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Blue Ridge, GA – The North Georgia Health District is delighted to announce that Krystal Sumner, RN, BSN, who has successfully served as the Nurse Manager of the Gilmer County Health Department since 2016, is now also managing the Fannin County Health Department. This expansion promises to significantly enhance public health services in both communities, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to residents in Fannin County.
Public health in Fannin and Gilmer counties operates under North Georgia Health District 1-2 of the Georgia Department of Public Health.
In Sumner’s expanded role, she will oversee a comprehensive array of public health services available in Fannin County. These services include immunizations, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs, STD/STI screening and treatment, family planning, and maternal and child health services, ensuring a holistic approach to public health.
“I am excited Krystal has taken on this new role in Fannin County,” said K. Mills McNeill, MD, PhD, Health Director of the North Georgia Health District. “The enthusiasm and commitment to public health she has demonstrated in Gilmer County will now greatly benefit the residents of both counties, ensuring they receive the highest quality of service and support.”
Under Sumner’s leadership, the Fannin County Health Department will more extensively provide essential public health services, including:
- Immunizations: Vaccinations for children and adults, including school-required shots.
- WIC Programs: Nutrition and food assistance for eligible pregnant women, infants, and children.
- Maternal and Infant Health: Services for newborns and young children, including newborn hearing assessments, Phenylketonuria (PKU) testing, and more.
- STD/STI Screening and Treatment: Confidential testing, treatment, and counseling.
- Family Planning Services: Education and services related to contraception and family planning.
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap smears and mammogram referrals.
- HIV Screening and Counseling: Testing and support for those at risk.
- TB Screening and Treatment: Care and follow-up for tuberculosis.
- Child Health and Head Start Physicals: Physical exams for children, including screening for vision, hearing, and development.
- School Screenings: Hearing, vision, dental, and nutrition screenings for school-aged children.
- Child Safety Seat Checks and Fittings: Ensures child passenger safety seats are installed correctly and teaches residents how to install car seats independently.
- Emergency Preparedness and Response: Collaboration between local and district health staff and community partners to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies.
- Travel Health: Immunizations and travel advice.
“Walk-ins are welcome for immunizations, TB skin tests, and school screenings,” said Sumner.
Other public health services are available by appointment by calling the Fannin County Health Department at (706) 632-3023. The location is 95 Ouida Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Spanish interpreters are available on Tuesdays. The Gilmer County Health Department, located at 28 Southside Church Street in Ellijay, can be reached at (706) 635-4363, and bilingual staff are available daily.
Beyond clinical care, Sumner and her dedicated team are actively connecting with the community through events like health fairs, educational sessions, and immunization clinics. These efforts raise public health awareness, foster trust and engagement, and help keep residents informed, involved, and supported.
The Fannin and Gilmer County Health Departments are essential pillars of their communities, offering a wide range of affordable, high-quality public health services. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these valuable resources to support their well-being and take charge of their health. To learn more about available services and upcoming events, visit the North Georgia Health District website at www.nghd.org.
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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
North GA — The North Georgia Health District is proud to announce that Krystal Sumner, RN, BSN, longtime Nurse Manager for Gilmer County Health Department, is now also leading the Fannin County Health Department!
With years of experience and dedication, Krystal is expanding access to vital public health services in Fannin County—like immunizations, WIC, family planning, STI testing, school screenings, and more.
Walk-ins are welcome for vaccines, TB tests, and school screenings. For all other services, call (706) 632-3023 to make an appointment at the Fannin County Health Department at 95 Ouida Street in Blue Ridge. Spanish interpreters are available on Tuesdays. The Gilmer County Health Department, located at 28 Southside Church Street in Ellijay, can be reached at (706) 635-4363 and has bilingual staff available daily.
Strong public health means a healthier community. Learn more at nghd.org.
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