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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Environmental Health News
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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 6th.
Have a safe, Healthy, and HAPPY Fourth of July!
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- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Environmental Health News
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 4th 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:
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- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- For more information, please visit the CDC’s Heat Health web page. Read more DPH Guidance below....
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Environmental Health News
⚠️🍔 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.
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Environmental Health News
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In observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day, also known as Black Independence Day, all North Georgia Health District public health facilities will be closed on Friday, June 19.
This closure includes:
- County Health Departments
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Services
- Environmental Health Offices
- The Living Bridge Center clinics in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville
Services in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties will be affected.
All locations will resume regular business hours on Monday, June 22. Facility hours and contact information are available at www.nghd.org.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and serves as a celebration of freedom, resilience, and progress. Recognized as a federal holiday, Juneteenth provides an opportunity to reflect on our nation's history while honoring the enduring contributions and achievements of Black Americans.
To learn more about the history and significance of Juneteenth, visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture at nmaahc.si.edu/explore/moments/juneteenth.
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