RECENT NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Anyone can get HIV. There is no cure for HIV, but it can be prevented. If you need HIV care, call The Living Bridge Center in Dalton at (706) 281-2360 or The Living Bridge Center South at (470) 863-5700 in Canton.
The Living Bridge Center in Dalton and The Living Bridge Center South in Canton
Georgia has the 4th highest rate of HIV infection in the nation. The Living Bridge Center in Dalton and The Living Bridge Center South in Canton are there to help people battling HIV. The Living Bridge Centers offer full-service HIV care and treatment, HIV and STD testing, a PrEP clinic, and education and support to help people remain negative. Visit The Living Bridge Center at 1200 W. Waugh Street in Dalton or The Living Bridge Center South at 130 Riverstone Terrace, Suite 102 in Canton. Or call now to set up an enrollment appointment in Dalton at (706) 281-2360 or (470) 863-5700 in Canton. Click here to get more information about The Living Bridge Centers in North Georgia along with contact details and locations.
Fast Facts concerning HIV
- 1 in 7 people are unaware of their status.
- 22% of people aged 13-24 are HIV positive.
- 39,782 people in the U.S. received an HIV diagnosis in 2016.
- HIV/AIDS is still the top 10 leading cause of death for those aged 25-44.
- The south has the highest number of people living with HIV, accounting for 45% of the total HIV/AIDS population in the united states.
- Globally, there were 36.7 million people living with HIV in 2016 and 1.8 million new cases of HIV during the same year.
WHAT IS PrEP?
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis - "prophylaxis" means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease. PrEP is an HIV prevention option that works by taking one pill every day. PrEP is available at The Living Bridge Center in Dalton (706-281-2360) and The Living Bridge Center South in Canton (470-863-5700). Learn more about PrEP in our brochure by clicking here.
Free Mail Order Condoms Now Available to North Georgians
Tap & Scan the Code at right to access the online order form or go to this link here on our website: bit.ly/FreeMailOrderCondoms-NorthGA.
Comprehensive information concerning STD’s and HIV risk
Prevention and risk information concerning pregnant women
Prevention and risk information for Injection drug use
Information concerning HIV testing
Información y prevención del VIH
All health departments in the North Georgia Health District provide HIV testing at no charge. This includes Whitfield, Murray, Gilmer, Fannin, Pickens and Cherokee counties. For additional information and driving directions to one of these locations, click on our LOCATIONS tab.
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Are you a Community Agency who wants to provide HIV Counseling and Testing?
Please call The Living Bridge Center
Whitfield County:
1200 W. Waugh St., Suite A, Dalton, GA 30720 - (706) 281-2360
or The Living Bridge Center South
Cherokee County:
130 Riverstone Terrace, Suite 102, Canton, GA 30114 - (470) 863-5700
Purpose of the Program
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Provide a coordinated, comprehensive and integrated system of services for infants and toddlers with special needs, birth to 3 and their families.
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Provide early identification and screening of children with developmental delays and chronic health conditions.
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Improve the developmental potential of infants and toddlers birth to age 3, with developmental or chronic health conditions.
What does the program do?
The mission for Part C/Babies Can't Wait: Part C early intervention builds upon and provides supports and resources to assist family members and caregivers to enhance children's learning and development through everyday learning opportunities.
How many people are helped by the program?
Georgia’s Babies Can’t Wait early intervention system has served Georgia’s children and families since 1987. In Fiscal Year 2016, 17,947 children and families were served in the Babies Can 't Wait program.
Why is the program important?
This program is important because it enhances the capacity of families to meet the special needs of their child in order to ensure that each young child with significant developmental delays achieves his or her maximum developmental potential.
Where are services located?
Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 says that to the maximum extent appropriate, early intervention services must be provided in natural environments, including home and community settings in which children without disabilities participate. Service are also located Statewide.
What *Services Does BCW Provide?
- Multidisciplinary evaluation to determine eligibility and multidisciplinary assessments to determine the scope of services needed.
- Service coordination that assists the family and other professionals in developing a plan to enhance the child's development.
*Note: The above two services are offered to families at NO cost.
- Access to early intervention services identified in the child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). State funds are available, based on a sliding fee scale, to assist families who are determined by the local BCW Program to be unable to pay.
What Are Early Intervention Services?
Services which may include assistive technology devices and services, audiology services, family training, counseling, and home visits, health services, medical diagnostic services, certain nursing services, nutrition services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, social work services, special instruction, speech-language pathology, vision services, and transportation and related costs.
Where Are Early Intervention Services Provided?
Services are provided in natural environments, including home and community settings in which children without disabilities participate. Services can only be provided in a setting other than a natural environment when early intervention cannot be achieved satisfactorily in a natural environment.
Who Provides Services within Babies Can't Wait?
Services are provided by agencies and individuals from both public and private sectors.
Eligibility
Who Is Eligible for Babies Can't Wait?
BCW serves Georgia children from birth up to their third birthday, regardless of income, who meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a diagnosed physical or mental condition which is known to result in a developmental delay, such as blindness, Down syndrome, or Spina Bifida; or
- Have a diagnosed developmental delay confirmed by a qualified team of professionals.
You may view the complete list of diagnoses that result in automatic eligibility for Babies Can't Wait to determine if a specific diagnosis is covered. Information about specific diagnoses may be obtained through the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).
HOW TO APPLY?
To apply for services you may:
- Complete and submit the Children 1st Screening and Referral Form, to the local Babies Can’t Wait Office that serves the County in which the child and family reside. Guidelines for Completing Screening and Referral Form
- Contact the local Babies Can’t Wait Office for more information.
How to Contact babies can’t wait?
District Office:
Babies Can't Wait
1710 Whitehouse Court
Dalton, GA 30720
(706) 529-5763
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Statewide Directory:
(Parent 2 Parent of Georgia)
800-229-2038
770-451-5484 (Atlanta)
Children 1st is the entry point into all public health programs and services for children, birth – 5 years old. Children 1st screens children and families who may be at risk for poor developmental outcomes and need additional support to thrive. All referrals are made in an effort to help the child grow up healthy and provide the family with the necessary tools to be successful.
or call the North Georgia Health District's Children 1st office in Dalton at
(706) 529-5763
| Local Health District | Make a referral | Newborn Screening |
| Georgia WIC | Babies Can't Wait | Oral Health |
| Ages and Stages | Georgia Head Start | Breastfeeding |
Children 1st facilitates early identification of at-risk children and links them with early interventions services, as well as other public health services and community based resources. Children who do not present risk factors severe enough to qualify for an early intervention program remain in Children 1st where they are linked directly to a medical home and monitored to ensure that if sufficient risk factors do arise, the identification, screening, and placement in an early intervention program can occur as quickly as possible.
How are screenings done?
Children 1st has several points of contact with families. During each point of contact, screenings are performed to ensure all of the child’s needs are identified and the child is linked to services that will best meet his or her needs as well as the needs of the family. 
- Electronic Birth Certificates: All birth certificates for children born in Georgia are downloaded and screened for risk factors. If a risk is identified, Children 1st will be notified to follow-up with the family directly.
- Phone screens: Children 1st coordinators may call families to determine the needs of the child and family over the phone. Responses during this call will help indicate the types of services, if any, that will most benefit the child and his or her family.
- Home visits: A Children 1st coordinator will arrange a time to visit the child in his or her home. During the visit, the coordinator will administer a questionnaire to the guardian and observe how the child moves and interacts with others in the home. Based on these observations, the child will be linked to the services that will best address his or her needs.
Reasons for referral
Any child in Georgia can be referred to Children 1st; however, Children 1st is especially interested in referrals for children with the following factors:
How is eligibility determined?
Children 1st screens children and families who may be at-risk for poor developmental outcomes and need additional support to thrive. All referrals are made in an effort to help the child grow up healthy and provide the family with the necessary tools to be successful.
- At birth, children are screened to identify heritable and congenital disorders. If any of these screenings are positive, the child will automatically be referred to the Children 1st program.
- During well child visits, a pediatrician screens children for significant developmental milestones. The pediatrician may refer a child to Children 1st if he/she is not meeting significant milestones or presents other risk factors.
- Parents, family members, educators, or friends can refer a child to Children 1st if they have concerns about the child’s growth, development, or environment.
- Department of Family and Children may refer children, as they deem necessary.
Why is the program important?
Early identification of, and intervention for, children with risk factors is a critical component of a child’s achievements across a lifetime. However, fewer than half of all children with developmental delay or severe behavior problems are identified before they start school. Delayed interventions are typically more costly and less effective than those interventions started early in life.
Through early identification, Children 1st makes it more likely that children are linked to important interventions as early as possible. This early linkage may have lasting effects on the child’s development.
Where are services located?
Children 1st can be found in every county in Georgia. As part of the Children 1st process, children can receive a developmental screening and/or families can receive a family assessment to determine risk factors. These screenings can be administered over the phone, in the home, or in your local health department.
Make a referral
Hospitals, providers, and Division of Family and Children Services personnel can refer a child via the Screening and Referral Form to the Children 1st office in your Local Health District. Please include a complete diagnosis and any accompanying notes, as appropriate.
Parents may call in a referral toll-free at (888) 276-1558.
Children’s Medical Services is a statewide program that supports children, youth and young adults (birth – 21) with special health care needs and their families. Children’s Medical Services provides assistance to eligible families and young adults with accessing timely and affordable health care services as well as needed resources within their communities.
Children’s Medical Services works with the child and young adult’s primary and specialty medical specialists to provide or coordinate for:
- Genetic Counseling
- Inpatient/Outpatient Hospitalization
- Durable Medical Equipment
- Medications and Supplies
- Diagnostic Testing
The CHILDREN’S MEDICAL SERVICES program:
- Supports improved health and wellness for children and youth with special health care needs from birth to 21 years of age
- Provides early and continuous screening for children with special health care needs
- Connects children and youth to a medical home and adequate health insurance
- Help families manage their appointments and follow up treatments with health care providers and vendors
- Shares community resources with families
- Supports adolescents move from pediatric to adult health care
- 8,085 Georgia children and youth received services in SFY2018
Eligibility for the Children’s Medical Services program is based on the following:
- Eligible medical condition
- Annual Family Income: click here to view CMS INCOME Requirements
- Live in Georgia
Examples of eligible medical conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other lung disorders
- Some hearing disorders
- Neurological and neurosurgery disorders including seizures, benign tumors, hydrocephalus, and others
- Orthopedic and/or neuromuscular disorders including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, scoliosis, clubfeet, congenital or traumatic amputations of limbs, and others
- Visual disorders including cataracts, glaucoma, strabismus, and others
- Diabetes and other endocrine and genetic disorders
- Craniofacial anomalies (including cleft lip/palate)
- Congenital cardiac conditions
Click to Search a Comprehensive List of Conditions
Services provided for the following counties:
Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield.
For more information about eligibility, services provided and enrollment into the program please call:
Children’s Medical Services
1710 Whitehouse Court
Dalton, GA 30720
Phone:(706)-529-5763
Fax: (706) 529-5767
Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Got a question?
Click to view our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
See our brochures below for more information:
NEED TO MAKE A REFERRAL? Complete the the form below and fax to 706-529-5767.
Children’s First Screening and Universal Referral Form 2018
RESOURCES:
Parent to Parent of Georgia:
Provide services to children and youth with disabilities and their families. Services include an on-line data base of various resources locally, educational trainings for parents and parent support program.
Web: http://p2pga.org
Special Needs Database: http://p2pga.org/index.php/database
Call: 1-800-229-2038.
Healthy Mother’s Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia:
Provide services to expectant families. Services include prenatal education and resources to expectant mothers, breastfeeding support and education, and assistance with accessing health insurance.
Web: http://hmhbga.org/
Healthy Mother’s Healthy Babies Portal: https://www.resourcehouse.com/hmhb/
Call: 1-800-300-9003.
American Academy of Pediatrics – GA Chapter: The official website of the American Academy of Pediatrics for parents on accurate, trusted and up-to-date information on issues regarding infants, children and adolescents.
| Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) |
| Parents/Caregivers |
| Providers |
| Resources |
| Glossary of Terms |
| 100 Babies Project |
| Newborn Screening |
Purpose of Program
Newborn hearing screening is screening for hearing loss. All babies should be screened for hearing loss before 1 month of age. The screening is typically done before the baby leaves the birthing facility.
What does the program do?
Along with the Newborn Metabolic Screening Program and Children 1st, the EHDI Program maintains and supports a comprehensive, coordinated, statewide screening and referral system. EHDI includes screening for hearing loss in the birthing hospital; referral of those who do not pass the hospital screening for rescreening; for newborns who do not pass the rescreening referral for diagnostic audiological evaluation; and, linkage to appropriate intervention for those babies diagnosed with hearing loss. Technical assistance and training about implementing and maintaining a quality newborn hearing screening program is provided to hospitals, primary care physicians, audiologists, early interventionists, and public health staff.
Why is the program important?
The most crucial period for language development is the first year of life. Without newborn screening, hearing loss is typically not identified until two years of age. Screening for all newborns prior to discharge from the hospital or birthing center is essential for the earliest possible identification of hearing loss and, consequently, for language, communication, educational and reading potential to be maximized.
More than half of babies born with hearing problems are otherwise healthy and have no family history of hearing loss. If your baby has a hearing loss, you can still help your baby develop language skills. The sooner you act, the better the outcome. Screening for hearing loss as early as possible is important to your baby because:
- Early screening allows for early treatment, if hearing loss is detected
- Early treatment can provide earlier sound stimulation for your baby's brain
Contact Information
WHITFIELD COUNTY, GA – A case of hepatitis A has been diagnosed in a food handler at Crescent City Tavern located in downtown Dalton. An investigation found that this employee worked while infectious this past December 28 through January 31. It is relatively rare for restaurant patrons to become infected with hepatitis A virus due to an infected food handler, but anyone who consumed food or drink at the Crescent City Tavern on the above dates should contact their healthcare provider to determine if a hepatitis A immunization is needed to prevent the disease.
Hepatitis A immunization is also available at the Whitfield County Health Department at 800 Professional Boulevard in Dalton through the Child Health Program with no out-of-pocket cost, regardless of insurance status.
Anyone who consumed food and/or drink at the restaurant on the dates that employee worked is also asked to:
- Monitor their health for symptoms of hepatitis A infection up to 50 days after exposure.
- Wash their hands with soap and warm water frequently and thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food.
- Stay at home and contact their healthcare provider immediately if symptoms of hepatitis A infection develop.
Careful hand washing, including under the fingernails, with soap and water, along with vaccination of anyone at risk of infection, will prevent the spread of this disease.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that can cause loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, fever, stomach pain, dark-colored urine and light-colored stools. Yellowing of the skin or eyes may also appear. People can become ill up to 50 days after being exposed to the virus.
Hepatitis A is acquired when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person. The virus spreads when an infected person does not wash his/her hands adequately after using the toilet or engages in behaviors that increase risk of infection.
For more information on hepatitis A, go to www.cdc.gov/hepatitis. Also, please click here for hepatitis A talking points related to this incident and here for hepatitis A general information from the CDC.
Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Georgia is February 4 - 8, 2019
This year (2019), the North Georgia Health District Emergency Preparedness Department joins state health and emergency agencies in recognizing the week of February 4 - 8 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Goergia. Severe weather is no stranger to the state. While 2018 was relatively quiet for severe weather outbreaks in Georgia, there were still a number of impactful severe weather events that can be found below.
- February 7, 2018 Brief Tornadoes
- March 17, 2018 White County Tornado
- March 19, 2018 Tornadoes and Severe Weather
As we approach what is typically the most active part of the year for severe weather, Severe Weather Preparedness Week provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the dangers of severe weather, as well as knowing how and when to take proper actions when severe weather is expected and hits. Please take the time now to review your home, school, or businesses preparedness plans. Each day is dedicated to a different topic that addresses severe weather preparedness. Throughout the week, the topics to be covered include:
- Monday - Family Preparedness (NWR + Wireless Emergency Alerts)
- Tuesday - Thunderstorm Safety (Hail & Damaging Wind Threats/Impacts)
- Wednesday - Tornado Safety **NWR TEST Warning Message - 9 AM**
- Thursday - Lightning Safety
- Friday - Flash Flooding/Flood Safety
An important aspect of severe weather warnings includes the information received from the public and spotters. Not only do timely and accurate storm reports help the National Weather Service to verify warnings, but they also help meteorologists better relate radar data with corresponding observed weather. If you observe hail (quarter sized or larger), strong/damaging winds, or a funnel cloud/tornado anywhere across north and central Georgia, please report it to the National Weather Service (Peachtree City/Atlanta Office) at 1-866-763-4466 or by using our online storm report form. To learn more about our local Skywarn spotter program, visit the Storm Spotter Information page.
Protection from catching and spreading influenza includes several important steps, but the first and most effective step toward fighting the flu is a flu vaccination.
Last year, Georgia experienced one of the worst flu seasons in recent history. Now, the CDC reports that Georgia is experiencing high numbers of flu-like illnesses and confirmed cases.
Don’t fall victim to the flu, North Georgians – vaccinate before it’s too late!
North Georgia Health District officials urge residents who have not received a flu shot this season to vaccinate, especially now that the peak of flu season is upon us, from mid-January through the end of February, possibly longer. It takes a couple of weeks for flu vaccine to reach its full protective potential within the body, so the timing is critical for anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so right away.
Influenza can be a serious disease that leads to hospitalization and sometimes death. Regardless of race, age, gender or ethnicity, anyone can get sick from the flu. Those especially at risk are adults 65 years of age and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or other long-term medical conditions.
Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu, but flu vaccine is the best protection.
Both regular quadrivalent flu vaccine, which protects against the four strains of flu virus that are most commonly circulating this season, and high dose flu vaccine for people age 65 and older are available at local health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties (click on the name of your county for health department contact information). The health departments accept several forms of health insurance as well as Medicare and Medicaid so that vaccination is cost-free to the client. For people without healthcare coverage, regular flu vaccine is $25 and high dose flu vaccine is $65.
Symptoms of seasonal flu may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, tiredness and/or muscle aches. People who might have flu –particularly if they are in the groups listed above at risk for severe disease and complications – should seek medical care and start antiviral medication as soon as possible.
In addition to a flu shot, here are other steps anyone can followto help prevent getting or spreading the flu:
- Wash your hands and your children’s hands frequently, especially after contact with other people.
- Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue afterward, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve if no tissues are available.
- Clean your hands after you cough or sneeze, even if you use a tissue. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available and your hands are not visibly dirty.
- When possible, stay home if you get the flu.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
But remember, that first step to protect against the flu is to get a flu shot! So, please go to or call the local county health department or a health care provider to be vaccinated. For more information on immunization, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website at http://dph.georgia.gov/influenza-what-you-need-know.
Measles, also called Rubeola, is a highly contagious viral disease. The disease has not been common in the United States for many years, however it is widespread in many parts of the world including Europe, Africa, and Asia, and currently, there are some areas even in the U.S. that are experiencing measles outbreaks - get the latest outbreak updates from the CDC.
Measles begins with a fever that lasts for a couple of days, followed by a cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). These symptoms are followed by a maculopapular rash that begins at the hairline, moves to the face and upper neck and then down the body. Infected people are usually contagious from about 4 days before their rash starts to 4 days afterwards.
The GOOD news is Measles can be PREVENTED! Contact your local Health Department in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens or Whitfield County for vaccination against measles and many other preventable diseases... Just click on the name of your county to find them! Look below to learn more about measles.
Get more information about measles from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Also, click on each Measles informational document down below from the Georgia Department of Public Health to view the full pdf and to download and print:
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Millions of people get sick from norovirus each year. It causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea, and spreads quickly and easily to other people. If you think you have norovirus, stay hydrated and take steps to keep it from spreading.
Norovirus is very contagious. When you are sick with norovirus, you can shed billions of virus particles in your vomit and poop. It only takes a few of these particles to make someone sick.
You are most contagious
- when you have symptoms of norovirus illness, especially vomiting
- during the first few days after you recover from norovirus illness.
However, you may still be able to spread norovirus for two weeks or more after you feel better.
You Can Spread Norovirus in Many Ways
If you are sick with norovirus, you can spread it to other people by having close contact, such as by caring for, preparing food, or sharing food or eating utensils with them. You can also spread norovirus to others by contaminating surfaces.
Take Steps to Keep Norovirus from Spreading
- Wash your hands.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers, and always before eating or preparing food. - Handle and prepare food safely.
Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating.
If you are sick with norovirus, do not prepare food for others while you have symptoms and for at least 2 days after symptoms go away.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces.
After you vomit or have diarrhea, immediately clean up the entire area using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label. If no such cleaning product is available, you can use a solution made with 5 tablespoons to 1.5 cups of household bleach per 1 gallon of water. - Wash laundry thoroughly.
Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may have vomit or poop on it. Handle items carefully—try not to agitate them. If available, wear disposable gloves to handle soiled clothing or linens, and wash your hands after. Wash soiled items with detergent and hot water at the maximum available cycle length then machine dry them at the highest heat setting.
Norovirus Symptoms
Most people who get sick from norovirus will have these symptoms:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- nausea
- stomach pain
Some people may also have a fever, headache, or body aches.
Norovirus can be more serious for young children, the elderly, and people with other health conditions. It can lead to severe dehydration, hospitalization and even death. To learn how to stay hydrated see norovirus treatment.
Most people sick with norovirus get better in 1 to 3 days.
Norovirus is Common
19 to 21 million people get sick with norovirus each year in the United States. A person will get norovirus about 5 times during their lifetime. People of all ages can get norovirus.
You can get norovirus any time of the year, it is most common from November to April when outbreaks occur. Learn more about U.S. Trends and Outbreaks.