Achievers & Accolades

Harnett County Board of Health receives Outstanding Board of Health Award

By Staff Report, posted 1 hour ago
Pictured: 1st row from left-Ainsley Johnson, Health Director for Harnett County Health Department; Board of Health Members Michelle Pleasant; Dr. Brandon Washington, DDS; Dr. Catherine Evans, DDS. 2nd row: Betty Goodwin; Dr. Kim Fowler, Phd; Dr. Amanda Langdon, DVM; Stacie Hogan, RPH; Dr. Terrill Brown, DPM; Commissioner Barbara McKoy. Not pictured: Dr. Christoper Stewart, MD. Photo provided by Harnett County.

The Harnett County Board of Health has been recognized with the Outstanding Board of Health Award by the Association of North Carolina Boards of Health (ANCBH) for its commitment to improving access to healthcare and supporting efforts that address the health needs of Harnett County residents. The award was presented on Sept. 17, 2026, during the ANCBH Annual Meeting in Hillsborough, North Carolina.

The Outstanding Board of Health Award recognizes a local board of health in North Carolina for its contributions to public health and its efforts to improve the health and well-being of the community it serves. The award highlights the important role local boards of health play in supporting programs and partnerships that meet the needs of their communities.

“A strong Board of Health plays an important role in improving public health and making a difference in the community,” shared Health Director for the Harnett County Health Department, Ainsley Johnson, in a press release. “We are fortunate to have Board members who support the work of our Health Department and the programs and partnerships that help protect the health of Harnett County residents. I would like to thank and congratulate our current and former Board members for their service and continued commitment to public health.”

The Outstanding Board of Health Award reflects the Board’s commitment to supporting public health efforts that improve access to services and promote the health and well-being of Harnett County residents.

The Harnett County Health Department is governed by an 11-member Board of Health appointed by the Harnett County Board of Commissioners. The Board helps protect and promote the public’s health by establishing local public health policies and providing oversight of Health Department operations.

For more information about the Harnett County Health Department and its programs and services, visit the Harnett County Health Department website at www.harnett.org/health or call 910-893-7550.

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

See the brilliance: Dunn artist creates and sells glass artwork that shines brightly

Cindy Akers-Gilford creates stained glass, fused glass, mosaics, handmade glass jewelry, pendants, suncatchers and other original glass artwork in her studio in Dunn, N.C. Photos provided by Cimply Broken.Self-made Artist and Founder of Cimply Broken


Brushstrokes of hope: Art therapy for cancer patients and their caregivers

 FirstHealth’s art therapy for cancer patients and caregivers helps attendees reduce stress through creative expression. Photo provided by Deborah Yarborough.Group therapy can provide much-needed support and comfort during difficult times, and t


Art that serves others: How a Harnett County muralist is making a lasting mark in her community

Van Goat Studios, which has been operating since 2019, has allowed Johnson to express herself and reflect the spirit of local communities through murals. Photo provided by Elyse Johnson.Elyse Johnson of Van Goat Studios in Dunn wants to spread her ar