Guilford County government, like county governments across the country, celebrates National County Government Month in April, which coincidentally is National County Government Month.
So the timing seems right.
On Thursday, April 4, the Guilford County Public Information Office took the opportunity to remind residents of all the benefits Guilford County government provides them in a press release. In their words, the brief aims to “showcase how the county helps successful people thrive in strong communities supported by quality government.”
For example, did you know that the Department of Social Services processes nearly 150,000 benefit applications and recertifications each year?
This department is doing a lot of good work. But child welfare services came under increased scrutiny from the state last year following the tragic deaths of several children under the agency's supervision at the time. Subsequent investigations revealed massive failures in many areas of child welfare services.
Other positive news includes the Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services launching a new health benefits division in 2023 to address Medicaid expansion. It took a lot of effort, but it seems to be working well. As of March 2024, he said, more than 21,900 county residents enrolled in Medicaid as part of that expansion.
The April 4 press release also touted the work of the Guilford County Public Health Department. The agency checks in approximately 5,000 obstetric cases on an annual basis, conducts approximately 4,000 newborn home visits, and inspects approximately 5,000 dining and lodging establishments.
And recently, the Department of Public Health established a drug use collaborative, the Guilford Overdose Prevention Education Collective.
Other Guilford County accomplishments in 2023 include:
- The county's Family Justice Center helped more than 12,900 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse.
- Last year, Veterans Affairs Services assisted more than 5,540 veterans and other customers.
- Guilford County Emergency Services responded to more than 82,700 calls and streamlined or improved fire records management systems countywide.
- In 2023, Guilford County Sheriff's Department officers responded to more than 26,200 calls for service.
- Last year, Animal Services processed more than 4,440 pet adoptions, administered more than 650 rabies vaccines and distributed more than 9,550 pounds of pet food.
- In 2023, the county's Cooperative Extension partnered with community organizations and area farmers to distribute locally grown produce, locally raised beef and chicken, and other food items to families. For example, in December, the cooperative helped distribute more than 500 boxes of bulk food to families, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Last year, the county Parks Department opened the Hines Chapel Preserve, which spans more than 450 acres. The department has also made many improvements to the park system with new trails, activities and other enhancements.
