The Coastal Health District of Georgia serves the counties of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long & McIntosh
As of October 3, all clinics and offices in the Coastal Health District have resumed normal operations.
However, phone service may be disrupted at the Long County Health Department. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Click here for important health reminders associated with a prolonged power outage, floodwater, and other post-storm concerns.
The Coastal Health District reminds residents and first responders to ensure their tetanus vaccinations are up to date as they clean up after recent floods or assist with the recovery.
Tetanus bacteria is found naturally in soil. If you wade through flood water, you could encounter sharp objects and sustain an injury that allows the tetanus bacteria to enter your body. Although tetanus infection is rare, it can be very serious or even fatal.
The best way to prevent infection is to be vaccinated prior to exposure, which is why all adults should receive tetanus booster shots every 10 years. However, tetanus vaccination is still effective if given within 48 hours after an injury.
You may need a tetanus booster shot if:
If you’re not sure if you need a tetanus vaccine, contact your local county health department or your regular healthcare provider.
The cost of tetanus vaccination is covered by most health insurance plans. If you do not have insurance coverage for this vaccine, no-cost options may be available at the health departments of the Coastal Health District.
Residents are also reminded to keep kids out of flood water. Flood water can displace insects and reptiles which can be dangerous to people. The water can also be contaminated with bacteria and harmful chemicals. If it’s necessary for you to touch flood water as you clean up, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
As Tropical Storm Debby moves out of our area, the Coastal Health District urges residents to use caution during the cleanup and recovery period. Floodwater and power outages can bring health hazards even after the storm ends.
Food Safety
Many residents lost power during the storm and may be unsure if refrigerated food is still safe. They can follow this simple rule: When in doubt, throw it out.
Once power is off, the refrigerator keeps food at safely cold temperatures for 4 hours, while food in a freezer remains safe for approximately 8 hours. If your power is off longer, your food is not safe to eat and should be discarded.
Do not consume anything that floodwater may have touched. Floodwater can carry disease-causing organisms.
For more information on food safety after a storm, please visit Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods | FDA and Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency | CDC.
Avoid Floodwater
Protect Yourself from Pests
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
After residents have ensured their own household’s health and safety, we encourage everyone to check on their neighbors, especially those who may be elderly or have special needs.
For more information to help protect yourself and your loved ones following a storm, please visit Safety Guidelines: After a Hurricane or Other Tropical Storm | CDC.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating reports of severe illnesses associated with Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies.
Diamond Shruumz products may contain harmful and undisclosed ingredients, including psychoactive compounds that can cause serious illness when eaten. These “edibles” are often sold as gummy candies, chocolates, or other snack foods that frequently appeal to children and teenagers.
The Diamond-Shruumz-brand products are sold online and at retailers nationwide. They are commonly available at consumable hemp retailers and tobacco and vape shops. The products have been recalled but may still be available for sale in some places. Retailers should remove products from their shelves and consumers should discard any products that have been purchased.
As of July 8, 2024, 58 illnesses have been reported in 27 states, including several reports in Georgia that are being investigated. Of the people who became ill after eating these products, more than half were hospitalized, and there is one potentially associated death under investigation. The investigation is ongoing to identify other cases.
People who became ill from Diamond Shruumz-brand products reported a variety of severe symptoms, including hallucinations, uncontrolled movements, fast or slow heart rate, high or low blood pressure, flushed skin, and gastrointestinal effects (such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain). Other severe adverse effects have been reported, including seizures, decreased level of consciousness, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, and respiratory failure.
If you have consumed any Diamond Shruumz products and are experiencing symptoms, seek immediate medical attention or call the Georgia Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. Healthcare providers should also report illnesses to the Georgia Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
The investigation into these illnesses is ongoing. For more information, visit the FDA or CDC websites.
Every resident in the Coastal Health District should be prepared for a possible hurricane evacuation, but planning is especially critical for individuals with physical or medical challenges. If a resident has functional needs or a healthcare condition that limits their ability to travel independently AND they need assistance with transportation to evacuate, now is the time to apply for the Coastal Health District’s Hurricane Registry.
Residents who qualify for the Hurricane Registry typically require paratransit or similar transportation services to travel and have no other resources such as family members, neighbors, or friends to transport them to safety. If an individual is approved for the Hurricane Registry, they will receive assistance when a storm threatens our region. Our goal is to help them evacuate to a safe inland shelter when a hurricane is approaching our coast.
“The Hurricane Registry allows us to assist residents who have critical transportation needs during an evacuation,” said Todd Wyckoff, Emergency Preparedness Director of the Coastal Health District. “We want to make sure those who need the most help can evacuate safely when a hurricane is approaching. It’s vital that they register in advance, so we can be properly prepared with the necessary resources.”
What else do you need to know?
The Hurricane Registry is maintained by the local health department in each of the eight counties of the Coastal Health District, including Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh. You must apply to be on the registry in advance. You can begin the process by calling the Hurricane Registry hotline toll free at 1-833-CHD-REGISTRY (1-833-243-7344) or by downloading an application in English [PDF] or Spanish [PDF].
For more information about the Hurricane Registry, visit CoastalHealthDistrict.org/registry.
The Coastal Health District HIV Prevention Program, in partnership with Walgreens, will hold free HIV testing events on Thursday, June 27, to commemorate National HIV Testing Day (NHTD). This year’s NHTD events will be held at these Walgreens locations in Chatham and Glynn counties:
The first 25 people to be tested at each location will receive a $25 gift card. All testing is free and confidential, and results will be available in about one minute.
Georgia has some of the highest HIV rates in the country, and many people living with HIV may not be aware of their status. There are many effective ways to prevent HIV or, if you are infected, to treat HIV so you can live a healthy and full life. But the first step is to know your status.
The theme for NHTD 2024 is “Level up your self-love: check your status.” This theme emphasizes valuing yourself, showing yourself compassion and respect, and honoring your health needs with self-love. Knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy and keep your partners healthy.
As a reminder, HIV testing is always free by appointment at all health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties. Free self-test kits are also available and can be used at home. Click here for more information about Coastal Health District HIV services.
The Georgia Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a federally-funded program that provides WIC recipients with fresh, locally grown, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and edible herbs.
WIC farmers markets are held each year during the farmers market season. If you’re a WIC participant, visit one of these farmers market events for NO COST fresh fruits and vegetables. Arrive early – produce is limited. The events are from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. but may close early once the produce is gone.
For more information on the Georgia WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program, please visit dph.ga.gov/farmers-market.
| Date | County | Location Name | Address |
| June 10 | Effingham | Parks & Recreation Complex | 22 Josh Reddick Way, Springfield |
| June 11 | Chatham | Savannah Technical College | 5717 White Bluff Rd., Savannah |
| June 12 | Chatham | Savannah Technical College | 5717 White Bluff Rd., Savannah |
| June 13 | Liberty | James Brown Park | 800 Tupelo Trail, Hinesville |
| June 14 | Liberty | James Brown Park | 800 Tupelo Trail, Hinesville |
| July 8 | Camden | Camden Co. Health Dept. | 905 Dilworth St., St. Marys |
| July 9 | Glynn | Glynn Co. Health Dept. | 2747 Fourth St., Brunswick |
| July 10 | Glynn | Glynn Co. Health Dept. | 2747 Fourth St., Brunswick |
| July 11 | McIntosh | McIntosh Co. Health Dept. | 1335 GA Hwy 57, Townsend |
| July 12 | Bryan | Wetlands Education Center | 500 Cedar St., Richmond Hill |
| July 15 | Liberty | James Brown Park | 800 Tupelo Trail, Hinesville |
| July 16 | Liberty | James Brown Park | 800 Tupelo Trail, Hinesville |
| July 17 | Long | Long Co. Health Dept. | 584 N. Macon St., Ludowici |
| July 18 | Chatham | Savannah Technical College | 5717 White Bluff Rd., Savannah |
| July 19 | Chatham | Savannah Technical College | 5717 White Bluff Rd., Savannah |
Click here [PDF, 485.47 KB] for a downloadable flyer with these dates and locations.
–> Haga clic aquí para obtener información en español
There is good news for adults without insurance coverage for vaccinations – the health departments of the Coastal Health District are now offering adult vaccines at no cost for individuals without adequate insurance coverage. This offer is only available on in-stock vaccines while supplies last.
Several vaccinations are recommended at different stages for adults, like immunizations against shingles, tetanus, whooping cough, measles and more. Health insurance covers most routine vaccinations, but adults without insurance must sometimes pay a fee.
“Vaccination saves lives, and we believe everyone in our community who wants to be vaccinated should have access to vaccines,” said Paige Lightsey, Immunization Director for the Coastal Health District. “Thanks to a federal grant, we can now offer no-cost vaccines for adults in every county of our health district.”
The no-cost vaccination program runs from May 1st through November 30th on in-stock vaccines while supplies last. To see if you qualify for a no-cost vaccine or to schedule an appointment for vaccination, please call your local county health department.
Each year in the US, as many as 50,000 adults die from vaccine-preventable diseases or their complications. Life-saving vaccines for adults include:
If you’re not sure which adult immunizations you may need, check with your health department, or visit our immunization webpage for information about recommended vaccines for adults
Desplácese hacia abajo para obtener información en español.
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.
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.
The following press release was issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health.
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated individual traveling with an international group of students. The individual, who does not live in the United States, is isolated and receiving treatment at a local hospital. DPH is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify and contact anyone who may have been exposed to the individual and to prevent further spread of measles.
Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person is there so you can become infected by simply being in a room where an infected person once was.
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 that usually 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 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%.
People with symptoms of measles should contact their healthcare 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. Healthcare 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.
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