North GA - In observance of the state holiday, all Public Health Facilities in North Georgia Health District 1-2 in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties will be closed Monday, October 12.⠀

This includes:
• All County Health Departments
• Environmental Health offices
• Children with Special Needs services
• WIC offices
• The District office
• The Living Bridge Center clinics in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville
⠀
Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, October 13. Thank you!

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

North Georgia Health District 1-2
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rabies Vaccine Bait Drops Scheduled for Parts of North Georgia

NORTH GA — Residents in parts of Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties may notice low-flying aircraft this October as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) distributes oral rabies vaccine baits to help protect raccoons and prevent the spread of rabies.

Helicopter distribution was scheduled to begin on or about October 7, 2026, including in Dalton and Tunnel Hill. Airplane distribution across the broader vaccination area is scheduled to begin on or about October 20, 2026. Aerial bait drops are expected to last about one week.

More than 500,000 vaccine baits will be distributed across the broader Georgia vaccination area. The baits are small packets containing liquid vaccine, coated with an oily, fish-scented substance that attracts raccoons. Each bait displays a toll-free information number.

If you find a bait:

• Leave it alone so wildlife can find it.

• If an intact bait must be moved, wear gloves or use a towel to place it in nearby woods or brush. Wash your hands afterward.

• Do not try to remove a bait from your pet’s mouth. You could be bitten and exposed to the vaccine. Eating several baits may cause temporary stomach upset in pets.

• If you come into contact with the liquid vaccine, wash the affected area immediately and contact your local health department for guidance.

For questions about the bait drops, call USDA at 1-866-487-3297 or visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/national-wildlife-programs/rabies.

To find public health services, find your local North Georgia county health department at www.nghd.org.

Please note: 2026 Fall ORV Notification Letter

TURN AWARENESS INTO ACTION: IT'S TIME to Prioritize Breast Cancer Screening This October

North Georgia Health Departments Offer Free Breast Exams and Mammogram Referrals

North Georgia – Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink—it is a powerful reminder to understand your risk, recognize changes in your breasts, and make recommended screenings a priority.

It’s Time to detect breast cancer early, North Georgia!

Throughout the year, public health departments in the North Georgia Health District, which include Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, provide free or low-cost breast exams and referrals for mammograms to women ages 40 through 64, as well as to any woman who has noticed a concerning change in her breast or breasts. Appointments are generally required for these services.

However, in October, the health departments will host or participate in special Breast Cancer Awareness Month events. These events will offer Free Breast Exams without an appointment, and each will feature information and activities designed to increase awareness, encourage earlier detection, and make potentially life-saving screenings more accessible.

Finding breast cancer early can make an extraordinary difference.

One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. also reports:

• Aside from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.
• Breast cancer accounts for approximately 30% of all newly diagnosed cancers among women in the United States.
• On average, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every two minutes.
• Approximately 66% of breast cancer cases are discovered at the localized stage—before the cancer has spread beyond the breast and when it is most treatable.
• Breast cancer diagnosed at the localized stage has a five-year relative survival rate of 99%.
• Approximately 15% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.
• A woman whose mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer is nearly twice as likely to develop it herself.

Women who meet certain eligibility requirements may receive free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings at our health departments through Georgia’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. Click here to learn about the program and determine whether you may qualify.

Do not let Breast Cancer Awareness Month pass without taking a step for your health. Learn your risk, pay attention to changes in your breasts, and talk with our health department professionals or your healthcare provider about the screenings recommended for you.

Review the upcoming October events listed below and take advantage of the breast cancer education and screening opportunities offered at our health departments in North Georgia!

This October, IT'S TIME to turn awareness into action—because taking time for your breast health could save your life.

 September 16, 2026 

Click here for this GA DPH NEWS RELEASE

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ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed eight human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2026, but that number is expected to increase. DPH has also confirmed one WNV death. Mosquito traps have tested positive in multiple counties, including Chatham, Fulton, and DeKalb. Mosquito season typically lasts through October, so Georgians are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. Others may have mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash that typically develop 2-6 days after a bite from an infected mosquito. The elderly, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those with other underlying medical conditions are at greater risk for severe complications from the disease, including infection of the central nervous system.

DPH recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET (20%- 30%), Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Wear light-colored clothing, including loose-fitting long sleeves, pants, and socks, to help protect against mosquito bites. Mosquitoes bite day and night, so no matter what time you’re outside, remember to use insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites.

One of the most effective ways of controlling the mosquito population starts in your yard. After every rainfall, or at least once a week, drain containers that hold water to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and prevent the spread of illness. Tip out standing water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools, and buckets. Make sure doors and windows fit tightly and are in good repair to keep mosquitoes out.

Anyone with questions about WNV illness should speak to their healthcare provider or call their county health department. For more information about WNV, visit https://cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/index.html.

 August 19, 2026 

Click here for this GA DPH NEWS RELEASE

ATLANTA –  The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed measles in an unvaccinated resident of metro Atlanta. At this time, there is no known travel history or exposure to someone infected with measles. DPH is working to identify anyone who may have had contact with the individual while the individual was infectious.

Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.

Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny red spots appears. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective, and parents with questions about the vaccine or the vaccination schedule can consult their physician. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. For babies aged 6-11 months traveling internationally, the CDC recommends a single dose of the MMR vaccine before travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday.

Read the full press release at https://dph.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-08-18/dph-confirms-measles-case-georgia-mmr-vaccine-safe-and-effective.

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 NOTE:   MMR Vaccine is Available at all our County Health Departments in the North Georgia Health District. Contact the one nearest you at www.nghd.org.

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Our Health District office and all our county public health facilities and programs, including Health Departments, Environmental Health offices, CWSN and WIC services, in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, and The Living Bridge Center Ryan White HIV Clinics in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville, will be CLOSED on Friday, July 3rd, in celebration of our Nation's 250th Independence Day (July 4th).

All our public health services will resume on Monday, the 6^th.

Have a safe,  Healthy, and HAPPY Fourth of July!

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                               

July 2, 2026                                                                        

Celebrate the Nation's

250th Birthday

Stay Safe and Healthy this 4th of July!

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) wants it to be a safe and healthy 4^th of July for all Georgians and visitors to the state. Temperatures will be in the low to mid-90s, so be sure to stay well hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat.

At the beach, barbecuing, or watching fireworks, below are some tips on staying safe while having fun this weekend and throughout the summer.

HEAT AND SUN can cause skin damage, skin cancer, and serious illness, but there are ways to enjoy the summer and stay protected.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 that protects your skin from both UVA and UVA rays
• Reapply sunscreen if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water! Avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine and sugar.
• Find places out of the sun to cool off.
• Avoid strenuous activity; take breaks.
• Never leave children or pets in a hot car.
• Check on family members, older adults, and neighbors.
• Call 911 if someone has signs of heatstroke:

• • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Headache      
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion

• For more information, please visit the CDC’s Heat Health web page. Read more DPH Guidance below.... 

National HIV Testing Day Encourages Awareness, Prevention, and Early Detection

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Each year on June 27, National HIV Testing Day highlights the importance of knowing your HIV status and taking steps to protect your health. The annual observance encourages individuals to get tested, learn about prevention options, and connect with care and treatment services if needed. According to HIV.gov, HIV testing is the first step in prevention, treatment, and living a healthy life, and everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare.

“The North Georgia Health District is committed to helping end the HIV epidemic 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 about getting tested and taking control of your health.”

HIV testing is available year-round through all seven of our public health department locations across the six-county North Georgia Health District, comprised of Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, as well as through The Living Bridge Center (TLBC) Ryan White HIV Clinics in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville. This service is fast, confidential, and available at little to no cost at each of our clinics.

Find locations and Monday-through-Friday hours of operation for our county health departments and The Living Bridge Center clinics by clicking the county and city names linked above.

Also visit www.nghd.org to learn about the full range of public health services offered through our health district and county health departments, and go to nghd.org/tlbc-home to find the state-of-the-art public health HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services provided at The Living Bridge Center (TLBC) clinics.

Learn more about National HIV Testing Day at www.hiv.gov/events/awareness-days/hiv-testing-day.

By working together, we can ALL help end the HIV epidemic and support healthier futures for everyone.

⚠️🍔 𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗕𝗨𝗬, 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗞! 🥤⚠️

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This summer, as roadside food vendors become more common in North Georgia, it's important to think about food safety before making a purchase.

There are numerous permitted mobile food units in Georgia, such as food trucks and food trailers. However, you should be aware that food and beverages sold from 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 may not be prepared, stored, or served under the food safety standards that help protect public health.

Potential risks for Foodborne Illness from UNPERMITTED or UNINSPECTED Roadside Food Vendors may include:

✅ Improper food temperatures that allow harmful bacteria to grow
✅ Lack of handwashing and restroom facilities for food handlers
✅ Unsafe food preparation or storage practices
✅ Exposure to insects, dust, animals, or environmental contaminants
✅ Unknown sources of food ingredients or water used in beverages

Consuming contaminated food or drinks can lead to foodborne illnesses that may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dehydration, and other serious health complications.

Protect yourself and your family by purchasing food and beverages from permitted establishments and vendors that follow required food safety regulations and are subject to routine inspections.

When in doubt about whether a roadside vendor is permitted or not, call 706-529-5757 to speak with your local Environmental Health office. You can find additional contact information here: nghd.org/eh-contact.

Learn more about food safety in North Georgia on our Environmental Health website at nghd.org/eh.

We are CLOSED on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. The North Georgia Health District office, health departments, environmental health offices, WIC program, and all other public health programs and services in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties will be closed. Clinics at The Living Bridge Center in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville will also be closed.

Have a Healthy, Happy Easter Weekend!

—En Español—

Estaremos CERRADOS el Viernes Santo, 3 de abril. La oficina del Distrito de Salud de North Georgia, departamentos de salud, oficinas de salud ambiental, programa WIC y todos los demás programas y servicios de salud pública en Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens y Whitfield contarán con sus instalaciones cerradas. Las clínicas de The Living Bridge Center en Canton, Dalton y Gainesville también estarán cerradas.

¡ Disfruta de un fin de semana de Pascua, Feliz y Saludable!