Ever wonder what a day in public health looks like? Much of it happens with little fanfare and behind the scenes. North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health works to protect you, your loved ones and the community.
We followed two staff members to share the behind the scenes of what they do every day to support NC.
Cecily LaPradd helps NC babies have a healthy start
Cecily is a public health scientist in the Newborn Screening Lab.
Video: Spend a Day with Cecily in the Newborn Screening Lab (1:14)
Cecily’s job starts with a tiny drop of blood on a special filter paper card. Health care providers collect the blood from a baby’s heel shortly after birth.
Cecily’s testing provides early detection for treatable conditions and helps save lives. The information also helps doctors to determine a treatment or care plan.
In the lab, she also helps to:
- Maintain testing equipment
- Train staff
- Improve how work gets done
Each day, she is learning, testing and reporting. She works to ensure accurate results for thousands of babies and families in North Carolina.
Kaila Kurtz keeps your water and milk safe
Kaila is a public health scientist in the Environmental Microbiology Lab.
Video: Spend a Day with Kaila in the Environmental Microbiology Lab (1:14)
Have you had a glass of water or eaten dairy recently? Kaila helps protect people from getting sick from these two everyday essentials.
At the Environmental Microbiology Lab, Kaila performs Grade A testing on products like:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
This testing ensures the products meet high standards for North Carolinians. She tests the product before it gets to you, the customer!
Kaila looks for the number of bacteria in a sample. Too many bacteria can lead to recalls and products pulled from shelves at your grocery store.
Kaila and team also test well-water samples from across the state. They look for contaminants that can cause illness like:
- Lead
- Fecal matter
- Other harmful bacteria and chemicals
If she finds a contaminant, she shares the results with a public health specialist who can help.
Every sample Kaila tests helps protect North Carolinians’ health and well-being. Next time you drink a glass of water or eat dairy, remember NC public health is looking out for you!