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

Camden News


Free Testing for COVID and Flu Now Available at Testing Kiosks Throughout Coastal Health District

Wondering if your cough is from COVID or the flu? Want to make sure you aren’t bringing either respiratory virus to your next family gathering? Now you can get free COVID and flu tests from seven testing kiosks in the Coastal Health District.

The testing kiosks were previously used only for COVID testing. The kiosks now dispense two test kits – one for COVID and one for influenza. The kiosks in the Coastal Health District are operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the following locations:

  • Bryan County Health Department, Pembroke Clinic – 430 Ledford Street in Pembroke
  • Coastal Community Health, Camden County – 202 Lake Shore Drive in St. Marys
  • Chatham County Health Department – 1395 Eisenhower Drive in Savannah
  • Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus, Student Union – 11935 Abercorn Street in Savannah
  • Liberty Campus, Georgia Southern University – 175 West Memorial Drive in Hinesville
  • Glynn County Health Department – 2747 Fourth Street in Brunswick
  • Coastal Community Health Services, McIntosh County – 1022 Miller Ln. SW in Darien

After completing a brief registration form, the kiosks dispense two individual test kits with nasal swabs and instructions on collecting the specimens. Nasal swabs must be done for each test. Once the specimens are collected, they are packaged back into the kits and placed in the kiosk. The specimens are picked up daily and sent to a lab for PCR testing. Individuals will receive notification of their test results by email or text, usually within 48 hours of specimen collection. 

Pre-registration for testing at the kiosks is not required but is available at https://register.testandgo.com/. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the tests provided through a DPH kiosk; for individuals with insurance, their insurance will be billed.

In addition to testing, vaccination and good respiratory hygiene also help prevent the spread of COVID and flu. The Coastal Health District encourages everyone to:

  • Frequently and thoroughly wash hands with soap and warm water.
  • Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow to help prevent the spread of germs.
  • Stay home from work or school if you’re sick.

Free Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Screenings in November

Your blood pressure and blood glucose numbers can tell you a lot about your health. Knowing your numbers is especially important if you are at risk for diabetes.

That’s why the Coastal Health District’s Chronic Disease Prevention Team is offering free blood pressure and blood glucose screening events in November during National Diabetes Awareness Month. These free, simple tests can give you vital information about your health, and we can give you resources and support to live a longer, healthier life.

Visit our team at one of these events, and check out our Diabetes Prevention Program page for more information about how we can be your health partner!

Free Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Screenings

Nov. 1, 8:30a-12p

McIntosh County Health Dept.
1335 GA Hwy 57 in Townsend

Nov. 2, 8:30a-12p

Chatham County Health Dept.
1395 Eisenhower Dr. in Savannah


Nov. 3, 8:30a-12p

Effingham County Health Dept.
802 Hwy 119 S in Springfield

Nov. 6, 8:30a-12p

Long County Health Dept.
584 N. Macon St. in Ludowici


Nov. 6, 1-4p

Liberty County Health Dept.
1113 E. Oglethorpe Hwy. in Hinesville

Nov. 7, 8:30a-12p

Glynn County Health Dept.
2747 Fourth St. in Brunswick


Nov. 8, 11a-2p

Savannah State University
King Frazier Student Center
3219 College St. in Savannah

Nov. 9, 1-4p

Bryan County Health Dept.
66 Capt. Matthew Freeman Dr.
in Richmond Hill


Nov. 16, 1-4p

Camden County Health Dept.
905 Dilworth St. in St. Marys

Nov. 17, 8:30a-12p

Bryan County Health Dept.
430 Ledford St. in Pembroke

COVID Vaccine Update – 10.18.23

An updated COVID vaccine has been authorized by the FDA and approved by the CDC and includes protection against COVID variants that are currently circulating.

COVID vaccination is covered by many insurance plans at no cost to the patient. For individuals without health insurance coverage, a federal program will cover the cost of vaccination.

Vaccine Availability – Updated October 18, 2023

What’s New on 10.18.23– All county health departments in the Coastal Health District now have COVID-19 vaccine available for individuals aged 6 months and older.

COVID-19 Vaccine by Pfizer

Pfizer vaccine is available at the health departments in Chatham and Glynn Counties.

  • In Chatham County, the Pfizer vaccine is available by appointment. You can self-schedule online at https://coastalhealthdistrict.as.me/chathameis or by calling 912-356-2441.
  • In Glynn County, individuals aged 5 and older can walk in at any time during normal clinic hours to receive their updated Pfizer COVID vaccination. However, the vaccine for children aged 6 months to 4 years old will be only offered on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and an appointment will be required. You can call the Glynn County Health Department at 912-264-3961 to schedule a COVID vaccination appointment for children aged 6 months to 4 years old.

COVID-19 Vaccine by Moderna

The health departments in Bryan, Camden, Effingham, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties have the COVID-19 vaccine by Moderna. To receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Bryan, Camden, Effingham, Liberty, Long, or McIntosh Counties:

  • Bryan County Health Department – Richmond Hill – call 912-756-2611
  • Bryan County Health Department – Pembroke – call 912-653-4331
  • Camden County Health Department – St. Marys – call 912-882-8515
  • Effingham County Health Department – call 912-754-6484
  • Liberty County Health Department – schedule online at https://coastalhealthdistrict.as.me/libertyhd or call 912-876-2173
  • Long County Health Department – call 912-545-2107
  • McIntosh County Health Department – call 912-832-5509

Flu Vaccination Events in the Coastal Health District

Flu vaccinations are available in all county health departments in the Coastal Health District. Additionally, several counties will offer special flu vaccination events.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age. Vaccination is particularly important for those at high risk of complications from flu, including adults 65 and older, children younger than five, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. To get more information on the flu please visit coastalhealthdistrict.org/flu.

See the list below to find a flu vaccination event near you! Additional events will be added soon.

Health insurance is accepted, and there are low-cost options for individuals without health insurance.


Glynn County Drive-Through Flu Vaccination Clinic

  • Thursday, October 5, 2023
  • 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Health Department at 2747 Fourth Street, Brunswick
  • No appointment needed

McIntosh County Drive-Through Flu Vaccination Clinic

  • Thursday, October 19, 2023
  • 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Health Department at 1335 GA Highway 57, Townsend
  • No appointment needed

Camden County Drive-Through Flu Vaccination Clinic

  • Saturday, October 21, 2023
  • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Camden County Recreation Center at 1050 Wildcat Drive, Kingsland
  • No appointment needed

Chatham County Drive-Through Flu Vaccination Clinic

  • Tuesday, October 31, 2023
  • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Memorial Stadium at 101 John J. Scott Drive, Savannah
  • No appointment needed

Long County Flu Vaccination Clinic

  • Thursday, November 2, 2023
  • 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Long County Health Department at 584 N. Macon Street, Ludowici
  • Appointments preferred but not required. Call 912-545-2107 to schedule.

Liberty County Flu and COVID Vaccination Clinic for Individuals WITHOUT Insurance

  • Friday, November 3, 2023
  • 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Liberty County Health Department at 1113 East Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville
  • Flu and COVID shots will be available with no appointment needed.
  • Clinic is for individuals ages 6 months and older WITHOUT health insurance.

Breast Cancer Screening Events in the Coastal Health District

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and several clinics in the Coastal Health District will offer free screening events.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women after skin cancer. It is estimated that about one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

See the list below to find an event near you!


Bryan County Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Event in Pembroke

Thursday, October 12, 2023

The Bryan County Health Department in Pembroke will offer FREE breast exams and cervical cancer screenings to eligible women on Thursday, October 12th from 1-4 p.m. as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The screening event is open to all women aged 40 and older who have no insurance (or very limited insurance) and meet certain annual income guidelines. Eligible women will also be referred for a free mammogram at a later date.

Appointments for the event are encouraged, but walk-ins are also accepted. To schedule an appointment, or to find out if you qualify for the free screenings, call the Bryan County Health Department’s Pembroke office at 912-653-4331.


Camden County Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Event in St. Marys

Friday, October 13, 2023

The Camden County Health Department will offer breast and cervical cancer screenings and no-cost mammograms on October 13th at the clinic at 905 Dilworth Street in St. Marys. The screenings are available by appointment for women aged 40 and older, with or without insurance coverage.

During the event, a mobile mammogram unit will be stationed in the health department’s parking lot from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Appointments are now available and can be scheduled online at coastalhealthdistrict.as.me/camden-screening or by calling the health department at (912) 882-8515.


Long County Mobile Mammogram Event in Ludowici

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

The Long County Health Department will offer free mammograms from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, for women who meet certain eligibility guidelines. The screenings will take place at the IGA parking lot on Hwy 84 in Ludowici utilizing the Southeast Georgia Health System mobile mammography unit. No appointment is needed – walk-ins are welcome.

Women who meet certain annual income guidelines and are at least 40 years of age without insurance will be eligible to receive a screening mammogram at no cost as part of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP). Women aged 40 and older with health insurance can also be screened using insurance coverage.

For more information, please call the Long County Health Department at 912-545-2107.


Glynn County Mobile Mammogram Event in Brunswick

Monday, October 23, 2023

The Glynn County Health Department will offer free mammograms from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, October 23. The screenings will take place in the health department parking lot at 2747 Fourth Street in Brunswick utilizing the Southeast Georgia Health System mobile mammography unit. No appointment is needed – walk-ins are welcome.

Women who meet certain annual income guidelines and are at least 40 years of age without insurance will be eligible to receive a screening mammogram at no cost as part of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP). Women aged 40 and older with health insurance can also be screened using insurance coverage.

For more information, please call the Glynn County Health Department at 912-264-3961.


Chatham County Mobile Mammogram Event in Savannah

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

The Chatham County Health Department will offer FREE mammograms to eligible women on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at the Midtown clinic at 1602 Drayton Street.

The St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Mobile Mammography Unit will be in the Health Department’s parking lot from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free mammography screening will be available by appointment for women aged 40 and older who meet income guidelines and have no health insurance coverage.

The service is by appointment only, so women are urged to schedule the free mammogram by calling the Chatham County Health Department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) at 912-356-2946.


Effingham County Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

The Effingham County Health Department is celebrating women and encouraging good health habits with a Breast Cancer Awareness Day event on Tuesday, October 24th from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Free breast and cervical exams will be available along with blood pressure and blood glucose screenings. There will also be activities, refreshments, a photo booth, giveaways, and a raffle for prize baskets donated by local community businesses, including Baked by Maggie, Sweet Treats Cannery, Happy Days Ice Cream, and Wright Wicks Candle Company.

There is no cost to participate in the event, including the health screenings. Eligible women can also be referred for a free mammogram at a later date through the health department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP).

Appointments are encouraged but not required. To schedule an appointment, call the Effingham County Health Department at 912-754-6484.


McIntosh County Mobile Mammogram Event in Darien

Monday, October 30, 2023

The McIntosh County Health Department is teaming up with the Southeast Georgia Health System for a free mammogram event for eligible women. The SGHS mobile mammogram unit will be at the Coastal Market at 5214 Highway 17 in Darien on October 30th from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event is being held in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month which takes place each October.

No appointment is needed for the event. Women who meet certain annual income guidelines and are at least 40 years of age without insurance will be eligible to receive a screening mammogram at no cost as part of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP). Women aged 40 and older with health insurance and a mammogram order can also be screened.

For more information, please call the McIntosh County Health Department at 912-832-5473.

All Clinics and Offices Return to Normal Operational Hours

All clinics and offices in the Coastal Health District have reopened after closures due to Hurricane Idalia.

Stay Informed: Emergency Messaging Options

As Hurricane Idalia makes its way across southern and coastal Georgia, the Coastal Health District encourages all residents and visitors to stay informed about the changing conditions and any recommendations from emergency managers. Here are some of the available emergency messaging services in our area:


Bryan County – Code Red

Bryan County Emergency Management Agency uses CodeRED to send emergency notifications by phone, email, text and social media to keep citizens informed of emergencies such as an evacuation notices, utility outages, water main breaks, fire or floods, chemical spills, or other emergency situations.

Sign up: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFAE755A2AFA


Camden County – Code Red

The Camden County Emergency Management Agency utilizes the CodeRED Emergency Notification System – an ultra high-speed telephone communication service.

Sign up: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/44E1E5C14827 or text CamdenCodeRED to 99411


Chatham County – CEMA Alerts

The Chatham Emergency Management Agency uses CEMA Alerts to send text messages and/or emails directly to your phone during severe weather and other emergency events.

Sign up: https://chathamemergency.org/ or sign up by texting CEMA to 77295.


Effingham County – WENS

Effingham County Emergency Management offers a Wireless Emergency Notification System, also known as WENS. This service allows you to sign up to get emergency and community alerts on your cell phone, work phone, text message, email, home phone, and more.

Sign up: https://entry.inspironlogistics.com/effingham_ga/wens.cfm


Glynn County – Code Red

Glynn County Emergency Management utilizes the CodeRED Emergency Notification System. This system is an opt-in database of resident and citizen information for use only in critical and emergency situations.

Sign up: https://glynncounty.org/671/CodeRED


Liberty County – Alert Liberty

In Liberty County, you can opt-in to Alert Liberty for emergency notifications. You can enter up to five different addresses (within Liberty County) that you wish to include in your profile.

Sign up: https://member.everbridge.net/1772417038942494/login


McIntosh County – Code Red

McIntosh County Emergency Management utilizes the CodeRED Emergency Notification System – an ultra high-speed telephone communication service.

Sign up: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/3CC907D212DC


Other Notification Resources

There are many additional options for staying informed of changing weather conditions:

  • NOAA Weather Radio: Watches and Warnings issued by National Weather Service (NWS) air on these radios.
  • Television Stations: Local or national news stations monitor and broadcast weather alerts.
  • AM/FM Radio: Radio stations are required to air Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages.
  • Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): WEA are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. The alert system requires no need to download an app nor subscribe to a service. The WEA message will usually provide the category and time, the agency issuing the alert and what action you should take.

Coastal Health District Emergency Preparedness Director Graduates from FEMA’s National Emergency Management Executive Academy

The Coastal Health District’s top emergency preparedness official has achieved top status within FEMA’s Emergency Management Professional Program. Todd Wyckoff, the District’s emergency preparedness director, recently graduated from FEMA’s National Emergency Management Executive Academy, one of only 380 individuals to receive this recognition in the past decade.

The Executive Academy is for senior emergency management executives at the pinnacle of their careers. Students enroll in four resident courses at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, MD. The challenging curriculum provides an opportunity to sharpen decision-making skills, work collaboratively, and participate in exercises with other senior leaders facing similar challenges.

Wyckoff has more than 15 years of public health emergency preparedness experience with over 200 certifications from FEMA, Homeland Security, and emergency management agencies. Throughout his career, Wyckoff has managed multiple tropical events on the Georgia coast, helping coordinate evacuation of vulnerable populations residing in six counties on three different occasions. He previously worked in the private sector industry of Disaster Response and Restoration for over six years and responded to the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, as well as the Floods of 2008 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Most recently, Wyckoff led the 8-county Coastal Health District through the emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including coordination of the district-wide COVID testing program. He continues to work with community partners around the district and throughout the state to facilitate emergency exercises, refine and coordinate emergency plans, and ensure the district is well prepared to protect the health of its residents in a future emergency response. 

High Temperatures in Georgia Raise Health Concerns

 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.

Stay Cool

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. 

Stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library or a friend or relative’s home – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath is a much better way to cool off. 

NEVER leave infants, children, adults, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. If you see anyone locked in a hot vehicle, call 911. 

Avoid using heat-generating appliances like your stove and oven. Avoid hot and heavy meals which will only add heat to your body.  

Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, take short breaks, and stay hydrated.    

When you are outdoors, protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels). 

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water even before you are thirsty. Don’t wait until you are already thirsty. Avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages which can cause you to lose even more body fluid. Beware that very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps. As you lose salt and minerals from your body while sweating, replace them. A sports drink will help with this.

Stay Informed

Prepare for extreme heat ahead of time by keeping an eye on local weather forecasts.  

Use the buddy system to check on each other at least twice a day while working in extreme heat. Heat-related illness can cause confusion or loss of consciousness.

Keep a close eye on those at greater risk for heat-related illness:  

  • Infants and young children
  • People 65 years of age or older
  • People who are overweight
  • People who overexert during work or exercise
  • People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation

If you are at greater risk for heat-related illness, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this group, check on them at least twice a day. Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.

And don’t forget your pets! Any time your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from heat and sun, and that they have plenty of fresh, cold water. In heat waves, add ice to water when possible. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don’t obstruct air flow. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse.

For more information about extreme heat and precautions to take to prevent heat-related illnesses, log on to https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html.

Annual Walk to Support Breastfeeding Scheduled for August 5 in Savannah

The Coastal Health District invites breastfeeding moms, their families and friends, and breastfeeding advocates to join in a World Breastfeeding Week celebration on August 5 from 9-11 a.m. in Savannah. This family-friendly event will be held in Forsyth Park and will include a walk for breastfeeding awareness, information on the benefits of breastfeeding, raffle prizes, and free swag bags while supplies last.

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated during the first week in August every year in more than 170 countries to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. This year’s theme is “Let’s make breastfeeding and work, work!” because women shouldn’t have to choose between breastfeeding their children and their jobs.

Employers are encouraged to support breastfeeding employees by providing adequate maternity leave and providing time and space for breastfeeding or expressing and storing breastmilk. Flexible work schedules, on-site childcare, teleworking, and part-time work are also best practices for workplace breastfeeding support.

The Coastal Health District is committed to helping mothers breastfeed their babies because breastfeeding is so important for good health. Breast milk is easy to digest, with just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein for a baby’s growth and development. Breastfed babies usually get sick less often because breast milk contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections. For more information about our breastfeeding support services or to register for the World Breastfeeding Week event, visit our breastfeeding webpage.