northwest health district alert:
If you’ve reached our website looking for information on STD testing or HIV prevention, please either click on “COUNTIES” or a specific county (e.g., Bartow) for contact information for that health department, then call for a confidential discussion of your needs. Thank you. Read More
Monkeypox Vaccine Availability: While not available to the general public, monkeypox vaccine is available through all Northwest Georgia county health departments for individuals meeting certain criteria.
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has begun receiving limited doses of monkeypox vaccine. To date, Georgia has received approximately 3,000 doses of JYNNEOS vaccine – enough for 1,500 individuals since this is a two-dose vaccine series. The vaccine has been distributed upon request to health departments and for vaccination events in two counties. Allocations of monkeypox vaccine from the federal government will increase as production of the vaccine ramps up.
ATLANTA – With temperatures expected to be in the high 90’s throughout the state for the next several days, and at times feeling like more than 100 degrees with the humidity, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Georgians to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat and sun and to limit strenuous outdoor activity to prevent heat related illnesses. To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed.
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging parents unable to find baby formula typically used for their child to contact their pediatrician about appropriate nutritional and safe feeding alternatives. Georgia WIC is working with WIC agencies statewide, local grocers and retailers, and formula manufacturers to help locate formula for clients, especially those in need of specialized formula.
Atlanta – There is no safe amount of lead in a child’s blood. Even small amounts of lead can result in damage to the brain and nervous system, cause behavioral problems, learning difficulties and other medical issues – all of which may be permanent. However, legislation passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Kemp, bolsters protection for Georgia children who may be exposed to lead.
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Drug Surveillance Unit has received increased reports of overdoses due to drugs mixed with fentanyl, particularly cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills. Overdoses have been reported in several areas of the state over the past month.
Atlanta – A recall of powdered infant formula is expanding to include a specialty formula for infants with certain dietary needs. Abbott Nutrition is now recalling one lot of Similac PM 60/40 in addition to select lots of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare formulas manufactured in its Sturgis, Michigan, facility. The products are sold throughout the U.S. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging parents and caregivers of infants to check their powdered infant formula before using it.
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging parents and caregivers of infants to check their powdered infant formula before using it due to a recall of some products. The recall includes select lots of Similac®, Alimentum®, and EleCare® formulas manufactured by Abbott Nutrition in its Sturgis, Michigan, facility. The products are sold throughout the U.S.
Atlanta – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that two monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments for COVID-19 are currently not authorized for use due to their limited effectiveness against the Omicron variant. Omicron is still circulating widely in the U.S., including Georgia.
The liver is the largest organ in the human body. Composed primarily of hepatocytes, this tissue is a first-line defense against chemicals and microorganisms entering our bloodstream through the gastrointestinal… read more
Quickly find and check the scores for restaurants in our area.
Health fairs, meetings, and more – take a look at public health events in your area!
In 2020, nearly 92,000 people died from drug overdoses, making it a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. In response to this growing epidemic, the Northwest Georgia Department of Public Health has created a mobile app with resources, information, and news pertaining to opioids. The NWGA DPH Opioid Program App “Stories of Recovery” series is a collection of district-wide testimonials for inspiration, encouragement, and hope for those struggling with substance use disorder, seeking recovery, or loved ones supporting someone in this situation. For more information, please visit https://nwgapublichealth.org/opioids/. To View Opioid Series
Are you or someone you know being forced to work for little or no pay and cannot leave?
To learn more about sex trafficking in America and what you can do to help address this problem, please visit this resource.
