Measles Facts and Student Success Tools Discussed on May’s Episode of “In Touch with Durham County” Show
Durham, N.C. – The May 2026 episode of the “In Touch with Durham County” show from the Durham County Public Information Office is here with important information for our community. In the latest episode, host Deborah Craig-Ray, the Durham County Chief Communications Officer, welcomes Dr. Rodney Jenkins, Durham County Public Health Director, who brings viewers timely public health information on measles, and Elena Maina, Executive Director of Student U., who shares an in‑depth look at a major educational partnership shaping Durham’s future.
Watch it on our YouTube channel here.
With measles re‑emerging in national headlines, Dr. Jenkins joins the program to discuss the disease, its symptoms and how residents can stay protected. Although measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 1,792 confirmed cases across 37 jurisdictions as of April 2026. North Carolina has reported 24 cases since December 2025, though none have been identified in Durham County. Dr. Jenkins also provides information on current medical guidelines for measles vaccination and steps Durham County Public Health is taking to safeguard the community.
Maina serves as Executive Director of Student U, a Durham‑based educational nonprofit organization. Student U’s new Community Schools model was developed in response to the identified needs of children and families from Durham Public Schools. The Community Schools model is designed as a full‑service, collaborative learning environment where schools, educators, families and community partners work together to create welcoming and equitable spaces for students. Aligned with the national Full-Service Community Schools movement, this model is designed to engage, educate, and support not only students but the entire community surrounding the school.
The goal of each episode is to have important conversations with our Durham County Government staff, elected officials, and community partners to keep residents informed about the latest happenings, programs, and services. The show is available to watch on the DCo YouTube channel (subscribe here); as well as on the Durham County Government website and the Durham Television Network.
We hope you explore this month’s show!
About “In Touch with Durham County”
The “In Touch with Durham County” show is a regular program that provides governmental programming and access to your local government and provides timely, ongoing coverage of Durham County Government. The show airs on the Durham Television Network (DTN). DTN is available on Spectrum (channel 8 and 1302), Frontier channel 70, and AT&T U-verse channel 99. Residents may also download the BoxCast app, available for Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV and search for “City of Durham” to find content available on demand.
To view past editions of the “In Touch with Durham County” show, visit the DCo YouTube Channel here.
For more information on the Durham County Public Information Office, visit the PIO website, call 919-560-0000 or email publicinformationoffice@dconc.gov.
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