- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Media Releases
To access the information referenced above, log onto https://nationalblackaidsday.org/. For information about HIV testing and counseling in our health district, click here http://nghd.org/district-programs/hiv-aids.html.
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- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Media Releases
North GA – Flu Shots are now available at NO COST to residents at public health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties. Healthcare plans will be billed on behalf of clients who have coverage and there is no charge to anyone who is not under a healthcare plan. No appointment is necessary – “Walk-ins” are welcome. Residents are urged to take advantage of these no-cost to client flu shots while supplies last.
It is not too late to get a flu shot. In fact, the time is crucial. Georgia, along with 48 other U.S. states, is experiencing widespread influenza activity, with *51 flu-related deaths currently reported in Georgia, including four in north Georgia – and those numbers are expected to increase since the flu season has not yet peaked.
The current flu vaccine effectively protects against three of the four influenza virus strains that are circulating.
Locations and phone numbers for the participating north Georgia county health departments are:
Cherokee County Health Department: 1219 Univeter Road, Canton, GA 30115, (770) 345-7371 and 7545 North Main Street, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188, (770) 928-0133
Fannin County Health Department: 95 Ouida Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, (706) 632-3023
Gilmer County Health Department: 28 Southside Church Street, Ellijay, GA 30540, (706) 635-4363
Murray County Health Department: 709 Old Dalton-Ellijay Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705, (706) 695-4585
Pickens County Health Department: 60 Health Way, Jasper, GA 30143, (706) 253-2821
Whitfield County Health Department: 800 Professional Boulevard, Dalton, GA 30720, (706) 226-2621
Health officials also remind the public that flu is extremely contagious and can spread easily from person to person; therefore, anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms – such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue or nausea – is urged to stay home during the severest symptoms and for at least 24 hours after fever is gone. More information about preventing the spread of flu, such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, is on the North Georgia Health District website at http://nghd.org/pr/34-/938-widespread-flu-in-georgia.html.
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*Updated February 5, 2018
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- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Media Releases
State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC)
Quarterly Meeting
Georgia’s Part C Program | Babies Can’t Wait (BCW)
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!! We want to hear your ideas, concerns, and thoughts related to the Babies Can’t Wait Program. Would you like to attend the State ICC meeting? Ask your BCW Service Coordinator about limited financial assistance available to help you with related expenses.
Public Comment
Time is set aside for public comment during each quarterly meeting of the State Interagency Coordinating Council. If you would like to share any thoughts or ideas about Babies Can’t Wait with the Council please choose one of the options below.
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Written Comment:
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Send written comments, clearly marked “PUBLIC COMMENT” to fax number 770-342-7699 or email to Phyllis Turner, SICC Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or email Jan Stevenson, SICC Chairperson, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. not later than Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Your comments will be read aloud during the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
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Remote Participation:
Pre-Register to make Public Comment via remote participation by conference line or telehealth during the meeting. (See instructions below for remote participation.) Email Phyllis Turner, SICC Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or email Jan Stevenson, SICC Chairperson, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. not later than Wednesday, February 7, 2018. You will be recognized to provide public comment remotely during the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
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In person:
At registration and sign-in on the day of the meeting check “Yes” to the question “Would you like to make public comment?” You will be recognized to provide public comment during the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
For more information, please email Phyllis Turner, SICC Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
REMOTE PARTICIPATION
For remote participation during the SICC meeting, please use one of the following options:
Free Conference Line
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Dial (641) 552-9446, enter access code: 988041
Telehealth (VICS)
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View and listen to the public portion of the meeting by video conference (VICS) by going to one of the following locations around the state. Participants who pre-register can make public comment when recognized by the Council Chairperson at the time set aside for Public Comment on the meeting agenda. See pre-registration instructions under Public Comment via remote participation. District Early Intervention Coordinators and Local Interagency Coordinating Council members will be given an opportunity to provide updates and information in the order listed on the meeting agenda.
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- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Media Releases
By the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Why does my child need HPV vaccine?
HPV vaccine is important because it protects against cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)(https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/whatishpv.html) infection. HPV is a very common virus; nearly 80 million people—about one in four—are currently infected in the United States. About 14 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year.
Most people with HPV never develop symptoms or health problems. Most HPV infections (9 out of 10) go away by themselves within two years. But, sometimes, HPV infections will last longer, and can cause certain cancers and other diseases. HPV infection can cause:
- cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women;
- cancers of the penis in men; and
- cancers of the anus and back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (oropharynx), in both women and men.
Every year in the United States, HPV causes 30,700 cancers in men and women. HPV vaccination can prevent most of the cancers (about 28,000) from occurring.
HPV Vaccine is available at all public health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties. Find contact information for your local county health department by clicking on the above LOCATIONS tab... contact them today!
When should my child be vaccinated?
All kids who are 11 or 12 years old should get two shots of HPV vaccine six to twelve months apart. Adolescents who receive their two shots less than five months apart will require a third dose of HPV vaccine.
If your teen hasn’t gotten the vaccine yet, talk to their doctor or nurse about getting it for them as soon as possible. If your child is older than 14 years, three shots will need to be given over 6 months. Also, three doses are still recommended for people with certain immunocompromising conditions aged 9 through 26 years.
Who else should get the HPV vaccine?
Teen boys and girls who did not start or finish the HPV vaccine series when they were younger should get it now.
HPV vaccine is recommended for young women through age 26, and young men through age 21. HPV vaccine is also recommended for the following people, if they did not get vaccinated when they were younger:
- young men who have sex with men, including young men who identify as gay or bisexual or who intend to have sex with men through age 26;
- young adults who are transgender through age 26; and
- young adults with certain immunocompromising conditions (including HIV) through age 26.
Read more: HPV Vaccine – Questions & Answers(https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/questions-answers.html)
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