- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
North Georgia - In honor of the federal holiday, Juneteenth, observed annually, our district and county offices will be closed on Monday, June 19th. This includes all public health services and programs in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties. We will resume our services the following day.
MAKO Medical COVID-19 testing in Dalton will remain open on Monday - please learn more HERE.
Juneteenth is also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Black Independence Day. It was first recognized as a national holiday last year in celebration of June 19, 1865, the date when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to free the remaining enslaved people in the United States.
Please learn more about Juneteenth as a national Day of Observance by clicking on the Presidential Proclamation on Juneteenth Day of Observance, 2021.
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
Cherokee County, GA – Helping Mamas®, fondly referred to as The Baby Supply Bank of Georgia, is a non-profit organization providing essential baby and mother supplies to needy families. The Cherokee County Health Department is one of the partnering agencies that has received supplies from Helping Mamas® to distribute to residents who require assistance.
The partnership between Helping Mamas® and the Cherokee County Health Department is a valuable resource for families who struggle to afford basic baby supplies and period products. The donated items include diapers, wipes, formula, period supplies, and other essentials that can be costly for families on a limited budget.
Natalia Plasencia of the Cherokee County Health Department spearheaded the application for this donation. She said, "We are incredibly grateful to Helping Mamas for their generosity. Our Canton and Woodstock Health Centers will distribute these items to mothers enrolled in our public health programs that include Babies Can't Wait, the Pregnancy Medicaid program, the Safe Sleep and Car Seat programs, and the Prenatal Care program.”
According to Helping Mamas®, forty percent of low-income families have to choose between diapers and food for their children, and twenty percent of low-income women report missing work, school, or similar events due to a lack of access to period supplies. But by working together, Helping Mamas® and the Cherokee County Health Department can provide much-needed support to families who are experiencing financial hardship and cannot pay for many necessities.
This partnership is an excellent example of how non-profit organizations and government agencies can work together to make a positive impact in their community.
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
June 27th is National HIV Testing Day (NHTD). First observed in 1995, this is a day to encourage people to get tested for HIV, know their status, and get linked to care and treatment.
The theme for 2023, "Take the Test and Take the Next Step", highlights that if we are aware of our HIV status, we can find the best options that will help us stay healthy. Anyone receiving a negative test result can access HIV prevention tools such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), condoms, and other sexual health services, including vaccines and testing for sexually transmitted infections. People who receive a positive test result can immediately begin HIV treatment to stay healthy. All these services are available at The Living Bridge Center Ryan White HIV Clinics in the North Georgia Health District and at our Health Departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties.
No matter how you test for HIV, no matter your test results, take the next step!
Note: The Living Bridge Center (TLBC) Ryan White HIV Clinic is celebrating National HIV Testing Day by hosting FREE HIV Testing, Condoms, and PrEP Education on Friday, June 23rd, from 8 AM to 12 PM! It's all happening at the Whitfield County Health Department, located at 800 Professional Boulevard, Dalton, GA 30720. Go through the main door of the health department on the upper level. The first 15 people to join them that day will get a Goody Bag! Learn more here on our website at nghd.org/tlbc-home.
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
6-12-23 Update: The Fannin County Health Dept and the Environmental Health office have reopened.
As of today, June 5th, the Fannin County Health Department & Environmental Health Office are temporarily closed to the public while needed renovations are underway. This work will be done as quickly as possible this week and we will announce the office reopening here.As of today, June 5th, the Fannin County Health Department & Environmental Health Office are temporarily closed to the public while needed renovations are underway. This work will be done as quickly as possible this week and we will announce the office reopening here.
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