The North Georgia Health District wants you to enjoy the April 1st Easter holiday, and one of the ways to protect your family is by avoiding potential food poisoning from contaminated Easter eggs.

While eggs are used all year long, they are especially important for many spring and summertime activities. They are used for cooking festive delights and for decorating and hiding just before the big Easter egg hunt.

Information from the Fight BAC! (“Fight bacteria”) website tells us that eggs are perishable and need to be handled properly to prevent foodborne illness. Occasionally, even eggs with clean, uncracked shells can be contaminated with bacteria, specifically Salmonella Enteritidis. FightBAC! offers these tips on having a safe Easter egg hunt:

Be In-the-Know for Easter Egg Hunt

.

• Only use eggs that have been refrigerated, and discard eggs that are cracked or dirty.
• When cooking, place a single layer of eggs in a saucepan. Add water to at least one inch above the eggs. Cover the pan, bring the water to a boil, and carefully remove the pan from the heat.
• Let the eggs stand (18 minutes for extra large eggs, 15 minutes for large, 12 minutes for medium). Immediately run cold water over the eggs. When the eggs are cool enough to handle, place them in an uncovered container in the refrigerator where they can air-dry.
• When decorating, be sure to use food-grade dyes. It is safe to use commercial egg dyes, liquid food coloring, and fruit-drink powders. When handling eggs, be careful not to crack them. Otherwise, bacteria could enter the egg through the cracks in the shell.
• Keep hard-cooked Easter eggs chilled on a shelf inside the refrigerator, not in the refrigerator door.
• Hide the eggs in places that are protected from dirt, pets and other potential sources of bacteria.
• Remember the two-hour rule, and make sure the “found” eggs are back in the refrigerator or consumed within two hours.
• Remember that hard-boiled eggs are only safe to eat for one week after cooking.

More resources on Easter egg safety, and food safety in general, is always available by visiting these websites: Partnership for Food Education and the USDA. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers the Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). TTY 1- 800-256-7072.

The Fight BAC!® website is www.fightbac.org. Gateway to Government Food Safety provides information at www.foodsafety.gov.

North Georgia – Nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur in the United States every year, costing the American healthcare system nearly $16 billion in direct medical costs alone, according to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

America’s youth shoulder a substantial burden of these infections. CDC estimates that half of all new sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the country occur among young men and women aged 15 to 24. 

Sherry Gregory, Infectious Disease Supervisor for North Georgia Health District 1-2 of the Georgia Department of Public Health, said, “April is STD Awareness Month, so we’re placing a special emphasis on how to prevent STDs and on the importance of getting tested and treated for these diseases.” 

The high incidence of sexually transmitted infections in the general population suggests that many Americans are at risk of exposure to STDs, underscoring the need for prevention. 

Despite this news, there are effective ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat STDs. STD screening and early diagnoses are essential in preventing transmission and the long-term health consequences of STDs. 

“We will be conducting STD testing and awareness campaigns at our county health departments and at various community events throughout April, such as HIV and Hepatitis C testing at the Northwest Day Reporting Center in Dalton on April 3rd and 17th and at Dalton State College Gilmer Campus in Ellijay on April 19th” said Gregory. “Details will be posted to our website.” 

Contact information for county health departments in the North Georgia Heath District is:

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

The Living Bridge Center, located at 1200 West Waugh Street in Dalton and is the provider of Ryan White Part B and C in the North Georgia Health District, will also participate in the district-wide STD Awareness Month campaign. 

Abstaining from sex, reducing the number of sexual partners, and consistently and correctly using condoms are all effective prevention strategies. Safe, effective vaccines are also available to prevent hepatitis B and some types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause disease and cancer. And for all individuals who are sexually active – particularly young people – STI screening and prompt treatment (if infected) are critical to protect a person’s health and prevent transmission to others.

More information about STDs is available at all the above county health departments in North Georgia and on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/std.

__________________________________

Resource: www.cdcnpin.org/stdawareness

__________________________________

About STD Awareness Month: April is STD Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise public awareness about the impact of STDs on the lives of Americans and the importance of preventing, testing for, and treating STDs. It is an opportunity to normalize routine STD testing and conversations about sexual health.

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Wanted: Leaders for a TB-Free United States.
We can make history. End TB.

Learn why we observe World TB Day on March 24th

Each year, we recognize World TB Day on March 24. This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes tuberculosis (TB).

*Although TB is preventable and curable, many people in the United States still suffer from this disease. Anyone can get TB, and current efforts to find and treat latent TB infection and TB disease are not sufficient. Misdiagnosis of TB still exists and health care professionals often do not “think TB.”

The U.S. theme for World TB Day 2018 is “Wanted: Leaders for a TB Free United States. We can make history. End TB.” CDC and its domestic and international partners, including the National TB Controllers Association, Stop TB USA, and the global Stop TB Partnership are working together to eliminate this deadly disease. But we need your help.

Be sure to check for more information and resources about World TB Day from the CDC. You can also follow them on Twitter @CDC_TB and Facebook @CDCTB and sign up for email updates through GovDelivery.

*NORTH GEORGIANS: For concerns about a possible TB infection or spread of the disease, be sure to contact your local county health department within the North Georgia Health District in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens or Whitfield County. Just click on the LOCATIONS tab above to find them!

 Breastsleeping; Biology and Culture 

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

8 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Dalton Convention Center, 2211 Dug Gap Battle Road, Dalton, GA 30720

Conference Speaker is JAMES MCKENNA

(B.A., University of California, Berkeley; M.A., San Diego State University; Ph.D., University of Oregon) Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, C.S.C., Professor of Anthropology

A total of 6.5 CERPs through IBLCE and 6.5 CPEUs through A.N.D. have been applied for.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

7:15 A.M.  Conference Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:00 A.M. Welcome

8:15 A.M.  A Brief History of Maternal-Infant Sleep in Western  Industrialized Societies: Or Why Infants Have Sleep Problems To Solve (And What To DO About Them) (1.5 hour)

9:45 A.M. Break

10:00 A.M.  The Return of Breastsleeping  Part 1 (1.5 Hour).

11:30 NOON Buffet Lunch/visit exhibits

12:15 P.M.   The Return of Breastsleeping (Part 2)  (1.5 hour)

1:45  P.M. Break/Visit Exhibits

2:00 P.M.   Bio-Cultural Origins of Colic (1 hour)

3:00 P.M. Power break/ Dessert

3:20 P.M.   Long and Short Term Effects of Breastsleeping: An Evidence- Based Medical Perspective   (1 hour)

4:20 P.M. Closing & Evaluation

4:30 P.M. Goodbye Everyone.  Have a Safe Trip Home.

Walk-Ins for Registration are Welcome! Registration is $130.00.

For more information, call the Northwest Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition at (706) 260-1384 or go to nwgabfcoalition.com

Your One-Stop-Spot for School Students’ State Health Requirements! 

Prepare your child for the upcoming school year! The Pickens County Health Department is conducting a Kindergarten Round-Up Health Clinic on Tuesday, April 17th from 1 to 6 p.m. The health department address is 60 Health Way in Jasper, GA. The required Hearing, Dental, Vision and Body Mass Index (BMI) / Nutrition Screenings will be offered, and Immunizations for School-age Children will be provided. Medicaid (including Amerigroup, CareSource, Peachstate and Wellcare) and Peachcare for Kids will be accepted. For more information or to check on additional insurances accepted, contact the Pickens County Health Department at (706) 253-2821. See YOU at the Kindergarten Round-Up Health Clinic on April 17th at the Pickens County Health Department!

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.

1. Written Comment:

   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, April 18, 2018. Your comments will be read aloud during the Public Comment portion of the meeting.

2. 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, April 18, 2018.You will be recognized to provide public comment remotely during the Public Comment portion of the meeting.

3. 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 

• Participants can listen to the public portion of the meeting and make public comment by telephone when recognized by the Council Chairperson at the time set aside for Public Comment on the meeting agenda.

  Dial (641) 552-9446, enter access code: 988041

Telehealth (VICS 

• 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.

Blue Ridge (GA) – FREE Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and is provided to eligible women ages 40 to 64 at the Fannin County Health Department.

“Early detection is critical,” said Catherine Knight, RN, Fannin County Nurse Manager.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the United States and in Georgia, but when found earlier, it is more likely to be treated successfully and women are surviving longer with breast cancer.¹ Cervical cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer death for women in the U.S. However, in the past 40 years, the number of cervical cancer cases and deaths from cervical cancer have decreased significantly. This decline is largely due to many women getting regular Pap tests,(https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm) which can find cervical precancer before it turns into cancer.²

These free Breast and Cervical Cancer screening services are available at the Fannin County Health Department for women who are Georgia residents ages 40 to 64 with limited income and limited or no health insurance:

- Clinical Breast Examination

- Mammogram

- Pap test

- Referrals to treatment through the Women’s Health Medicaid Program

All women who qualify are urged to call the Fannin County Health Department to make an appointment for Free Breast and Cervical Cancer screening at (706) 632-3023 right away! The health department is located at 95 Ouida Street in Blue Ridge. 

¹https://dph.georgia.gov/BCCP

²https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/statistics/index.htm

Vaccines are available at health departments in North Georgia! 

North GA – Think about it. Which seems better? The quick sting of a vaccination or the painful consequences of a disease that last much longer? 

In an effort to protect every adult and child, the Georgia Department of Public Health established Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week, observed March 12-16, 2018, to serve as a reminder for parents to talk with their preteens and teens about getting immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines for preteens and teens are available at public health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties. 

“Often, parents don’t realize that the health of a preteen or teen is still a priority, and though adolescents may become increasingly aware of their health and the need for vaccinations, many don’t take it seriously enough to pursue going to their doctor or local health department,” said Ashley Ridley, RN, BSHA, Immunizations Coordinator for North Georgia Health District 1-2 of the Georgia Department of Public Health. "It’s up to parents to make it a priority to have their preteen or teen vaccinated against preventable diseases.” 

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health Rule (511-2-2), all students who are born on or after January 1, 2002, are entering or transferring into seventh grade or are “new entrants” into eighth through twelfth grades in Georgia need proof of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination (called “Tdap”) AND an adolescent meningococcal vaccination (MenACWY). This law affects all public and private schools including, but not limited to, charter schools, community schools, juvenile court schools and other alternative school settings (excluding homeschool).  

Vaccines are the best defense we have against serious, preventable and sometimes deadly contagious diseases. They help avoid expensive therapies and hospitalization needed to treat infectious diseases like influenza and meningitis. Immunizations also reduce absences both at school and after school activities and decrease the spread of illness at home, school and the community. 

The CDC currently recommends the following vaccines for preteens and teens:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
• Influenza (flu)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Meningococcal Disease (MenACWY)

Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness through schools, health care providers and the media regarding preteen immunizations, particularly Georgia’s pertussis and meningococcal requirements for incoming seventh-grade students. To find out if a preteen or teen is up-to-date on all vaccinations, see a physician or contact the nearest county health department in North Georgia at:

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  

For more information, click here to the immunization section on the Georgia Department of Public Health website.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Georgia Department of Public Health 

Babies Can’t Wait Program Seeks Public Comment

   Public Comment Period Until May 2, 2018

ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Babies Can’t Wait (BCW) program invites interested persons to participate in a 60-day public comment period for the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2018 Annual State Application under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Stakeholders, early intervention providers, parents and members of the public are encouraged to comment. The grant application and revised policy may be reviewed online or at locations throughout the state.

Participants can submit comments by mail, email, fax or in person: 

1. Written comments will be accepted by mail until May 2, 2018: 

      Babies Can't Wait 

      Attn: Lisa Pennington, Deputy Director Early Intervention 

      2 Peachtree Street NW, 11^th Floor 

      Atlanta, GA 30303-13422 

2. Email comments will be accepted until May 2, 2018: 

            This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  (Subject line: Part C or Public Comment) 

3. Fax comments will be accepted until May 2, 2018:  

            State BCW office fax: (404) 657-7307 

4. In person comments at a public hearing: 

See available locations below. 

DPH invites interested persons to attend public hearings and present public comments. To allow an opportunity for all to be heard, comments will be limited to five minutes.

About Babies Can’t Wait

The Babies Can't Wait (BCW) program is Georgia’s statewide early intervention system for infants and toddlers with special needs, from birth to age three, and their families. BCW enhances the capacity of families to meet the special needs of their child to ensure each young child with significant developmental delays achieves his or her maximum developmental potential. To learn more about DPH Babies Can’t Wait program, please call (404) 657-2850 or (888) 651-8224 or visit http://dph.georgia.gov/Babies-Cant-Wait.

About the Georgia Department of Public Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters.

DPH’s main functions include: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Maternal and Child Health, Infectious Disease and Immunization, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Emergency Medical Services, Pharmacy, Nursing, Volunteer Health Care, the Office of Health Equity, Vital Records, and the State Public Health Laboratory. For more information about DPH, visit dph.ga.gov.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Georgia Department of Public Health’s  

Maternal and Child Health Section 

Title V Program Seeks Public Comment

March 1 - April 15, 2018

ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH), Maternal and Child Health, Title V Program invites interested persons to participate in a 45-day public comment period for updates to the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2019 Annual State Application Guidance. Healthcare and community partners, families and members of the public are encouraged to comment and may review the proposed grant application’s revised guidance online.

Comments will be accepted in three ways: 

1. Email comments will be received until April 15, 2018:

                   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

                   (Subject line: Title V Public Comment)  

2. Fax comments will be received until April 15, 2018: 

       State Title V Office fax: (404) 657-7307

3. Personal comments will be received at a Public Hearing Webinar: 

DPH invites interested persons to attend a Public Hearing Webinar at which proposed changes to national and state performance measures will be discussed. To allow an opportunity for all to be heard, comments will be limited to five minutes.

The Title V Block Grant is a federally funded grant provided to 59 U.S. states and jurisdictions. The mission of Title V legislation is to promote the health of women, infants, children and youth, including those with special health care needs, and their families. Activities for the block grant are grouped into five (5) domains or focus areas. These include:  women/maternal health, infant/perinatal health, child health, adolescent health, and children with special health care needs. The Maternal and Child Health Section of the Georgia Department of Public Health administers the Title V Block Grant in Georgia.  

To learn more about DPH’s Maternal and Child Health Title V Block Program, please call (404) 657-2850 or (888) 651-8224 or visit http://dph.georgia.gov/TitleV 

To access the Adobe Connect webinar, please follow the two steps below.  You will need to complete both steps to join the webinar. 

            1. Click on the following link:

     https://join.freeconferencecall.com/sherry_richardson

    You will be prompted to enter your name and email address, then enter the room.

2. To join the conference line, please dial the number listed below: 

    Dial in number      1 (605) 475-4764 

    Access Code        856767#

Due to the high volume of participants who are expected to join this webinar, we recommend that you call in 10 minutes before the start of the webinar. If you get a busy signal, please hang up and call again.

Questions and Comments are encouraged. Please feel free to email your questions to the Georgia Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Agenda

Noon                  Welcome Remarks 

12:05 p.m.          Revisions to Program Guidance – Overview/Rationale 

12:10 p.m.          National/State Performance Measure Updates 

12:15 p.m.          Comment Period (40 minutes) 

12:55 p.m.          Closing Remarks

 __________________

About the Georgia Department of Public Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters from a health perspective. DPH’s main functions include: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Maternal and Child Health, Infectious Disease and Immunization, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Emergency Medical Services, Pharmacy, Nursing, Volunteer Health Care, the Office of Health Equity, Vital Records, and the State Public Health Laboratory. For more information about DPH, visit www.dph.georgia.gov.