Georgia Coastal Health District

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.

The amount of lead in blood is referred to as the blood lead level, which is measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (μg/dL). The new Georgia legislation lowers the threshold for confirmed lead poisoning from 20 to 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter. The level is now consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“DPH is extremely grateful to the members of the General Assembly and the Governor for their decisive action which allows for a more robust program for identifying and preventing cases of lead poisoning, and protecting the children of Georgia,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., commissioner, Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

Those most at risk include children under six years of age, children living at or below the federal poverty level, pregnant women, and those who live in older housing. Often, there are no obvious symptoms of lead exposure.

A simple blood test can detect lead poisoning. A small amount of blood is taken from a finger or heel prick or from a vein in the arm. Based on your child’s blood lead test results, healthcare providers can recommend follow-up actions and care. DPH strongly urges parents to have their children tested for lead.

Lead can be found in many places in a child’s environment, but lead exposure is preventable. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with lead.

“With passage of this important legislation and added funding, DPH will hire 18 additional lead inspectors statewide to investigate cases of lead exposure, educate families on ways to reduce exposure, and work with property owners to eliminate and reduce the source of lead.  This will protect more Georgia children and families” said Chris Rustin, DrPH, MS, REHS, DPH deputy commissioner.

For more information about lead poisoning or preventing exposure to lead please visit:  https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/healthy-homes-and-lead-poisoning-prevention or https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/health-effects.htm.

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 24 – 30. Each year, NIIW focuses on the positive impact of vaccination on the lives of infants and children.

On-time vaccination is critical to help provide protection against potentially life-threatening diseases. We want to remind parents of the importance of staying up to date with routinely recommended vaccines following disruptions from COVID-19.

As a parent, you want to protect your little one from harm. Vaccinating your child according to the recommended immunization schedule gives him or her the best protection against 14 serious childhood illnesses — like measles and whooping cough — before the age of 2.

During NIIW, the Coastal Health District encourages our community members to schedule children’s routine well-child visits and vaccinations.

Review the 2021 easy-to-read immunization schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and if you’re pregnant, now is a great time to find a doctor for your baby and schedule a visit to discuss any questions you have about vaccines.

Have questions about immunizations? Contact your local health department.

The Coastal Health District Chronic Disease Prevention Program is working with community partners throughout the district’s eight counties to remind retailers about Georgia’s Tobacco 21 law. Passed in July 2020, the Tobacco 21 law makes it illegal to sell or barter – directly or indirectly – any cigarettes, tobacco products, tobacco related objects, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products to anyone under the age of 21. The law also makes it unlawful for any person to purchase those products for an individual under 21 and for any individual to use a vape product within a school safety zone.

An alarming increase in the use of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and flavored delivery systems among youth and young adults in our communities prompted the renewed effort to draw attention to the law (O.C.G.A. § 16-12-171).

“The law went into effect in the summer of 2020 and like so many other things, it may have been overshadowed by the pandemic,” said Coastal Health District Chronic Disease Prevention Director, Cristina Gibson. “We want to make sure licensed tobacco retailers understand that when it comes to keeping youth and young adults tobacco free, they play a pivotal role.”

Non-compliance with the law will result in a misdemeanor.

There is help for those who want to quit using tobacco. Georgia residents 13 years and older who want to quit smoking, vaping, or using tobacco, can call the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line.

• 1-877-270-7867 (English)
• 1-877-266-3863 (Spanish)
• 1-877-777-6534 (Hearing Impaired)

The Quit Line is a free evidence-based public health service that provides counseling and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Nicotine replacement therapies in the form of gum or patch are also available through the Quit Line. Anyone who wants to quit the use of vape products can enroll in This is Quitting by texting VAPEFREEGA to 88709. This is Quitting is also a free service.

For additional information on the Tobacco 21 law, please visit our website at https://coastalhealthdistrict.org/tobacco21law.

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.

Between early February and mid-March, at least 66 emergency department visits involved the use of cocaine, methamphetamine, crack, heroin, pain killers and cannabis products that were likely laced with fentanyl. Patients described extreme reactions to drugs – one patient reported taking a Percocet and went unresponsive – or patients were seen for a stimulant overdose but had a positive response to naloxone. Naloxone is administered to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.

Fentanyl is a deadly substance that can be made illegally and found in all types of street drugs, not just opioids. It is important to know that it is possible to have an opioid overdose from a stimulant (e.g., cocaine) that is laced with fentanyl.

Symptoms of an opioid overdose include:

• Unconsciousness, or inability to wake up
  • Limp body
  • Falling asleep, extreme drowsiness
  • Slow, shallow, irregular or no breathing
  • Pale, blue, cold and/or clammy skin
  • Choking, snoring, or gurgling sounds
  • Slow or no heartbeat

Drugs that contain fentanyl cannot be detected by sight or smell, and even a small amount can cause an overdose. If you have a drug that was not prescribed for you, be aware it could contain fentanyl.

Fentanyl-related overdose deaths have been increasing in Georgia since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between May 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021, fentanyl-involved overdose deaths increased 106.2% compared to the same time period the previous year.

If you suspect a drug overdose, call 911 immediately, provide the location of the overdose and stay with the individual until help arrives. Georgia has a medical amnesty law that protects individuals who may be experiencing an overdose and callers seeking medical attention for drug overdoses. Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and can be obtained from pharmacies in Georgia without a prescription under a standing order from the Commissioner.

Drug prevention and recovery are possible with the appropriate support. For access to services and immediate crisis help, the Georgia Crisis & Access Line 1-800-715-4225 is available 24/7.

The Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is an annual observance aimed to help raise awareness and encourage preteens to make smart, healthy choices including defending themselves against vaccine-preventable diseases. 

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends these immunizations for preteens 11 to 12 years old:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) (2-shot series) to protect boys and girls from HPV-related cancers and infections.
• Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine helps protect against some of the bacteria that can cause meningococcal disease, including sepsis and meningitis.
• Tdap vaccine is recommended for protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

Everyone 11-12 years of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year and preteens may also need to catch up on other immunizations, including chickenpox (many do not have their second dose), MMR (measles mumps, rubella), hepatitis B, and COVID-19.

For more information on immunization schedules, please visit our website at coastalhealthdistrict.org/immunizations.

The Coastal Health District will host “Walk to Stop the Spread” at Forsyth Park on Saturday, April 16. The health fair and park walk are being held to raise awareness around HIV. The event is free and open to the public and participants who register will receive a free swag bag and t-shirt. There is no cost to register.

Outside vendors, food trucks, and other activities – including free HIV testing, diabetes screening, blood pressure checks, and COVID-19 testing and vaccinations – will also be available. Check-in starts at 8 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9 a.m. The festivities will continue until noon.

To register, go to coastalhealthdistrict.org/hiv or to eventbrite.com. You can also register in person at the Chatham County Health Department located at 1602 Drayton Street during regular operational hours.

The Coastal Health District’s HIV Program provides medical treatment and case management for those living with HIV/AIDS. all health departments offer free, confidential HIV testing. At-home HIV self-test kits are also available at no cost.

HIV testing is always free by appointment at all health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties and available Monday through Friday during regular health department hours of operation.

For more information on Coastal Health District HIV services, please visit our website at coastalhealthdistrict.org/hiv.