prevent the spread of these viruses as these viruses can be spread from person to person. How? Coughing, sneezing, talking or touching things that have the virus on a surface or object and then touching your own mouth, nose or eyes. That means covering your cough or sneeze into your elbow, wearing a mask if you need to, keep hand sanitizer nearby and wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water often! Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/flu-vs-covid19.html for more information about the similarities and difference between the Cold vs. Flu vs. COVID-19. And don't forget to get your flu vaccine annually from your provider or your local Department of Health and Human Services. (910) 277-2440

12/16/2025

Sabias que? En la línea 988 de prevención del suicidio y crisis, entendemos que los retos de la vida a veces pueden ser difíciles. Independientemente de que se enfrente a problemas de salud mental, angustia emocional, preocupaciones por el consumo de alcohol o dr**as, o simplemente necesite a alguien con quien hablar, nuestros amables consejeros están aquí para ayudarlo. No está solo.
La línea 988 está disponible 24/7/365. Sus conversaciones son gratuitas y confidenciales. Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis.

12/16/2025

Did You Know? Everyone needs emotional support at times. Even during the holidays. At the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.
The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365. Your conversations are free and confidential. If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.

12/03/2025

Scotland County Offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. There will be someone available at each office to reopen at 2:00 p.m.

12/01/2025

Did You Know? December, National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, is designated to remind people about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or distractions. December campaigns specifically address the increase in impaired driving during the holiday season, a time when more people are attending parties and traveling and encourages everyone to make responsible decisions to prevent tragedies on the road. Visit https://www.nsc.org/road/safety-topics/impaired-driving for information and resources.

11/21/2025

Did you Know? This week, NCDHHS is celebrating 20 years of QuitlineNC – the state’s FREE, confidential quit-to***co service that has helped tens of thousands of North Carolinians quit to***co for good.
One of QuitlineNC’s newest offerings, Live V**e Free, is designed for individuals ages 13 to 26 and provides personalized coaching, peer support, and tools for parents to help young people quit va**ng. To join, teens and young adults can text "VAPEFREENC" to 873373. Call QuitlineNC at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

11/20/2025

Did You Know? It's The GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT! Let today be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of people who smoke across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk. Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. The American Cancer Society can help you access the resources and support you need to quit. For more information or additional resources, contact Kathie Cox, Health Educator at (910) 277-2440

11/18/2025

We're almost there! Thursday, November 20th is the Great American Smokeout! Have you set your Quit Date? Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health. Join the Great American Smokeout and make Thursday your quit day!
Remember, the key to success is to keep trying and not give up. More than half of U.S. adults who have ever smoked have quit. Make the Great American Smokeout your day to quit smoking! Quitting smoking has health benefits at any age, no matter how long or how much you have smoked. Watch this short video to see how:

This animated infographic shows the positive changes the body experiences over time after quitting smoking.This video can also be viewed athttps://www.cdc.go...

11/13/2025

Did You Know? It's getting close to the Great American Smokeout! Nov. 20th! Quitting smoking is not easy, but you can do it. To have the best chance of quitting and remaining smoke-free, you need to know what you’re up against, what your options are, and where to go for help. The sooner you quit, the more you can reduce your chances of getting cancer and other diseases. There are resources available to help you quit!
Contact Kathie Cox, Health Educator and Certified To***co Treatment Specialist at 910-277-2440 for information and continue watching our Facebook posts for additional information.