- teach you basic breastfeeding skills
- 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!"
- Hits: 1359
- 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: 1309
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
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Ellijay, GA - Are you ready for the upcoming school year with all your child's school enrollment health requirements? Join us at the Gilmer County Health Department for our Back to School Health Fair on Tuesday, July 30th, from
7:30 AM to 7:00 PM!
We will offer Hearing, Vision, Dental, Nutrition, and Immunization services for any child who needs them. We accept various insurance providers, including Medicaid, Peachcare for Kids, HUMANA, AETNA, United Health Care, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, CIGNA, and Coventry.
Take advantage of this opportunity to ensure your child's health is in top shape for the school year ahead.
The Gilmer County Health Department is located at 28 Southside Church Street, Ellijay, GA 30540. For more information, call (706) 635-4363.
See you there!
- Hits: 1114
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
Our Emergency Preparedness Department's July-August 2024 issue of the North Georgia Health District e-Newsletter: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS is here!
This issue contains valuable information for this summer. Covering a wide range of topics from extreme heat safety recommendations to the latest North Georgia Healthcare Coalition and district Community Overdose Response Program updates, COVID-19 free TestAndGo Kiosk locations in our area, our featured Emergency Preparedness "Shout-Out," and the Let's Talk About Extreme Heat crossword puzzle, there's something here for everyone.
Read the entire issue by clicking the graphic below or go to NGHD Emergency Preparedness Newsletter Jul-Aug, 2024 PDFand share!
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- 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!
- Request for Quotes: General Maintenance & Repair Services, Due 6/21
- FREE HIV Testing and MORE on National HIV Testing Day, June 27th!