Gary L Herman
The Alexander County Health Department stands at the front line of community wellness, delivering essential services that protect, prevent, and promote better health for residents every day. From prenatal care and dental services to restaurant inspections and disease prevention, the department’s reach touches nearly every household in the county.
Behind that broad mission is a dedicated team of professionals — nurses, environmental health specialists, educators, and administrators — who work together to ensure a healthier, safer community for all.
Health Director Billie Walker is pictured with members of her management team, from left to right: Chelsie Ellis, Administrative Assistant; Laurie Pishner, Accounting Specialist; Dori Maltba, Public Health Nurse Director; Bert Gibson, Environmental Health Supervisor; Billie Walker, Health Director; Kaitlyn Graves, Health Educator/PIO; April Marlowe, WIC Director; and April Galloway, Social Worker.
Marty Pennell, Chairman of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners, praised Walker and her staff for their dedication to community well-being.
“Our Health Department is one of Alexander County’s most vital assets,” Pennell said. “Billie and her team work tirelessly to keep our residents safe and healthy, often in ways the public doesn’t even see. We’re proud of the work they do.”
A department that serves everyone
The Alexander County Health Department oversees 14 programs, including seven mandated by the state, all delivered by a dedicated staff of 37 employees.
Walker said her team is the department’s greatest strength. “Our employees are truly invested in Alexander County,” she said. “We care deeply about our residents, and everyone works well together to provide top-notch services.”
The staff includes both long-time public servants and newer recruits who bring fresh energy to the department. In the Environmental Health division, for example, four employees have more than 27 years of experience, while two have just two years. That mix, Walker said, keeps the department grounded in expertise while open to innovation.
“The many long-time employees we have are a testament to the positive work environment here and to the job satisfaction we get from helping the public every day,” she added.
Chairman Pennell noted the department’s experienced workforce is a reflection of the positive workplace culture. “The loyalty of this team speaks volumes,” he said. “Many of these folks have dedicated their careers to public service. That kind of commitment is rare — and it shows in the quality of care our citizens receive.”
Comprehensive programs and services
• Child Health Clinic – Comprehensive exams, developmental screenings, hearing and vision testing, and immunizations for children from infancy through age 18.
• Prenatal Clinic – Complete prenatal care, education, and support throughout pregnancy, including case management for high-risk mothers, assured with Catawba County.
• Women’s Preventive Health Clinic – Physical exams, lab testing, contraceptive options, and education on women’s health topics such as smoking cessation, healthy living, and family planning.
• Immunization Clinic – Provides required childhood vaccinations and offers adult vaccines, including flu, shingles, pneumonia, and hepatitis.
• Dental Clinic – Preventive and restorative dental care for those ages 18 and younger.
• STD/HIV Testing Clinic – Diagnosis, treatment, and counseling for sexually transmitted infections, with confidential HIV testing and education.
• Pregnancy Testing – Reliable and confidential pregnancy testing and counseling for all clients.
• Behavioral Health – Counseling, screening, triage, and referral services to identify and address mental health needs early.
• Care Management for At-Risk Children (CMARC) – Developmental screening and family support for children from birth to age five.
• Care Management for High-Risk Pregnancy (CMHRP) – Ongoing case management and education for expectant mothers facing high-risk conditions.
• Communicable Disease Program – Investigation and follow-up of communicable diseases, animal bites, and foodborne illnesses.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Program – Screening, preventive therapy, treatment, and surveillance for tuberculosis cases.
• Environmental Health – Inspections of restaurants, pools, wells, and septic systems; investigation of environmental complaints; lead and habitability testing.
• Health Education – Programs in schools, clinics, and community settings covering topics from nutrition and disease prevention to adolescent health and tobacco awareness.
• WIC (Women, Infants, & Children) – Supplemental nutrition, breastfeeding support, and health education for eligible pregnant women, infants, and young children.
Bert Gibson, Environmental Health Supervisor, inspects a septic system.
In recent years, the Health Department has made substantial improvements to better serve residents. These include construction of a new administrative building for non-clinical operations, expanded clinical services with more accessible exam areas, establishment of a WIC division, new Environmental Health offices at the Services Center, and a new Behavioral Health clinic.
Additional updates include a covered awning on the clinical building for patient comfort, a full-time interpreter, new electronic signage, and updated emergency sheltering kits.
“Everything we do comes from our Community Health Assessment, which is completed every four years,” Walker said. “Our latest assessment identified healthy living and mental health as top priorities, and we’ve aligned our programs to address those needs.”
Kaitlyn Graves, Health Educator (right), receives a flu shot from Dori Maltba, Public Health Nurse Director.
Walker acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic has been rebuilding public trust in healthcare and public health systems.
“We used to never have people who doubted healthcare entities, but now we do,” she said. “That creates a big challenge in providing much-needed services to our community.”
To address that, the department emphasizes public education and community partnerships. Staff work hard to share accurate information, host outreach events, and recruit public health ambassadors who help spread awareness about available services. The department also played a key role in implementing the Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT), which provides follow-up and support for residents recovering from substance use incidents.
By the Numbers: 2024–2025 program impact
• Dental Health – 2,817 patients served
• Immunizations – 1,043 residents vaccinated
• Primary Care – 605 patients assisted
• Family Planning – 233 participants
• Sexually Transmitted Disease Services – 185 cases treated
• Tuberculosis Program – 247 cases monitored (surveillance and testing only)
• Behavioral Health – 91 clients counseled
• Maternal Health – 55 prenatal clients supported
• Care Management – Average of 420 appointments (face-to-face visits and calls)
• WIC Program – Average of 853 participants each month
Walker said these numbers represent more than statistics — they show lives improved through prevention, education, and direct care.
“It’s easy to take public health for granted until you need it,” Pennell said. “Our Health Department is constantly innovating, adapting, and caring for our residents, whether through immunizations, emergency response, or education. Their impact reaches every household in Alexander County.”
Kim James, Dental Assistant, is busy preparing the exam room for the next patient.
Walker said the department’s focus moving forward is on continuous improvement, transparency, and trust.
“We work hard to build a foundation of trust in our community while improving health outcomes for citizens through outreach and education,” she said. “While some agencies are all about the numbers, we focus on helping one person at a time.”
Through dedication, collaboration, and compassion, the Alexander County Health Department remains a cornerstone of public service — quietly but powerfully working each day to ensure a healthier future for all.