RECENT NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Largest audience, ever!
Dalton (GA) – From coping with breastfeeding controversies to understanding why babies refuse to "latch", attendees of The Ultimate Breastfeeding Conference held in Dalton on Wednesday gained new perspectives on how to help mothers and babies succeed with breastfeeding.
The breastfeeding conference, presented by the Northwest Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center, celebrated ten years as an annual event. With an audience of over 420 participants, including medical professionals, lactation specialists, nutritionists, WIC staff and others who work with breastfeeding mothers, this year’s conference was the largest, thus far.
The featured speaker at the conference was Jack Newman, M.D., a pediatrician and author of several widely-acclaimed breastfeeding publications.1 Newman currently heads the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic of the International Breastfeeding Centre based at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto.2
“Breastfeeding is more than breast milk,” said Newman. “Breastfeeding not only gives the baby breast milk, but it is also a relationship – a close, intimate relationship between two people who are in love with each other.”
At the conference, Newman explained that infant formula is not equal to breast milk, and is, in fact, inferior. He also provided fresh insight on topics such as techniques that increase milk supply and solutions for those times when a baby may not want to take to the breast.
Unvaccinated dog euthanized, neighbors are notified
Blue Ridge (GA) – The Georgia Public Health Laboratory has confirmed rabies in a fox that was found dead last week at a residence in McCaysville, Georgia.
Fannin County Environmental Health Specialist Shannon Bradburn stated his office received a report on Friday, March 6 from a resident of Hillcrest Drive in McCaysville that a dog living at the residence was found with the dead fox in the yard that morning.
Bradburn had the fox processed and stored that day and sent the specimen to the public health state lab for testing at the earliest opportunity, which was Monday, March 9. The test result confirming rabies was reported back to Bradburn in the late afternoon of Tuesday, March 10.
The dog was not current on its rabies vaccination; therefore, it was reported on Wednesday, March 11 that the owner had chosen to have the dog euthanized.
No human exposure was reported; however, as a precaution, Fannin County Environmental Health officials canvassed residents in the immediate vicinity with an alert notification flyer advising them of the incident along with a rabies informational brochure on Wednesday, March 11.
Bradburn urges all Fannin County residents to maintain rabies vaccinations in their pets to protect their pets, their loved ones and themselves from rabies.
More information about rabies and its prevention is available at the Fannin County Environmental Health office. Call (706) 695-0266. Or, log on to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/features/rabiessafefamily.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Georgia Department of Public Health’s
Babies Can’t Wait Program Seeks Public Comment
Public Comment Period Until Apr.18, 2015
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Babies Can’t Wait (BCW) program invites interested persons to participate in a 60-day public comment period for the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2015 Annual State Application under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Fiscal Policies. Stakeholders, early intervention providers, parents and members of the public are encouraged to comment and may review the grant application and revised policy online or at locations throughout the state.
Comments will be accepted in four ways:
1. Written comments will be received by mail until Apr. 18, 2015: Babies Can't Wait, Attn: Cynthia Bryant, Part C Coordinator, 2 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 11-204, Atlanta, GA 30303-13422.
2. Email comments will be received until Apr. 18, 2015:
3. Facsimile comments will be received until April 18, 2015: State BCW Office Fax: (404-657-2763).
4. In Person comments at a Public Hearing: DPH invites interested persons to attend Public Hearings and present public comments. To allow an opportunity for all to be heard, comments will be limited to five minutes. (See locations listed on below.)
The Babies Can't Wait (BCW) Program is Georgia’s statewide early intervention system for infants and toddlers with special needs, age birth to three, and their families. This program 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.
To learn more about DPH’s Babies Can’t Wait program, please call 404-657-2762 or 888-651-8224 or visit dph.georgia.gov/Babies-Cant-Wait.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Georgia Department of Public Health’s
Babies Can’t Wait Program Seeks Public Comment
Public Comment Period Until Apr.18, 2015
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Babies Can’t Wait (BCW) program invites interested persons to participate in a 60-day public comment period for the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2015 Annual State Application under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Fiscal Policies. Stakeholders, early intervention providers, parents and members of the public are encouraged to comment and may review the grant application and revised policy online or at locations throughout the state.
Comments will be accepted in four ways:
1. Written comments will be received by mail until Apr. 18, 2015: Babies Can't Wait, Attn: Cynthia Bryant, Part C Coordinator, 2 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 11-204, Atlanta, GA 30303-13422.
2. Email comments will be received until Apr. 18, 2015:
3. Facsimile comments will be received until April 18, 2015: State BCW Office Fax: (404-657-2763).
4. In Person comments at a Public Hearing: DPH invites interested persons to attend Public Hearings and present public comments. To allow an opportunity for all to be heard, comments will be limited to five minutes. (See locations listed on below.)
The Babies Can't Wait (BCW) Program is Georgia’s statewide early intervention system for infants and toddlers with special needs, age birth to three, and their families. This program 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.
To learn more about DPH’s Babies Can’t Wait program, please call 404-657-2762 or 888-651-8224 or visit dph.georgia.gov/Babies-Cant-Wait.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Georgia Department of Public Health’s
Babies Can’t Wait Program Seeks Public Comment
Public Comment Period Until Apr.18, 2015
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Babies Can’t Wait (BCW) program invites interested persons to participate in a 60-day public comment period for the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2015 Annual State Application under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Fiscal Policies. Stakeholders, early intervention providers, parents and members of the public are encouraged to comment and may review the grant application and revised policy online or at locations throughout the state.
Comments will be accepted in four ways:
1. Written comments will be received by mail until Apr. 18, 2015: Babies Can't Wait, Attn: Cynthia Bryant, Part C Coordinator, 2 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 11-204, Atlanta, GA 30303-13422.
2. Email comments will be received until Apr. 18, 2015:
3. Facsimile comments will be received until April 18, 2015: State BCW Office Fax: (404-657-2763).
4. In Person comments at a Public Hearing: DPH invites interested persons to attend Public Hearings and present public comments. To allow an opportunity for all to be heard, comments will be limited to five minutes. (See locations listed here at the end.)
The Babies Can't Wait (BCW) Program is Georgia’s statewide early intervention system for infants and toddlers with special needs, age birth to three, and their families. This program 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.
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Conference
Northwest Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition is looking forward to the 2015 Conference
on Wednesday, March 25th
at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton, GA
with
Dr. Jack Newman!
A total of 6.5 credit hours have been applied for through the following organizations:
GNA, IBCLE, and A.N.D.
“I’m going to Disney World!” said Dr. Nancy Williams on her final day as dental director for North Georgia Health District 1-2 of the Georgia Department of Public Health. After 37 years practicing dentistry, 32 of which were caring for children's teeth, educating parents and children on the importance of oral health and overseeing dental services for the six-county health district based in Dalton, Williams is retiring and will now focus her time on family, friends and travel.
“It’s such a lifestyle change,” Williams said of her retirement. “But it’s simply time for it.”
The trip to Disney World is a prime example of her change of pace.
“My daughter has a work conference down there and asked me to come,” said Williams, “And, I thought, ‘I can go, I really can go!’”
Originally from Florida, Williams received her dental degree from the University of Michigan. A few harsh winters propelled her back down south to Georgia where she began a private dental practice in Kennesaw.
Although Williams was enjoying dentistry, she disliked the business end of private practice; and, after marrying in 1979 and moving to Dalton in 1980, the daily commute to Kennesaw became grinding. As a result, she eventually gave up her practice but soon had the opportunity to use her much-needed skills one day a week in the dental clinic at the Gilmer County Health Department in Ellijay.
Then in 1983, Williams became dental director for the North Georgia Health District. The district dental clinic was in the old Whitfield County Health Department building and was just a small room with one dental chair that she shared with her hygienist.
“We certainly weren't able to see a whole lot of kids back then,” said Williams. “But when the new health department building was constructed in 1996, we were finally able to expand services. We then had two chairs and were able to see many more patients.”
School Immunization Requirements Take Effect in Georgia
North GA – Let’s face it – nobody likes getting shots. But a shot lasts a second; diseases last much longer.
In an effort to protect every adult and child, the Georgia Department of Public Health established Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week, observed February 22-28, 2015, to serve as a reminder for parents to talk with their preteens and teens about getting immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Our Preteens and teens are branching out. They go to overnight camps, attend parties and play team sports – they are becoming increasingly social. While these are all fun parts of being a teenager, they can also increase their risk for contracting potentially life-threatening diseases,” said Sheila Lovett, acting director for the Georgia Department of Public Health Immunization Office. “Let’s help our children grow and protect them every way we can – including their future health and those around them with immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases.”
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health Rule (511-2-2), all students born on or after January 1, 2002, entering or transferring into seventh grade and any “new entrant” into eighth -12th grades in Georgia need proof of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination (called “Tdap”) AND an adolescent meningococcal vaccination (MCV4). This law affects all public and private schools including, but not limited to, charter schools, community schools, juvenile court schools and other alternative school settings (excluding homeschool).
North Georgia – Timely Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and diagnostics are being provided to women ages 50 to 64 at public health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties.
Currently, North Georgia Health District 1-2 of the Georgia Department of Public Health is offering Clinical Breast Exams, Mammograms and Follow-up Consultations at LOW or NO cost to all women ages 50 to 64 who have limited annual income, limited health insurance or no health insurance.
- Let us help you know your personal risks and risks based on family history.
- Screening includes family health history, self-breast exam, clinical breast exam and mammography.
- Learn how to know your own breasts through periodic self-examination and breast observation.
- Discover how you can make healthy lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise and tobacco cessation.
Learn more by calling your county health department. [Please note: Our county health department phone numbers can be found by clicking on the LOCATIONS tab at the top of our home page.]