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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.
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
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⚠️🍔 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: Press Room
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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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North GA - It is essential for parents and caregivers to ensure their children are up to date on vaccinations and health screenings before the new school year begins. These services are available at our local county health departments and at upcoming events in the North Georgia Health District!
Georgia state law mandates that children enrolling in nursery, childcare, pre-kindergarten, Head Start programs, or private or public schools (kindergarten-12th grade) must have three key documents on file:
1. Georgia Immunization Certificate (*Form 3231): Parents can obtain this form from their local health department or physician's office after ensuring that their child has received all necessary immunizations. If the child has been vaccinated in another state, proper documentation from that state may be required.
2. Georgia Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Nutrition Screening (*Form 3300): This certificate must be completed by a healthcare professional and submitted to the school for all children enrolled in pre-kindergarten or public school.
3. Certified Birth Certificate: Parents must provide a certified copy of their child's birth certificate to the school. Vital records offices in North Georgia Health District facilities are located in the Cherokee County Health Department‘s Woodstock Health Center and in the Whitfield County Health Department in Dalton.
For rising seventh- and eleventh-graders, certain vaccines are required to be submitted to the school along with the updated *Form 3231:
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- Memorial Day Observance, May 25th
- North Georgia Health District Promotes STI Awareness Week, April 12–18
- CLOSED on Good Friday, April 3rd
- Cherokee County Health Department in Woodstock Now Offering Child Well Check Visits for Ages 3 to 20
- Delayed Opening for Gilmer County Public Health, Tues., March 17
- Weather-Related Delayed Openings in Gilmer and Pickens Counties, Mon., 3/16
- Murray County Health Department Closed Tues., Feb 24
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