Pender County Health Department is closely monitoring an increase in measles cases across North Carolina and surrounding states. No cases have been confirmed in Pender County as of January 26, 2026.
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Protect your family and your community. Measles spreads through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for 2 hours after a person with measles leaves the space. It is so contagious that about 9 out of 10 people who come near a person with measles and are not protected by vaccination will also become infected. For More Information, Click Here.
Respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can spread easily, especially when people are symptomatic. Following isolation guidance helps protect your family, coworkers, and the broader Pender County community.
If You Get Sick:
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, or RSV:
Stay home and away from others.Avoid work, school, and public spaces to reduce the risk of spreading illness.
Return to your normal routine when symptoms improve.You may resume normal activities once your symptoms are improving and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
Wear a mask for the next 5 days.Wearing a well-fitting mask after returning to activities helps limit the spread of illness to others, especially those who may be at higher risk.
Stay Informed and Prepared
Testing, vaccines, and additional guidance are available to help you stay healthy and protect those around you.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the Pender County Department of Social Services (DSS) have received a letter from the Federal Government indicating potential disruptions to November Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits if the federal shutdown persists. We are currently working to understand the full implications of this disruption for North Carolina. This may result in November FNS benefits not being issued on your usual schedule or for your regular benefit amount. We recognize the importance of these benefits and will provide updates as soon as federal guidance is available.
For further information on FNS benefits and the impact of the federal shutdown, please visit the NCDHHS website at www.ncdhhs.gov/fns. You can also check your balance using the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.
If individuals inquire, refer them to local food resources or the list of resources below:
BURGAW, N.C. — Pender County officially broke ground today on its highly anticipated Health and Human Services building at 298 Progress Drive in Burgaw. The 75,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, designed and constructed by Bobbitt, represents a significant step forward in meeting the county's growing public health and social services needs.
Slated for completion in Summer 2026, the new building will house the Pender County Health Department and Department of Social Services under one roof. The facility's design emphasizes flexibility for evolving demographics, expanded service delivery, and future growth. Key features include:
Spacious visitation areas for social services.
Training spaces for staff development.
Accommodations for increased staffing and service demand.
Commissioner Brad George opened the ceremony, welcoming attendees, introducing the event's speakers, and recognizing current and former county commissioners in attendance.
Speaking on behalf of Carolyn Moser, Director of the Pender County Health Department, County Manager Michael Silverman expressed gratitude for the teamwork and dedication behind the project. "After five years of planning, it is hard to believe this long-awaited moment is finally here. This facility represents an investment in the well-being of all who enter its doors."
Kim Collins, President of the Pender County Advisory Board of Health, emphasized the transformative impact the facility will have on the community. "By bringing health and social services together, we are creating a space that will improve access to care, address disparities, and foster better health outcomes for all citizens."
Former Commissioner David Piepmeyer reflected on the project's origins, noting its initiation in 2016 in response to the county's rapid population growth. "This facility ensures our ability to meet the demands of the future while repurposing existing spaces for other county needs."
Brenda Brown, Regional Director for the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, described the groundbreaking as a "monumental day," underscoring the building's potential to uplift communities and transform lives.
Bailey Allred, Studio Director at Bobbitt, highlighted the innovative design-build approach, which enables faster completion and cost efficiency.
The event also served as a milestone for Wes Stewart, retiring Director of the Department of Social Services. "This building is about fostering innovation, connection, and opportunity. It is my hope that this space will serve as a beacon for brighter futures and a stronger community," Stewart shared.
Pender County extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who braved the cool weather to celebrate this momentous occasion. The Health and Human Services building is a testament to the county's commitment to enhancing access, equity, and service delivery for all residents.
The Pender County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 75,000-square-foot Health and Human Services building. Scheduled for Monday, December 4, at 2 p.m., the event will take place at 298 Progress Drive in Burgaw. The public is invited to attend and celebrate this important milestone.
The new Health and Human Services building will serve as the future home for the Pender County Health Department and Social Services, marking a substantial investment in the community’s health and well-being. Designed to meet the county’s projected growth over the next two decades, the facility is set to enhance service delivery, broaden access to public health and social services, and provide a welcoming environment for both residents and staff.
“This project marks a major step in our commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of Pender County residents,” said Carolyn Moser, Director of the Pender County Health Department. “The new building will allow us to continue providing essential services and adapt as community needs evolve.”
The new structure will feature spacious visitation areas designed to better serve individuals and families who rely on Social Services. In addition, the facility’s design will accommodate the anticipated increase in staffing and demand for services, ensuring that Pender County can respond to the growing needs of the community effectively and efficiently.
The new Health and Human Services building reflects Pender County’s ongoing dedication to investing in the health and safety of its residents. By providing a modern, secure space for essential services, this facility demonstrates the county’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of the community now and in the future.
