- Written by Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
Our District Office and all Public Health Departments & Services in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties are Closed Mon., Jan 16th in observance of #MLKJr Day. All our services will resume on Tuesday! See locations and hours at www.nghd.org
- Hits: 1156
- Written by Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
Ver opción en Español en la parte superior de esta página
Ellijay, GA – Bethesda Community Clinic of Holly Springs has sent a mobile medical unit to Gilmer County once a month since February 2022 and is now relocating their monthly mobile clinic to the Gilmer County Health Department.
Krystal Sumner, Nurse Manager of the Gilmer County Health Department, said the mobile medical unit will be in the health department parking lot on the third Wednesday of each month from 10 AM to 2 PM, starting January 18. The health department address is 28 Southside Church Street, Ellijay, Georgia, 30540.
Bob Surrusco, BCC North Volunteer Coordinator, said the mobile medical clinic relocation and the partnership with the county health department will help provide a broader outreach to the community and enhance healthcare to those in need.
Click to download Flyer in English and SpanishThe mobile medical clinic, which previously operated in Ellijay opposite from the Faith, Hope, and Charity Store on Industrial Boulevard, offers free primary care to anyone who needs these services, including physicals, chronic care, medication, labs, and more. They also offer health education and mental health services as well as specialty referrals and patient assistance programs. Providers are bilingual, ensuring everyone is served, and all are welcome. No appointment is needed.
- Hits: 1789
- Written by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Category: Press Room
 |
  |
You can lower your risk for cervical cancer by getting screened regularly, starting at age 21!
Click on the name of your county to contact your local Health Department in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens or Whitfield County to find out how you can receive the HPV vaccine or be screened for cervical cancer.
Screening Tests
The HPV test and the Pap test are screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.
- The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause cell changes on the cervix.
- The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
Screening Options
You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.
If you’re 30 to 65 years old, you have three options. Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you.
- An HPV test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
- An HPV test along with the Pap test. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
- A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.
If you’re older than 65, your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if you have had normal screening test results for several years and you have not had a cervical precancer in the past, or you have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.
- Hits: 2042
- Written by Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
Ver opción en Español en la parte superior de esta página
North GA - In Georgia and across the U.S., the number of illnesses brought on by circulating respiratory viruses has increased.
Along with COVID-19, spread of seasonal respiratory diseases Influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) was restricted by prevention practices established during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these viruses got off to an early start in our communities this season now that safety precautions have eased, and health officials are concerned about the impacts of what has been termed a "tripledemic”.
The phrase "tripledemic” refers to the simultaneous rise in FLU, COVID-19, and RSV transmission. The strain on our healthcare system is a particular cause for worry as the medical community struggles to combat the consequences of these infections.
COVID and RSV cases are starting to plateau while influenza cases continue rising. Still, experts worry that we might again see an increase in all three after the recent holiday social gatherings.
In the next months, it will be crucial to take action to protect both ourselves and others from these diseases.
What distinguishes the Flu from COVID-19 and RSV?
All three extremely contagious respiratory illnesses—the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—are brought on by viruses. The flu is brought on by the influenza virus, COVID-19 by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and RSV by the respiratory syncytial virus. It is conceivable for a person to have several viruses active at once.
- Hits: 3282