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Residents Encouraged to Get Tested, Know Their Status, and Connect to Care
Click to download flyer & share!Dalton, GA – National HIV Testing Day, recognized each year on June 27th, is a vital awareness initiative that encourages people of all backgrounds to get tested for HIV and know their status. The North Georgia Health District is proud to join this year’s national observance under the theme, “Let’s Stop HIV Together,” as we urge residents in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties to take charge of their health.
As part of this effort, The Living Bridge Center, our Ryan White HIV Clinic program, will host a special community event in Dalton on Saturday, June 21st, from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Mack Gaston Community Center. FREE HIV Rapid Testing will be offered, and the first 20 people to get tested will receive gift bags! Mack Gaston Community Center is at 218 North Fredrick Street, Dalton, GA 30721.
HIV testing is the gateway to prevention, treatment, and long-term well-being. Early diagnosis allows individuals to begin life-saving treatment and prevent the spread of the virus to others. With treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives—and those who achieve an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their partners.
“We’re committed to reducing the stigma around HIV testing and ensuring our communities have easy access to the services they need,” said K. Mills McNeill, MD, PhD, District Health Director. “National HIV Testing Day is the perfect opportunity to start a conversation, get tested, and take control of your health.”
HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services are available year-round at all six county public health departments in the North Georgia Health District and at The Living Bridge Center clinics in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville. Services are fast, confidential, and often available at little to no cost.
How to Get Involved:
Get tested at your local health department or The Living Bridge Center.
Encourage others to know their status.
Share awareness using social media and community networks.
Partner with organizations to promote HIV testing and education.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of National HIV Testing Day. According to HIV.gov, National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) was first observed on June 27, 1995. This is a day to encourage people to get tested for HIV, know their status, and get linked to care and treatment.
By working together, we can help end the HIV epidemic and support healthier futures for all.
Learn more about National HIV Testing Day at HIV.gov.
Find out about all the services The Living Bridge Center clinics offer at nghd.org/tlbc-home.
Summer meals are available at no cost to children 18 and under. Free summer meals start June 2nd and end July 15th, 2025 at the following locations and times:
Pickens Junior High School - 1802 Refuge Road, Jasper
Monday - Thursday from 11:30 to Noon
Pick up is at the kitchen entrance door located on the loading dock behind the gym.
Pickens High School - 500 Dragon Drive, Jasper
Monday - Thursday from 11:30 to Noon
Pick up is at the outdoor courtyard next to the cafeteria.
Pickens County Health Department - 60 Health Way, Jasper
Monday - Thursday from 11:00 to 11:30am
All sites are closed the week of June 30th - July 4th.
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Krystal Sumner, RN BSNBlue Ridge, GA – The North Georgia Health District is delighted to announce that Krystal Sumner, RN, BSN, who has successfully served as the Nurse Manager of the Gilmer County Health Department since 2016, is now also managing the Fannin County Health Department. This expansion promises to significantly enhance public health services in both communities, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to residents in Fannin County.
Public health in Fannin and Gilmer counties operates under North Georgia Health District 1-2 of the Georgia Department of Public Health.
In Sumner’s expanded role, she will oversee a comprehensive array of public health services available in Fannin County. These services include immunizations, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs, STD/STI screening and treatment, family planning, and maternal and child health services, ensuring a holistic approach to public health.
“I am excited Krystal has taken on this new role in Fannin County,” said K. Mills McNeill, MD, PhD, Health Director of the North Georgia Health District. “The enthusiasm and commitment to public health she has demonstrated in Gilmer County will now greatly benefit the residents of both counties, ensuring they receive the highest quality of service and support.”
Under Sumner’s leadership, the Fannin County Health Department will more extensively provide essential public health services, including:
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Each May, the North Georgia Health District joins the U.S. observance of Hepatitis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the impact of viral hepatitis and promoting strategies for prevention, testing, and treatment.In 2025, this observance is particularly significant as it aligns with the final year of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan: A Roadmap to Elimination 2021–2025, which aims to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. HHS.govCDC+2HHS.gov+2HHS.gov+2
Understanding Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis refers to liver inflammation caused by viruses, primarily hepatitis A, B, and C.These infections can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
Hepatitis A: A short-term illness transmitted through contaminated food or water. It is preventable with a vaccine .CDC+1CDC+1
Hepatitis B: A potentially chronic infection spread through bodily fluids. Vaccination is the most effective prevention method .CDC
Hepatitis C: Often a silent, chronic infection transmitted through blood. While there is no vaccine, it is curable with oral medications .CDC
Alarmingly, many individuals with hepatitis B or C are unaware of their infection due to the absence of symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular testing .HHS.gov+3CDC+3CDC+3
The Importance of Hepatitis Awareness Month
Hepatitis Awareness Month serves as a platform to educate the public about the risks of viral hepatitis and the importance of prevention, testing, and treatment.It also aims to reduce the stigma associated with these infections, encouraging more individuals to seek testing and care .CDC+1HHS.gov+1
National Hepatitis Testing Day: May 19
A key highlight of the month is National Hepatitis Testing Day on May 19. This day emphasizes the need for individuals, especially those at risk, to get tested for hepatitis B and C.Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and preventing the spread of the virus .CDC+5CDC+5HHS.gov+5
Progress Towards Elimination
The HHS's Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan outlines goals to reduce new infections and improve care for those affected.As of recent reports:HHS.gov+4HHS.gov+4HHS.gov+4HHS.gov
Efforts are ongoing to reduce new hepatitis A infections by 40% by 2025 .HHS.gov
Strategies are in place to increase the rate of hepatitis B birth dose vaccination to 75% by 2025 .HHS.gov
Initiatives aim to reduce acute hepatitis C infections by 20% by 2025 .HHS.gov
These targets reflect a concerted effort to combat viral hepatitis through prevention, education, and treatment.
How You Can Get Involved
Get Tested: If you're unsure about your hepatitis status, especially for hepatitis B and C, consider getting tested.
Vaccinate: Ensure you and your loved ones are vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
Educate: Share information about hepatitis risks and prevention methods within your community.
Use Digital Tools: Utilize resources like the CDC's Hepatitis Awareness Month Social Media Toolkit to spread awareness online .CDC+1CDC+1
Note
Our county Health Departments in the North Georgia Health District, which includes Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, offer the vaccine for Hepatitis A and B and testing for Hepatitis C. Also, Whitfield County Health Department offers treatment for Hepatitis C to local residents. Please contact your county health department for an appointment by clicking on your county's name on our home page at www.nghd.org.
By participating in Hepatitis Awareness Month, you contribute to the public health effort to eliminate viral hepatitis and promote liver health for all.HHS.gov+1CDC+1
