Four Wake County programs recognized for advancing excellence in public service
Wake County is once again honored with multiple Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties, marking the 12th year the County’s innovative work has been recognized nationally. NACo highlights counties that demonstrate excellence in public service, elevating Wake County's achievements among more than 3,000 counties across the nation.
“I see firsthand the incredible, lifechanging work happening across Wake County every day. I’m thrilled that work is being recognized on a national level,” said County Manager David Ellis. “Our staff put the people in our community first and are truly changing lives for the better. It’s because of their commitment that Wake County is one of the best places in the country to live, work, learn and play.”
Wake County received Achievement Awards for four initiatives:
Wake County Public Libraries: Memory Care Kits
Wake County Public Libraries Memory Care Kits program uses books and activities to spark memories, create conversations and provide positive, engaging interactions between people experiencing memory loss and their caregivers.
Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space: GIS StoryMaps
Parks, Recreation and Open Space partnered with Wake County Geographic Information Services to create a series of mobile tours using a web-based mapping and storytelling application. StoryMaps acts as a tour guide, moving visitors through 21 tours of Wake County parks and preserves while providing context on local vegetation and trails.
Information Technology: Laboratory Information Management System
Nearly 10% of residents in Wake County use private well water for drinking, cooking and bathing. The Wake County Water Quality Laboratory conducts regular testing of well water for natural and human-made contamination. Requests for testing have increased 24% over the past decade due to population growth and increased public awareness. In 2023, Wake County implemented the Laboratory Information Management System to increase testing efficiency and streamline the recordkeeping and reporting process. This resulted in more concise reports with highlighted action areas, fewer transcription errors and a more streamlined audit process.
Health and Human Services/Information Technology: School Health App
Wake County Health and Human Services, along with Information Technology, designed and launched an app for school nurses to securely collect and store student health information without collecting personally identifiable information. By streamlining access to health data and minimizing the potential for human error, nurses can better tailor their approach to care and improve outcomes for Wake County students.
