The Coastal Health District of Georgia serves the counties of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long & McIntosh

News


Chatham Co. Health Department Hosts Meningococcal Vaccine Clinics for Rising High School Juniors

The Chatham County Health Department is hosting two after-school meningitis vaccine clinics for rising high school juniors in April and May. All students in Georgia who are at least 16 years of age are required to have a meningococcal booster shot when entering 11th grade. Students can be denied school entry in the fall if vaccinations aren’t up to date.

The meningococcal booster shot events will be held April 25th and May 2nd from 3-6 p.m. at the Eisenhower Clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive. Appointments are required.

Dr. Sierra Peebles, nurse manager of the Chatham County Health Department, hopes parents will take advantage of these events and avoid frustration in the fall. “The last thing most parents are thinking about right now is the back-to-school rush, but it has a way of sneaking up,” said Peebles. “Every fall we see a huge last-minute demand for these vaccinations which can cause a lot of unnecessary stress. If you have a 10th grader who is already 16 years old, it would be a great idea to take care of this booster shot requirement now.”

Appointments can be scheduled online at coastalhealthdistrict.as.me/chatham-teenclinic or by calling the Chatham County Health Department at 912-356-2441. A parent or guardian must accompany the child to the appointment. Most insurance will be accepted, and a nominal administration fee will be charged for those without insurance. These online appointments are ONLY for meningococcal booster shots for teens. Please call the clinic directly for all other vaccine appointments.

The meningococcal booster shot helps prevent meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection that is very serious and can be deadly in a matter of hours. Meningitis is a swelling of the brain and spinal cord and can result in brain damage, hearing loss, or worse. Disease levels increase in adolescence starting around age 11, and peak around age 19 years. Georgia students already receive a meningococcal vaccination before entering 7th grade, and this booster vaccine will provide added protection during these peak years of risk.

Free STI Screening Events in April

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Health departments in the Coastal Health District will offer free, confidential STI screening events in April as part of STI Awareness Month. About 1 in 5 people in the US have a sexually transmitted infection. Left untreated, STIs can lead to serious health issues, affect fertility, and be passed along to partners. Many infections don’t cause any symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to get tested.

The good news is that all STIs can be treated, and most can be cured. Testing is the first step. STI testing is available at all health departments in the Coastal Health District throughout the year, but during the month of April, special screening events will offer the testing for free.

The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can take action to protect your health and the health of your partner. For more information about STI prevention, testing, and treatment, visit our STI Services page.

Free STI Testing Events in the Coastal Health District

Bryan County Health Department

  • April 15, 2024
  • 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Appointments and Walk-ins
  • 430 Ledford St. in Pembroke
    & 66 Capt. Matthew Freeman Dr. in Richmond Hill

Camden County Health Department

  • April 7, 2024
  • 8-11 a.m. & 1-3 p.m.
  • Appointments and Walk-ins
  • 905 Dilworth Street in St. Marys
    & 1501 Georgia Ave. in Woodbine

Chatham County Health Department

  • April 15-19, 2024
  • Appointments only. Call 912-356-2441 to schedule.
  • 1395 Eisenhower Dr. in Savannah

Effingham County Health Department

  • April 18, 2024
  • 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Appointments and Walk-ins
  • 802 Highway 119 South in Springfield

Glynn County Health Department

  • April 18, 2024
  • 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Appointments and Walk-ins
  • 2747 Fourth St. in Brunswick

Liberty County Health Department

  • April 18, 2024
  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Walk-ins
  • 113 East Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville

Long County Health Department

  • April 24, 2024
  • 8 – 11:30 a.m. & 1 – 4 p.m.
  • Appointments only. Call 912-545-2107 to schedule.
  • 584 North Macon St. in Ludowici

McIntosh County Health Department

  • April 18, 2024
  • 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Appointments and Walk-ins
  • 1335 Georgia Highway 57 in Townsend

Eventos gratuitos de detección de ITS en abril

Los departamentos de salud del Coastal Health District ofrecerán eventos gratuitos y confidenciales de detección de ITS en abril como parte del Mes de Concientización sobre las ITS. Aproximadamente 1 de cada 5 personas en los EE. UU. tiene una infección de transmisión sexual. Si no se tratan, las ITS pueden provocar problemas de salud graves, afectar la fertilidad y transmitirse a la pareja. Muchas infecciones no causan ningún síntoma, por lo que la única forma de saberlo con seguridad es haciéndonos una prueba.

La buena noticia es que todas las ITS pueden tratarse y la mayoría curarse. La prueba es el primer paso. Las pruebas de ITS están disponibles en todos los departamentos de salud del Coastal Health Dustrict durante todo el año, pero durante el mes de abril, eventos especiales ofrecerán las pruebas de forma gratuita.

Bryan County Health Department

  • 15 de abril
  • 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • No es necesaria cita
  • 430 Ledford St. en Pembroke
    & 66 Capt. Matthew Freeman Dr. en Richmond Hill

Camden County Health Department

  • 7 de abril
  • 8-11 a.m. & 1-3 p.m.
  • No es necesaria cita
  • 905 Dilworth Street en St. Marys
    & 1501 Georgia Ave. en Woodbine

Chatham County Health Department

  • 15-19 de abril
  • Solo con cita. Llame al 912-356-2441 para programar.
  • 1395 Eisenhower Dr. en Savannah

Effingham County Health Department

  • 18 de abril
  • 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • No es necesaria cita
  • 802 Highway 119 South en Springfield

Glynn County Health Department

  • 18 de abril
  • 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • No es necesaria cita
  • 2747 Fourth St. en Brunswick

Liberty County Health Department

  • 18 de abril
  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • No es necesaria cita
  • 113 East Oglethorpe Highway en Hinesville

Long County Health Department

  • 24 de abril
  • 8 – 11:30 a.m. & 1 – 4 p.m.
  • Solo con cita. Llame al 912-545-2107 para programar.
  • 584 North Macon St. en Ludowici

McIntosh County Health Department

  • 18 de abril
  • 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • No es necesaria cita
  • 1335 Georgia Highway 57 en Townsend

Plan Ahead for a Healthy Trip with Travel Vaccines from the Coastal Health District

If your summer travel plans include an international trip, now is the time to book an appointment for required immunizations and recommended prescriptions.  The Coastal Health District has two travel health clinics to assist you in Savannah and Brunswick. Planning ahead is essential as some countries require specific vaccines for entry, and most vaccines must be given about 15 to 30 days in advance for full protection. Some prescription treatments, like those to prevent malaria, must also begin before you travel.

“Nothing ruins a great vacation faster than getting sick,” said Dr. Bonzo Reddick, health director of the Coastal Health District. “Our travel health specialists can help you get the required and recommended vaccinations and medications for your destination on time, but only if you call us early. You can’t wait until the last minute to get your travel shots or prescriptions.”

Travel appointments can fill quickly, so travelers are advised to schedule an appointment as soon as they know their dates of travel, and at least one month before the trip.

Travel health services are offered by appointment only in the following clinic locations in the Coastal Health District:

  • Chatham County Health Department: 1395 Eisenhower Dr. in Savannah. Schedule an appointment by calling 912-353-3182 or send an email to cchd.travelvax@dph.ga.gov. Please include your travel destination, departure date, number of persons, and contact information, including a telephone number in your correspondence.
  • Glynn County Health Department: 2747 Fourth St. in Brunswick. Schedule an appointment by calling 912-264-3961 extension 6004.

In addition to destination-specific vaccines and medications, it’s important to be current on routine vaccines as well. Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many vaccine-preventable illnesses are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.

“I also put together a travel health kit before every trip,” said Dr. Reddick. “Make sure you pack enough of your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays.” Depending on your destination you may also want to pack a mask, insect repellent, sunscreen, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.

For more information, visit our travel health page.

“The Bump and Beyond Maternal Health Fair” Set for March 9 in Savannah

The Georgia Department of Human Services is hosting a “Bump & Beyond Maternal Health Fair” on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Savannah. The free event will be held at Savannah Technical College’s Eckburg Auditorium at 5717 White Bluff Road.

The health fair is for expecting moms, dads, and young families with Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids. The Coastal Health District is participating and will have representatives available to share information about our Children’s Special Services program, which helps identify and address special needs early in life.

The Bump and Beyond Maternal Health Fair will provide:

  • Free community-based services like mobile primary health care, wellness, and dental clinics.
  • Important health information from experts on pregnancy and postpartum periods as well as guidance on Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids® redetermination.
  • Sample products like diapers, wipes, formula, and more.
  • Opportunities to connect with other parents and parents-to-be to share experiences and advice.
  • Door prizes such as a car seat, diaper bags, baby gear, and more drawn every 30 minutes.

Expectant and recently-delivered mothers and their families should bring their Medicaid/PeachCare for Kids® paperwork with them to the event to get help with their eligibility checks.

Chatham County Health Department Hosts Community Blood Drive Feb. 29

The Chatham County Health Department is teaming up with The Blood Connection to host a community blood drive on Thursday, February 29. The event is in response to a critical shortage of A- blood in the Savannah community, but all blood type donations are encouraged. You must be at least 16 years old and in good health to donate.

The Blood Connection’s mobile bus will be outside the health department at 1395 Eisenhower Drive on February 29 from 10 a.m. – 3p.m. All donors will receive a $70 eGift card from The Blood Connection.

Appointments are encouraged but not required and can be made by clicking the link below:

donate.thebloodconnection.org Sponsor Code: 11155

All blood donated to The Blood Connection in Savannah is used in the local area. Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds, and donations can be used for many different needs like cancer patients, burn victims, trauma cases, and surgical procedures.

For more information about the blood donation process, visit thebloodconnection.org/savannah.

Click here to download an event flyer.

Camden County Health Department Hosts Community Baby Shower March 9

New and expecting moms, dads, and caregivers are invited to a Community Baby Shower hosted by the Camden County Health Department on Saturday, March 9, 2024. The event will be held at the Camden County Recreation Center at 1050 Wildcat Drive in Kingsland from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. with free baby items, raffle prizes, giveaways, refreshments, and much more.

The event is open to expecting parents, new parents and caregivers of children ages birth to 1 year old. There is no cost to attend, and no RSVP is required.

“Welcoming a baby is so exciting, but it can be overwhelming, too,” said Melissa Perkins, Nurse Manager of the Camden County Health Department. “Thankfully, there is a lot of local support available for babies and parents in Camden County. A community baby shower is a fun way to connect families with these resources.”

In addition to the free baby items, the community baby shower will offer information on breastfeeding support, car seat safety, parent support groups, nutrition, CPR education, and more. Event supporters include the Southeast Georgia Health System, Georgia WIC, Family Connection Camden, and Amerigroup.

Effingham Co. Health Dept. Offers School Vaccine & Screening Clinics for Students Entering Pre-K and Kindergarten

The Effingham County Health Department is hosting two special events in March, offering screenings and vaccinations for children who will enter pre-K and Kindergarten in the fall. The “Pre-K and Kindergarten, Here We Come!” clinics are scheduled for March 12 and March 21 by appointment at the health department at 802 US Highway 119 South in Springfield. The March 21st date includes after-hours appointments until 6:30 p.m.

“If you have a little one enrolling in pre-K or Kindergarten this year, it’s definitely not too early to start checking things off your to-do list,” said Bethany Thornton, Nurse Manager of the Effingham County Health Department. “The back-to-school season is stressful enough, so we encourage parents to take care of required school screenings and vaccinations as early as possible.”

All students entering a Georgia school for the first time must have a vision, hearing, dental, and nutrition screening. Children must also receive vaccinations for school attendance. Students can be denied school entry if vaccinations and screenings aren’t up to date.

Appointments are required and can be scheduled online anytime at coastalhealthdistrict.as.me/effingham-school or by calling the Effingham County Health Department at 912-754-6484 during regular clinic hours.

A parent or guardian must accompany the child to the appointment. Most insurance will be accepted, and a nominal administration fee will be charged for those without insurance. These online appointments are ONLY for the pre-K and Kindergarten clinic. Please call the clinic directly for all other vaccine appointments.

Heart Health Events Scheduled for Feb. 8 in Savannah & Ludowici

Show your heart some love this February with free blood pressure screenings, blood glucose tests and more during Heart Health Fairs being held in Savannah and Ludowici.

The Long County Health Department’s Heart Health Fair will be February 8 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1p.m. – 5 p.m., at the clinic at 584 North Macon Street in Ludowici.

The Chatham County Health Department’s Heart Health Fair will be February 8 from 5 – 6:30 p.m., at the clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive in Savannah. In addition to free screenings, the event will also feature information about managing cholesterol and diabetes, women’s health issues, and tips for improving your diet and lifestyle. Several organizations will participate, including the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, Healthy Savannah, the University of Georgia Extension Service, St. Joseph’s Candler African American Health Information and Resource Center, the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, and CORE.

Most people can’t tell if their blood pressure or blood glucose levels are high without a test, which is why regular screening is so important. Without intervention, high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. A high blood glucose level can lead to heart disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. One person dies every 33 seconds in the U.S. from cardiovascular disease.

The Coastal Health District has several programs to help you manage blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Find out more about these programs at the events on February 8 and on our Healthy Living web page.

DPH Confirms Measles Case in Metro Atlanta

The following press release was issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health:

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated resident of the metro Atlanta area. The individual was exposed to measles while traveling out of the country. DPH is working to identify anyone who may have had contact with the individual while they were infectious.

Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus and typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12-15 months of age and a second dose between 4-6 years old. More than 95% of the people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to all three viruses. A second dose boosts immunity, typically enhancing protection to 98%.

The last reported case of measles in Georgia was in 2020.

People with symptoms of measles should contact their health care provider immediately. DO NOT go to the doctor’s office, the hospital, or a public health clinic without FIRST calling to let them know about your symptoms. Health care providers who suspect measles in a patient should notify public health immediately.

For more information about measles, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/acute-disease-epidemiology/vaccine-preventable-diseases/measles or https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.

Chatham Co. Health Dept. Hosts Community Baby Shower January 31

The Chatham County Health Department is hosting a Community Baby Shower on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, connecting moms and caregivers with valuable local resources for babies and families. The baby shower will be held at the health department’s midtown location at 1602 Drayton Street from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event is open to pregnant moms and caregivers of children up to age 1.

“We’re fortunate to live in a community with a lot of great resources for families, like car seat assistance, diaper banks, nutrition programs and a lot more,” said Katee MacCauley, Public Health Educator at the Chatham County Health Department. “Our goal is to use this baby shower as a way to celebrate families and connect them with these local organizations for support.”

At the community baby shower, there will be information on safe infant sleep practices, breastfeeding support, nutrition programs, car seat safety, and health insurance plans. Diapers and other infant items will be given away along with raffle prizes and light refreshments. Parents can also sign up for safe infant sleep classes where they can receive a free pack-n-play.

The event is being sponsored by the Chatham County Health Department, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, Babies Can’t Wait, CareSource, Healthy Savannah, and Over the Moon Diaper Bank. No RSVP is required.