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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Environmental Health News
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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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- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Based on USDA Information
- Category: Environmental Health News
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services program (USDA-WS) will begin distributing oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits in northwest Georgia from October 21 through October 28, 2025. This effort is part of a nationwide campaign to stop the spread of raccoon rabies in the eastern United States and to protect both people and animals from this deadly disease.
About the Program
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More than 500,000 baits containing the R
2025 ORV Plans GeorgiaABORAL V-RG® oral rabies vaccine will be distributed. -
Baits will cover over 7,000 square kilometers across parts of the following counties: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Fannin, Gilmer, Gordon, Murray, Pickens, Rabun, Towns, Union, Walker, and Whitfield.
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Helicopter drops will take place Oct. 14–15 in Dalton, Lafayette, and Tunnel Hill.
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Airplane drops will take place Oct. 21–28 throughout the larger vaccination area.
This program is a cooperative effort between the USDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Georgia Department of Public Health, and other agencies.
What the Baits Look Like
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Baits are packets coated with fishmeal crumbles to attract raccoons and other wildlife.
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Each bait has a toll-free number printed on it for information and assistance.
Safety Information
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If you find a bait, leave it alone so wildlife can eat it.
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ORV in Eastern US FactsheetIf a bait is in the open, you may move it deeper into the woods or brush—just wear gloves or use a paper towel and wash your hands afterward. -
Do not try to take a bait away from your pet. While the baits are not harmful to pets, eating several may cause mild stomach upset.
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If you come into direct contact with the liquid vaccine inside a bait, wash your hands immediately and call your local health department for guidance.
Questions?
For more details about the USDA Wildlife Services Oral Rabies Vaccination Program, call 1-866-487-3297 or visit: USDA Wildlife Services Oral Rabies Program.
Link here for the 2025 Georgia Principal Notification Letter.
The map of the 2025 bait distribution zone in Georgia is available through USDA.
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- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Environmental Health News
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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Components of a septic system and how they work together
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Proper maintenance practices and recommended pumping schedules
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Inspection procedures, including how to locate systems and determine system size
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Best practices for septic-related property disclosures
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Materials that should never enter a septic system
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The impact of development on water quality, stormwater, and floodplain considerations in real estate
By attending this course, Realtors will be better prepared to answer client questions, reduce risks in transactions, and deliver a higher level of service.
Registration Information
Realtors may register online at https://caor.wufoo.com/forms/s1pfbnwk0tasvsw/
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. See YOU at the “Septic System and the Home” class in November!
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- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Environmental Health News
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Notice for Gilmer County Residents!
Our Environmental Health Office in Ellijay will have afternoon closures on Thursday, June 5th and Friday, June 6th. However, they’ll still be open for service from 8 AM to 12 PM on both days!
They’ll be back to their regular hours starting Monday, June 9th.
We thank community members for their understanding.
Learn more about our Environmental Health program in North Georgia, including services, locations, and contact information, here on our site at https://www.nghd.org/eh.
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