Gaston County Department of Health & Human Services

Gaston County Department of Health & Human Services Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services - Social Services & Public Health. You'll still be able to access the services you need in the same place.

On July 1, 2013, the Gaston County Department of Social Services and the Gaston County Health Department consolidated into a single agency. We're now the Gaston County Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)! We're working on a plan to serve you better and more efficiently, but in the meantime, nothing but our name will change. Stay tuned for updates on how we're building a healthier, more successful Gaston County.

🩶 International Overdose Awareness Day | August 31Today, Gaston County Public Health joins communities around the world ...
08/31/2026

🩶 International Overdose Awareness Day | August 31

Today, Gaston County Public Health joins communities around the world in recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day—a day to remember those we have lost to overdose, support those who are grieving, and stand with individuals living with substance use disorder and those in recovery.

Overdose can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. By reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and connecting people with lifesaving resources, we can help prevent overdose deaths and support healthier communities.

You can help by:
• Learning the signs of an overdose.
• Carrying naloxone (Narcan®) and knowing how to use it.
• Starting compassionate, judgment-free conversations about substance use.
• Supporting individuals and families on their recovery journey.

At Gaston County Public Health, we are committed to protecting, serving, and educating our community. We offer free naloxone (Narcan®) kits, fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, overdose prevention education, and connections to treatment and recovery resources.

Together, we can save lives, reduce stigma, and remind those struggling that they are not alone.

08/30/2026

Possible exposure dates/locations include:
-Statesville
-Lexington
-Mecklenburg
-Watauga
-Burke
-Davie
-Durham
-Iredell counties.

If you touched or handled the goats at any of these events, contact your local health department before visiting urgent care/ER to see if preventive treatment is needed.
Rabies is deadly but preventable.

More info here epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/rabies.html

08/30/2026

State officials have shared new information about potential rabies exposure linked to baby goats at a mobile petting zoo in Iredell County.

The goats were likely exposed in late July and may have been infectious at multiple public and private events through Aug 27. Anyone who had direct contact with these animals should call their local health department to learn whether preventive care is needed. Rabies is rare but serious, and early guidance can help protect your health while the investigation continues.

Read the full release here➡️ ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/08/29/ncdhhs-shares-new-details-about-rabies-mobile-petting-zoo
---------
Las autoridades estatales han dado a conocer nueva información sobre una posible exposición a la rabia relacionada con crías de cabra de un zoológico interactivo móvil en el condado de Iredell.

Es probable que las cabras se hayan expuesto a finales de julio y que hayan podido transmitir la enfermedad en diversos eventos públicos y privados hasta el 27 de agosto. Cualquier persona que haya tenido contacto directo con estos animales debe comunicarse con su departamento de salud local para saber si requiere atención preventiva. La rabia es poco frecuente pero grave; recibir orientación a tiempo puede ayudar a proteger su salud mientras continúa la investigación.

Lea el comunicado completo aquí ➡️ ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/08/29/ncdhhs-shares-new-details-about-rabies-mobile-petting-zoo

Meet Stephanie Fields, Child Health Home Visiting Nurse! 💜With 25 years of nursing experience—including 9 years in child...
08/28/2026

Meet Stephanie Fields, Child Health Home Visiting Nurse! 💜

With 25 years of nursing experience—including 9 years in child health—Stephanie offers knowledge, support, and guidance to help families choose the best care for their children.

🏡 Services include:
• Educational opportunities
• Newborn assessments
• Care navigation
• WIC appointments
• Lead consultations

And the best part? These services are available from the comfort of your home.

📋 Scan the QR code on the flyer to request a referral form.

📞 (704) 862-6516 (office)
📱 (704) 842-1984 (cell)
📧 [email protected]

Stephanie would be delighted to connect and explore how she can assist your family. 💜

📢 Last chance to register for our back-to-school immunization clinic on Saturday, August 29th!🏥 Hosted by Gaston County ...
08/27/2026

📢 Last chance to register for our back-to-school immunization clinic on Saturday, August 29th!

🏥 Hosted by Gaston County Public Health at 991 W Hudson Blvd, Gastonia, NC from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

💉 Vaccines are available for 5 through 18 year olds. Appointments are required - Call 704-853-5000 to schedule.

Gaston County Public Health is here to support new moms and babies 💛Our Postpartum Newborn Health Nurse, Courtney Powell...
08/26/2026

Gaston County Public Health is here to support new moms and babies 💛

Our Postpartum Newborn Health Nurse, Courtney Powell, RN, provides free in-home visits 2–3 weeks after delivery to help ensure both mom and baby are healthy and supported.

During your visit, you can receive:
✔ Emotional health check-ins
✔ Information on warning signs after delivery
✔ Help develop a reproductive life plan
✔ Answers to your questions and connections to helpful resources

This program is designed to improve health outcomes and provide guidance during those important early weeks after bringing your baby home.

📞 Contact Courtney Powell: 704-853-5165
📧 [email protected]
🌐 gastongov.com/publichealth

💜 Unbinding Lazarus: A Community Response to AddictionRecovery is possible, and no one has to walk the journey alone.Joi...
08/25/2026

💜 Unbinding Lazarus: A Community Response to Addiction

Recovery is possible, and no one has to walk the journey alone.

Join community members, faith leaders, recovery advocates, and special guest Phil Ford for Unbinding Lazarus, a series of events focused on prevention, awareness, reflection, prayer, and remembrance. Together, we can build understanding, reduce stigma, support recovery, and honor lives impacted by addiction.

📅 August 27-31
📍 Locations throughout Gaston County

Learn more and be part of a community that supports hope, healing, and recovery.

Did you know Maternal Child Health offers a childbirth education class every month?! Join us to learn more about childbi...
08/24/2026

Did you know Maternal Child Health offers a childbirth education class every month?!

Join us to learn more about childbirth, comfort techniques, possible interventions, what to expect during labor and delivery, and so much more. Our goal is to help you feel more informed, confident, and prepared for the birth of your baby.

And there’s a little extra fun—each class includes a raffle for a special item!

Check out the flyer below for more information, upcoming class dates, and registration details. We’d love for you to join us!

Registration Link - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/HgmnCEq1zG?origin=lprLink

👶 Infant CPR & Newborn Care ClassHosted by Gaston County Public HealthLearn lifesaving Infant CPR skills and essential n...
08/24/2026

👶 Infant CPR & Newborn Care Class
Hosted by Gaston County Public Health

Learn lifesaving Infant CPR skills and essential newborn care basics in a supportive, hands-on class for expecting parents, new parents, and caregivers.

Date: First Tuesday of every month
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: 991 W. Hudson Blvd., Gastonia, NC
Registration: gastongov.com/ChildHealthNurse

Be prepared. Be confident.

Address

Gastonia, NC
28052

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17048535000

Website

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