The Vital Records Office processes certificates for all births and deaths occurring in Whitfield County. To be made aware of deaths, sources relied on are newspaper obituaries, news reports of accidents involving death, and notifications from hospitals and funeral homes.
Births occur primarily at Hamilton Medical Center, which is the only hospital in the county providing maternity and delivery services. It is the responsibility of the parent to contact the Vital Records office to prepare a birth certificate when a home birth/delivery has occurred in Whitfield County.
The Registrar is responsible for obtaining and preserving documentary evidence concerning all births and deaths occurring in Whitfield County that protect the legal rights of individuals and provide a sound statistical basis for health and social planning. These records (except for fetal death reports) are filed permanently in the Vital Records Branch and certified or verified on demand.
Vital Records Services include:
Assists in the preparation of birth certificates
Assists in the preparation of death certificates
Official changes made to birth and death certificates
How to get an appointment at Vital Records?
No appointments are necessary to obtain records. However, appointments are advised for special proceedings.
Phone number – 706-272-0827
What to bring with you
Driver's license and Social Security Card
How are services paid for?
No charge for Vital Record's services. However, certified copies of Birth & Death Certificates can be obtained for a fee through the Vital Records Office of the Whitfield County Health Department.
MedBank is Whitfield County's effort to secure prescription drugs from the patient-assistance program through the pharmaceutical companies. MedBank has served over 5,000 patients since May 2003. MedBank has been a service to over 140 local physicians in Whitfield County and has given out close to $73 million in medications.
MedBank Services include:
Completion of application to obtain available medications, labeling and dispensing medications when approved (including automatic refills), and renewals
How to contact MedBank?
Please call (706) 279-9600 or visit us at 800 Professional Blvd., Dalton, GA 30720. Click here for a map. Our hours are:
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY 7:30 AM TO 4:00 PM
TUESDAY 7:30 AM TO 6:00 PM
FRIDAY 7:30 AM TO 12:00 PM
We can also be contacted through email at
An application may be downloaded here(English) or here(Spanish). Please complete your application and mail it to the address above or you may bring it to MedBank.
What to bring with you
When you come in to MedBank, please bring the following:
- Proof of your current monthly household income - this could be a recent pay stub or other document that shows your current monthly household income.
- Your current Federal Tax Income forms
This is the requirement of the drug companies to determine eligibility.
How are services paid for?
MedBank Services are $180.00 per year no matter how many medications you are receiving - this service fee may be paid in $15 monthly payments.
The School Nursing Program helps schools meet the health needs of their students.
Our services range from supporting children with complex health issues to encouraging healthy lifestyle choices among all students.
School Nursing Care services Include:
Health Assessment and Referrals
Education of school staff to handle medication administration, invasive procedures, chronic illness (diabetes, asthma...)
Coordinate healthcare for students with special needs
Provide health information to students and school staff
Assist with immunization compliance and school safety
Staff inservices
Acute Care or Sick Visits
Chronic Disease Monitoring
Health Risk Assessment, Counseling and Referral
Nutrition Counseling
Health Education
Referral and Follow-up
Collaboration with school staff
Link with Primary Care Providers
Scoliosis Screening
Progressive public health efforts at the Whitfield County Health Department state of the art dental clinic provide emergency dental care targeted at adults who have had limited or no access to dental care.
Clinical Services Include:
Exams
Extractions
Emergency Care
Free language assistance
Hours of Operation:
The Adult Dental Clinic is open on Tuesdays and every other Wednesday
How to get a Dental appointment
Call our clinic at 281-2369 to schedule an appointment.
What to bring with you
Information regarding a significant Medical Condition
A current list of Medications
Identification or Driver's license for adults
How are services paid for?
Cash or Credit Cards
Progressive public health efforts at the WCHD state of the art dental clinic provide dental care, hygiene, assessment, education and treatment to children of Whitfield County between the ages of 3 and 19. Especially targeted are children in Whitfield County who have had limited or no access to dental care.
Preventive and Clinical Services Include:
Routine cleanings, exams, x-rays operative (fillings) and extractions
Sealants
Space maintainers
Pulpotomy (Baby tooth root canal)
Dental health programs for school and community groups
Dental screening and referral services
Emergency care
Free language assistance
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
How to get a Dental appointment
The Parents of Children call our clinic at 281-2206 to schedule an appointment.
What to bring with you
Current Medicaid Card
Any documents pertinent to guardianship of a child under 21 years old
A copy of previous dental records and x-rays, if new to the clinic
Information regarding a significant Medical Condition
A current list of Medications
Identification or Driver's license for adults
Social Security number
Proof of income (i.e., recent pay stubs, bank statement or other document that shows current income)
How are services paid for?
Medicaid Insurance
Private Dental Insurance accepted
PeachCare
Private pay
During this time of social distancing due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, North Georgia WIC is implementing alternative services for our clients to receive their vouchers. Please call (706) 370-4700.
All the latest guidance and recommendations from the Georgia Department of Public Health and the CDC can be found on the North Georgia Health District website at http://bit.ly/COVID19-Updates-NorthGA.
The Nutrition programs are designed to enhance the health and well being of our citizens. The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program improves the health of low income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutrition education, vouchers for specific foods and referrals for health care. A board certified lactation consultant is available as needed to provide Breastfeeding consultation and support.
Nutrition Services include:
- Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program for infants, children to age five, postpartum women for 6 months and breastfeeding women up to one year. Food Instruments are provided to purchase supplemental foods such as: milk, juice, cheese, cereal, dried beans and peas and infant formula.
- Breastfeeding Education and Support
- Free language assistance available
How to Get an Appointment for Nutrition Services
To get an appointment for WIC a new client may call 1-866-942-9675 or come to the WIC office. An appointment for WIC will be scheduled within ten calendar days.
What to Bring with You
The following information is needed for each family member for whom you are completing the WIC application:
- Proof of identification (only one is needed): valid driver's license, Social Security Card, Medicaid Card, current military ID, birth certificate, immunization record.
- Proof of Residency (only one is needed) recent water or electric bill, recent cable, gas or telephone bill, current rental or mortgage agreement.
- Proof of Income (bring information for all household members): Medicaid Card, letter of Food Stamps certification or recent paycheck stubs or recent tax return for self-employed.
All family members that are to be enrolled on WIC must be present at the first WIC appointment. The immunization record must be brought to the first appointment for all children up to age 5 and infants. WIC certification includes an assessment of the client’s height, weight, hemoglobin, and nutritional intake. Income and health status are re-evaluated every six months while the client is on WIC.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
For CDC WIC Info visit the CDC page.
The Women's Center of the Whitfield County Health Department provides comprehensive prenatal services for expectant women, which include lab testing, office visits, ultrasounds, education, and referrals. At 28 weeks you will be transferred to the care of a local Obstetrician until delivery. After delivery, the Health Department can continue to provide care for the new mother as well as her baby.
The Health Center offers Family Planning Clients counseling, education, and on-going care in addition to a physical exam and the medications or supplies needed for the client's chosen method for family planning. Family Planning services are confidential, and open to all clients of childbearing years.
In addition, pregnancy testing is provided to any woman requesting this service. No appointment is needed for a pregnancy test.
Prenatal and Family Planning Services include:
Comprehensive Prenatal Care
On-site Laboratory, and Ultrasound tests
Client education, counseling, and referrals as appropriate
Post-partum care
Pregnancy Testing
Yearly physical exams including Pap Smear and Laboratory tests
Referral and follow-up
Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening for qualifying women
Education regarding family planning methods, health promotion, and disease prevention
Emergency contraception is available to appropriate clients
Obstetrical care for high-risk patients provided through a private obstetrician
Presumptive eligibility Medicaid provided to income-eligible pregnant women.
Women's Health Medicaid for eligible patients with Breast or Cervical Cancer
Free language assistance available
How to get an appointment for Prenatal and Family Planning Services
After verification of pregnancy, the client is scheduled for a Prenatal appointment. Thereafter, she is scheduled for her next appointment at the end of each visit with the Nurse Practitioner. If the client has an urgent problem, she can call the clinic and will be seen that day.
Post-partum checks are due six weeks after delivery and will be completed by the physician who delivered the baby. The Women’s Center will acquire your Post-partum records from your physician and provide you with follow-up Family Planning at your request.
Please call 706-281-2259 to schedule an appointment.
What to bring with you
When you come in for an appointment at the Women’s Center, make sure to bring any insurance information you have including your Medicaid, Medicare, PeachCare or insurance card. Please bring proof of your current income. This could be a recent pay stub, bank statement, or other document that shows your current household income. This is to help us determine what portion of the charges for your visit you may be asked to pay.
Also be sure to bring any Medical Records you may have. This will help us provide you with the best service possible.
How are services paid for?
Family Planning services will be charged on a sliding-scale basis for the services received, based on family size and income. Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance is also accepted.
Clinical services accept self-pay, Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance. Most services are provided on a sliding fee scale and eligible participants may receive care at no charge (fees are based on family size and income).
The Children's Access Clinic provides healthcare services to children from birth to 21 years of age. Our staff provides comprehensive care to both well and sick children. Services include treatment of acute illnesses, immunizations and well-child physicals. Through our well child visits we obtain a complete and caring picture of your child's current health status and needs. It is our goal to give your child the best care available by providing services by an experienced and dedicated staff.
Child Care Services include:
Same day sick care appointments
Well child physicals
Acute illness assessment, diagnosis, treatment
Referral and follow-up
Developmental assessment
Medical management
Laboratory testing
Lead Screening
Metabolic Screening
Vision, hearing, and dental screening
Adult & Children Immunizations
On-site Immunizations for Local Businesses
Children’s Medical Services serves children from birth to 21 years of age by providing various medical services. Specialty clinics such as orthopedics, seizures, genetics, ENT and cardiac are provided.
Child safety seat program
Children’s 1st helps parents provide their young children with a healthy start in life through linkage/referral to local medical and/or prevention based programs.
Free language assistance available
Appointment Procedure
Any child can be seen at the Children’s Center, from newborn through age 21. Regular check-ups and physical exams are scheduled in advance. However, if your child is ill, he or she will be seen as soon as possible, usually the same day that you call for the appointment. Please call 226-2621 to schedule an appointment.
In addition to the Nurse Practitioners on our staff, services are provided by Physicians and Nurses and Technicians.
What to bring with you
When you bring your child in for an appointment at the Children’s Center, make sure to bring any insurance information you have including your Medicaid card or other insurance card. If you do not have insurance, please bring proof of your current income. This could be a recent pay stub, bank statement, or other document that shows your current household income. This is to help us determine what portion of the charges for your child's visit you may be asked to pay.
Also be sure to bring a copy of the child's current Immunization Record as well as any other Medical Records you may have for the child. This will help us provide the best care possible for your child.
How are services paid for?
Clinical services accept self-pay, Medicaid and private insurance. Most services are provided on a sliding fee scale and eligible participants may receive care at reduced charge (fees are based on family size and income).
Whitfield County Medical Access Clinic Services
The Medical Access Clinic is an Adult Primary Care clinic which focuses on low cost, high quality medical care and overall wellness for our patients. The Medical Access Clinic offers a full line of services to meet your specific needs.
Adult Primary Care Services include:
Regular check ups, diagnosis, treatment
Physical examinations
Referral and follow-up
Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening for qualified women
Diabetes care
Tuberculosis screening and treatment
Sexually Transmitted Disease diagnosis and treatment for men and women age 16 and older
HIV counseling and testing
Medical management of chronic disease processes
Laboratory testing
Sick Visits ($15.00 - $30.00 fee based on income)
Patient education
Physical Exams for Refugees
Free language assistance available
Appointment Procedure
To schedule an appointment, call 706-226-5446. Sick or acute care appointments are usually scheduled within 24 hours. "Routine Care" (diabetes management, BP evaluation, etc.) may take longer to be scheduled. In times of high demand for appointments, it may also take a little longer to get an appointment scheduled.
Established patients can speak with a registered nurse if they have questions.
What to bring with you
When you come in for an appointment at the Medical Access Clinic, make sure to bring any insurance information you have including your Medicaid or Medicare card or other insurance card. If you do not have insurance, please bring proof of your current income. This could be a recent pay stub, bank statement, or other document that shows your current household income. This is to help us determine what portion of the charges for your visit you may be asked to pay.
Also be sure to bring any Medical Records or medications you may have. This will help us provide you with the best possible care.
How are services paid for?
Clinical services accept self-pay, Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance. Some fees are sliding scale and based on proof of income.
Volunteers in Medicine
Volunteers in Medicine is made up of a group of volunteer physicians and nurses who provide primary and specialty care to residents of Whitfield County who meet screening criteria through Case Management.