Mecklenburg County, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Mecklenburg County health officials are stressing the importance of vaccinating children before the September 24 deadline, as nearly 5,000 students are not current on their vaccinations. A vaccination clinic on September 27 aims to help families meet requirements. The urgency follows a confirmed case of measles and a rise in whooping cough cases. Additionally, potential funding issues could lead to staff layoffs at the health department, affecting disease prevention efforts. Public health leaders emphasize the importance of vaccinations in safeguarding community health, especially during respiratory season.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Mecklenburg County health officials are urging parents to vaccinate their children before the upcoming Sept. 24 deadline. This push comes as the county’s vaccination rates are concerning, with approximately 5,000 students, or about 3% of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ enrollment, not being current on their vaccinations at the end of the previous school year.
The Mecklenburg County Public Health Department hosted a vaccination clinic to aid families in meeting these vital vaccination requirements. Health officials stress the importance of keeping students and the wider community safe and healthy, particularly with the respiratory season approaching and the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adding to the urgency, a confirmed case of measles in 2024 along with a noted increase in cases of whooping cough within the county has heightened the call for vaccinations. In response, the next vaccination clinic is scheduled for Sept. 27 at the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center, operating from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Additional evening clinic hours will be available from Sept. 15 to Sept. 19 at the Southeast and Northwest Health Departments until 7 p.m.. Parents are encouraged to schedule vaccination appointments by calling 704-336-6500.
The staff dedicated to HIV/STD prevention includes 11 positions, with eight currently filled. Layoffs may affect staff responsible for crucial disease investigations, alongside contact tracing and connecting diagnosed individuals with necessary care. Earlier in the year, the Mecklenburg County Health Department faced similar staffing decisions due to federal funding cuts related to COVID-19.
The public health department has been impacted by previous cuts to CDC funding initiated by the Trump administration, which affected various health programs and diminished the capacity to address immunizations and health disparities. Although a joint lawsuit by North Carolina and several other states had helped preserve some health initiatives from cuts, a mobile vaccination program was defunded leading to staff reductions.
Raynard Washington, the public health director, indicated a reduced capacity to effectively serve residents due to budgetary constraints and the pressing health crises. Compounding these issues, multiple families at South Mecklenburg High School were contacted regarding tuberculosis testing due to a possible exposure incident, with students receiving free testing and blood sample collection on-site at the school.
In related health discourse, Sheriff Garry McFadden emphasizes the significance of mental health, especially in light of the ongoing murder case involving Decarlos Brown Jr., who is currently undergoing competency evaluation at Central Regional Hospital. The sheriff has highlighted the pressing need for additional forensic hospitals to address the mental health requirements of inmates, noting that around 100 inmates with severe mental health issues currently occupy the Mecklenburg County Jail.
To address these challenges, Sheriff McFadden has implemented a mental health unit within the detention center, providing therapy and structured programming for inmates. He advocates for community involvement and political dialogue regarding mental health improvements, stressing that early intervention can prevent potential tragedies in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the vaccination deadline for Mecklenburg County students?
The vaccination deadline for Mecklenburg County students is Sept. 24.
What recent health issues have increased the urgency for vaccinations?
A recent confirmed case of measles in 2024 and an increase in whooping cough cases in the county have raised the urgency for vaccinations.
When is the next vaccination clinic scheduled?
The next vaccination clinic is scheduled for Sept. 27 at the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What potential impacts do federal funding issues have on public health in Mecklenburg County?
A potential federal funding delay could lead to six layoffs at the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department if $1.6 million in HIV prevention funds is not received by Friday.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vaccination Deadline | Sept. 24 |
| Unvaccinated Students | 5,000 students (~3% of enrollment) |
| Next Vaccination Clinic | Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Funding Delay Effects | Potential layoffs of 6 staff if $1.6 million is not received |
| Recent Health Concerns | Measles case and whooping cough increase |
| Mental Health Focus | Sheriff emphasizes the need for mental health resources |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WCNC: Back to School Vaccination Clinic
- Charlotte Observer: Political Updates
- Charlotte Ledger: Whooping Cough Outbreak Reported
- WSOC TV: TB Exposure in High School Students
- Google Search: Mecklenburg County Health Department
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
