7 Vital Ways The Durham Health Department NC Is Reshaping Community Wellness In 2025

As of December 2025, the Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH) stands at the forefront of a major community wellness pivot, focusing its efforts on a new set of strategic initiatives that directly address the county’s most pressing social determinants of health. The department’s mission—to advance health, protect the environment, and promote health and wellness for all—is being executed through a dynamic, multi-faceted approach that moves beyond traditional clinical care to tackle complex issues like affordable housing and mental health access. This deep dive explores the core pillars of their 2025 strategy, the essential services they provide, and the leadership driving public health innovation in the Bull City. The DCoDPH is not just a provider of healthcare services; it functions as a critical partner in the community, working alongside local non-profits, government agencies, and residents to create a truly age-friendly and healthy environment. From managing the ongoing challenges of flu season and monitoring state-level advisories like the recent RDU measles exposure warning, to implementing a long-term plan for the county's aging population, the department’s work is both immediate and visionary, ensuring Durham's public health infrastructure is robust and responsive for years to come.

The Leadership and Core Mission of DCoDPH

The effectiveness of any public health organization rests on its leadership and its clearly defined mandate. The Durham County Department of Public Health is guided by a dedicated team focused on holistic community well-being.

Leadership Profile

• Director of Public Health: Rodney Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins leads the department's strategic direction, ensuring alignment with state mandates and local community needs.
• Assistant Director of Public Health: Elizabeth Stevens. Ms. Stevens plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations and the implementation of various public health programs.
• Core Mission: The DCoDPH partners with the community to advance health, protect the environment, and promote health and wellness for all Durham residents.
• Jurisdiction: Durham County, North Carolina (NC).
• Key Collaborators: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), The Partnership for a Healthy Durham, and local clinical partners like Lincoln Community Health Center.

The department operates on the principle that health is created where people live, learn, work, and play. This philosophy is evident in their shift toward addressing the social determinants of health, a strategy that defines their 2025 priorities.

Durham's 2025 Health Priorities: A Five-Pillar Strategy

The strategic direction for 2025 is largely informed by the most recent Durham Community Health Assessment, which identified five critical areas requiring immediate and focused intervention. These priorities represent the county's blueprint for improving the overall quality of life and reducing health disparities.

Pillar 1: Affordable Housing (The #1 Priority)

Affordable housing has been identified as the single greatest barrier to health in Durham County. The DCoDPH recognizes that unstable housing leads to chronic stress, poor nutrition, and difficulty accessing consistent healthcare. Their initiatives in this area involve advocacy, data-sharing, and partnerships to increase the supply of accessible and affordable residences. This is a direct acknowledgment that housing security is foundational to public health.

Pillar 2: Access to Health Care and Health Insurance

Ensuring every resident has a medical home and the means to pay for care is a continuous priority. The department works to connect uninsured and underinsured residents with resources, focusing on bridging the gap between clinical services and community members who face economic or logistical barriers.

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Pillar 3: Community Safety and Well-being

This pillar encompasses initiatives aimed at reducing violence, promoting safe environments, and fostering a sense of collective well-being. It is a broad category that includes mental health support and collaborative efforts with law enforcement and community organizations.

Pillar 4: Mental Health

In response to growing needs, mental health services and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help are a major focus. The DCoDPH supports programs and partnerships designed to expand access to behavioral health services across the county.

Pillar 5: Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Food Access

Tackling food insecurity and promoting healthy lifestyles is essential. This includes supporting programs like the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides supplemental foods, health referrals, and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five.

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Essential Clinical and Environmental Health Services

Beyond the strategic priorities, the DCoDPH maintains a robust portfolio of essential services that protect the public and provide direct care. These services form the backbone of the county's public health defense system.

Clinical Services: Protecting the Population

The department offers a range of direct clinical services, often at low or no cost, serving as a critical safety net for vulnerable populations. Key services include:

• Immunizations: Providing population-based and clinic-based vaccinations for children and adults to control the spread of infectious diseases. This is particularly vital given recent public health advisories regarding diseases like measles and the 2025-2026 flu season.
• Sexual Health Services: Offering free and confidential testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and Hepatitis C. These services are crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Prenatal Services: Providing essential lab work and connecting pregnant individuals with additional support services, including the Duke Family Care Program and WIC enrollment.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Control: Providing testing, treatment, and follow-up care for TB cases within the county.

Environmental Health: Guardians of the Community Environment

The Environmental Health Division is responsible for enforcing local and state public health laws, ensuring the safety of the physical environment. Their team of Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS) conducts mandated inspections across various sectors.

• Food Protection Program: This is perhaps the most visible service, involving the inspection and grading of all retail food establishments, including restaurants, schools, and mobile food units (food trucks), to ensure public food safety.
• Water Quality: Regulating and inspecting private well water and public swimming pools to prevent waterborne illnesses.
• Septic Systems: Permitting and inspecting on-site wastewater treatment systems (septic systems) to protect groundwater and public health.
• Tattoo and Body Piercing: Conducting inspections of tattoo and body piercing establishments to ensure sanitary practices are followed.

Vital Records (Non-Issuance Office)

It is important for residents to note that while the DCoDPH Vital Records office ensures the proper registration and documentation of life events (birth and death records), it is a NON-ISSUANCE office. Residents needing certified copies of birth or death certificates must apply directly to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) or the Durham County Register of Deeds.

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Looking Ahead: The 2025-2030 Comprehensive Aging Plan

A significant long-term initiative for the DCoDPH and its partners is the implementation of the 2025-2030 Comprehensive Aging Plan, spearheaded by the Aging Well Durham initiative. This five-year blueprint is designed to make Durham a more age-friendly and livable community for its growing older adult population.

The plan reflects current assets and priorities across nine critical domains of livability, including Housing, Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation, and Community Support and Health Services. The DCoDPH plays a coordinating role in ensuring that the health services domain is robust, accessible, and aligned with the needs of older adults and their families. This proactive strategy is essential for managing the long-term public health needs of the county, demonstrating a commitment to health and wellness across the entire lifespan.

Conclusion: A Proactive Model for Public Health

The Durham County Department of Public Health is defining a proactive model for public health in 2025, one that is firmly rooted in community engagement and a deep understanding of the systemic issues that impact health. By prioritizing complex social issues like affordable housing and mental health alongside traditional clinical and environmental services, Director Rodney Jenkins and his team are building a more resilient and equitable foundation for Durham's future. Residents are encouraged to utilize the department’s resources, from free STI testing and immunizations to the public food safety inspection reports, to actively participate in the collective effort to advance the county's overall wellness.

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