Georgia Coastal Health District

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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.

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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:

• 2109 E. Victory Drive, Savannah, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• 11509 Abercorn Street, Savannah 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• 700 E. DeRenne Ave., Savannah 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• 4210 Augusta Road, Garden City 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• 4575 Altama Avenue, Brunswick 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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. 

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:

• Chickenpox
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• MMR
• Meningococcal
• Pneumococcal
• Shingles
• Tetanus
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Diphtheria

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