Rutherford County Health Department

09/05/2025

🌲 The Faces of Foothills Health District – Meet Our Environmental Health Specialists! 🌲

This week in our “Faces of Foothills” series, we’re highlighting two members of our Environmental Health team who work every day to keep our communities safe and healthy: Chris and Mitch!

✨ Chris

Years at Foothills Health District: 6

From: Buncombe County

Beach or Mountains? Mountains

Why Environmental Health Matters to Him: “It’s always something different and I love the outdoors.”

✨ Mitch

Years at Foothills Health District: 2

From: Polk County

Beach or Mountains? Mountains

Why Environmental Health Matters to Him: “I get the opportunity to be outside pretty much every day and get to play in the dirt!”

From restaurant inspections to septic systems to protecting natural resources, our Environmental Health Specialists play a vital role in keeping Rutherford and McDowell Counties healthy. 🌎💙

Help us thank Chris and Mitch for their dedication and hard work!

09/04/2025

Did you know? 🎓✨ The Foothills Health District has a Health & Wellness Clinic right here on the ICC campus—and it’s open not just to students, faculty, and staff, but to the public as well!

We’re hanging out with Pat the Patriot today at the Student Resource Fair 💙 Stop by our table before 2 PM to learn more about the services we offer and how we can support your health and wellness.

09/01/2025

Labor Day Closure Notice

The Foothills Health District will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day.

We will reopen during regular business hours on Tuesday, September 2.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday! 💙



Aviso de Cierre por el Día del Trabajo

El Distrito de Salud de Foothills estará cerrado el lunes, 1 de septiembre de 2025, en observancia del Día del Trabajo.

Reabriremos el martes, 2 de septiembre, en nuestro horario regular.

¡Les deseamos un feriado seguro y relajante! 💙

08/29/2025

💙 The Faces of Foothills Health District – Meet Our Rutherford Support Team! 💙

Our “Faces of Foothills” series highlights the incredible people who make public health possible in our community. Today, we’re excited to introduce two dedicated members of our Rutherford County team: Jessica and Kim!

✨ Jessica – Management Support (Front Desk/Check-In)

Years at Foothills Health District: 7

Home County: Rutherford County

Beach or Mountains? Both!

Why Public Health Matters to Her: “Public Health is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to help people in my own community.”

✨ Kim – Environmental Processing Assistant

Years at Foothills Health District: 7.5

Home County: Cleveland County

Beach or Mountains? “I enjoy the beach during the warm months and mountains during the cool.”

Why Public Health Matters to Her: “I enjoy working in Public Health because it allows me to help others, be part of a collaborative effort to improve community well-being, and be part of a team that focuses on protecting the residents of Rutherford County.”

Please join us in celebrating Jessica and Kim for their dedication and service to our community! 💙

08/22/2025

💙 The Faces of Foothills Health District – Meet Our McDowell Management Support Team! 💙

Our “Faces of Foothills” series highlights the amazing people who make our work possible every day. Today, we’re excited to introduce two friendly faces you’ll see at our McDowell front desk—Kayla and Mackenzie!

✨ Kayla

Years at Foothills Health District: 6

Home County: Mitchell County

Beach or Mountains? Both!

Why Public Health Matters to Her: “Public Health is important to help underserved communities receive services they may not be able to receive otherwise. As an interpreter I enjoy being able to use my ability to speak Spanish to help others.”

✨ Mackenzie

Years at Foothills Health District: A little over 1 year

Home County: McDowell County

Beach or Mountains? Both!

Why Public Health Matters to Her: “Public health is important to me because you are giving back to the community on several different levels when it comes to personal health and wellbeing.”

Kayla and Mackenzie are the first smiles to greet many of our clients when they come through the doors, and we are grateful for their dedication to serving our community with kindness and care. 💙

08/18/2025

🌟 Meet Our New Health Director! 🌟

We’re excited to welcome Jason Masters as the new Health Director for the Foothills Health District! 🎉

Jason has been serving our communities for 8 years and is ready to lead Rutherford and McDowell Counties toward a healthier future. 💙

Drop a 👏 in the comments to help us congratulate him!

08/15/2025

👩‍⚕️ The Faces of Foothills Health District – Meet Our Nurse Practitioners! 👩‍⚕️

Welcome to our new “Faces of Foothills Health District” series, where we introduce you to the incredible people working behind the scenes (and on the front lines) to keep Rutherford and McDowell Counties healthy.

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on two amazing Nurse Practitioners who make a difference every day: Brittany Lail and Angela Ashley.

💙 Brittany Lail

Years at Foothills Health District: 7

From: Rutherford County

Beach or Mountains? Both!

Why Public Health Matters to Her: "This is home and where I am from. I want to help fill the gaps in resources that our community needs. My goal is to give back and be part of creating a healthier, stronger place for all of us."

💙 Angela Ashley

Years at Foothills Health District: 2

From: Cleveland County

Beach or Mountains? Both!

Why Public Health Matters to Her: “I like to help the underserved and I like the focus on preventative care.”

Please join us in thanking Brittany and Angela for their dedication to caring for our community! 💙

08/13/2025

Help for Homeowners in Rutherford & McDowell Counties 🏠💙

The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program is now accepting applications to repair, rebuild, or replace homes damaged by Hurricane Helene — and Rutherford and McDowell counties are eligible.

Priority is given to low- to moderate-income families, especially those with seniors, children, or household members with disabilities. This program is supported by $807 million in federal funding through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program.

Over 1,000 applications have already been received — don’t wait to apply!

📍 Eligible Counties: Rutherford, McDowell, and 27 others across western NC
🌐 Learn more or apply: RenewNC.org
📞 Call 1-888-791-0207 for assistance.

Let’s work together to rebuild stronger, safer homes for our community. 💪

Was your home or someone you know affected by Hurricane Helene? The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program is OPEN! This program assists western North Carolinians with rehabilitation, reconstruction or replacement of their homes.

Apply online today at https://renewnc.org/ or contact us at 888-791-0207.

08/12/2025

Have you ever visited your local health department?
We want to hear from you! Whether you’ve been here before, are planning to come, or didn’t know you could – we’re here for YOU. 💙

✅ You can see us for:
✔ Check-ups
✔ STI Testing
✔ Vaccines
✔ Family Planning
✔ School Physicals
…and more!

At the Foothills Health District, care is always within reach – affordable, local, and accessible.

Serving Rutherford & McDowell Counties

08/05/2025

Affordable. Local. Accessible.

At Foothills Health District, we believe that everyone deserves access to health care.

Whether you're here for a check-up, a vaccine, STI testing, or school physicals—we’re here for YOU.

💙 Affordable fees
💙 Friendly, local staff
💙 Walk-ins welcome

08/05/2025

💙 National WIC Breastfeeding Week 💙
August 1–7 is a time to celebrate and support breastfeeding families in our community.

Breastfeeding provides babies with the best start in life—supporting their growth, building strong immune systems, and nurturing the bond between parent and child.

WIC is here to help! Our team offers resources, education, and peer support to make your breastfeeding journey a success.