NORTH GEORGIA HEALTH DISTRICT

Healthy people, families, and communities.
  • NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

    NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Free Hypertension Services Banner 2023

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Dalton, GA – The Whitfield County Health Department’s Adult Health Clinic (formerly known as MAC) is offering free hypertension services to eligible residents who enroll for the offer.

Eligibility applies to Whitfield County residents who have a blood pressure reading of no less than 140 over 90 on at least two subsequent screenings or are taking antihypertensive medication to maintain normal blood pressure.

Free Hypertension Services at Whitfield Co Health Dept FlyerFree Hypertension Services at Whitfield Co Health Dept Flyer - English & Spanish - Click to downloadThe free hypertension services include:

  • Initial evaluation
  • Educational materials
  • Blood pressure cuff and blood pressure log
  • EKG (electrocardiogram)
  • Goodie bag with heart smart incentives

Pickens Co Env Health Closes Early

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CORRECTION: The Pickens County Environmental Health office will reopen on TUESDAY, June 20th, due to the Juneteenth state holiday on Monday. The office closed at 12 PM today, Fri., June 16, for water repairs. Visit nghd.org/nghd-locations-listing/item/pickens-county-eh for office hours and services.

New GA Lead Law for ChildrenAtlanta – There is no safe amount of lead in a child’s blood. Even small amounts of lead can result in damage to the brain and nervous system, cause behavioral problems, learning difficulties and other medical issues – all of which may be permanent. However, legislation passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Kemp, bolsters protection for Georgia children who may be exposed to lead.

The amount of lead in blood is referred to as the blood lead level, which is measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (μg/dL). The new Georgia legislation lowers the threshold for confirmed lead poisoning from 20 to 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter. The level is now consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“DPH is extremely grateful to the members of the General Assembly and the Governor for their decisive action which allows for a more robust program for identifying and preventing cases of lead poisoning, and protecting the children of Georgia,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., commissioner, Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

Those most at risk include children under six years of age, children living at or below the federal poverty level, pregnant women, and those who live in older housing. Often, there are no obvious symptoms of lead exposure.

A simple blood test can detect lead poisoning. A small amount of blood is taken from a finger or heel prick or from a vein in the arm. Based on your child’s blood lead test results, healthcare providers can recommend follow-up actions and care. DPH strongly urges parents to have their children tested for lead.

Lead can be found in many places in a child’s environment, but lead exposure is preventable. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with lead.

 
Closed due to weather banner
North GA - 
Due to the potential for severe weather, the MAKO Medical COVID-19 Drive-thru Test sites in Dalton and Woodstock are CLOSED all day Friday, May 6, 2022.
 
All updates for the drive-thru test sites are posted here on the health district website and on our social media pages at Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.