Last reviewed 2026. This guide is for Gaston County Public Health in Gastonia, North Carolina. Gaston County uses a Health and Human Services structure, so residents may see “Public Health Division,” “Gaston County DHHS,” or “Gaston County Health Department” used in different contexts. This page routes you to the official Public Health services.
Gaston County Public Health in Gastonia: Phone, Clinics, WIC, Records and Environmental Health
This local guide helps Gaston County residents reach the correct public health service without getting sent in circles. Use it for the Hudson Boulevard office, main phone number, clinical services, immunizations, WIC, medical records, certified birth and death certificates, communicable disease reporting, Environmental Health, food and lodging, wells, septic, pools, mobile health units, measles guidance and Legionnaires’ disease updates.
This article is only for Gaston County, North Carolina, including Gastonia and nearby communities. It is not for a private clinic, a hospital system, another county health department, or North Carolina state-level offices. If your birth certificate, WIC case, restaurant inspection, septic system, school vaccine form or disease report is outside Gaston County, use the correct county or state agency instead.
- Official agency route
- Gaston County Health and Human Services, Public Health Division
- Official website
- gastongov.com/326/Public-Health-Division
- Main location
- 991 W Hudson Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28052
- Main phone
- 704-853-5000. Spanish line: 704-853-5079.
- Hours note
- Official pages list Public Health contact hours as Monday-Friday. The directory lists Public Health Division hours as 8 AM-5 PM and notes that patients are not seen during the last 30 minutes of each day. Other Public Health pages show 8:30 AM-5 PM. Call before visiting if timing matters.
- Clinical locations
- Health Department at 991 W Hudson Blvd; Highland Health Center at 609 N Highland Street; Public Health at Summit at 890 Summit Crossing Place, Gastonia, NC 28054.
- Records warning
- Medical records and certified birth/death certificates are separate. Medical records route through Public Health. Certified Gaston County birth and death certificates route through the Register of Deeds.
Quick answer: what Gaston County Public Health can help with
Gaston County Public Health protects and promotes health for residents through clinical care, disease prevention, WIC nutrition support, medical records, community health, communicable disease investigation, Environmental Health inspections, food and lodging regulation, onsite wastewater and wells, health education, overdose harm-reduction resources, maternal and child health support, and public health alerts.
The most common mistake is treating the public health department like one single phone desk. A parent needing school vaccines, a pregnant parent applying for WIC, a restaurant owner needing foodservice guidance, a resident asking for an immunization record, a doctor reporting TB, and a property owner asking about septic all need different routing. Start with the most specific program number when you can.
Call the main line
Call 704-853-5000 for general Public Health questions, clinic routing and service direction. Spanish support is listed at 704-853-5079.
Use the WIC number
Call 704-853-5100 for WIC in English or 704-853-5115 for Spanish. WIC serves eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five.
Call Environmental Health
Call 704-853-5200 for Food and Lodging, Onsite Wastewater and Wells, pools, regulated establishments and related Environmental Health questions.
Gaston County Health Department phone numbers by service
Use this table before you call. The main line is useful, but direct program numbers are better when you already know what you need. If you are calling about a sensitive health issue, a disease report, a WIC appointment, a restaurant inspection or medical records, say the program name first.
| Need | Best phone route | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Main Public Health Division | 704-853-5000 | General clinic routing, Public Health services, current hours, appointment direction or program transfer. |
| Spanish Public Health line | 704-853-5079 | Spanish-language assistance for Public Health services. |
| Immunizations and Clinical Services | 704-853-5003 | School vaccines, adult vaccines, STI services, birth control, clinical appointments and vaccine record questions. |
| Family Planning Clinic | 704-853-5009 | Birth control, reproductive health appointments, confidentiality questions and clinic documentation. |
| Maternity Clinic | 704-853-5008 | Maternity clinic appointment, pregnancy care routing and required documents. |
| WIC English | 704-853-5100 | WIC eligibility, appointment, eWIC, breastfeeding support and nutrition services. |
| WIC Spanish | 704-853-5115 | Spanish-language WIC appointment or eligibility help. |
| Medical Records Release of Information | 704-853-5256 | Medical record copy, authorization form, immunization record copy, correction request or medical release details. |
| Medical Records fax | 704-853-5247 | Confirm recipient and authorization before faxing private health documents. |
| Vital Records information | 704-853-5213 | Local Public Health vital-records routing, but use Register of Deeds for certified birth/death certificates. |
| Register of Deeds certified birth/death certificates | 704-862-7687 | Certified Gaston County birth or death certificate copy, ID rules, fee and request method. |
| Environmental Health | 704-853-5200 | Food and Lodging, Onsite Wastewater and Wells, pools, regulated establishments, complaints or permit routing. |
| Communicable Disease, general line | 704-853-5007 | Disease investigation, reportable disease questions, outbreak guidance or public health follow-up. |
| TB reporting and control | 704-862-5302 | Tuberculosis reporting, TB control, TB testing or follow-up instructions. |
| STD, HIV and AIDS reporting | 704-853-5006 | STI, HIV or AIDS disease reporting, testing or follow-up routing. |
| Urgent after-hours communicable disease | 704-649-0237 | Urgent disease reporting after hours. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. |
| Harm reduction / Community Health Alliance | 704-685-0702 | Community Health Alliance, harm-reduction support or overdose-prevention resources. |
Best call script for Gaston County residents
Say: “I live in Gaston County, North Carolina, and I need help with [WIC / immunizations / STI testing / medical records / birth certificate / TB report / restaurant complaint / septic permit / well water / Legionnaires’ disease question]. Which program should I speak with, and do I need an appointment?”
For clinic care, have your insurance card, Medicaid card, vaccine history, school form, provider order or patient portal details ready. For WIC, have identity, residency, income or benefit proof, pregnancy information or child information ready. For Environmental Health, have the exact business name, property address, permit type, complaint timeline or water-system details ready.
Main office address, clinical locations and map
The main Gaston County Public Health location is 991 W Hudson Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28052. The official Public Health pages list this address for the Health Department and clinical services. The Clinical Services page also lists Highland Health Center at 609 N Highland Street and Public Health at Summit at 890 Summit Crossing Place, Gastonia, NC 28054. Call before visiting because the correct location can depend on the service.
Before visiting Hudson Boulevard
- Call first if you need an appointment, testing, vaccine, record copy or WIC service.
- Do not arrive in the final 30 minutes expecting to be seen; the directory notes patients are not seen in the last 30 minutes of each day.
- Bring photo ID when records, eligibility or identity-sensitive services are involved.
- Bring vaccine records, school forms, insurance cards, Medicaid cards, proof of pregnancy, physician orders or WIC documents depending on the service.
When another office may be correct
- Certified birth and death certificates route to the Register of Deeds.
- Social Services benefits use the Social Services Division, not the Public Health clinic desk.
- Environmental Health may route food, lodging, well, septic, pool or complaint questions through specific permit processes.
- Urgent medical emergencies require 911 or emergency care, not a routine clinic appointment.
Service area: Gastonia and Gaston County communities
Gaston County Public Health serves residents and public health needs across Gaston County, North Carolina. Common service-area searches include Gastonia, Belmont, Mount Holly, Cherryville, Bessemer City, Dallas, Cramerton, Lowell, McAdenville, Ranlo, Stanley, High Shoals, Spencer Mountain, South Gastonia, Crowders Mountain communities and nearby unincorporated areas. Eligibility and routing can depend on your county residence, patient age, pregnancy status, income, insurance, school requirement, property address, business location or public health issue.
Clinical services, patient portal and appointment routing
Gaston County Clinical Services says personal health services protect and promote public health through direct patient care, one-on-one education and community work. The Clinical Services page lists the Health Department at 991 W Hudson Blvd, Highland Health Center and Public Health at Summit. It also links a patient portal where patients can send messages, complete forms, review lab results and visit summaries, and update personal information.
The strongest way to use the department is to call the correct clinic before visiting. For STI testing, birth control, immunizations, maternity services, TB services, pharmacy questions or records, direct program numbers can be faster than the main line. The department also offers a community condom project for Gaston County residents and points people to appointments for STI testing or birth control by calling Public Health.
Clinical Services
Use the official Clinical Services page for clinic locations, patient portal access and current service links.
Patient portal
The portal can help existing patients send questions, submit forms, review lab results and visit summaries, and update personal details. Use official portal links only.
Clinic timing
Official pages show Public Health contact hours, but clinic intake can end earlier than closing time. Call before arriving late in the day.
Micro steps before a clinic visit
- Identify the service. Do not say only “health department.” Say immunizations, STI testing, birth control, maternity clinic, TB, medical records, WIC or Environmental Health.
- Call the right number. Use direct numbers when listed. If unsure, call 704-853-5000 and ask for routing.
- Ask whether you need an appointment. Do this before driving to Hudson Boulevard, Highland or Summit.
- Bring documents. Insurance, Medicaid, photo ID, vaccine record, school form, physician order or WIC documents may be required.
- Arrive early enough. The directory says patients are not seen in the last 30 minutes of the day, so do not plan a late arrival.
Immunizations, MMR and school vaccine planning
For immunizations and clinical services, the staff directory lists 704-853-5003. The Gaston County measles page says the MMR vaccine is available through healthcare providers and pharmacies, and residents may also contact Gaston County Public Health at 704-853-5000 to schedule an appointment. If you are unsure whether you are vaccinated, the county advises trying to find your immunization records and contacting your healthcare provider.
For school, childcare, college, work or travel deadlines, do not wait until the last week. Some vaccines require spacing. Some records must be retrieved from doctors, pharmacies, prior counties, schools or state systems. A missing vaccine record can delay school compliance even if the child actually received the vaccine in the past.
For school and childcare
- Call early before the school rush.
- Ask which vaccines are available and whether an appointment is required.
- Bring the child’s vaccine record, school form and insurance information.
- Keep a clean copy of the updated record after the visit.
For measles concerns
- Do not go directly to a clinic or emergency room if measles symptoms or exposure are possible.
- Call your healthcare provider first to avoid spreading the virus.
- Check MMR records before assuming immunity.
- Use the official Gaston County measles page for current instructions.
If you develop measles-like symptoms or believe you were exposed, do not walk into a clinic waiting area without calling first. The county’s measles guidance says to call your healthcare provider first and follow instructions from your provider or Public Health. This protects other patients, staff and families.
Gaston County WIC: phone, eligibility, eWIC and Cherryville access
Gaston County WIC offers nutrition and breastfeeding services free of charge for the community. The official WIC page says WIC serves eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five. It also says WIC food benefits are issued into an electronic benefit account at the WIC office and families use an eWIC card at the grocery store.
For WIC, call 704-853-5100 in English or 704-853-5115 in Spanish. The official WIC page lists the Gaston County Health Department at 991 West Hudson Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28052 with Monday-Friday service from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It also lists a Cherryville Public Library access point at 605 E Main St, Cherryville, NC 28021, on the first and third Friday of each month from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Always call before relying on a satellite schedule.
| WIC question | Best route | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Am I eligible? | Call 704-853-5100 or use the official WIC pre-screening tool linked from the county page. | Proof you live in North Carolina, income or benefit information, pregnancy or child information and identity documents. |
| I need Spanish support | Call 704-853-5115. | Household information, appointment availability and any benefit or income documents. |
| I need breastfeeding help | Ask WIC about breastfeeding promotion and support. | Baby’s age, feeding concern, appointment availability and any provider guidance. |
| I live near Cherryville | Ask whether the Cherryville Public Library WIC schedule is active for your appointment date. | Do not assume every Friday is available; the county page lists first and third Friday service windows. |
How to prepare for WIC without wasting a visit
- Call the WIC number first. Use 704-853-5100 for English or 704-853-5115 for Spanish.
- Confirm eligibility documents. WIC may need proof of residence, income or benefits, pregnancy information, child identity and household details.
- Ask about appointment format. Some WIC services may be handled remotely, but not every appointment qualifies.
- Ask how eWIC works. Benefits are issued into an electronic benefit account and used with an eWIC card at grocery stores.
- Confirm location. Hudson Boulevard and Cherryville access are not the same. Call before going to Cherryville.
Medical records, immunization records and certified birth or death certificates
Records are a major source of confusion. Gaston County Public Health medical records are not the same as certified birth and death certificates from the Register of Deeds. If you need a clinic record, immunization record or medical release, call the Public Health Medical Records Clerk at 704-853-5256. If you need a certified Gaston County birth or death certificate, contact the Gaston County Register of Deeds at 704-862-7687.
| Record need | Correct route | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Medical records from Public Health | Medical Records Clerk, 704-853-5256 | Ask about release forms, ID, faxing and how long the request may take. |
| Medical records fax | 704-853-5247 | Confirm before faxing private health information. |
| Immunization record copy | Medical Records or Immunizations and Clinical Services | Ask whether the record is held by Gaston County Public Health or must be obtained from a doctor, pharmacy, school or state source. |
| Certified Gaston County birth or death certificate | Register of Deeds, 704-862-7687 | The Register of Deeds states certified Gaston County birth and death certificates are $10 each when obtained in the office. |
| Birth or death outside Gaston County | Correct county or state | Gaston County has records for Gaston County births and deaths from 1913 to the present. NC births outside Gaston County from 1971 forward may have a separate in-person statewide birth option through Register of Deeds. |
Do not request a certified legal certificate from the medical-records desk. A clinic record, vaccine record or medical release is not the same as a certified birth or death certificate. Certified copies for Gaston County births and deaths route through the Register of Deeds, located at the Gaston County Courthouse, 325 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052.
Communicable disease reporting, TB, HIV, STI and after-hours public health
The Gaston County Communicable Disease page says Public Health prevents the spread of disease by investigating cases and outbreaks, promoting vaccination and planning for infectious disease emergencies. Disease reporting uses the North Carolina Communicable Disease Report Form and the appropriate phone and fax route.
Tuberculosis
For TB, the county lists 704-862-5302 and fax 704-862-6113. Use this for TB reporting, testing, control and follow-up questions.
STI, HIV and AIDS
For sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and AIDS reporting, the county lists 704-853-5006 and fax 704-862-6113. Clinical STI services also appear in the staff directory under STD Services.
Other reportable diseases
For other reportable communicable diseases, the county lists 704-853-5002 and 704-853-5007, with fax 704-862-6113.
For urgent after-hours communicable disease reporting, the county lists 704-649-0237. For life-threatening emergencies, severe breathing trouble, chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reaction, overdose, serious injury or immediate danger, call 911 or seek emergency medical care. Do not wait for a routine clinic appointment.
Environmental Health: food, lodging, wells, septic, pools and regulated establishments
Gaston County Environmental Health is a division of the Gaston County Health Department. The official Environmental Health page says it is divided between Food and Lodging and Onsite Wastewater and Wells. It also states that Environmental Health is working to improve mosquito surveillance and education. The directory lists Environmental Health at 704-853-5200.
This is the correct route for many business and property questions. If you are opening a restaurant, planning a food truck, running a festival food booth, asking about a school lunchroom or concession stand, operating a public swimming pool, asking about childcare or adult daycare facilities, or dealing with well or septic issues, Environmental Health is usually the right starting point.
| Environmental Health need | Official category | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant, meat market or food business | Food and Lodging | Call Environmental Health before opening, remodeling, changing ownership or assuming an old permit transfers. |
| Fairs, festivals or fundraisers | Food and Lodging | Ask about temporary food requirements, application timing, setup rules and inspection expectations. |
| Food truck or hot dog cart | Food and Lodging | Ask about mobile food unit plan review, commissary requirements, water, wastewater and permit rules. |
| Public swimming pool | Environmental Health regulated facilities | Verify annual operation permits, inspection timing and seasonal opening requirements before the pool opens. |
| Childcare, adult daycare or group home | Regulated establishments | Ask which environmental health review or inspection is required for your facility type. |
| Private well or septic system | Onsite Wastewater and Wells | Call before buying property, building, adding bedrooms, repairing a system or collecting a water sample. |
How to report a food, pool, well or septic complaint properly
- Write the exact location. Include the business name, property address, road name or parcel details if you have them.
- Write the date and time. Complaints are stronger when the timeline is specific.
- Describe the health concern. Examples include suspected foodborne illness, sewage surfacing, unsafe pool conditions, contaminated well water or pest concerns.
- Use factual language. Staff can act faster on what happened, where it happened and who may be affected.
- Call Environmental Health. Use 704-853-5200 and ask which Food and Lodging or Onsite Wastewater and Wells route applies.
Wells, septic systems and property questions
Gaston County Environmental Health includes Onsite Wastewater and Wells. That makes it important for homeowners, buyers, real estate agents, builders, landowners and property managers. A septic system or well issue can become a closing problem, permit problem, repair problem or public health problem if handled late.
If you are buying a home
- Ask whether the property uses public sewer, septic, public water or a private well.
- Call Environmental Health if the property relies on onsite wastewater or a well.
- Ask what records, inspection history or permit documents may be available.
- Do not wait until closing week to ask.
If you are building or expanding
- Ask whether the project changes bedroom count, wastewater flow or well/septic needs.
- Coordinate early with Environmental Health and any building-permit office involved.
- Keep copies of approvals, denials and inspection notes.
- Do not assume a contractor’s opinion equals county approval.
For well and septic properties, public health review is not optional paperwork. It can affect safety, financing, construction and occupancy. Environmental Health should be contacted early when a property uses onsite wastewater or a private well, especially before buying land, adding bedrooms, opening a business, changing use or repairing a failed system.
Legionnaires’ disease, cooling towers and 2026 water-system reminder
Gaston County Public Health has a dedicated Legionnaires’ disease page. The county explains that Legionnaires’ disease spreads through small misty water droplets from human-made water sources, does not spread person to person, and is treated with antibiotics. Adults age 50 or older, current or former smokers, and people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems are at greater risk.
In March 2026, Gaston County posted a seasonal reminder for businesses and property owners as cooling systems restart in warmer weather. The notice reminded property owners to review and maintain water systems, especially cooling towers, to reduce Legionella growth. It also stated that no new cases had been reported at the time of the reminder and encouraged proactive water-management practices.
For residents
If you are concerned about Legionnaires’ disease symptoms or exposure, contact a healthcare provider. For general questions or concerns, Gaston County Public Health lists 704-853-5000 on its Legionnaires’ disease page.
For businesses and property owners
Cooling towers, hot tubs and decorative fountains can be sources of Legionella when not properly operated or maintained. Review water-management practices before seasonal startup or after periods of inactivity.
Mobile clinic and community health services
Gaston County Public Health says that in 2026 it will start using new mobile health units to bring healthcare services to neighborhoods. This is important for residents who have trouble getting to a doctor’s office or the main Public Health location. If you are interested in mobile services, check the official mobile clinic page or contact Public Health for the latest rollout and neighborhood schedule.
Community Health also includes health education, data, equity work, maternal and child health resources, harm-reduction support, health alerts and community partnerships. These services may not look like a traditional clinic visit, but they are part of the public health system that helps prevent disease and connect residents to care.
Mobile health units
Planned for 2026 to bring healthcare services into neighborhoods. Confirm current schedule directly with Public Health before relying on any location or date.
Free condoms and naloxone
Gaston County Public Health includes free condoms and naloxone resources. Use official Public Health pages and forms for confidential requests.
Health alerts
The Communicable Disease page links health alerts and prior advisory alerts. Use these for timely disease and outbreak updates.
What Gaston County Public Health does not handle
Do not use Public Health as a catch-all for every county service. Some services are inside Health and Human Services but not Public Health. Others are handled by the Register of Deeds, Social Services, hospitals, private providers or emergency services.
| If you need | Do not use | Better route |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency care | Routine Public Health line | Call 911 or seek emergency medical care. |
| Certified Gaston County birth or death certificate | Medical Records Clerk as the only route | Gaston County Register of Deeds, 704-862-7687. |
| Birth or death certificate from another county or state | Gaston County certificate request | County or state where the birth or death occurred. |
| Food assistance, Medicaid or cash assistance case | Public Health clinic desk | Gaston County Social Services Division or the correct NC benefits portal. |
| Private doctor, pharmacy or hospital records | Public Health medical records unless Public Health created or holds the record | Contact the provider, pharmacy, hospital or records custodian that created the record. |
Official Gaston County Public Health links
Use official links for final verification before you visit, pay a fee, request records, file a complaint, report disease, rely on a clinic schedule or make a health decision.
Main Public Health pages
WIC and maternal-child health
Records
Disease and alerts
Environmental Health
Community services
Gaston County Health Department FAQ
What is the Gaston County Health Department phone number?
The main Gaston County Public Health number is 704-853-5000. The Spanish line is 704-853-5079. For Environmental Health, call 704-853-5200. For WIC, call 704-853-5100 in English or 704-853-5115 in Spanish.
Where is Gaston County Public Health located?
The main Public Health location is 991 W Hudson Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28052. Clinical Services also lists Highland Health Center at 609 N Highland Street and Public Health at Summit at 890 Summit Crossing Place in Gastonia.
What are Gaston County Public Health hours?
Official pages show Public Health contact hours Monday through Friday. The staff directory lists Public Health Division hours as 8 AM to 5 PM and notes that patients are not seen during the last 30 minutes of each day. Some Public Health pages list contact hours as 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Call before visiting if timing matters.
What number do I call for immunizations?
The staff directory lists Immunizations and Clinical Services at 704-853-5003. For MMR vaccination related to measles guidance, Gaston County also says residents may call Public Health at 704-853-5000 to schedule an appointment.
What should I do if I may have measles symptoms?
Do not go directly to a clinic or emergency room without calling first. Gaston County’s measles guidance says to call your healthcare provider first and follow instructions from your provider or Public Health to avoid exposing others.
What is the Gaston County WIC phone number?
Call 704-853-5100 for WIC in English or 704-853-5115 for Spanish. WIC serves eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five.
Where is Gaston County WIC located?
The WIC page lists the Gaston County Health Department at 991 West Hudson Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28052. It also lists Cherryville Public Library at 605 E Main St, Cherryville, NC 28021 on the first and third Friday of each month from 10 AM to 2 PM. Call before using the Cherryville schedule.
How do I get my Public Health medical records?
For Public Health medical records, call the Medical Records Clerk at 704-853-5256. The medical-records fax number is 704-853-5247. Ask about the release form, identification and whether Public Health actually holds the record you need.
Does Public Health issue certified birth and death certificates?
Certified Gaston County birth and death certificates are handled by the Gaston County Register of Deeds. Call 704-862-7687. The Register of Deeds says certified Gaston County birth and death certificates are $10 each when obtained in the office.
What number do I call for Environmental Health?
Call 704-853-5200 for Gaston County Environmental Health. Use this route for Food and Lodging, Onsite Wastewater and Wells, public swimming pools, food trucks, regulated establishments, complaints and related inspection or permit questions.
How do I report a communicable disease in Gaston County?
For TB, call 704-862-5302. For STI, HIV or AIDS reporting, call 704-853-5006. For other reportable communicable diseases, call 704-853-5002 or 704-853-5007. For urgent after-hours communicable disease reporting, the county lists 704-649-0237.
What does Environmental Health handle?
Gaston County Environmental Health is divided into Food and Lodging and Onsite Wastewater and Wells. It also works with regulated establishments such as public swimming pools, food trucks, hot dog carts, restaurants, school lunchrooms, concession stands, childcare facilities, adult daycare facilities and group homes.
What did Gaston County say about Legionnaires’ disease in 2026?
In March 2026, Gaston County Public Health posted a seasonal reminder for cooling tower maintenance and water-system safety. It said there were no new cases at that time and reminded businesses and property owners to maintain cooling towers and other water systems to reduce Legionella risk.
Is this the official Gaston County website?
No. This is an independent directory guide. For official services, fees, clinic schedules, alerts, forms and records instructions, use the official Gaston County website at gastongov.com.