Frequently Asked Questions
I have no health insurance; can I obtain health care from the health department for me and my children?
Yes. Depending on what services you need, fees are based on income and applied on a sliding fee scale. We also offer a monthly payment plan if needed. In addition, we may be able to help you apply for assistance that would help with other expenses. We offer primary (well and sick) care for children. For adults, we provide family planning services and prenatal care, but we do not offer primary care. For adult primary care, contact a local physician (check phone book for local listings), The Free Clinics, 697-8422 www.thefreeclinics.org or Blue Ridge Community Health Services, 692-4289 www.brchs.com
Can I get a copy of my childhood immunization record?
If you had your childhood immunizations at the health department we should still have your record. The North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR) also enables us to get copies of shot records from other medical offices or providers who also use the NCIR. Come by or call the immunization clinic at 694-6015.
Are all shots free at the health department?
No, not all vaccines are free. The main vaccines provided by the state at no charge are childhood/adolescent immunizations required for school and tetanus shots for adults. All other vaccines are privately purchased by the health department and are charged accordingly.
How do I get a copy of a birth or death certificate?
Go to the Register of Deeds’ office at the Courthouse for copies of birth or death certificates.
I was born in another county of NC. Where can I find a copy of my birth certificate?
A person born in NC can obtain a copy of his/her birth certificate from either the county seat of the county in which the birth occurred or from the North Carolina Vital Records office in Raleigh.
I changed my mind about my baby’s name. Can I get it changed?
To make a name change, a parent must go to the Clerk of Court’s office at the Courthouse and obtain a court order.
How do I get a birth certificate if I decide to have my baby at home?
For a home birth, call the Deputy Registrar’s office (694-6037) for a worksheet and an appointment. The parent(s) must bring photo ID (i.e. driver’s license) and proof that they live in Henderson Co. (i.e. electric bill w/their address). The birth certificate will be completed and signed by the parents. The person who actually delivered the baby must also sign. Sometimes a birth certificate will be sent to the Deputy Registrar by the midwife. In this case, the certificate is completed much like the ones coming from the hospitals and does not require the parents to come in to the office.
What is the difference between a death certificate and a medical examiner’s certificate of death?
A regular death certificate is issued when the death is from natural causes, or the deceased was known to have a medical condition. If the death is unexpected, foul play is suspected, or an accident occurred, then it is entered on a medical examiner’s certificate. An autopsy may or may not be done in medical examiner cases.
How can I get my well tested?
If you are interested in having your well tested we recommend first contacting environmental health in order to determine the most appropriate test method and pricing.
Do you have information that would help me locate my septic tank?
If your home was built after 1972 there is a good possibility that we may have a record of the septic installation. Any information you could provide on the original owner or builder would greatly help in locating the record. If a record cannot be located, then we would recommend hiring a septic tank pumping contractor to locate your septic tank.
How do I make a lodging or restaurant complaint?
If you have a complaint about a restaurant or lodging facility located in Henderson County, call Environmental Health at 694-6060.
What is WIC?
WIC, which stands for Women, Infants, and Children, is a federal program that provides food to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and infants and children until the age of five. The program, which is administered through the health department, provides nutrition education, supplemental foods, breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care.
How do I dispose of needles properly?
How you discard a needle has a big impact on trash collectors and their families. Each accidental needlestick requires HIV testing and hepatitis testing--not to mention the stress of waiting for test results. The NC Division of Waste Managment has a poster with directions on how to dispose of needles properly.
1200 Spartanburg Highway, Suite 100, Hendersonville, NC 28792 • (828) 692-4223
