Welcome to the Robeson County Health Department

The Nation’s Oldest Rural Health Department

Our Agency:

Established in 1912, the Robeson County Health Department is recognized as the oldest rural health department in the nation.  We have a well-established tradition of providing high-quality services to those in need, and we also have a reputation for implementing nontraditional and innovative community health care strategies.

Our department is centrally located within the city limits of Lumberton, and easily accessible to residents of surrounding towns.  The current facility was constructed in 1974, and has undergone several renovations since that time.  The most recent addition was Robeson Family Dentistry Plus in 2000.  The total space of our facility is 71,400 square feet.

Our Staff:

A staff of more than 200 professionals provides services in the following areas:  patient care, nutrition, dental health, social work, health education, environmental health, fiscal and business management, management support, public information and information technology.  Our most recent award honoree was Health Director William J. Smith, IV – 2006 recipient of the Ron Levine Legacy Award.  This prestigious award given by the Division of Public Health honors individuals whose life work has resulted in significant, sustainable, and positive improvements in North Carolina’s public health system.

Our County:

As North Carolina’s largest county (949 square miles), Robeson is 10% smaller than the state of Rhode Island.  Our county is large enough to offer good jobs, excellent facilities and outstanding professional opportunities.  Yet, the towns that dot the Robeson landscape are small enough to give residents a secure and friendly small town feeling.

Robeson County is the mid point between Boston and Miami.  Bisected by Interstate 95, it is an ideal place for industry to conduct business along the east coast and for travelers to get where they want to go quickly and safely.

Seventy percent of U.S. and Canadian businesses are within 700 miles of Robeson County.  We have a strong agricultural and industry driven economy.  Cotton, soybean, tobacco and lumber production have long been associated with the economic progress of our county.  Boasting a diverse industrial base, companies produce everything from canned soup to the pulp that is imprinted for legal tender.

Our Socioeconomic Indicators:

Our population exceeds 125,000 and we are one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the state, with minorities comprising 65% of our total population. Year 2000 U.S. Census data indicated that our diverse population includes 38.02% Native Americans, 25.1% African Americans, 32.8% Caucasians, and 4.8% Hispanics.

Also according to 2000 U.S. Census Data, 22.8% of our population is below the federal poverty level.  Our per capita income is $17,391.00, and some 33.5% of our residents are Medicaid recipients.

In nearly every area of chronic disease, Robeson County’s rates exceed those of the state.  In an effort to reduce the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of chronic disease, we consistently strive for creativity and collaboration when encouraging residents of all ages and backgrounds to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Robeson County Health Department