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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
⚠️🍔 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: Media Releases
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!
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Cherokee County Health Department in Woodstock Now Offering Child Well Check Visits for Ages 3 to 20
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
Woodstock, Georgia – The Cherokee County Health Department in Woodstock is pleased to announce the availability of Child Well Check Visits for individuals aged 3 to 20.
These visits are now offered by Julia George, a Public Health Registered Nurse specially trained to provide comprehensive well-child assessments. Child Well Check Visits are an important part of preventive healthcare, helping to monitor growth and development, identify potential health concerns early, and support overall wellness for children and adolescents.
Services Will Include:
- Growth and development assessments
- Routine health screenings
- Immunization review and updates
- Vision, hearing, and/or other screenings
Appointments are available at the Cherokee County Health Department in Woodstock. Read on!
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
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Flu Vaccination Still Available at All County Health Departments
North, GA – Hundreds of North Georgians “cruised through” this year’s Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinics at county health departments across the district—rolling in for protection and rolling out with peace of mind!
This fall, our local public health teams provided a total of 599 flu vaccinations during these drive-thru events, distributed as follows:
- Cherokee County: 83
- Fannin County: 102
- Gilmer County: 42
- Murray County: 114
- Whitfield County: 258
Residents in Pickens County were encouraged to schedule appointments directly at the health department in Jasper.
Flu Shots Still Available
If you missed a drive-thru clinic, it’s not too late! Flu vaccines are available now at all six county health departments in the North Georgia Health District: Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield.
Contact information for each location is available at www.nghd.org.
Protect Yourself & Others
Getting a flu shot is the best way to guard against influenza—but it’s only one layer of protection. To help reduce the spread of flu, public health experts also recommend:
- Get vaccinated—everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot each year.
- Practice good hand hygiene—wash hands often with soap and water.
- Cover coughs and sneezes—use a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Stay home if you’re sick—to prevent spreading the flu to others.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces—especially high-touch areas.
Why It Matters
According to the CDC, flu vaccination helps prevent illness, reduces missed work and school days, lowers the risk of hospitalization, and protects vulnerable family members—like infants, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.
“Every flu shot makes a difference—for you, your family, and your community,” said Robin Coffey, BSN, RN, District Immunization Coordinator. “Even if you couldn’t attend a drive-thru clinic, it’s not too late to fuel your immunity. Contact your local health department today.”
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- Murray County Health Department Closed Thurs., 10/2, and Fri., 10/3
- Celebrating Excellence: Wendy Scoggins Named Environmental Health All-Star for District 1-2
- Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, Jan. 20th
- Closed for MLK Day on Mon., Jan. 20th
- Update: Delayed Openings and Closures in the North Georgia Health District Have Ended
- Fannin, Pickens County Health Depts Delay Opening to 10 AM on Jan. 13; Gilmer County Health Dept. Closed
- CLOSED Friday, Jan. 10th, Due to Anticipated Severe Weather
- January: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – What You Need to Know
- Closed Monday, Oct. 14th for Federal Holiday
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