Durham County Department of Public Health

04/15/2026

A good question we see a lot: If COVID-19 tests can give false negative results (results saying you don't have COVID-19 when you actually do), are they still useful? It's important to know that false negatives on home COVID-19 tests are common, so if you're not feeling well and get a negative result, you should always test again! But although false negatives happen, it's still important to get tested if possible so you can get the treatment you need!

04/14/2026

Tomorrow, 4/15, join us for two free webinars. First, 1-1:30PM, learn the essentials about sexually transmitted diseases and how to protect yourself (register here: https://tinyurl.com/mr85475h). Then 3-3:30PM, get tips to avoid burnout while dealing with a busy schedule (register here: https://tinyurl.com/3fshsdjn).

04/14/2026

It's getting hot out, which means it's important to be extra careful when driving with kids or pets. Never leave them alone in the car, even if you park in the shade or leave the windows rolled down. Temperatures can become deadly in just a few minutes!

04/13/2026

Good news: Our building is finally cooling down and will be back to normal tomorrow! Thanks to all for bearing with us!

Update: Good news, our building is finally cooling down and will be back to normal tomorrow (4/14)! Thanks for bearing with us!

Heads up! We are currently having issues with our AC, so it’s pretty warm in our building at the moment 🥵 and we’re told it will likely take a while for it to be fixed. We’re currently still open and ready to serve you, but please be aware in case you would like to reschedule your appointments

04/13/2026

Tomorrow! Stop by for a free National Public Health Week Health Fair to learn more about the programs and services offered here at the Durham County Department of Public Health.
Tuesday, April 14, 10AM-1PM
414 E. Main Street., Durham, NC 27701

04/13/2026

This week is ! Did you know? Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, so testing is the only way to be sure you know your status! Visit us for free STI testing Monday-Friday. Call 919-560-7601 to schedule, or visit our website at DCoPublicHealth.org/SexualHealth to learn more.

04/13/2026

Update: Good news, our building is finally cooling down and will be back to normal tomorrow (4/14)! Thanks for bearing with us!

Heads up! We are currently having issues with our AC, so it’s pretty warm in our building at the moment 🥵 and we’re told it will likely take a while for it to be fixed. We’re currently still open and ready to serve you, but please be aware in case you would like to reschedule your appointments

04/10/2026

For our last Public Health Week Highlight, we’re shouting out our Health Director, Dr. Rod Jenkins (who did not know we were going to post this today 😅)! Dr. Jenkins joined our team in January 2020 and hit the ground running at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. You may recognize him from his more than 70 Health Director Update videos, from his participation in dozens of community events, televised interviews, his feature in Durham Magazine, or more! During his time here at DCoDPH, Dr. Jenkins has been named president of the NC Association of Local Health Directors and has led us to being named 2024 Health Department of the Year! Thank you to Dr. Jenkins for all your service to DCoDPH and to the Durham community!

04/10/2026

Almost all people will become infected with HPV at some point, and HPV vaccines can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV. This Adolescent Immunization Action Week, talk to your child's doctor about protecting your child from preventable cancers by getting them vaccinated against HPV beginning at age 9. Learn more: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/hpv-vaccine-what-parents-need-to-know.aspx #/

04/10/2026

Today’s spotlight: Did you know? We have a pharmacy in-house to provide medications prescribed to patients in our clinics, in addition to community resources like safe disposal of used syringes and unwanted medications, free naloxone, contraceptives, safe syringe kits, and more!

04/09/2026

Infants under age 6 months are at high risk of hospitalization if they become sick with COVID-19, but a new study confirms vaccination during pregnancy protects babies through age 6 months. Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations (and continue to check in with your doctor before taking any medications or vaccinations!) to protect yourself and your baby. See the study: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/157/4/e2025073661/206908/COVID-19-mRNA-Vaccination-in-Pregnancy-and-Risk-of?searchresult=1

04/09/2026

Next Saturday, 4/18! Dads, other caregivers, and other allies of people who menstruate are invited for a Period Talk to learn about period health and how to better support the people in your life who menstruate. Then join us for a Period Party to design and assemble period pouches filled with essentials like pads, tampons, wipes, and other comfort items. Join us at Durham County Library North Regional Library - Durham County Library! Registration required!

Period Talk registration: https://durhamcountylibrary.libcal.com/event/16613968
Period Party registration: https://durhamcountylibrary.libcal.com/event/16613972