- teach you basic breastfeeding skills
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
North GA - Teresa Costa, MPH, an esteemed Emory Epidemiology Fellow at the North Georgia Health District, has been honored with the prestigious Community Engagement Award from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health for 2024. This accolade is bestowed upon a fellow whose exceptional work embodies the principles of community service, recognizing those who have fostered strong connections between their health district and the community through impactful public health initiatives.
Teresa's remarkable community engagement efforts over the past year included spearheading a collaborative endeavor to develop and implement a critical community needs assessment. Despite the availability of prevention, testing, and treatment resources at low cost through the health department, Cherokee County witnessed a concerning 45% surge in confirmed syphilis cases from 2019 to 2022. This uptickRollins Epidemiology Fellowship Community Engagement Award 2024 disproportionately affected historically marginalized populations, including Hispanic and Black non-Hispanic individuals, as well as people from the MSM (men who have sex with men) and PWID (people who inject drugs) populations.
After successfully obtaining The Community Engagement to Strengthen Approaches to Decrease Syphilis Grant from NACCHO (National Association of County and City Health Officials), Teresa played a crucial role in initiating a comprehensive community needs assessment campaign named "Using Community Informed Methods to Reduce Syphilis in Cherokee County" to identify barriers to care. Collaborating with the health district staff and community partners such as Cherokee Focus, the Cherokee County Health Department, and The Living Bridge Center South, a community needs assessment survey was published online and was promoted through paid and unpaid ads on various social media platforms. Additionally, flyers offering access to the survey via a QR Code link were widely distributed. The campaign specifically targeted the historically marginalized populations.
- Hits: 105
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
Bi-Monthly Updates from our Infectious Disease Department!
Check out the latest issue of the North Georgia Health District's bi-monthly e-newsletter, EPINews! In these bi-monthly issues, you'll find updates from our Infectious Disease Department that are relevant to the health and well-being of North Georgians.
The topics covered in the August-September issue include a DPH health advisory about an increase in syphilis cases, the Diamond Shruumz products recall, an update on this year's flu vaccine composition, the schedule for our counties' upcoming Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics, information about the National Immunization Awareness Month campaign, our most current local COVID-19 data snapshots, and the latest on our county health departments' Back to School Health Screenings & Immunizations services.
To view the newsletter, simply click on the graphic below or visit this provided link. Enjoy EPINews!
To read our June-July Issue of EPINews, please click here.
- Hits: 172
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
On August 1 during World Breastfeeding Week, Aug 1 - 7, the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) is hosting IBCLC Appreciation Day to celebrate the breastfeeding support that International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) provide to families.
Our North Georgia Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) team wants to give special applause to their dedicated Breastfeeding Peer Counselors (BFPCs) with the following shout-out as we highlight each of their own personal breastfeeding story! We encourage our staff, families, and others in our communities to show their gratitude to our BFPCs on IBCLC Appreciation Day for their vital lactation care expertise. #ThanksBFPCs
WIC Peer Counselors
What is a Peer Counselor?
Peer counselors are proven to help moms breastfeed successfully. They are more than just support for moms; they are their partner to help and encourage them. They are trained to provide mother-to-mother support when they need it.
A WIC Peer Counselor can:
- answer questions and concerns
- provide consults in the WIC clinic or on the phone
- assist you with breastfeeding resources available from the WIC program
- refer you to a Breastfeeding Expert
- most of all, be there to listen, encourage and support YOU!
North GA WIC Peer Counselor Shout-Out
"We want to give a big SHOUT-OUT to our amazing North Georgia WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors!", said Carol Hendrix, BS, IBCLC, district WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator. "You are an invaluable asset as we work closely to provide IBCLC services. Together, we help families who need both emotional support and clinical expertise. The result has been a significant improvement in our breastfeeding success rates and our capacity to provide a supportive environment for families. Your dedication to supporting and empowering breastfeeding mothers is truly inspiring. Thank you for all you do to promote and encourage breastfeeding in our communities. You are making a real difference in the lives of families and we are so grateful for your hard work and commitment. Keep up the fantastic work!"
Learn about our dedicated WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors through their own personal stories.
Click on each picture to enlarge for easy viewing!
Quotes from our WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors:
Diana: I became a BFPC because I wanted a job where I could help other mommies but also had a flexible schedule for my babies.
My proudest moment as a BFPC has been recently with a mommy who came in looking for help but ready to give up. The relief on her face when we got baby to latch was indescribable.
BFPCs are important because when no one else can help, WE are here to help!🥰
Franyee: I became a BFPC after having the best experience with the WIC program lactation consultant. With her help and support, my daughter breastfed for over 3 years.
My proudest moment has been when I see my old patients over the years and they thank me for all I did for them during their breastfeeding journey.
BFPCs are important to WIC and the world because every breastfeeding journey is different and everyone needs support during that time.
Virginia: I became a BFPC because I wanted to help others discover the beauty of breastfeeding.
My proudest moment as a BFPC has been helping mothers unveil their true capacity in motherhood.
You might not know this about BFPCs, but we truly have a passion to help others achieve their breastfeeding goal.
BFPCs are important because we genuinely care about each mother by providing the best resources possible.
BFPCs are your motivators!
Migdalia: Que me motivó hacer BFPC?
La razón principal fue haber tenido una experiencia positiva de la lactancia materna.
Mi mayor orgullo ha sido ver que muchas madres an cumplido su meta.
BFPCs son importantes porque una BFPC siempre está disponible para brindarles el apoyo emocional que necesitan para sentirse seguras i apoyadas en su meta. Por esa razón creo que las BFPC somos importantes porque no importa la hora i el día que sea siempre estamos disponibles para contestar sus preguntas.
Angeles: Me convertí en BFPC porque muchas madres necesitan conocer los beneficios de amamantar.
Mi momento de mayor orgullo como BFPC ha sido cuando veo madres que les desaparece el dolor con un buen agarre.
Puede que no sepas esto sobre los BFPC pero tuvimos muchos retos amamantando a nuestros bebes como tu.
Los BFPC son importantes porque la salud de tu bebe te lo agradecera.
Los BFPC son [adjetivo] Amigos con experiencia.
Charlie: I became a BFPC to help empower women in my community believe in themselves and their ability to provide their baby with their own unique, tailor-made breastmilk.
My proudest moments as a BFPC are when I experience a mother persevere through the difficult stages of breastfeeding, making it to the 'Aha!' moment of breastfeeding when it becomes second nature, and she can finally say, "It was all worth it!".
You might not know this about BFPCs, but we struggled during our breastfeeding journey, too.
BFPCs are important because we believe in giving back to the next generation, educating and supporting mothers during some of their most challenging times so that the mother can meet her breastfeeding goals and offer baby life changing nutrients - nutrients that will impact them even into adulthood.
BFPCs are empowering, caring, available, empathic, relatable, and so much more!
Veronica Perez: You might not know this about BFPCs, but we are mothers who are or have been in the WIC program. We had our own problems breastfeeding, and with help and support, now we have personal experience to share with new moms who wish to breastfeed their babies
Veronica Bernabe (new position as a Buddy Specialist, former BFPC): I became a Buddy Specialist because it gives the opportunity to help build a community of support for breastfeeding moms.
My proudest moment as a Buddy Specialist has been learning so much about how this program helps moms build relationships that empower them on their breastfeeding journey.
You might not know this about Buddy Specialists, but they have to work hard to gain trust from moms in WIC's participation before they are able to offer the Buddy program.
Buddy Specialists are important because studies have shown how implementing this program encourages participants to be more willing to try breastfeeding.
Learn more about WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors and all our WIC Services in North Georgia here on our website at https://nghd.org/nghd-services/item/women-infants-and-children-wic?category_id=15.
- Hits: 608
- Written by: Jennifer King, District Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
K. Mills McNeill, MD, PhDDalton, GA - The North Georgia Health District is pleased to announce the appointment of K. Mills McNeill, MD, PhD, as the district’s new Health Director. Dr. McNeill brings a wealth of experience and expertise in preventive medicine and public health to the six-county health district based in Dalton, Georgia, comprised of Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties.
Dr. McNeill received his medical doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1975, preceded by a PhD in medical parasitology from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1971. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Mississippi State University, which he earned in 1968.
With 22 years of active duty in the U.S. Army as a Preventive Medicine Physician, Dr. McNeill retired as a Colonel. His career includes various leadership roles in both the military and public health sectors, such as Senior Medical Officer at the U.S. Army Physical Disability Agency, Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Uganda, Chief of Preventive Medicine Service at various military medical centers, Senior Public Health Physician of the Mississippi State Department of Public Health, and Medical Epidemiologist of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Throughout his career, Dr. McNeill has contributed to numerous publications and served on federal advisory committees, demonstrating his commitment to advancing public health initiatives and improving healthcare systems.
In his new role as Health Director of the North Georgia Health District, Dr. McNeill will lead efforts to promote community health and wellness, implement preventive health programs, and address public health challenges in the region. His extensive experience and dedication to public service make him a valuable spearhead of the district's leadership team.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mills McNeill as our new Health Director," said Louise Hamrick, Deputy Director, North Georgia Health District. "His outstanding qualifications and proven track record in the military and public health make him the ideal candidate to lead our district and support our mission of improving the health and well-being of our community."
Dr. McNeill’s appointment is effective immediately, and he is eager to collaborate with local stakeholders, healthcare providers, and community members to enhance health outcomes and promote a culture of wellness in the North Georgia Health District.
For more information about the North Georgia Health District and its wide range of public health services at the district and county levels, please visit www.nghd.org.
- Hits: 715
- Back to School Health Fair at Gilmer County Health Dept. Happens Tues., July 30th!
- Our Emergency Preparedness e-Newsletter, July-August 2024 Issue
- Launching: Our Newest E-Newsletter: Environmental Health News!
- Closed Fourth of July
- Helping Mamas® Partners with Cherokee County Health Department
- PICKENS COUNTY BACK TO SCHOOL BASH, Tuesdays, July 9th & 23rd
- Back to School Health Clinics at Cherokee Co. Health Dept. Centers, Tuesdays: 7/23, 7/30, 8/6
- Closed for Juneteenth, Wednesday, June 19th
- EpiNews, June-July Issue, North Georgia Health District E-Newsletter
- Back To School Health Screenings & Immunizations Are Now Available!