Georgia Coastal Health District

First the bad news: heart disease is the number one killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths every year. Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined, but not all women are alert to this health threat.

But there is good news: education and healthy lifestyle changes can prevent most cardiovascular diseases.

That’s the goal of WomenHeart Savannah, a local heart health support group that meets monthly at the Chatham County Health Department. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at the midtown clinic, at 1602 Drayton Street. There is no cost to attend. The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 16.

Each month the support group will discuss a topic related to heart disease and stroke in women, such as:

• Understanding your personal risk factors and family history,
• Events unique to women that can affect heart health like pregnancy and menopause,
• How stress can impact your heart health,
• How to monitor and manage blood pressure, and
• Techniques to improve your physical and mental well-being.

WomenHeart is a national coalition working to improve the lives of women with or at risk for heart disease while fighting for equity in heart health. In addition to educating women about heart disease, WomenHeart also works to ensure women have equal access as men to accurate cardiac diagnostic testing and proper treatment.

Learn more at womenheart.org or facebook.com/WomenHeartSavannah, or at one of the monthly WomenHeart Savannah support sessions.

Raffle prizes, health screenings, free diapers and more will be offered at the Chatham County Health Department’s 2^nd Annual Super Community Baby Shower on Saturday, March 28. The event is scheduled from 10am – 12pm in the auditorium at Savannah Tech, 5717 White Bluff Road in Savannah.

The baby shower will include:

• More than 30 community vendors sharing resources, information, and giveaways
• Free diapers and wipes (while supplies last)
• Free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings
• Over $2,000 in raffle prizes
• Signups for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program
• Free breastfeeding support and consultations

“Last year’s super community baby shower was a huge success, so we started planning for another one right away,” said Katee Sykes, public health educator with the Chatham County Health Department. “The Savannah area has so many great organizations and resources that are ready to support our local families. This event is a fun way to bring the families and the programs together.”

The baby shower is open to expecting moms and family/caregivers of children up to age 5. The child does not have to attend the event. There is no cost, and no registration or documentation is required.

Eligible women can receive no-cost mammograms next month when the St. Joseph’s/Candler mobile mammography unit visits the Chatham County Health Department.

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Event Details:

• Tuesday, March 31
• 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Chatham County Health Department main clinic – 1395 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah
• Appointments required. Call 912-356-2946.

All screenings are by appointment only and are open to women aged 40 and older without health insurance coverage. The mobile mammography unit will also visit the health department on May 26, August 24, and October 26.

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in women. However, many cancer deaths can be avoided through regular screening. When breast cancer is detected and treated early, the chance of survival is greatly increased.

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) helps increase access to life-saving screenings for women who do not have health insurance coverage for mammograms and cervical cancer screenings. For more information about available services, please visit our BCCP page.

A dead bat discovered on the porch of a Savannah home has tested positive for rabies. The bat was found on February 3 at a residence in the Magnolia Park area. A resident of the home reported the bat to public health after becoming concerned that their cat may have come into contact with it.

Laboratory testing later confirmed that the bat was positive for rabies. Fortunately, the resident’s cat is vaccinated against rabies and will receive a booster vaccination for additional protection. There was no human exposure.

Rabies is a deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. This is an important reminder that rabies can circulate in several species of wild animals in coastal Georgia, including raccoons, foxes, and bats. Residents are urged not to feed wild animals or attempt to domesticate feral animals, and pet owners are reminded to ensure their animals get regular rabies shots.

The Chatham County Health Department’s Environmental Health office has these tips to 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.

Vendors planning to sell food within the festival zone on private property must submit a Temporary Food Service Application by February 27, 2026.

Submit Temporary Food Service Applications to:
Chatham County Health Department – Environmental Health
📍 1395 Eisenhower Dr., Savannah, GA 31406
📧 Email (PDF format): Chatham.eh@dph.ga.gov

Application Fee: $60
💳 Payable in person (Cash & American Express will not be accepted)
💻 Or virtually: Chatham County Payment Portal

Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed location is approved by the City of Savannah Zoning Use Coordinator and for obtaining a Business Tax Certificate from the City of Savannah Revenue Department.

Zoning approval questions or additional information:
📞 912-651-3108
📧 planning@savannahga.gov

Revenue questions or additional information:
📞 912-651-6445

☘️ We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to a safe and successful St. Patrick’s Day festival!

In recognition of National Maternal Health Awareness Day on January 23, the Chatham County Health Department is hosting a free community celebration focused on supporting and uplifting mothers and families. Nurturing the Nest: A Day to Celebrate Maternal Health will take place on Thursday, January 22, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Midtown Clinic, located at 1602 Drayton St. in Savannah.

Participants can enjoy a variety of activities and resources, including raffle prizes and incentives; access to a diaper and wipes locker provided by Over the Moon Diaper Bank; light snacks and refreshments; vendor and informational tables; blood sugar and blood pressure screenings; and on-site community resources focused on women’s health, children’s services, and STD prevention.

The event will feature five 30-minute Community Education Sessions offered throughout the afternoon, covering key topics in maternal and family health. A tentative schedule of sessions includes:

3:30 – 4:00 pm: Breastfeeding Education
4:00 – 4:30 pm: Fathers Matters Education
4:30 – 5:00 pm: Domestic Violence & Maternal Mental Health Discussion
5:00 – 5:30 pm: Chronic Disease Prevention & Nutrition
5:30 – 6:00 pm: Safe Infant Sleep   

For more information about the Chatham County Health Department’s National Maternal Health Awareness Event, please email Katee.Sykes@dph.ga.gov.