Meet Our Providers

A New Era of Community Care: Carteret County Health Department Introduces Top Clinical and Community Providers

The Carteret County Health Department is proud to announce the expansion of its clinical team, reinforcing its commitment to providing high-quality, accessible care to the residents of Carteret County. With a focus on specialized and primary health services, the department has welcomed two highly skilled practitioners dedicated to improving local health outcomes and is now accepting new patients.

“The common myth of public health is that the health department is known as a vaccine and/or STD clinic, but that is so far from the truth. We do so much more,” said Public Health Director Nina Oliver. “We serve not only the individual but the entire community.”

Oliver said one of the primary goals the past year has been to increase access to exceptional medical providers for both women’s healthcare and primary care. With the addition of Women’s Health Practitioner (WHNP) and International Board-Certified Lactation (IBCLC) Consultant Chelsie Mattox and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Morgan Brown, two providers who bring top-tier clinical education and experience directly to Carteret County, the health department has done just that.

“Both Mattox and Brown are dynamic providers with specific specialties,” Oliver said. “We want residents to know about the high level of expertise we have here at the Carteret County Health Department.”

A graduate of Duke University with a Master of Science in Nursing, Mattox brings over five years of specialized experience in women’s health. Her expertise encompasses the entire lifespan, from gynecological care to metabolic health. Notably, as an IBCLC, Mattox offers a unique and vital service to new parents, providing expert assistance with infant feeding.

Earning her Master of Science in Nursing from UNC Chapel Hill, Brown has a robust background in primary healthcare. With more than five years of experience, she specializes in chronic disease management—such as diabetes and hypertension—preventive health, and acute injury care. In addition to her primary care role, Brown is highly experienced in women’s health, ensuring comprehensive support for her patients.

On any given morning, you might find Mattox sitting quietly with a frustrated new mother, patiently guiding her through the challenges of breastfeeding. She understands that health starts in those first fragile days of life. By blending her clinical knowledge with her passion for maternal-infant bonding, she helps families build a foundation of wellness that lasts a lifetime.

"Public health allows me to work toward a simple belief: everyone deserves access to quality care, no matter their circumstances. Being able to help expand access to quality healthcare and serve the communities that need it most is what makes this work so meaningful to me, and the reason that I am proud to work in the public health setting,” Mattox said.

Brown’s day is often spent as a health detective. Whether she is helping a patient navigate a complex treatment plan or identifying a brewing health issue during a routine screening, she focuses on the long-term picture. She doesn't just treat symptoms; she builds relationships that encourage patients to take an active, joyful role in their own longevity.

“To me, public health is about community equity,” Brown said. “Everyone deserves access to high-quality medical expertise regardless of their circumstances. Public health is important because it impacts every single person in the community. From disease identification to preventing health hazards, everyone community-wide benefits from public health. Addressing challenges including but not limited to chronic disease management, health care cost, equity, and quality of life all ensure the well-being of the entire population.”

The Carteret County Health Department believes that quality healthcare should be accessible to all members of the community. With the addition of Mattox and Brown to the team, the Health Department is expanding its clientele and is now accepting new patients. 

The Health Department accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including: Medicaid (all plans), Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), United Healthcare, Cigna and Aetna.

Uninsured? The Carteret County Health Department offers a sliding fee scale based on your income and household size to ensure services remain affordable for everyone.

The clinical team is ready to help you prioritize your health. To book an appointment or learn more about available services call 252-728-8550, Press 3 to speak directly with the clinical team. Visit us online at www.carteretcountync.gov/health or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CarteretCountyHHS.