How do I make a complaint or get information regarding rats, mosquitoes, and ticks?

Contact the Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health at (336) 703-3225 to report rat bites and get information and assistance regarding diseases transmitted by rats, mosquitoes and ticks. No government agency baits for rats so, you may need to contact a pest control company for assistance.

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What is the Health Department doing regarding West Nile Virus?

The Department of Public Health through its “mosquito surveillance program” regularly investigates and evaluates mosquito breeding areas within Forsyth County. The Department also continuously monitors the spread of reported infectious diseases such as West Nile Virus. The “mosquito surveillance program” also picks up crows, blue jays, and hawks to determine where West Nile Virus may be present in the community.

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Who picks up my garbage?

Garbage service in the unincorporated areas of the County is provided on a subscription basis. Contact the Community Hygiene Program at (336) 703-3225 for assistance.

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In the County, my neighbor is “nasty”, who can help me with this?

Agency	Area of Responsibility	Phone #
Public Health	Solid waste collection and disposal	703-3225
City/County Zoning	Abandoned vehicles and vehicle storage	727-2625
Housing Dept.	Substandard housing	727-2540

In the City of Winston-Salem, contact Housing and Neighborhood Services at (336) 727-8486 or other Townships such as: Kernersville, Clemmons, Lewisville, Walkertown, Rural Hall, Tobaccoville and Bethania at the local Town Hall.

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I believe someone is illegally dumping in the County, how do I report it?

Agency	Area of Responsibility	Phone #
Public Health	Solid and Hazardous Waste	703-3225
N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources	Solid and Hazardous Waste	771-4600

After hours (5:00 PM) Contact Police or Sheriff’s Department or State Highway Patrol.

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Where is the nearest landfill to my home or project?

Contact the Division of Environmental Health at (336) 703-3225. A list may be available for your use.

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If I see dead birds, who do I call?

You may report the following dead birds to the Department of Public Health: Blue Jays, Crows, and Hawks. All other birds may be reported to the US Fish and Wildlife at (919) 856-4786.

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What type of food service facility is regulated by the Health Department?

We regulate any food service establishment that prepares and serves food to the public for sale.  This includes all restaurants, food stands and temporary food events (TFE).

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How do I file a complaint about a restaurant and/or a possible food related illness?

Call the Environmental Health Division, where the call will be referred to the designated specialist who will in turn, investigate the complaint as soon as possible.

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What constitutes a food stand?

A food stand is any food service establishment that prepares or serves food but does not provide seating facilities for customers while eating or drinking.  This would include meat, produce and seafood markets as well as deli’s in grocery stores.

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How do I get a permit to operate a food service establishment?

Contact the Plan Review Specialist with the Environmental Health Division for forms and relevant information.

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What is the first step to opening a food service establishment?

You would first need to fill out a Plan Review Application and submit it to the Health Department for review and approval.

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I want to sell food at a street festival or fair. Do I need a permit?

A permit is usually required any time food is prepared and sold to the public. If you will be selling food at a fair, carnival or public exhibition such as a street festival, the event organizer must submit a permit application and each food vendor must submit an application to the health department. These applications must be submitted to the health department at least 30 days prior to the event. For further information and permit applications contact the Division of Environmental Health at (336) 703-3225. If you wish to sell food from a mobile unit or a push cart, please contact the Division of Environmental Health for specific information and permit applications for mobile food units and push carts.

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What can the health department do regarding rodent control?

The Environmental Health Division investigates complaints relating to rodents in facilities that are regulated by the Division such as restaurant and motels. The Division will also investigate incidence of rat bites to humans. If you have a rodent problem at your home or place of business, you will have to contact a private pest control company for treatment of the property.

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How do I get my land checked for a building site that would require a septic tank and/or well?

Fill out the necessary county application in its entirety. The specialist will then visit the lot, evaluate the soil characteristics, and determine the suitability of the relevant parameters and either approve or disapprove the lot. Fees are variable, dependent upon the size of the lot in question.

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If my land is turned down as a building site, can I appeal that decision?

You may appeal a denial of an improvement permit informally to the supervisor of the Water and Wastewater Section or formally to the NC Office of Administrative Hearings. There is no fee for an appeal.

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How can I file a complaint about a failing septic system?

Contact the Environmental Health Division, where the call will be referred to the designated specialist who will follow up with the complaint in a timely manner.

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How can I obtain a copy of the drawing showing the location of my septic tank lines?

It is best to call the Division of Environmental Health at (336) 703-3225 to request a copy of the drawing showing the location of your septic system. You must provide the following information so that we can locate the drawing of your system:

• Year the septic tank was installed or repaired
• Address of the property including the name of the closest main road and the closest intersection
• If the property is in a subdivision, provide the name of the subdivision.
• Tax Lot and Block Number
• If the house is more than 20 years old, please provide directions to the house. Once the drawing is located, we can mail a copy to you.

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How can I get my well water sampled and tested?

Contact the Environmental Health Division and request an existing well inspection and a water sample. The fee for bacteriological sample is $25.00. The fee for a chemical sample is $90.00.

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What is required for the construction and operation of a public swimming pool?

If you are planning to construct a new pool, it will be necessary for you to submit a complete plan review application, including plans designed by an engineer, with an engineer’s seal. Once submitted, the plan will be reviewed by an Environmental Health Specialist (EHS). Once the plan is approved, the EHS will conduct construction inspections. When the EHS verifies that the pool is constructed according to the approved plan and is ready to open, a Public Swimming Pool Operation Permit will be issued.

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How do I receive my annual Public Swimming Pool Operation Permit?

If you wish to receive your annual Public Swimming Pool Operation Permit, you must submit a completed application form and fee. An EHS will conduct inspections throughout the period specified on the Operation Permit. Keep in mind a Certified Pool Operator must be available and responsible for the swimming pool. Existing pools require annual renewal applications payments of relevant fees.

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How do I become a Certified Pool Operator (CPO)?

Contact the environmental health division for names and addresses for a list of instructors available within the private sector.

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Who is eligible for FCC services?

Women who are eligible for FCC must be residents of Forsyth County and fit into ANY of the following situations:

• Last pregnancy was less than one year from previous pregnancy
• Had less than 2 prenatal visits during last pregnancy
• Are younger than 19 years old with 2 children
• Had physical or emotional problems with her pregnancy that may have impacted her child
• Last baby was premature
• Lost a child or had a child adopted or removed by DSS

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Who cannot receive FCC services?

Women cannot receive FCC services if they:

• Do not live in Forsyth County
• Do not fit into one of the above situations
• Had a bilateral tubal ligation
• Are pregnant

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How much does FCC cost?

There is no cost for FCC services. No insurance is required.

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How does one receive FCC services?

Call 703-3220 to inquire about FCC services.

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Do you offer pregnancy testing?

Yes, by appointment. There is an $11.00 fee or Medicaid (bring your card).

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Do teenagers need parental consent to be seen in Family Planning?

No. North Carolina Law allows that teens may receive certain medical services without parental consent.

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Do you provide GYN exams and/or Pap smears to females who do not desire contraception?

No. Family Planning Clinic’s purpose is to provide contraceptive services only.

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Do you provide vasectomy counseling?

Yes. The Clinic provides vasectomy counseling and referral to an urologist for the procedure. Payment for the procedure is based on a sliding fee scale.

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Do you give emergency contraception or "the morning after pill?"

Yes. Patients should call the Clinic at (336) 703-3100 to see if they meet the guidelines for Emergency Contraception.

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Is there a fee for Family Planning services?

A North Carolina sliding fee scale is used to determine fees, if any.

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Do you give out condoms?

Yes, along with a “how to use” brochure.

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Can you perform a paternity/DNA test?

No. You need to see your personal physician for this or call LabCorp (800) 742-3944 or DNA Diagnostic Testing (800) 362-2368.

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Are interpreters available for Spanish-speaking clients?

Yes, we provide services to all people, regardless of language spoken.

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Can I sign up for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at the Health department?

Yes, the Health Department does provide WIC services. Please call (336) 703-3100 for an appointment or to see if you qualify.

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Can I be checked for diabetes and how much does it cost?

The Health Promotion/Disease Prevention section offers FREE diabetes screening every Wednesday from 9:00am – 12:00 noon at the health department.

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What is the difference between Health Check and Health Choice?

Health Check is the Medicaid insurance for children up to age 21. Health Choice is a low-cost North Carolina health insurance program for children up to age 19. There is no cost to children with Health Check; there may be an annual enrollment fee and small co-payments based on family income with Health Choice.

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Where do I obtain an application for either program?

Applications may be obtained from the Health Check Coordinator located in the Nursing Division of the Health Department at 703-3200.

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How is the application processed?

The application may be mailed to or taken to the Forsyth County Department of Social Services. Processing time is 45 days or less, and notification is provided by mail. Retroactive coverage may be available for past medical bills.

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Who is the Health Check Coordinator?

This person assists with scheduling appointments, securing transportation, and acts as an information, referral, and resource person for families. This includes tracking of children to assure regular well-check visits based on age approved by Medicaid.

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Do I need an appointment for immunizations?

Most immunizations are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis during regular clinic hours. (Link to Clinic hours) Appointments are necessary for travel counseling and for administration of some international travel vaccines.

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Do you give the rabies vaccine at the Health Department?

We provide pre-exposure rabies vaccine by appointment for a fee to foreign travelers going to areas of high risk, wildlife officers, veterinarians, etc. For post-exposure situations you must see your private physician.

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How do I find out which vaccines are required for travel to a particular country?

Our International Travel Clinic is staffed by public health nurses who access the Centers for Disease Control recommendations to advise travelers of disease risk for any area of the world. Call (336) 703-3100 and ask for the Travel Clinic to speak to a nurse or make an appointment.

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Can I come to the Health Department for my prenatal care?

No. You must see you private physician or obstetric clinic for this.

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How often will my Baby Love nurse or social worker visit me?

You will receive visits or phone calls at least monthly during your pregnancy and for two months after delivery.

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What other services may I receive through the Baby Love program?

Limited free transportation to medical appointments and prenatal classes is provided, as well as a variety of classes on such topics as smoking cessation, breastfeeding, and parenting.

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Where are you located?

We are located on the first floor of the Center Point Human Services Building at 725 N. Highland Avenue.

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When is the pharmacy open?

The pharmacy is open from 7:30am until 5:00pm on Monday - Friday. We remain open during the lunch hour. We close between 2:00-3:00pm every Wednesday for meetings.

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Who can get prescriptions filled at the Health Department Pharmacy?

We only fill prescriptions written at the Health Department and clients of Center Point Human Services. No outside prescriptions can be filled at this pharmacy.

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Do you take Medicaid?

Yes, we accept Medicaid.

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Can my child get a physical at the Health Dept.?

We do not provide primary care services for children or adults here at the Health Department.

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Can I get head lice treatment for my child at the Health Dept.?

No, unless you are medically indigent and have no Medicaid or health insurance.

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My child is entering school and needs immunizations. What do I do?

You may bring your child to the Health Dept. or to your private provider for immunizations.

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Do you give out condoms?

Yes.

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How do I get an HIV test?

Blood is drawn in STD clinic for HIV testing. Results are usually available in 2 weeks and are given by appointment. No results are given out by phone.

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What other sexually transmitted diseases do you test for?

Routine STD screening includes Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomonas, and other types of vaginitis. You will be given a day to call back for these results.

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