Cumberland County Public Library Hosts “31 Days of Love” Supply Drive for Shelter Pets
Cumberland County Public Library is participating in the “31 Days of Love” campaign, aimed at enhancing the lives of Cumberland County Animal Services pets. Throughout October, all library locations will accept donations of pet supplies to support this worthy cause.
Items needed include pet food, toys, blankets, newspapers for lining cages, and other essential animal supplies. A detailed wish list can be found on the Animal Services website or on Amazon by searching “Cumberland County Animal Services Wishlist”. Monetary contributions can be made online or delivered directly to Animal Services at 4704 Corporation Dr. in Fayetteville.
In addition to the supply drive, the Library will host pet adoption events to help shelter pets find their forever homes. Mark your calendars for these special adoption programs:
• Oct. 3: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – East Regional Library
• Oct. 12: 1-3 p.m. – Hope Mills Community Library
• Oct. 22: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Headquarters Library
Adopting a shelter pet is a wonderful way to make a difference. Visit Cumberland County Animal Services at 4704 Corporation Dr., Fayetteville, or check out adoptable animals online at the Animal Services website at www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/animal-services.
Pet supply donations are accepted year-round Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the shelter.
For more information about adoption or to learn more about donating supplies, please
call 910-321-6852.
For more information on the Library system, including other locations and hours of operation, visit cumberlandcountync.gov/library.

Health Dept. Vax Your Pet, Vax Yourself Clinic Oct. 19
The Cumberland County Department of Public Health will hold a “Vax Your Pet, Vax Yourself” event Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Health Department, located at 1235 Ramsey St., Fayetteville.
Rabies vaccinations cost $5 per pet. Residents may receive flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. No appointments required. Walk-ins are welcome.
Organizations will distribute free promotional items and information about programs and services. The Cumberland County Department of Public Health, Department of Social Services and Library will participate.
There will be a prize raffle for $100 prepaid cards every hour. Participants must be present to win.
Vax Your Pet
Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats will be $5 for each animal. North Carolina Law states “the owner of every dog and cat over four months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies.” To remain properly immunized, a dog or cat must receive two rabies vaccinations one year apart, then one vaccination every three years thereafter. Dog and cat owners in Cumberland County who have not vaccinated their pet in accordance with this law are subject to a $100 civil penalty.
While at the clinic, dogs must be leashed and cats in separate carriers or boxes. Owners may be held responsible for any damage their pet causes at the clinic.
Cash is the only accepted method of payment. Exact change to pay the $5 per animal fee is required and rolled coins, checks, debit and credit cards are not accepted.
Vax Yourself
Vaccinations for COVID-19, Influenza and RSV will be available at the event. No appointments are needed; services are available by walk-in only. Vaccines are free for everyone regardless of insurance status. If insured, the insurance company will be billed. Anyone accompanying a minor must show proof of custody.
The health department is encouraging everyone 6 months and older to get their seasonal flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness, hospitalization and long-term health complications from viruses. Both vaccines have been updated for the new flu and COVID-19 virus strains that will continue to spread this fall and winter.
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also spreads in the fall and winter and can lead to severe illness in older adults, young children and those with underlying medical conditions. RSV vaccines are recommended to protect adults ages 60 years and older from severe RSV. There are two immunizations recommended to protect infants from severe RSV: a maternal RSV vaccine given during pregnancy OR an RSV antibody given to infants after birth.
Test Yourself
The Cumberland County Public Health Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Express Clinic will be open during this event with confidential testing for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and other STIs. Testing is free, regardless of insurance status. Call 910-433-3600 to schedule an appointment.
For more information about Cumberland County Department of Public Health programs, visit cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/public-health or call 910-433-3600.

Cumberland County Public Health Raises Awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Cumberland County proudly joined communities across the country in a day of action focused on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) first annual 988 Day on Sept. 8, 2024.
988 Day is a pivotal initiative aimed at raising awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline within local communities. This observance was part of broader September initiatives focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness, including National Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Month.
Cumberland County reminds citizens anyone can text or chat any time of day by texting or dialing 988. The lifeline connects callers with skilled, caring and nonjudgmental counselors. This year marks the inaugural 988 Day, establishing an annual tradition on Sept. 8 and fostering ongoing engagement and awareness of 988 across the United States.
“As we marked the first 988 Day, we hope to help our community understand that help is always available,” said Dr. Jennifer Green, Director of Public Health. “We encourage everyone to reach out, whether for themselves or someone they care about.”
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers judgment-free support for mental health, substance use and more. Simply text or call 988.
Learn more about the Cumberland County Department of Public Health by visiting www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/public-health or on social media by searching the username CumberlandCountyPublicHealth.