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

Long News


Primary Care Services Now Available at Long County Health Department

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Angela Hartley, MSN, APRN, FNP-C 
District Nursing Director 

Need a checkup? Battling a sore throat? Managing diabetes or high blood pressure? You can now get the care you need close to home. The Long County Health Department in Ludowici is now offering primary care services by appointment two days a week.

Nurse Practitioner and Coastal Health District Nursing Director Angela Hartley, FNP-C, is providing these services every Wednesday and Thursday at the health department by appointment.

Available services include:

  • treatment for minor illnesses such as strep throat, sinus infections, ear infections, and colds
  • ongoing care for chronic conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol
  • routine wellness exams and sports physicals, and more.

These services are offered in addition to the department’s core public health programs, such as immunizations, family planning, and STD testing and treatment.

“Residents of our rural counties often have very few options for primary care and sometimes have to travel outside the county for minor illness or chronic disease management,” said Hartley. “We’re excited to now offer quality primary care close to home.”

The Long County Health Department accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and many private insurance plans. Affordable self-pay options are also available for individuals without insurance.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call the Long County Health Department at (912) 545-2107.

National Infant Immunization Week

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is observed from April 21 – 28, 2025. Each year, NIIW highlights the importance of protecting children 2 years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases.

On-time vaccination is essential to protect children from potentially life-threatening diseases. However, children aren’t fully vaccinated until they’re 15–18 months old. That’s why it’s important for those around infants to stay up to date on their own vaccines—helping shield young children as their immunity develops.

Some childhood illnesses that were once nearly eradicated through vaccination efforts are beginning to make a comeback in the United States. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but there have been recent measles outbreaks in several states. Whooping cough (pertussis) cases have been on the rise for decades. This resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases is primarily due to declining vaccination rates.

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.

Review the 2025 Immunization Schedule recommended for birth through 6 years old by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 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.

Stay Safe After Floods: Ensure Your Tetanus Vaccination is Up to Date

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.

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You may need a tetanus booster shot if:

  • It has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
  • You have a puncture wound and it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
  • You have a wound that has come in contact with floodwater, and it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus vaccination.

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.

Coastal Health District Shifts to Regional COVID-19 Testing Sites; Local Health Departments Increase COVID-19 Vaccination Program

Beginning February 1st, all COVID-19 testing services by the Coastal Health District will shift to two regional testing sites. All testing through public health will be offered in Chatham and Glynn Counties. Public Health will no longer offer COVID-19 testing in Bryan, Camden, Effingham, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties after this week.

In addition to public health sites, COVID-19 testing is also available through many private providers, pharmacies, urgent care centers, and health clinics.

“We have to shift our priorities to better meet the demand for COVID-19 vaccine,” said District Health Director, Dr. Lawton Davis. “As much as we’d like to do it all, our smaller counties don’t have the capacity to operate testing sites, give COVID-19 vaccines, and provide core public health services. Fortunately, there are several other resources available for testing outside of public health.”

Testing at the Glynn County Health Department is by appointment only. Testing at the Savannah Civic Center in Chatham County does not require an appointment, but you must pre-register.

The COVID-19 Testing Call Center Hours will also change. Starting Monday, February 1st, the Testing Call Center will be operational from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday.

For more information on COVID-19 testing or vaccine, go to covid19.gachd.org.

Coastal Health District HIV Director Receives Prestigious National Award

HIV Director for the Coastal Health District, Susan Alt, BSN, ACRN, has been named the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board’s Certified Nurse of the Year. The HIV/AIDS Certified Nurse of the Year is a prominent national award that recognizes an AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN) who exemplifies excellence in HIV/AIDS nursing and advances the mission of the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board. Alt, who has maintained certification in HIV/AIDS nursing since 1997, recently received the award at the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) 28th Annual Awards Ceremony in Chicago.

Alt, who has been involved in HIV nursing for more than 31 years, essentially started with Chatham County Health Department’s HIV program in 1989 when there were only 40 patients. The program now serves more than 1,300 active patients throughout the eight-county Coastal Health District and Alt has been there every step of the way.

“Susan’s leadership and guidance has been instrumental in building an HIV program that addresses all the needs of our patients,” said Coastal Health District Health Director, Diane Weems, M.D. “Her commitment to this program and the patients who are part of it has been unwavering from day one. Susan is deeply devoted to making sure that those with HIV get into care, stay in care, and get all of the resources they need to live healthy and productive lives.”

Under Alt’s leadership, the Coastal Health District was the first public health district in the state of Georgia to conduct HIV clinical trials. The District is currently engaged in 16 trials providing much needed opportunities for patients facing the most difficult obstacles. She has developed strong partnerships that have ultimately benefited the patients and community she serves.

Alt has influenced the quality of HIV care throughout Georgia through her contribution on statewide committees and workgroups including the Georgia AIDS Task Force, the Public Health Nurse Protocol Committee, the Georgia Ryan White Part B Program Quality Management Team, and the Ryan White Part B Program Leadership Group. She serves as a mentor to other Ryan White program leaders, providing technical assistance to programs throughout the state. According to the ANAC award recipient description, “Her work on the development of HIV/AIDS nursing protocols helped define HIV/AIDS nursing practice of Georgia public health nurses.”

“The most important things to Susan are preventing the spread of HIV and making sure that those living with HIV are treated not only medically but also with respect and compassion,” said Weems. “She is most deserving of this recognition and all of us at the Coastal Health District are incredibly proud of her accomplishments.”

 

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