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ART - Area of Richmond Transit

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1. What is the deadline to call to arrange for travel?

The deadline is Noon the day before your needed travel day.  

2. How do I sign up for the EDTAP Program?

 Fill out the EDTAP Program From on the ART webpage.  Turn it into the  ART office. You will need to bring your unexpired State issued Identification with your current address.  Need help with this?  Call us at 910-895-1313.

3. Where does Area of Richmond Transit operate?

We work travel in and around the Richmond County, NC area.  We do have routes and costs on the ART webpage.  Check out the price guide for destinations and cost.   

4. How much does it cost to ride Area of Richmond Transit?

Check out the price guide on the webpage for destinations and prices.  

5. When is Area of Richmond Transit open?

Office hours are Monday-Friday 6am to 6pm. Buses run from 4am to 5pm Monday-Friday. We will follow the local government for all holiday closings.  

6. Is Area of Richmond Transit handicap accessable?

Absolutely!  We have multiple buses with wheelchair lifts and all vans are ADA friendly.  When you call please let us know that you need the wheelchair lift.  

7. How do I request an ADA reasonable modification?

Please call us! (910) 895-1313 (TTY 800-735-2962) or email us at melissa.williams@richmondnc.com. 

8. If I have a complaint who do I talk to?

Call 910-895-1313. 

9. How do I change my home address with Area of Richmond Transit?

Please call 910-895-1313. . If you are a Medicaid customer, please call Medicaid Transportation at 910-997-8445.

10. When can my transportation show up to pick me up for my appointment?

ART buses can show up ONE HOUR  before your appointment. If you are a Medicaid customer, ART buses can show up ONE HOUR before your appointment.

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Board of County Commissioners

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1. When does the Board of County Commissioners meet?

Regular meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month. Regular meetings are held at:

Richmond County Judicial Center

105 W Franklin St, Courtroom C:

Rockingham, NC 28379

Board of County Comissioners

2. Who do I call to appear on the Board of Commissioners' Agenda?

Call Dena Cook, Clerk to the Board at 910-417-4916. There is a formal request that must be completed prior to being permitted to appear on the Agenda. Board of County Comissioners

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Board of Elections

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1. How do I register to vote in Richmond County?

The Richmond County Board of Elections is located at:
221 South Hancock Street
Rockingham, NC 28379

Call the Board of Elections office at 910-997-8253 for more information. Board of Elections

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Building Inspections

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1. Where do I get a building permit?

The Building Inspections Office handles building permits. The office is located at:
221 South Hancock Street
Rockingham, NC 28379

This building is across the street from the County Courthouse. Building Inspections

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Economic Development

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1. What is ITD?

International Tie Disposal LLC (henceforth ITD) is intending to build a recycling operation to transform wood products (especially legacy & junk railroad ties) into an environmentally friendly material called biochar.   This is accomplished through use of vacuum sealed kilns exposed to extreme heat.      Legacy & junk railroad ties are deteriorated railroad ties ages approximately 15-30 years old and are no longer suitable for secondary markets.   Much of the creosote has leached from the tie.    At this facility the ties will be shredded and put in the kilns.     ITD is owned by Polivka out of Weddington, NC.   Polivka is a 3rd generation family business which specializes in paving & design build rail for all Class 1 railroads.        

2. Did the Richmond County Board of Commissioners recruit or re-zone property to lure ITD?

No.    The Richmond Board of Commissioners did not recruit nor rezone on behalf of International Tie Disposal.      

The Richmond County Commissioners voted to re-zone property along the CSX Hamlet rail yard to Heavy Industrial upon the unanimous approval and recommendation of the planning and zoning board.   CSX submitted a request  that all CSX owned property in Richmond County be rezoned to heavy industrial.     The property was found to be consistent with the land use plan of Richmond County & is adjacent to a heavily used rail yard & within an industrialized area.    

3. What is the economic impact to Richmond County?

ITD will generate $2.5M in gross salary to Richmond County employees (making on average of $22 per hour; $18, starting; $25, upper), and will invest up to $12 million dollars in infrastructure at its proposed facility. Maintenance and other services will be required of local contractors.

The Richmond Community College will provide key talent and training to its workforce of 55 employees, with higher than average salary for the region.

Lastly, ITD will be a valuable, contributing member of the local community, as it has at its corporate office in the town of Weddington, North Carolina.

4. Will ITD burn railroad ties?

ITD is not  burning railroad ties.   There is no combustion in the process.    The process of pyrolysis will heat the wood in an air starved kiln to a degree that the chemicals will turn into gas.   This process takes place in a vacuum sealed kiln with no visible emissions.   

5. How is pyrolysis of ties different than burning rail ties?

Pyrolysis, the chemical decomposition of organic (carbon-based) materials through the application of heat. Pyrolysis, which is also the first step in gasification and combustion, occurs in the absence or near absence of oxygen and it is thus distinct from burning, which can take place only if sufficient oxygen is present.    Hence why the air sealed kilns are being used by ITD.    The rate of pyrolysis increases with temperature. In industrial applications the temperatures used are often 430 °C (about 800 °F) or higher, whereas in smaller-scale operations the temperature may be much lower. Two well-known products created by pyrolysis are a form of charcoal called biochar and coke (which is used as an industrial fuel and a heat shield)

Source:  https://www.britannica.com/science/pyrolysis

6. What environmental measures are being taken to protect citizens & who is monitoring ITD?

DEQ is the regulatory agency regarding the Air Quality Permit.     To date, ITD has received their ’draft permit’ from DEQ, however DEQ is still holding a public hearing on this project.   DEQ is a state regulatory agency appointed by Governor Roy Cooper and has been lead by Michael Regan, who has since moved on as an Environmental Director under the Biden Administration.    DEQ has given a platform to  environmental justice & environmental groups to ensure North Carolina is being a good steward of the environment.   ITD will undergo very strict regulations in order to receive their permit.   ITD has filed for a Synthetic Minor permit.   Synethic Permits are considered minor sources of pollutants as compared to large sources such as Title V permitted facilities.   

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality, otherwise The North Carolina Department of Air Quality (henceforth, DEQ) “enforces state and federal air pollution regulations. In North Carolina, the General Assembly enacts state air pollution laws, and the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) adopts most rules dealing with air quality. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated the DAQ as the lead agency for enforcing federal laws and regulations dealing with air pollution in North Carolina.” (NC DEQ: “About Air Quality” https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/about-air-quality)

In the course of acquiring an air quality permit, the DEQ requires facilities seeking a permit to submit data that follows the testing parameters established by the EPA. This is then used, usually with safety factors, to establish a conservative estimate of the facility’s permit type, whether a Small, Synthetic Minor, or a Title V permit.

The DEQ then works out the particular parameters of the permit with special conditions and other restrictions to ensure the facility meets all applicable ambient air quality standards and requirements.

For ITD’s proposed facility, the DEQ’s draft permit states that the permit would require testing on four (4) kilns within the first 90 days to ensure compliance with the air quality permit’s established limits for a Synthetic Minor Permit.

Additionally, continuous monitoring is specified with data that ITD will need to submit to the DEQ for review. This will also ensure compliance with all applicable law, and the proposed permit limitations.

If you are interested in participating in the public hearing, below is the relevant information & links:

Questions will be answered at the public meeting, while comments will only be received at the public hearing. Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 3, 2021.

The online public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2021. It can be accessed toll-free by calling +1 (415) 655-0003 and using the access code “178 013 3745.” The WebEx link is https://bit.ly/3cbemdt, and the event password is “NCDAQ.”

Those who wish to speak at the public meeting must register by 4 p.m. on Feb. 22. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3ogUGYm or call (919) 618-0968.

The public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on March 1, 2021, also virtually. It can be accessed toll-free by calling +1 (415) 655-0003 and using the access code “178 470 3734.” The WebEx link is https://bit.ly/39golwj, and the event password is “NCDAQ.”

To speak at the public hearing, you must register by 4 p.m. on March 1. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3iJjiHU or call (919) 618-0968.

7. Will there be an abundance of truck traffic?

A majority of the legacy railroad ties will be transported via rail, so there will be minimal truck traffic

8. How will ITD reduce noise pollution?

ITD modified its original permit based on residents’ concerns over noise pollution generated from the shredding operation. Instead of a diesel operated shredder, the facility will now utilize an electrically powered “chomper.” Additionally, the “chomper” will be housed in an intermodal container, which will have a sound dampening effect.

ITD’s anticipated sound levels will likely be lower than that generated by daily Amtrak and freight trains at the Hamlet CSX facility. By comparison, a shredder has a decibel scale (henceforth, dBA) of roughly 75, whereas a freight train has a dBA of 80. The horn on a train is roughly 130 dBA.

9. Will this facility be visible from the road?

ITD intends to install tree lines and barriers to ensure the facility has reduced visibility & reduced sound.

10. How will ITD handle water run-off?

ITD will be required to apply for all applicable state permits, including stormwater permitting. Due to the site modifications, this will likely require retention ponds. ITD will rely on the relevant state department that issues the stormwater permit to ensure its compliance with best practices.    In order to easeconcerns, ITD intends to use a geo-tech style mat which will retain heavy liquids and chemicals from seeping into the soil      As with most industrial sites, this will likely require a retention pond or utilize a nearby retention pond.    

11. Will this facility be similar BioChar Now in Colorado?

The partner’s facility in Colorado does not pyrolyze cross ties, just for the tests, as noted. That said, the air quality reports for both are nearly equivalent - the creosote treated wood has slightly cleaner emissions. 

Additionally, the DEQ has air quality tests required within 90 days of construction. This is done to make sure the results match what we have been permitted for. It is important to note that we have a 25% safety factor in our emissions calculations, meaning they are very conservative. The DEQ has the results obviously of both the dead timber and cross ties emission tests.   This facility will have a similar appearance to the site in Colorado.

Below is a link to BioChar now:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zVqJ1K6eHM

12. Will this facility be similar to Dominion Power Biomass Plant in Georgia?

The Biomass energy facility operated by Dominion Power in Georgia utilized railroad ties as a feedstock. There are concerns by some residents that the complaints of odor and smoke associated with the Biomass energy facility in Georgia will similarly apply to ITD’s facility due to it utilizing the same feedstock, that is, railroad ties.

Although the feedstock is similar (railroad ties), the Biomass energy process and the process utilized by ITD are completely different. Biomass energy actually burns railroad ties to create energy, whereas ITD neither burns, nor creates energy with its feedstock. Biomass power operates very similarly to coal power, with a similar pollution profile. Moreover, Biomass power generally operates under the Title V category permit, which is for facilities with high pollution, unlike ITD’s facility, which would operate under a Synthetic Minor permit.

Additionally, ITD’s kiln exhaust system has no visible emissions.

The complaints of odor apply to most Biomass energy facilities, regardless of feedstock. One study found that 7 out of 9 Biomass energy facilities in Europe received odor complaints. Another study found odor associated with the presence of sugar in hardwoods. Due to the legacy tie feedstock (30 - 40 years old) utilized by ITD, ITD does not anticipate the sugar present in the legacy tie feedstock to be sufficient to generate odors.

13. Can I access comments and questions from public meeting?

Yes, attached is a link to the public meeting.    Everyone had access to sign up for questions and DEQ did their best to answer with factual information.    Much of their research was mentioned in this meeting.   Click the link below to access:

https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/air-quality-public-engagement#public-hearings

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Emergency Services

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1. Where should I call for immediate response to a medical emergency or other life threatening situation?

Call 911 for all emergencies. The Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer emergency calls for help. All non-emergency calls to Communications should be made to 910-997-8355 Emergency Services

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Environmental Health

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1. Can I pay for an application on line?

No.  We do not accept on line payments.  However we do accept payments by phone.

2. How to find a septic tank contractor?

NC Septic Tank Contractors

3. Can I sell food out of my home?

No.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Are county meetings open to the public?

Yes

2. Do you have a question or comment for the county officials?

Contact Dena Cook, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners. 910.417.4916 or dena.cook@richmondnc.com

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Richmond County Frequently Asked Questions

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1. How do I obtain a physical address for a structure?

Our E911 Addressing department assigns physical addresses. The contact number is 910-997-8346.

2. Where do I report a street sign missing?

You may send an email to eddie.grant@richmondnc.com or contact him at 910-997-8215 (Solid Waste Enforcement/Sign Maintenance).

3. Where can I find the Phone Number of a County Department?

Phone numbers for the individual departments are listed in the Bell South White Pages. If you are unable to find the listing you desire, you can contact 910-997-8211.

4. Where do I get a birth certificate, marriage license, death certificate or deed?

The Richmond County Register of Deeds office is responsible for deeds, death certificates, birth certificates, marriage licenses and other papers of record. The office is located on the first floor of the County Courthouse at:
114 Franklin Street
Rockingham, NC 28379

5. Where can I get a map of my property?

Tax/Land Records will print a copy of the map and/or tax card for a parcel located within Richmond County. 

Their office is located at 1401 Fayetteville Road Rockingham, NC 28379 (2nd Floor)

6. Who do I contact about any available jobs

The Employment Security Commission carries current job listings and applications may be submitted to the Job Service Office. The Human Resources Office for Richmond County can be contacted at 910-410-1103.

7. What does the Cooperative Extension office do?

The Cooperative Extension office assists the public in the areas of agriculture, lawn and garden, community development, 4H and youth development, family and consumer education. Some of the issues Cooperative Extension can help you with include: tree planting, pest control, stain removal, parenting and landscaping. The Cooperative Extension Office is located at the northern end of the Richmond County Health and Human Services Building on Caroline Street across from the Rockingham post office. Call 910-997-8255 for more information.

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Solid Waste

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1. CURBSIDE SERVICE--Does anyone in Richmond County provide curbside service for individuals living outside the city limits??

YES--Although Richmond does not provide a curbside pickup service there are five permitted entities that do provide this service. The following list is for informational purposes only and Richmond County DOES NOT recommend any one of these providers over the other. Tally Watson 910-206-6611 / Ace Garbage 910-334-1033 / Bobby Brigman (East Rock. only) 910-334-3257 / Tugaloo Refuse 910-517-3013 / Tedder Trash Solutions 910-557-0177

2. What can I do to report neighbors who illegaly dump / store waste on their property??

Please contact our Solid Waste Enforcement Officer Mr. Allen Hodges at 997-8215.

3. What are the hours of operation at the Transfer Station on 191 Walter Kelly Road?

We accept residential waste from 8-5 Mon-Fri and 8-1 on Sat.

We accept commercial / industrial / construction waste from 8-4:30 Mon-Fri and 8-12:30 on Sat.

4. What items are allowed for disposal at the 10 convenience sites???

We accept household waste generated from inside your home. Construction debris / wood / yard waste must be taken to the Transfer Station located at 191 Walter Kelly Road north of Rockingham off Dockery road. There is a $ 63.00/ ton (a little over $.03 per pound) disposal fee for any wood and/or construction related items. Wooden Pallets disposal cost is $34.00 / ton See FAQ's # 6.

5. Where can I dispose of my used tires and is there a cost for disposal??

All tires must be taken to the landfill location at 191 Walter Kelly Road for disposal. Tires are not accepted at any of the convenience sites. Currently there is no fee for tire disposal, however, if state funding for tire disposal is cut in the future, a fee may become necessary to offset costs.

6. What items can we RECYCLE????

Richmond County currently accepts paper / plastic / metal cans /  in the recycling containers located at various convenience sites throughout the county. (see chart for items accepted at each location) In addition, we accept used cooking oil, used motor oil, electronics, and scrap metal. (see chart for items accepted at each location)

7. Where can I dispose of "large quantities" of solid waste???

The convenience sites are for "convenience". If you have a pickup load or trailer load of waste, it must be brought to the landfill location at 191 Walter Kelly rd. There will be NO fee for disposal of household trash at the landfill location!!

8. Where can I dispose of my BOAT???

We do not accept boats, you must take them to the nearest landfill for disposal??

9. Where are the convenience sites located??

Richmond County has 10 strategically placed locations throughout the County to serve our citizens. (A chart with address / phone numbers and recycling materials collected at each site can be found on the Solid Waste link under the "BOX SITE COLLECTION" link.

10. Where can I dispose of my yard debris such as limbs, brush, pine straw and leaves??

These materials must be brought to the landfill location located at 191 Walter Kelly Rd. Convenience sites DO NOT accept this type of waste. There is no disposal fee for land owners that have a structure on the property where a yearly landfill fee is assessed, however, if the lot is empty then the disposal fee of $34.00/ton shall apply for disposal.  Businesses will be charged a fee of $34.00 / ton for disposal. ALL debris of this type must be removed from bags when disposed of.

11. Who do I contact to report "ILLEGAL" dumping???

Richmond County Solid Waste Enforcement Officer is Allen Hodges. He can be contacted at 997-8215.

12. PAINT?? How can I safely dispose of paint???

In order for us to accept paint, it must be dried or filled with sand / cat litter etc. We DO NOT accept liquid paint. If opened, it can leak from our trucks and cause damage to vehicles while being transported. Richmond County provides a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection day in the spring every year for these items. This usually occurs on a Saturday in April from 8-1 in the Richmond County Health Dept. parking lot, uptown Rockingham.

13. What are the hours of operation for the convenience site ????

All sites have different schedules. Please see the chart under the Solid Waste / Recycling section for operating hours for each location. There are two schedules one for Daylight Savings time in the spring and summer (labeled "summer" schedule) and one for Daylight Savings time in the fall and winter (labeled "winter" schedule)

14. How much waste does Richmond County generate in a given year???

Please see the Powerpoint slides under the Solid Waste / Recycling section. Here you will see a breakdown of what we have collected on a yearly basis as reported to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

15. Where can I properly dispose of prescription and over the counter drugs??

Please call a local pharmacy to inquire about collection programs they may offer. Richmond County Solid Waste Dept. does NOT accept any type of medication for disposal.

16. FEES?? What items do I have to pay to dispose of ???? And what is the cost???

EVERYONE will be charged for disposal of any type of construction debris. This includes (but not limited to) ALL wood, sheetrock, siding, doors, windows, block, brick, etc. The fee for disposal is $63.00/ ton (a little over .03 cents per pound) Also, there is $ 34.00 / ton fee for disposal of wooden pallets.

17. What is procedure for disposal of empty PESTICIDE containers?????

Pesticide containers from a residence may be disposed of at the Richmond County Transfer Station Facility located at 191 Walter Kelly Dr. between Rockingham and Ellerbe. Bulk containers (i.e. anything over 1 gallon) must be disposed of at the Plainview Convenience Site location off of Hwy 73 and Hwy 220. ALL containers must be empty, triple washed, with holes so no liquid can accumulate.

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Tax Administration

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1. Who do I call about the tax listing of my property?

The Tax Assessor's Office handles tax listing. The Tax Assessor is located on the first floor of the County Courthouse. The phone number is 910-997-8274. Tax Administration

2. Where do I pay my county property taxes?

Property owners pay their taxes at the Tax Collector's Office, located on the first floor of the County Administration building. Call 910-997-8271 for further information.

Tax Administration

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Teen Health

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1. Can I get the pill (or other types of birth control) on my own?

In North Carolina, you have the right to family planning services, including birth control and emergency contraception, without permission from your parents. The clinic is open each weekday 8 AM -5 PM at the Richmond County Department of Health Services.  Call for an appointment 910-997-8301. 

2. What if I don’t live with my parents and I am in foster care?

You have the same rights as any other teen; however, any information in your foster agency file may be shared with your foster parents, those interested in adopting you, and the foster care agency staff.

3. Will my provider tell my parents if I’m gay, lesbian, or bisexual?

No, your provider will not share this information with your parents unless there are serious concerns about your safety, such as if you were feeling so sad that you were thinking of hurting yourself. Even then, your provider would tell your parents that you were depressed and need help but would not reveal your sexual orientation. Your provider may be able to help you decide if and how to tell others.

4. Can I get tested for an STI without my parents knowing?

North Carolina allows for teens to be tested and treated for STIs without your parents knowing. Talk with your provider about your concerns and how to receive this type of care.

5. Why do I need to tell my provider if I’m having sex?

Your provider needs to know that you are having sex or plan to have sex to help you make safe and healthy decisions that are best for you.

If you don’t have reliable information about condoms and other forms of birth control, you could get pregnant or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. Also, if you have any infection, it’s important for you and your partner to know so that treatment can occur.

6. Will my healthcare provider tell my parents what we talked about?

Your provider will keep the details of what you talk about private, or confidential. The only times when your provider cannot honor your privacy is when someone is hurting you or you are going to hurt yourself or someone else. There are state laws that require doctors to share information when there is a concern about someone possibly getting hurt.

If this happens, you and your provider will talk about how to share any information necessary to keep everybody safe.

At your next visit be sure to…

• Ask your provider about what things can be kept confidential.
• Tell your provider if some of the things you talk about can be shared with your parents.
• Ask your provider who has access to your medical records (paper and electronic) and if your records are secure.
• Discuss any privacy concerns if you communicate with your provider by e-mail or on the phone.

7. What can I talk about with my healthcare provider?

You can and should talk with your provider (or the nurse) about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. Sometimes your provider will ask questions about school, your friends, and family members. Sometimes your provider will ask you personal things like how you’re feeling or what you like to do in your free time.

The more your provider knows about you, the better he or she is able to answer your questions or concerns.

8. I'm teen, can I come without a parent or guardian?

Youth 19 and under (that’s you!) can receive confidential sexual and reproductive health care.  The Richmond County Health Services offers clinic hours every Weekday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at 127 Caroline Street Rockingham.  Walk-ins are welcome, but if you call us for an appointment, make sure to tell us your age so we know how to schedule you. 

9. I need buying food and paying bills. Who do I call?

The Richmond County Social Services has programs to help you. You may have to meet some requirements. Call 910-997-8404 for information about Food Stamps, Child and Adult Services as well as Work First, Medicaid and Daycare programs.  

Social Services

10. Can I get help with my medical condition?

Yes. The Richmond County Health Services provide a number of services. Most of the programs are for people who are unable to secure private medical attention. Call 910-997-8301 for more information.

Health & Human Services

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WIC

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1. Can WIC participants use eWIC with online grocery ordering?

No, WIC participants cannot use eWIC with online grocery ordering.

2. Is eWIC still just for use in North Carolina?

Yes, NC eWIC benefits can only be transacted in NC.

3. Will foster children have their own card so that their benefits will be kept separate from other members in the foster family?

Yes, foster children will have their own EBA that will contain their food benefits and will be issued their own eWIC card.

4. Will the app that is associated with eWIC have the capability to send the participant an alert when their WIC EBT card is empty to remind them that it’s time for their card to be reload/time for their

The eWIC app (Bnft) will provide WIC participants with current food benefit balances (including zero balance). Notifications regarding when benefits will expire and account activity can be sent if selected by the participant, but the app does not remind the user of any appointments.  

5. Will the shopping list printed for the participant have the next appointment on it?

While the shopping list will have "First Date to Spend" and "Last Date to Spend" listed for each month of benefits issued, it does not have the next appointment printed on it.

6. How many times can a participant have his/her eWIC card replaced if lost?

An eWIC card may be replaced as many times as needed. Families who need their card replaced more than three times should be encouraged but are not required to use the eWIC Customer Service system for a mailed replacement.