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North GA – The North Georgia Health District is proud to announce that this year’s Environmental Health All-Star Award recipient for Health District 1-2 is Wendy Scoggins, Administrative Professional with the Gilmer County Environmental Health Office.
The Environmental Health Office of the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) established this award in 2024 to honor an outstanding Environmental Health Specialist in each of Georgia’s 18 public health districts. Staff members within each district are nominated by their peers, and a special committee carefully selects the top candidate. For North Georgia Health District 1-2, Wendy Scoggins exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond in serving her community through Environmental Health.
Wendy Scoggins, 2025 EHS All Star for District 1-2, and District Environmental Health Director Amy Grice“Wendy has devoted 19 years of service to the health district, where she has been a steadfast and compassionate presence in Environmental Health,” said Amy Grice, MPH, REHS, District 1-2 Environmental Health Director. “She approaches her work with patience, professionalism, and a genuine desire to help others. Her unwavering dedication to customer service has made her a favorite among the public. Real estate agents, local builders, partner agencies, and many others often praise her for her prompt responses, kindness, empathy, and willingness to go the extra mile.”
According to Andrea Mathis, Gilmer County Environmental Health Manager, “Wendy’s personal motto — ‘Treat others the way you would like to be treated’ — shines through in every interaction. As the only administrative staff member in a rapidly growing county, she carries a tremendous workload, managing all customer inquiries, document submittals, and office administration with remarkable organization and efficiency.”
Her extensive knowledge of Environmental Health programs, coupled with the strong partnerships she has built across departments and agencies, makes Wendy not only an invaluable resource to her customers but also to her fellow staff. Her excellence truly embodies the spirit of this award.
We congratulate Wendy on this well-deserved recognition and are proud of our hard-working environmental health staff throughout the district! Learn more about the Environmental Health program in North Georgia and how it serves residents in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties at https://nghd.org/eh.
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FREE Must-Attend Class for Realtors!
Earn 3 CEUs
Canton, GA - Cherokee and Pickens County Realtors are encouraged to attend “Septic System and the Home,” a free professional development class designed to strengthen their expertise in guiding clients through property transactions involving septic systems.
Event Details
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Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
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Time: 10 AM – 1 PM
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Location: Thrive Canton at The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 200, Canton, GA 30114
This no-cost course is hosted by Cherokee County Water & Sewerage Authority, Cherokee County Stormwater Management, and Cherokee County Environmental Health. The class will be taught by Will England of CCWSA, Andrea Yager of CCSM, and Amy Grice and Martin Little of CCEH. The class will provide real estate professionals with critical insights into septic system function, care, and regulatory considerations—knowledge that can prove essential in property disclosures and client guidance.
Continuing Education
Attendees will earn 3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), enhancing their professional credentials while broadening their understanding of an often-overlooked aspect of property ownership.
Course Overview
Key topics covered in “Septic System and the Home” include:
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Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness
North Georgia—Join us in the fight against breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and IT’S TIME to take action against this all-too-common disease!
Our Health Departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties routinely provide free breast exams and any needed mammogram referrals for women ages 40 to 64—or for any woman who notices a concerning change in her breast(s). Appointments are usually required for these exams (click on the county name for contact information).
However, coming up in October, some of our health departments are hosting special, designated Breast Cancer Awareness events. Some of these events will require no appointment, and all events will offer educational activities to help detect breast cancer earlier and make life-saving screenings more accessible.
Early detection is key in winning the fight against breast cancer!
Did you know that one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in her lifetime? Here are more breast cancer facts from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.:
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers.
- Approximately 30% of all new female cancer diagnoses in the United States are breast cancer.
- On average, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. every 2 minutes.
- Approximately 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage before cancer has spread outside of the breast, when it is easiest to treat.
- The 5-year relative survival rate for cancer diagnosed at the localized stage is 99%.
- Approximately 15% of women diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer. Those with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer are nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer themselves.
Click here to see if you are eligible for free or low-cost screenings through our Breast and Cervical Cancer Program!
Meanwhile, don't miss out on critical breast cancer awareness and screening opportunities happening soon in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Check out the upcoming events below, as posted, at our County Health Departments, starting with the first events listed for our Cherokee County Health Department locations in Woodstock and Canton.
Let's make a difference together!
Our Breast Cancer Awareness Events
Cherokee County Health Department
Tuesday, October 21, and Thursday, October 23, 2025
The Cherokee County Health Department location in Woodstock presents Breast Cancer Awareness on two days: Tuesday, October 21st, from 7:30 AM to 5 PM, and Thursday, October 23rd, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Free Breast Checks and Referrals for Mammograms will be offered to women ages 40 to 64 or to any woman who detects a concerning change in her breast(s). Appointments are required for these exams. Call (770) 928-0133.
Come learn about early detection of breast cancer through self-examinations and health screenings. Get to know the signs and symptoms that help detect breast cancer as early as possible. Eligible women can enroll in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP), which covers the cost of a mammogram. Get a FREE Goodie Bag, Breast Cancer Awareness Literature, and the chance to Raffle for Prizes!
The health department's location in Woodstock is 7545 North Main Street, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188. Click HERE to download & share our Woodstock BCA Flyer!
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
The Cherokee County Health Department in Canton will offer FREE Breast Exams to women ages 40 to 64 or to any woman who detects a concerning change in her breast(s) on Tuesday, October 21st, from 7:30 AM to 6 PM. No appointment is required for these exams at the Canton location. Walk-ins are welcome all day!
Breast cancer educational brochures will be provided; plus, eligible women can enroll in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP), which will cover the cost of their mammogram.
The health department in Canton is located at 1219 Univeter Road, Canton, GA 30115. Click HERE to download our Canton BCA Flyer!
For more information, call (770) 345-7371.
Whitfield County Health Department
Thursday, October 23, 2025
The Whitfield County Health Department Women's Health Clinic will host its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Thursday, October 23rd, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. During this time, Free Breast Checks and Referrals for Mammograms will be offered to women ages 40 to 64 or to any woman who detects a concerning change in her breast(s).
There is no cost for a breast exam. Eligible women can also be referred for a free mammogram and enrollment in the health department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP).
The Whitfield County Health Department Women’s Health Clinic is located at 800 Professional Blvd., Dalton, GA 30720. Please drive around to the back entrance — once inside the main doors, the Women’s Health Clinic will be on your right.
For more information, please call the Whitfield County Health Department at 706-279-9600. Click HERE to download our Dalton BCA Day Flyer!
Fannin County Health Department
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
The Fannin County Health Department in Blue Ridge will offer FREE Breast Exams to women ages 40 to 64 or to any woman who detects a concerning change in her breast(s) on Tuesday, October 28th, from 8 AM to 6:30 PM. No appointment is required for these exams. Walk-ins are welcome!
Breast cancer educational brochures will be provided; plus, eligible women can enroll in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP).
The health department in Blue Ridge is located at 95 Ouida Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Click HERE to download our Blue Ridge BCA Flyer!
For more information, call (706) 632-3023.
Gilmer County Health Department
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
The Gilmer County Health Department in Ellijay will offer FREE Breast Exams to women ages 40 to 64 or to any woman who detects a concerning change in her breast(s) on Wednesday, October 29th, from 7:30 AM to 4 PM. No appointment is required for these exams. Walk-ins are welcome!
Breast cancer educational brochures will be provided; plus, eligible women can enroll in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP).
The health department in Ellijay is located at 822 Industrial Blvd., Suite 100, Ellijay, GA 30540. Click HERE to download our Ellijay BCA Flyer!
For more information, call (706) 635-4363.
Murray County Health Department
Thursday, October 30, 2025
The Murray County Health Department is celebrating breast cancer awareness with a special Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Thursday, October 30th, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Free Breast Exams will be offered to all women ages 40 to 64 or to any woman who detects a concerning change in her breast(s). No appointment is needed. Walk-ins are welcome!
Breast cancer prevention education and printed materials will also be provided. Plus, eligible women can enroll in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP)!
The Murray County Health Department is located at 709 Old Dalton-Ellijay Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705.
For more information, call (706) 695-4585. Click HERE to download our Chatsworth BCA Day Flyer!
For more information, call (706) 695-4585.
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North GA — This October, roll in for protection and cruise out with peace of mind! Our annual county health department Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics are back in North Georgia, making it easier than ever for residents 18 and older to steer clear of the flu. Just pull up, stay in your car, and let our local public health teams fuel up your defenses against the flu— all while remaining safe and comfortable in your vehicle.
Flu vaccines will be available at no cost through most health insurance plans. For those paying out of pocket, it’s still an affordable pit stop at $25 for a regular flu vaccine and $65 for the high-dose vaccine designed for those 65 and older.
Pull Over at a Clinic Near You
Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics will be offered by health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, and Whitfield counties on the following dates:
- Cherokee: Tuesday, 10/7, 8 am - 2 pm, Woodstock Health Center, 7545 North Main Street, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188 | (770) 345-7371 / (770) 928-0133 | Link here to Flyer
- Fannin: Tuesday, 10/7, 8 am - 3 pm, Farmers Market, 811 Summit Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 | (706) 632-3023 | Link here to Flyer
- Gilmer: Thursday, 10/2, 8 am - 2 pm, ETC Pavilion, 1041-1047 Legion Road, Ellijay, GA 30540 | (706) 635-4363 | Link here to Flyer
- Murray: Monday, 10/6, 9 am - 2 pm, Murray County Recreation Department, 651 Hyden Tyler Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705 | (706) 695-4585 | Link here to Flyer
- Whitfield: Thursday, 10/2, 8 am - 2 pm, Whitfield County Health Department (Upper Parking Lot), 800 Professional Boulevard, Dalton, GA 30720 | (706) 279-9600 | Link here to Flyer
Residents who want a flu shot in Pickens County are encouraged to call the county health department in Jasper to schedule an appointment at (706) 253-2821.
Fueling Your Immunity
This season, the standard flu shot will be a trivalent vaccine, protecting against three circulating influenza strains:
- One influenza A(H1N1) virus
- One influenza A(H3N2) virus
- One influenza B/Victoria lineage virus
The high-dose vaccine, also trivalent, revs up protection with four times the antigen—ideal for those 65 and older who face the greatest risk of serious flu complications.
More Than Just a Quick Stop
These drive-thru clinics do more than help keep communities flu-free. They also serve as a live “test drive” for emergency preparedness. While vaccinating residents, health department and district staff team up with law enforcement, first responders, volunteers, and local agencies to practice setting up rapid-response Points of Distribution (PODs). These rehearsals ensure that, in the event of a public health crisis, medication and vaccines can be distributed quickly and safely.
Why Cruise Through This October?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu vaccination helps reduce illness, doctor visits, and time lost from work or school. More importantly, it prevents hospitalizations and protects loved ones who are especially vulnerable—like young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions.
“Getting your flu shot is like putting good tires on before a long trip—you’re protecting yourself and everyone else on the road with you,” said Robin Coffey, BSN, RN, district Immunization Coordinator.
The best route to flu prevention is vaccination—and our convenient Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics are the express lane to staying healthy all season. So, buckle up and cruise through one of our locations this October!
For more details and updates on the 2025–2026 influenza vaccine and the importance of vaccination, visit the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines.
Pump the brakes on flu this season – fuel your immunity at our Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic nearest you!
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