Durham County Department of Public Health phone, clinics, WIC, records, inspections and emergency routing
The office many residents search for as the Durham County Health Department is officially the Durham County Department of Public Health. It is located at 414 East Main Street in Durham, North Carolina.
This guide helps you choose the correct route for clinic appointments, immunizations, STI/HIV testing, TB, WIC, certified birth and death records, Environmental Health, food inspections, septic, wells, public pools, rabies, billing and after-hours public health emergencies.
Choose the Durham County public health service you need
Select your task first. This tool does not book appointments or replace official instructions, but it helps you avoid calling the wrong desk.
Call 919-560-7600, email health@dconc.gov, or use the official Public Health page. For clinic appointments, use 919-560-7601. For Environmental Health, use 919-560-7800.
Quick answer for Durham County Department of Public Health
The main Durham County Department of Public Health phone number is 919-560-7600. The office is at 414 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701. The official page lists main public hours as Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Clinic appointments can be made by calling 919-560-7601. Lobby 1 opens for registration at 8:00 a.m., and same-day walk-in appointments can fill quickly.
For Environmental Health—food inspections, restaurant complaints, septic, wells, pools, tattoo artists, childcare, lodging and regulated establishments—call 919-560-7800 or use the official Environmental Health pages.
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Official verification before using this Durham guide
Updated for publication on June 26, 2026.
This refreshed guide uses official Durham County Department of Public Health pages for Public Health home, contact, administration and registration, clinic services, immunization/refugee health, STI/HIV testing, vital records, Register of Deeds, Environmental Health, General Inspections, On Site Water Protection, Public Swimming Pools, inspection scores, rabies, and WIC routing.
Always verify live appointment rules, office hours, fees, document requirements, disease-reporting rules, food permit steps, pool requirements, septic/well instructions and certificate routes on official pages before visiting, paying, filing or relying on a deadline.
What this Durham County public health guide covers
Durham County Department of Public Health phone numbers by service
Durham County Public Health has several direct program numbers. Use the right number to avoid being transferred between clinics, Environmental Health, WIC, Vital Records and Social Services.
| Need | Best phone or route | What to ask first |
|---|---|---|
| Main Public Health switchboard | 919-560-7600 health@dconc.gov | Say your exact service: clinic appointment, immunization, STI testing, WIC, certified record, food inspection, septic, well, pool or disease report. |
| Clinic appointment and registration | 919-560-7601 | Ask which clinic, floor, registration time, document, insurance, income proof or appointment rule applies. |
| 24/7 public health emergency | 919-794-1535 | Use only for public health emergencies. For immediate medical danger, call 911. |
| Immunization Clinic | 919-560-7608 or 919-560-7645 | Ask whether the vaccine is available, whether an appointment is needed and what records to bring. |
| STI/HIV testing | 919-560-7601 | Ask about testing-only visit, clinician visit, symptoms, exposure, results timing and confidentiality. |
| Community STI/HIV testing | 919-560-8835 Text 984-800-4923 | Ask about ITTS free screening times, location, eligibility and what to bring. |
| Communicable Disease / TB | 919-560-7633 CD@dconc.gov Fax: 919-560-7716 | For providers or facilities, ask about reportable disease forms, lab reports and outbreak instructions. |
| Women’s Health | Maternal Health: 919-560-7732 Family Planning: 919-560-7631 | Ask what appointment type, documents, insurance, income proof or clinical history is needed. |
| Dental Clinic | 919-560-7680 | Ask whether services apply to children, pregnant patients, eligibility, appointments and required documents. |
| Nutrition Clinic | 919-560-7791 | Ask about nutrition counseling, diabetes self-management education and referral or appointment requirements. |
| Pharmacy | 919-560-7632 | Ask about prescription pickup, clinic-related pharmacy routing or Safe Syringe Program questions. |
| Billing | 919-560-7665 PHBilling@dconc.gov | Ask about bills, My UNC Chart payment, sliding-fee questions and proof-of-income requirements. |
| Environmental Health | 919-560-7800 healthinspector@dconc.gov food@dconc.gov | Ask about food, inspections, permits, septic, wells, pools, tattoo, childcare, lodging or complaint routing. |
| Certified birth/death copy | Register of Deeds: 919-560-0480 | Ask about certified copy, amendment, legitimation, ID, fee and in-person request rules. |
| Durham County WIC | Lincoln Community Health Center WIC: 919-956-4042 | Ask about appointment, breastfeeding support, clinic location, eligibility and documents. |
| Social Services / DSS | 919-560-8000 | Use DSS for Medicaid, FNS/SNAP and many benefits cases, not Public Health clinic registration. |
Best call script for Durham residents
Say: “I am in Durham County, North Carolina, and I need help with [clinic appointment / immunization / STI testing / WIC / homebirth registration / certified birth certificate / TB report / restaurant inspection / septic record / well water / pool permit]. Which program handles this, and what should I bring?”
Durham County Public Health address, hours and map
The main Durham County Department of Public Health office is at 414 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701. Public Health main hours are listed as Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Clinic registration may start earlier than standard office hours. The Administration page says Lobby 1 opens for registration at 8:00 a.m., and same-day walk-in appointments can fill quickly.
Clinic appointments, registration, fees and interpretation
Appointments can be made by calling 919-560-7601. Durham County says some clinics accept walk-ins, but same-day appointments can fill quickly, so arriving early matters.
If this is your first visit, go to the first floor, Clinic 1, and bring identification and proof of household income. Interpretation services are available at no cost, including more than 200 languages and American Sign Language.
| Question | Official guidance | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| How do I make an appointment? | Call 919-560-7601. | Ask clinic name, floor, registration window, documents and estimated cost. |
| Can I walk in? | Some clinics have limited walk-ins. | Arrive early because same-day slots fill quickly. |
| What should I bring? | Identification, proof of household income and insurance card if insured. | Bring vaccine records, school forms, provider orders, pregnancy documents or service-specific papers. |
| How are fees handled? | Accepted insurance is billed where applicable, including Medicaid. Uninsured patients may use a sliding-fee scale if income proof is provided. | Without proof of income, you may be charged 100% on the sliding fee scale. |
| Can inability to pay block care? | The Administration page says no one will be refused services due to inability to pay. | Still ask about medication costs, program rules and proof-of-income needs. |
| How do I pay a bill? | Bills can be paid through My UNC Chart or at Public Health Registration in Lobby 1. | Call 919-560-7665 or email PHBilling@dconc.gov for billing questions. |
Clinical services at Durham County Department of Public Health
Durham County clinical services include dental services, laboratory, nutrition, pharmacy, child health, communicable diseases, immunization/refugee health, STD/HIV testing and women’s health services.
Use the appointment line when you are beginning patient care. Use the direct clinic number when you already know the exact program.
Immunizations, refugee health and measles vaccine appointments
The Immunization Clinic is available by appointment for childhood and adult vaccines. Durham County also lists Refugee Health Clinic services for communicable disease screenings, immunizations and introduction to the U.S. healthcare system.
For immunization questions, call 919-560-7608 or 919-560-7645. For measles vaccine appointment requests, Durham County also directs residents to call 919-560-7608.
Immunization visit checklist
- Call 919-560-7608 or 919-560-7645 before visiting.
- Ask if the vaccine is available and whether an appointment is required.
- Bring prior vaccine records from doctors, schools, pharmacies, military clinics, other states or prior health departments.
- Bring insurance and ID if available.
- Ask whether any doses require spacing or a follow-up appointment.
- If measles symptoms or exposure are possible, call your doctor before going anywhere in person.
STI/HIV testing, community screening and results
For STI testing, call 919-560-7601. Durham County says Clinic 6 routinely tests for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis and Hepatitis C when indicated.
Community ITTS testing provides free HIV/STI screening and education at Durham sites. For free screening information, call 919-560-8835 or text 984-800-4923.
| Need | Best route | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Testing-only visit | Call 919-560-7601. | May fit if you feel fine, have no symptoms and want to know your status. |
| Clinician visit | Call 919-560-7601. | More appropriate if you have symptoms or a recent known STI exposure. |
| Community free screening | Call 919-560-8835 or text 984-800-4923. | Ask about location, schedule, confidentiality and results process. |
| Results | Ask during registration and testing. | Durham County notes results are available after provider review and encourages My UNC Chart for access. |
Durham County WIC locations, appointment routing and documents
Durham County WIC is listed through Lincoln Community Health Center and partner/satellite access points. WIC supports eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five.
The main Durham County WIC phone through Lincoln Community Health Center is 919-956-4042. Call before visiting because clinic locations, suite numbers and appointment access can change.
| WIC access point | Address and phone | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Community Health Center | 1301 Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC 27707. Phone: 919-956-4042. | Main WIC listing. Call to confirm appointment and documents. |
| Durham County Human Services Building | 414 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701. Satellite clinic access may be listed by suite/clinic. | Do not assume the WIC suite is the same as clinic registration. Call first. |
| El Centro Hispano | 2000 Chapel Hill Road, Suite 26A, Durham, NC 27707. Phone: 919-403-1300. | Useful access point for Spanish-speaking families; verify current appointment availability. |
| Families and Communities Rising | 215 W Seminary Ave., Durham, NC 27701. Phone: 919-403-1398. | Listed as a Head Start WIC access point; call to confirm schedule. |
How to prepare for WIC
- Call 919-956-4042 or the specific site number before visiting.
- Ask whether an appointment is required or walk-ins are accepted.
- Prepare proof of identity, Durham or North Carolina residence, income or benefit proof, pregnancy information, infant information or child information.
- Ask about breastfeeding support if needed.
- Write down the location, suite, appointment time and documents.
Vital records: Public Health registration vs certified copies
Durham County Public Health’s Vital Records section is important, but it is not where the public obtains certified copies. The official page says Durham County Public Health is a non-issuance office for the public.
Certified birth and death certificate copies, amendments and legitimations can only be obtained at the Durham County Register of Deeds Office.
| Record need | Correct route | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Certified birth or death certificate copy | Durham County Register of Deeds, 201 East Main Street, 2nd Floor, Administration Building II, Durham, NC 27701. Phone: 919-560-0480. | Public Health does not issue certified copies to the public. |
| Homebirth registration within one year | Public Health Vital Records, 919-560-7670 or PHvitalrecords@dconc.gov. | Homebirth registration must be within one year of birth. |
| Affidavit of Parentage | Public Health Vital Records appointment, 919-560-7670. | Both parents must be present. Child must be born in Durham County and under 18. |
| Birth registration after one year | NC State Vital Records, 919-733-3000. | Public Health directs users to NC State Vital Records after one year from birth. |
| Name change | Durham County Family Court, 510 S. Dillard St., Durham, NC 27701. Phone: 919-808-3015. | Name changes are processed through Family Court, not Public Health. |
Communicable disease reporting, TB, measles and rabies
The Communicable Disease Program includes prevention and control, immunizations, refugee health, tuberculosis, rabies control and Adult Health HIV/STI Clinic support.
For communicable disease questions, call 919-560-7633, email CD@dconc.gov, or fax reports to 919-560-7716 with attention to the Communicable Disease Nurse.
Environmental Health: food inspections, permits, septic, wells, pools and complaints
Durham County Environmental Health Services handles plan review, permits and inspections for facilities regulated under state rules. Food service inspection categories include restaurants, caterers, commissaries, food stands, school lunchrooms, mobile food vendors, hot dog vendors, meat markets and special events selling food to the public.
Other regulated establishments may include childcare centers, hospitals, rest/nursing homes, schools, confinement facilities, residential care homes, hotels/motels, bed and breakfast homes/inns and tattoo artists.
| Environmental need | Best route | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant, caterer, food stand, mobile food vendor or event food | General Inspections, 919-560-7800, food@dconc.gov or healthinspector@dconc.gov. | Call before opening, remodeling, changing ownership, applying for an event or assuming a permit transfers. |
| Health inspection score | Durham County Public Health Inspections portal. | Search by establishment name, type, address, city, grade or inspection date. |
| Septic system or private well | On Site Water Protection, 919-560-7800. | Call before buying property, building, repairing, adding bedrooms or collecting a water sample. |
| Well water testing | On Site Water Protection, 919-560-7800. | Ask about application, timing, bottle handling, lab rules and fees before collecting any sample. |
| Public swimming pool, spa, wading pool or therapy pool | Public Swimming Pools, 919-560-7800. | Confirm permit renewal, plan review, drain safety and 2026 verification-method requirements. |
| Tattoo artist, childcare, hotel or regulated facility | General Inspections, 919-560-7800. | Ask what forms, inspections, state rules and plan reviews apply to the facility type. |
How to file a useful Environmental Health complaint
- Write the exact location: business name, address, property address, road name or event location.
- Write the date and time of the issue.
- Describe the public health concern: unsafe food handling, illness after eating, sewage surfacing, pool safety, lead hazard or regulated-facility complaint.
- Separate facts from frustration so staff can act on what happened, where, when and who may be affected.
- Use the correct contact: 919-560-7800, healthinspector@dconc.gov or food@dconc.gov.
Public pools and 2026 pool-season warning
Durham County says public swimming pools, spas, wading, training, special-purpose and therapy pools must comply with applicable laws before operation. New construction requires plan review approval and inspections.
Seasonal pools may operate April 1 through October 31, and year-round pools must renew their operation permit before expiration. Durham County also notes a 2026 verification-method change for pools with calculated maximum system flow rates, so pool operators should review official state memo guidance before opening.
What Durham County Public Health does not handle
Several Durham County offices are near East Main Street, and many services sound similar. Use this table before driving or calling.
| If you need | Do not use | Better route |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency care | Routine clinic appointment, email or public health emergency number. | Call 911 or seek emergency medical care. |
| Certified birth or death certificate copy | Public Health as the issuing office. | Durham County Register of Deeds, 201 East Main Street, 2nd Floor, 919-560-0480. |
| Medicaid application | Public Health clinic desk. | Durham County Department of Social Services or NC ePass. DSS main number: 919-560-8000. |
| Food and Nutrition Services or SNAP | Public Health clinic desk or WIC line as the only route. | Durham County Social Services for FNS/SNAP. WIC is a separate nutrition program. |
| Private doctor, hospital, pharmacy, Duke or UNC record | Public Health unless it created or holds the record. | Contact the provider, hospital, pharmacy or records custodian that created the record. |
| Restaurant inspection score | Clinic appointment line. | Use Durham County Public Health Inspections portal or call Environmental Health. |
What to do if your Durham County public health service is not found
Official Durham County public health links
Use these official links for final verification before visiting, reporting disease, requesting records, submitting Environmental Health applications or relying on a fee or deadline.
Durham County Public Health official websiteMain official page for Durham County Department of Public Health programs, services, news and contact information. Contact Public HealthMain number, clinic contacts, Environmental Health, disease reporting, billing, pharmacy, lab, nutrition, dental and DSS routing. Administration and registrationAppointment line, first-visit instructions, interpretation, sliding-fee scale, income proof and bill payment details. Clinical ServicesDental, laboratory, nutrition, pharmacy, child health, immunization, STI/HIV and women’s health service routes. Immunization and Refugee HealthImmunization Clinic and Refugee Health Clinic overview. STD/HIV TestingClinic 6 testing, testing-only vs clinician visit, community testing and results guidance. Public Health Vital RecordsHomebirth registration, Affidavit of Parentage and certified-copy routing warning. Durham County Register of DeedsCorrect route for certified birth and death certificate copies, amendments and legitimations. General InspectionsFood service, regulated establishments, complaint investigations and Environmental Health contact information. On Site Water ProtectionSeptic systems, wells, water testing, pool plan review and related complaint investigations. Public Swimming PoolsPool permits, plan review, seasonal operation, drain safety and 2026 verification-method note. Durham inspection scoresOfficial searchable portal for Durham County inspection scores and establishment details. Rabies prevention and controlAnimal bite, rabies exposure and animal control guidance. Lincoln Community Health CenterMain WIC routing and Durham community health access point.Durham County Department of Public Health FAQ
What is the Durham County Department of Public Health phone number?
The main switchboard is 919-560-7600. For clinic appointments, call 919-560-7601. For Environmental Health, call 919-560-7800.
Where is Durham County Public Health located?
The main office is at 414 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701. Main public hours are listed as Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
How do I make a clinic appointment?
Call 919-560-7601. Some clinics accept limited walk-ins, but same-day appointments can fill quickly. Lobby 1 opens for registration at 8:00 a.m.
What should I bring to my first Public Health visit?
Bring identification, proof of household income and your insurance card if insured. Bring vaccine records, school forms, provider orders, pregnancy documents, WIC paperwork or other service-specific documents when relevant.
Does Durham County Public Health offer interpretation?
Yes. The Administration page says interpretation services are available at no cost in more than 200 languages, including American Sign Language.
What is the Immunization Clinic phone number?
The Immunization Clinic numbers listed by Durham County are 919-560-7608 and 919-560-7645. For measles vaccine appointments, call 919-560-7608.
What number do I call for STI testing?
For STI testing, call 919-560-7601. Durham County’s STI/HIV page says Clinic 6 routinely tests for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis and Hepatitis C when indicated.
What is the Durham County WIC phone number?
The main Durham County WIC listing through Lincoln Community Health Center is 919-956-4042. Call first to confirm appointment location and documents.
Does Public Health issue certified birth and death certificates?
No. Durham County Public Health says it is a non-issuance office for the public. Certified copies, amendments and legitimations are handled by the Durham County Register of Deeds at 919-560-0480.
What does Durham County Environmental Health handle?
Environmental Health handles general inspections, food service, restaurants, caterers, food stands, mobile vendors, school lunchrooms, special event food, childcare, lodging, tattoo artists, septic, wells, public pools, complaint investigations and health inspection records. Call 919-560-7800.