HICKORY — Catawba County Public Health has been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials as one of a few Promising Practice Award winners for 2026, the county said July 24.
The award celebrates the development and adoption of local public health best practices. Out of more than 3,000 health departments, 61 were honored for programs considered Promising Practices for their approaches and strategies to address local public health issues, the county notice said.
Catawba County’s recognition stemmed from a partnership among Catawba County Public Health’s Community Health Workers, the Catawba County Detention Center, and Catawba County Social Services. The county said the work has allowed Community Health Workers to assist Detention Center inmates in addressing barriers to healthy reintegration into the community after incarceration and has been instrumental in helping people with drug-related convictions access treatment services and address other health and social needs.
“This award demonstrates the tremendous value public health partnerships play in the community and we are grateful to have dedicated partners in the Catawba County Detention Center and Catawba County Social Services who have been instrumental in this program’s success,” Public Health Director Jennifer McCracken said.
Winning projects were selected through a competitive, peer-reviewed process. The project was also one of two presentations given by Catawba County Public Health staff and partners at NACCHO’s annual conference.
The July 24 notice does not name the conference city or list a dollar amount attached to the award.
Official release from Catawba County Government, July 24, 2026. https://www.catawbacountync.gov/news/promising-practice-award/
