Guilford County, NC

Guilford County is celebrating National County Government Month (NCGM) during the month of April!

Guilford County works every day to help empower successful people to thrive in a strong community supported by a quality government. We do this through our work in more than 30 departments supported by over 3,400 employees in areas ranging from Public Health to Parks to Human Recourses.

NCGM is sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and this year's NCGM theme is ForwardTogether; connecting, inspiring and leading – pillars of county government that build trust and drive towards solutions. 

All April, Guilford County will recognize National County Government Month and honor the ForwardTogether with staff and community through a series of fun and engaging activities, including our annual Must Love Dogs event April 14 and numerous Public Health and Cooperative Extension events.

Since 1991, NACo has encouraged counties across the country to raise public awareness about county roles and responsibilities during the month of April.

So what does Guilford County government include? Check out our Service Index below to read about all the ways Guilford County government works to support our community.

Here is a look at a few numbers demonstrating that work:

• The Division of Social Services processes nearly 150,000 benefits applications and recertifications yearly. In 2023, DSS launched a new Division of Heath Benefits to address Medicaid Expansion. As of March 2024, more than 21,900 county residents have been enrolled into Medicaid as part of the expansion. 

• On a yearly average, Public Health provides nearly 5,000 maternity checks, 4,000 newborn home visits, and 5,000 food and lodging inspections. In 2024, Public Health established a substance use collaborative named the Guilford Overdose Prevention & Education Collective (GOPEC).

• In 2023, our Family Justice Center assisted more than 12,900 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse.

• On a yearly average, the Behavioral Health Center serves more than 140 youth ranging in age from 6 to 15, more than 9,000 visit the Behavioral Health Urgent Care, and more than 12,000 visits are made to the adult Behavioral Health Outpatient clinic.

• In 2023, Veterans Services assisted more than 5,540 veterans and clients. 

• In 2023, EMS responded to more than 82,700 calls and implemented a countywide Fire RMS system.

• In 2023, Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to more than 26,200 calls for service.

• In 2023, Animal Services processed more than 4,440 pet adoptions, administered more than 650 rabies vaccines, and distributed more than 9,550 pounds of pet food. 

• The N.C. Cooperative Extension – Guilford County Center is continuing their work with the county's food security program. In 2023, Cooperative Extension partnered with community organizations and local farmers to provide locally grown produce, locally raised beef and chicken, and other food items to families. In December 2023, Cooperative Extension helped distributed more than 570 food boxes to families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Youth engagement in the 4-H program grew by almost 20%, with more than 3,710 youth participating in 4-H programs in 2023.

• The county owns seven regional parks – offering 6,000 acres of parks, trails, and open space for the public to enjoy. In 2023, the Parks Department opened the Hines Chapel Preserve which spans over 450 acres. 

• In 2024, Guilford County was one of only 55 counties across the United States to maintain a AAA General Obligation bond rating from all three national rating agencies, which means the county can get the lowest interest rates when selling bonds to fund community needs.

• The county’s budget and management team developed and managed a balanced budget of more than $840 million for fiscal year 2023/2024.

• The Inspections & Permitting Department processes more than 5,000 permits and completes around 3,000 inspections per month.

Community Outreach Events

County Departments are hosting various community outreach events throughout National County Government Month.

Guilford County Service Inventory

Please see our Service Inventory below that outlines the services provided by the County at a high level and from a resident's perspective.