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Health director briefs board on County Health Rankings, measles preparedness and staff hires
Summary
Health Director Dr. Margaret Brake reviewed the University of Wisconsin County Health Rankings for 2025, discussed regional measles cases and standing orders for infant contacts, and reported recent hires and staff accomplishments.
At the Jan. 20 Warren County Board of Health meeting, Health Director Dr. Margaret Brake presented the 2025 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps from the University of Wisconsin and summarized local preparedness steps for infectious disease.
Dr. Brake said the department provided a handout comparing Warren County with Vance, Northampton and Halifax counties and highlighted several measures. "Premature death for Warren County is 12,500 which is less than the three counties we are compared to," she said, and pointed to broadband access of 76% in Warren County as higher than the comparison counties. She encouraged board members to review the full study online.
On infectious disease preparedness, Dr. Brake said the department is following state measles guidance and noted 11 cases currently reported in North Carolina (Buncombe 6; Rutherford 1; Polk 2; Cabarrus 2) and that Warren County has no confirmed cases. She said free testing for measles requires state approval and confirmed a standing order for immunoglobulin (IG2) for children under 6 months who are contacts to a case.
Dr. Brake also reported staffing and program updates: Home Health Nurse Kelomi Mpongo (Kaye) began Dec. 16, 2025; Lakeita Jones will start as Accounting Technician on Feb. 1, 2026; environmental health staff member Julie Fisher passed an onsite authorization test and met requirements to become a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Dr. Brake recounted recent activities including co-hosting a Red Cross blood drive, participation in regional advisory meetings, and department recognition at the county MLK Jr. service.
The board did not take further action on policy items after the briefing. The next meeting is March 17, 2026.
