The Murray County Health Department in Chatsworth CLOSED Early today due to a waterline break and disrupted water service to the health department. We apologize for this inconvenience and hope to reopen the health department as soon as possible. Please see updates here on our website.

North GA – This year’s public health Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics in North Georgia were a tremendous success with *1,120 residents arming themselves against the flu and protecting their families and communities from the spread of the virus. The Georgia Department of Public Health recently announced that flu activity in the state has become widespread earlier than usual this season so the department urged anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to not wait any longer.

Conducted each fall since 2007 in the North Georgia Health District by Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield County Health Departments, the drive-thru clinics allow residents a safe and convenient way to receive a flu shot. And it is also a time for the health departments and partnering agencies to test local plans for rapidly administering vaccine or medication during a public health crisis. These partners include local law enforcement, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), businesses and first responders such as the county Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Medical Services and Fire Departments.

Flu vaccine is available in several locations, such as doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and grocery stores; and it is offered at all county health departments in the North Georgia Health District at low or no cost, depending on an individual’s healthcare coverage - there is no need for an appointment during regular clinic hours.

October is Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Syndrome Awareness Month! During this month, Cherokee County Health Department at the Woodstock Health Center has a crib display exemplifying the correct way in which a baby should be placed in his or her crib, and check out the Educational Safe Sleep Banner at both the Canton and Woodstock Health Center locations! The Woodstock Health Center is at 7545 North Main Street, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188, and the Canton Health Center is at 1219 Univeter Road, Canton, GA 30115. Click on the Safe Infant Sleep Checklist below in English and Spanish and the Sudden Infant Death fact sheet that will be handed out to clients to learn more about SIDS. See more information about Sleep Safety on the Safe Kids website at https://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/sleep-safety. The Woodstock Health Center is at 7545 North Main Street, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188, and the Canton Health Center is at 1219 Univeter Road, Canton, GA 30115.

Public Health departments, offices & services in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties are CLOSED on Monday for Columbus Day. But MAKO Medical COVID-19 Testing is available at Pleasant Grove Park in Dalton from 8 to 3. Go to bit.ly/FREECoVTestingInNorthGA.

County Health Departments in North Georgia Hold Breast Cancer Awareness Events

North GA – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and public health officials in the North Georgia Health District are reminding women that routine screening helps detect cancer at an early stage when it is most curable.

Nearly 10 million cancer screenings were missed in the U.S. during the pandemic, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, causing many deaths that could have been prevented.

Early detection can improve the chances of breast cancer survival, and now, especially for women ages 40 to 64 who may have delayed screenings, It’s Time!

Public health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties are highlighting the importance of breast cancer awareness and detection this month, as follows: 

Cherokee County Health Department’s Canton Health Center will have a Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Wednesday, October 19th, from 8 to 11: 30 am and from 1 to 3:30 pm. Free Clinical Breast Exams by a Women’s Health Nurse will be provided to women ages 40 to 64 or to any woman who detects a change in her breast as described in the *symptoms below. An Appointment is required for an exam – please call (770) 345-7371. No insurance or payment is required. The Canton Health Center is located at 1219 Univeter Road, Canton, GA 30115.

Cherokee County Health Department's Woodstock Health Center will celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness over three days: Tuesday, October 25th from 7:30 am to 5 pm, and on Wednesday, October 26th and Thursday, October 27th from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. Free Breast Checks and Referrals will be offered to women ages 40 to 64 or to any woman who detects a change in her breast as described in the *symptoms below. An Appointment is required for an exam – please call (770) 928-0133. Education and literature about the need for early detection of breast cancer through self-examinations and healthcare screenings will be provided, and staff will teach the signs and symptoms to look for to detect breast cancer as early as possible. Eligible women will be enrolled in the BCCP program, and there will be FREE Goodie Bags and a Raffle for Prizes donated by community partners. The address is 7545 North Main Street, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188.

(Pictured are Cherokee County Health Department staff wearing pink for Breast Cancer Awareness. From left to right are Natalia Plasencia, Kelene Campbell, Kathy Gresham, Monica Wright, Pam Baker, Amy Patterson, Elizabeth Land, Marcela Sierra, Lena Baker, Leslie Abreu, Sharnel Walker, Latoya Williams, Rae Wilson, and Christopher Bates)