Charlotte, NC – County officials today cut a ceremonial ribbon celebrating the completion of an 18-month project to update and expand the Mecklenburg County Health Department's Northwest campus along Beatties Ford Road.

The $3.4 million makeover is the first major renovation in the facility's 31-year history. It adds more than 8000 square feet of new space for clinical staff including immunizations, women's health and several prevention and case management programs.

In addition, there is expanded room for the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) supplemental nutrition program. Last year, the Northwest campus alone saw more than 20,000 WIC clients.

"All of our Health Department facilities are experiencing robust growth in the numbers of residents served," said Mecklenburg County Health Director E. Wynn Mabry.  "With the renovation complete, we now have a cleaner, more modern, more efficient site and can deliver better health care for all."

The waiting areas have been upgraded, along with the exterior of the building. Customers will also find parking much easier with 65 new spaces from which to choose.  

The county opened the then 36,000 square-foot campus in 1978 to make health services available to the growing Westside population.