Children's Health

Every child should be able to grow up in a safe environment. Community partners come together to support child advocacy in Union County through a thoughtful and thorough evaluation process each time a case referral is received about a child in circumstances that are suspect.

The evaluation process includes:

• Interview with parent or guardian.
• Individual interview with child.
• A complete head-to-toe medical exam.
• Following the evaluation, medical and counseling options are discussed with parent or guardian. Follow-up is provided to referring agency.

The Child Health Clinic provides primary care for children. Services offered through the Child Health Clinic are:

Well Child Visits

Preventive health services to children are available. Routine Physical Health Exams include:

• Height / Weight
• Developmental Screen
• Vision Screening
• Hearing Screening
• Age appropriate lab test
• Immunizations
• Nutrition Counseling

Children are seen for a regular schedule of visits based on the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits

Sick Child Visits

Pediatric primary care is provided to Medicaid recipients. Children can get treated for common illnesses and their long-term health needs can be managed. Children are referred to specialists as needed.

NC Medicaid

For eligible children ages 0-5, this program provides those with chronic medical conditions, that are in stressful situations long-term, and/or who are in foster care, the attention to receive the services they need. Participation in the program requires a doctor referral, so discuss with your primary care physician if this program would be beneficial for your child.

Care managers will:

• Identify needs / concerns, set goals for the child and family
• Work with you to be certain you have a medical home (doctor) for your child and or support you in building a strong link with them
• Work with all health care providers that your child sees to ensure the child receives the best treatment
• Help you get answers to questions
• Recognize you as the expert on your child
• Offer referrals to other community agencies, including transportation and housing

CC4C services are provided and assured by local health departments in partnership with Community Care of North Carolina and the North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends and the “Bright Futures” guidelines of the

American Academy of Pediatrics and Medicaid requires that all enrolled infants and young children receive a blood lead screen as follows:

• Screen infants with a blood lead test by 12 months of age (or earlier, if indicated),
• Screen children with a blood lead test at 24 months,
• Screen children ages 36-72 months if not previously tested or if test results aren’t documented.

If your child is age 0-5 has not received a blood lead screen you should speak with your child’s doctor or contact the Health Department.

CDC Lead Information

Union County Health Department offers immunizations for all ages. We offer certain federally funded vaccines for individuals 18 years and under at no cost through the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC). The vaccines available through this program may vary based on state guidelines and therefore you should call the Health Department for specific questions.

We also offer several private vaccines that are available at a fee. The Health Department will bill Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna and United. If your insurance does not cover the vaccine cost, you will receive a bill for this service.

The Immunization Clinic is available Monday afternoons and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. by appointment only: 704-296-4800.

Immunization Recommendations

• Easy-to-Read English Schedule for Children, Birth through 6 Years
• Easy-to-Read English Schedule for Preteens and Teens, 7-18 Years
• Easy-to-Read Spanish Schedule for Children, Birth through 6 Years