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

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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.

Illness Surveillance Related to DRT America Incident in Effingham County

The Coastal Health District is conducting surveillance to monitor for increases in illness reports that could be related to a wastewater release in Effingham County.

The wastewater release occurred at DRT America in the Ebenezer area on September 24, 2023 when a tank began leaking pretreated sulfate turpentine. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division is actively investigating the incident and conducting air monitoring. Click here to read a Feb. 12, 2004 update from the Georgia EPD regarding its investigation.

The Coastal Health District is conducting surveillance for increases in reported illnesses and has received subjective reports of illness from persons in Effingham County. There is no way to know if illnesses are directly related to the chemical spill unless confirmed by a healthcare provider. The Coastal Health District conducts surveillance for clusters of illnesses every day, such as increases in influenza-like illnesses, gastrointestinal illnesses, and many more.

If you are in the area and experiencing illness that you believe could be related to the chemical spill:

  • If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1 for immediate medical care.
  • Contact your healthcare provider or call the Georgia Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for medical advice.
  • If you would like to report the illness to public health, please complete a survey by clicking the button below.

Additional Instructions from EPD:

These additional instructions from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division were outlined in a statement released on Nov. 3, 2023:

If you smell the strong odor that people are complaining about, please record the following information: date of the incident, the time and duration, temperature, windspeed, wind direction and describe as best you can the odor. Email the information to coast.epdreporting@dnr.ga.gov and in the subject line type “Effingham Odor Investigation”. Once we have enough data, we can use this information to try and backtrack possible sources.

If you have specific questions about one of the permitted facilities in the area, please call EPD’s Air Protection Branch at 470-938-3349. For general questions or concerns about unusually strong odors in the Effingham area you can call the EPD Coastal District at 912-264-7284 or email coast.epdreporting@dnr.ga.gov.

EPD Reports:

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

Public Health Seeks Information on Raccoon Incident on Jekyll Island

The Glynn County Health Department is looking to connect with an individual on Jekyll Island regarding an aggressive interaction between their dog and raccoon, and the potential for rabies exposure on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

A report was made to the Jekyll Island Authority about a confrontation between a Glynn County resident’s dog and a raccoon on the walking trails. The authority reported the incident to public health, but the pet owner did not provide contact information.

“The resident reported their dog was bitten on the foot. We’d really like to speak to this individual so we can better understand what happened,” said Ashley Steverson Wingate with the Glynn County Environmental Health office. “If a raccoon did bite or scratch the pet, we’d like to provide recommendations for possible follow-up care and ensure there’s no risk of the spread of rabies.”

Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis. If an unknown animal ever bites or scratches you or a pet, seek medical care immediately and contact the Glynn County Health Department’s Environmental Health office at 912-279-2940 or Glynn County Animal Control at 912-554-7500.

Several species of wild animals in coastal Georgia – including raccoons, foxes, and bats – can carry rabies. Feral cats and dogs can carry rabies as well, and the public is strongly discouraged from feeding stray animals. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals.

As always, the Glynn County Health Department urges everyone to avoid contact with animals they don’t know and ensure their pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.

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.

Chatham County Health Department Hosts Bilingual Community Baby Shower September 29 at Midtown Clinic

Haga clic aquí para obtener información en español.

The Chatham County Health Department is hosting a Bilingual Community Baby Shower on Friday, September 29, 2023, for pregnant moms and caregivers of children up to age 1. The event will be held at the health department’s midtown clinic at 1602 Drayton Street in Savannah from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with giveaways and information about community resources for parents and babies. Overflow parking is available in the health department parking lot across Drayton Street.

All information will be shared in English and Spanish, and Spanish-speaking interpreters will be available. “We want to be a resource for our whole community, and that includes our Spanish-speaking neighbors,” said Katee MacCauley, Public Health Educator at the Chatham County Health Department. “Parents and children can find a lot of support in Chatham County if they know what’s available, and this baby shower is our way of spreading the word.”

A similar event was held in June and attracted more than 150 attendees. At the community baby shower, parents and caregivers can get information on safe infant sleep practices, breastfeeding support, nutrition programs, and more. 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’ll receive a free pack-n-play for attending.

The event is being sponsored by the Chatham County Health Department, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, Migrant Equity Southeast, Healthy Savannah, Savannah-Chatham Public Schools, and Mary’s Place. No RSVP is required.


El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Chatham Organizará una Lluvia de Regalos para Bebé el 29 de Septiembre en la Clínica Midtown

El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Chatham organizará una lluvia de regalos para bebé el viernes 29 de septiembre de 2023 para madres embarazadas y cuidadores de niños de hasta 1 año. El evento se llevará a cabo en la clínica Midtown del departamento de salud, dirección: 1602 Drayton Street en Savannah. El evento ocurrirá de 10 a 12 h. con obsequios e información sobre recursos comunitarios para madres y padres y bebés. El estacionamiento adicional está disponible en el estacionamiento del departamento de salud al otro lado de Drayton Street.

Toda la información se compartirá en inglés y español, y habrá intérpretes de habla hispana disponibles. “Queremos ser un recurso para toda nuestra comunidad, y eso incluye a nuestros vecinos de habla hispana,” dijo Katee MacCauley, Educadora de Salud Pública del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Chatham. “Las familias pueden encontrar mucho apoyo en el condado de Chatham si conocen los servicios disponibles, y este evento es nuestra forma de correr la voz”.

En junio se celebró un evento similar que atrajo a más de 150 asistentes. En la lluvia de regalos, se regalarán pañales y otros artículos infantiles junto con premios de rifa y refrigerios. Los padres también pueden inscribirse en clases de sueño seguro para bebés, donde recibirán una cuna portátil gratuita por asistir. Además, las familias pueden obtener información sobre prácticas seguras para el sueño infantil, apoyo a la lactancia materna, programas de nutrición y más.

El evento está patrocinado por el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Chatham, el Programa de Mujeres, Bebés y Niños (WIC), Migrant Equity Southeast, Healthy Savannah, las Escuelas Públicas de Savannah-Chatham y Mary’s Place. No es necesario confirmar su asistencia.

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Midtown Savannah

A raccoon in Savannah’s midtown area has tested positive for rabies. The Chatham County Health Department’s Environmental Health office reminds all residents to avoid contact with wild animals and ensure pets are properly vaccinated against rabies.

The raccoon was discovered already deceased in a residential yard near White Bluff Road and DeRenne Avenue and was taken to a public health lab for rabies testing. There was no human exposure to the infected raccoon. Fortunately, the only family pet that may have interacted with the raccoon is up to date on rabies vaccination and received a booster vaccine.

This incident is a reminder that several species of wild animals in our area can carry rabies, including raccoons, foxes, and bats. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals.

Following these tips can protect you and your family from rabies:

  • Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
  • Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
  • Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
  • Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.

Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis. If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Chatham County Animal Services at 912-652-6575 and the Chatham County Environmental Health office at 912-356-2160.

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.