Burke County health director highlights accreditation, program gains and a measles case ahead of retirement

Danny, the county health director identified on the agenda, delivered the health department’s quarterly report for the period ending Dec. 31, 2025, summarizing improvements in environmental health, clinic and lab operations, workforce development and public-health accreditation.

He told the commissioners the environmental health team reduced on-site inspection turnaround from 10–12 weeks to about three weeks through process improvements and that the department has been reaccredited and received several awards. He noted WIC operations continued during the federal government shutdown and said the department had supported nearly 725 citizens with 1,952 vaccinations during the period referenced. He also said the department had reported its first case of measles (the case was described as occurring after the quarter covered in the report and the director offered to answer questions).

Danny highlighted staff accomplishments — including staff presentations at national conferences, doctoral completion by a staff member and multiple staff recognitions—and said the department has not gone over budget during his tenure. He described the health department as one of the smaller, highly regarded local public-health agencies in the state and thanked board members and staff, saying this would be his last time presenting to the board.

Commissioners thanked Danny for his service and moved to accept the health department report as presented; the motion passed by hand vote, five to zero.