Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause severe and even life-threatening health problems if left untreated.
“Symptoms of syphilis may disappear on their own, but the infection does not,” said health officials with the North Georgia Health District. “If not treated, syphilis can lead to blindness, paralysis, pregnancy complications, and even death—for the individual, their partner, or their unborn baby.”
The infection spreads easily through sexual contact and can also pass from a pregnant person to their baby. Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can result in birth defects, stillbirth, or lifelong health problems for the infant.
Testing and treatment are available at low cost through local health departments in the North Georgia Health District, which includes Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties.
“Testing is quick and treatment is effective,” health officials emphasized. “Knowing your status and seeking care if needed are critical steps to protect yourself and others.”
Health experts recommend that pregnant individuals get tested for syphilis three times:
At the first prenatal visit
Again, between28 to 32 weeks of pregnancy
And at delivery
Syphilis is both treatable and preventable, and stopping its spread begins with individual action.
To find the nearest health department and learn more about syphilis prevention, testing, and treatment services, visit NGHD.org.
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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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Residents Encouraged to Get Tested, Know Their Status, and Connect to Care
Click to download flyer & share!Dalton, GA – National HIV Testing Day, recognized each year on June 27th, is a vital awareness initiative that encourages people of all backgrounds to get tested for HIV and know their status. The North Georgia Health District is proud to join this year’s national observance under the theme, “Let’s Stop HIV Together,” as we urge residents in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties to take charge of their health.
As part of this effort, The Living Bridge Center, our Ryan White HIV Clinic program, will host a special community event in Dalton on Saturday, June 21st, from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Mack Gaston Community Center. FREE HIV Rapid Testing will be offered, and the first 20 people to get tested will receive gift bags! Mack Gaston Community Center is at 218 North Fredrick Street, Dalton, GA 30721.
HIV testing is the gateway to prevention, treatment, and long-term well-being. Early diagnosis allows individuals to begin life-saving treatment and prevent the spread of the virus to others. With treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives—and those who achieve an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their partners.
“We’re committed to reducing the stigma around HIV testing 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, get tested, and take control of your health.”
HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services are available year-round at all six county public health departments in the North Georgia Health District and at The Living Bridge Center clinics in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville. Services are fast, confidential, and often available at little to no cost.
How to Get Involved:
Get tested at your local health department or The Living Bridge Center.
Encourage others to know their status.
Share awareness using social media and community networks.
Partner with organizations to promote HIV testing and education.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of National HIV Testing Day. According to HIV.gov, National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) was first observed on June 27, 1995. This is a day to encourage people to get tested for HIV, know their status, and get linked to care and treatment.
By working together, we can help end the HIV epidemic and support healthier futures for all.
Learn more about National HIV Testing Day at HIV.gov.
Find out about all the services The Living Bridge Center clinics offer at nghd.org/tlbc-home.
Summer meals are available at no cost to children 18 and under. Free summer meals start June 2nd and end July 15th, 2025 at the following locations and times:
Pickens Junior High School - 1802 Refuge Road, Jasper
Monday - Thursday from 11:30 to Noon
Pick up is at the kitchen entrance door located on the loading dock behind the gym.
Pickens High School - 500 Dragon Drive, Jasper
Monday - Thursday from 11:30 to Noon
Pick up is at the outdoor courtyard next to the cafeteria.
Pickens County Health Department - 60 Health Way, Jasper
Monday - Thursday from 11:00 to 11:30am
All sites are closed the week of June 30th - July 4th.
