Release of sensitive info raises trust concerns at Meck Co. Health Dept.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Release of sensitive information raises trust concerns at Mecklenburg County Health Department

Officials must now work to rebuild trust in the Mecklenburg County Health Department after two separate issues affecting patients were revealed this year.

The latest -- the mistaken release of 1,200 patients’ sensitive health information to two media outlets -- has led to increase calls for changes at the Health Department.

The Health Department first came under criticism in February when county officials revealed the office failed to notify women of abnormal Pap smear test results.

"We've given the public a reason not to trust us. We have to gain that trust back," said County Commissioner Jim Puckett. "That's why I think we have to turn every rock to make sure we cover every possible scenario as to what led us down this path."

The county is still in the process of notifying patients whose information was mistakenly released.

Channel 9 spoke with several people affected by the breach. All spoke on a condition of anonymity.

"I'm bothered by the fact that people know my personal business," a patient said. "I'm bothered by the fact that I went and shared information and thought that I was safe to get myself checked."

The woman said she would no longer visit county clinics.

County officials declined to release new information on the release of information Wednesday.

County manager Dena Diorio said she plans to update the Board of Commissioners again on Tuesday.

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