Quarterly Newsletter
Please click here to see the Fall 2011 edition of the CCBOH Quarterly Newsletter.
Federal Agencies to Conduct Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test
Please click here to see a press release regarding the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, taking place Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. (EST).
Perinatal and Infant Health Coalition
In an effort to develop a long-term strategy to improve Clayton County’s infant mortality rate and decrease the number of infants born Low Birth Weight (LBW, less than 5lbs, 8oz) or Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW, less than 3lbs, 5oz), the Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH), in collaboration with the Clayton County Collaborative Authority, Inc., launched the Clayton County Perinatal and Infant Health Coalition. The coalition’s kickoff meeting was held on August 17, 2011 at the Morrow Center (at Southlake Mall near Atlanta). During the launch, the CCBOH shared current county-wide data on infant mortality and poor birth outcomes, discussed the proposed approach to the coalition’s work, and encouraged stakeholders and partners to assist in developing a long-term strategy for improving the county’s infant mortality rate.
Click here to learn more about the launch and the coalition
Emergency Preparedness Coalitions Launch
In order to develop effective private-public collaborations and improve resiliency to disasters among Clayton County's most vulnerable population segments, the Clayton County Board of Health has established Emergency Preparedness Coalitions. Partners the CCBOH is seeking include local businesses, churches, volunteer and relief agencies, health care and mental health providers, senior centers and retirement facilities, and groups working within specific cultural/language segments. To learn more about Emergency Preparedness Coalitions, contact Doug Dugger at (678) 610-7467 or duggerf@dhr.state.ga.us.
See a recent press release and our recruitment poster.
CCBOH Flu Vaccination Campaign
In the Unites States, more than 36,000 people die every year from seasonal flu complications. Young people and older adults are the most susceptible. Protect yourself and your family by getting your annual flu vaccination from the Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH).
Beginning Oct. 3 through Oct. 31, 2011, the CCBOH will open its Express Flu Clinic, located at the front entrance of our Comprehensive Health Facility, 1117 Battle Creek Road in Jonesboro. During that time, residents will have the opportunity to receive a flu shot conveniently and inexpensively at the cost of $20.00 for adults, $14.00 for children, or free with approved insurance plans.
We will accept the following forms of payment: Cash, check, Medicaid, Medicare Part B, PeachCare, and State Health Benefit Plan insurances (Cigna and United Healthcare). Children under the age of 18 must have a parent present in order to receive the flu vaccine. For more information call the Clayton County Board of Health at (678) 610-7361.
Download the flier: English version- Spanish version
Babies Can't Wait Early Intervention Public Hearing Announcement
The Babies Can't Wait (BCW) Program (http://health.state.ga.us/programs/bcw) is Georgia’s statewide early intervention system for infants and toddlers with special needs and their families. Babies Can't Wait provides a comprehensive, coordinated interagency system of early intervention services for children with developmental delays or disabilities ages birth to three years and their families.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead administrative agency for the BCW system. As required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C section 34 CFR §§303.110-303.113, “the State must publish its Part C policy in a manner that will ensure circulation throughout the State at least 60-days prior to the date on which the policy is submitted and allow an opportunity for public comments on the policy for at least 30 days during that 60-day publication period.”
In order to meet this requirement, BCW invites interested persons to participate in a 60-day public comment period for the Fiscal Policy under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) August 29, 2011 to October 29, 2011. The proposed Fiscal Policy can be reviewed during the public comment period online at (http://health.state.ga.us) and at a number of locations statewide. Comments may be made in writing, via email or facsimile, or at a Public Hearing. Please call 404-657-2762 to find out where you can review the Fiscal Policy or to find the Public Hearing location nearest you.
Public Hearings will be held September 26 – October 7, 2011 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Written, email, and facsimile comments will be received until October 29, 2011 and should be sent to:
Chase Bolds, Babies Can’t Wait Program Manager
2 Peachtree Street NW, #11-222
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3186
Email: chbolds@dhr.state.ga.us
Facsimile: (404) 657-2763
Information Regarding Additive Use and Septic Tanks
With hundreds of products currently on the market, and some environmental engineering companies promoting their use, many homeowners have questions about septic tank additives. The Georgia Department of Public Health’s On-site Sewage Management Systems Program is dedicated to educating the public and wastewater practitioners about on-site wastewater issues. Our position is clear: Additives are not necessary to on-site sewage management systems and, in fact, can be harmful.
Click here for more information
CCBOH Launches Fitness/Nutrition Coalition
The Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH), along with several partner organizations, has formed the Clayton County Georgia Physical Activity and Nutrition (G-PAN) Coalition in order to improve the lives of Clayton residents through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, proper nutrition, and fitness.
The official launch of the Clayton County G-PAN Coalition will took place on Monday, Aug. 29 at the J. Charley Griswell Senior Center, located on the campus of Clayton County International Park at 2300 Ga. Hwy. 138 in Jonesboro.
To see a recent article from the Clayton News-Daily, click here
CCBOH Confirms the Presence of West Nile Virus
The Clayton County Board of Health recently confirmed that mosquitoes collected at a monitoring site in a central part of the county have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The Board of Health urges residents to take steps to protect themselves.
Please click here to view an informative press release:
Citizens are urged to be proactive in the fight against WNV by remembering the Five D’s of WNV Prevention:
Dusk - Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus usually bite at dusk and dawn.
Dawn - Avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn if possible. If you must be outside, be sure to protect yourself from bites.
Dress - Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
DEET - Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing the chemical DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
Drain - Empty any containers holding standing water because they can be excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
Other measures people can take to reduce the risk of WNV are:
- Dispose of old tires. Regularly empty any metal cans, ceramic flowerpots, bottles, jars, buckets, and other water-holding containers on your property.
- Turn over plastic wading pools, outdoor toys and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated. Remove standing water from pool covers.
- Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
- Keep gutters cleared and sloped to the downspout.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors.
- Make sure windows and screens are in good condition. Repair any holes in screens.
- Purchase and use Mosquito Dunks (a larvicide used to kill mosquito larvae) to control mosquitoes in areas with standing water and in containers that cannot be dumped.
CCBOH Launches Facebook and Twitter Sites
The Clayton County Board of Health invites you, your families, your friends, and colleagues to follow us on our new Facebook and Twitter pages. We hope the sites will eventually become your go-to resource for current public health and emergency preparedness information, local restaurant scores, and public health emergency updates.
To follow us, please visit www.facebook.com/CCBOH and click the "Like" button. To follow us on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/CCBOH and hit the "Follow" button.
Click here to see a press release
Extreme Heat: How to Protect Yourself
Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. Historically, from 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. In 2001, 300 deaths were caused by excessive heat exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Those who are sensitive to heat exposure include: Infants and young children; the elderly; those who are physically ill; outdoor workers; and persons who are overweight. Please see these links for tips on how to protect yourself.
CDC Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp
CDC Extreme Heat Media Kit (for health professionals and care providers):
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extremeheat/
Hyperthermia FAQs Sheet: Click here
Dehydration and Heat Illness Prevention Tips: Click here
Young Children and Heat Exposure
Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others, particularly infants and young children. Youngsters are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
Here are some ways parents and care providers can prevent heat-related death among children:
Take Immediate Action. The body temperature of children rises 3 ‐ 5 times faster than adults, and as a result, children are much more vulnerable to heat stroke.
Dial 911 immediately if you see an unattended child in a car. EMS professionals are trained to determine if a child is in trouble. Check vehicles and trunks FIRST if a child is missing.
Lock Cars and Trucks. Thirty percent of the recorded heat stroke deaths in the U.S. occur because a child was playing in an unattended vehicle. These deaths can be prevented by simply locking the vehicle doors to assure that kids don’t enter the vehicles and become trapped.
Create Reminders. Many child heat stroke deaths occur because parents and caregivers become distracted and exit their vehicle without their child. Place a cell phone, PDA, purse, briefcase, gym bag or something that is needed at your next stop on the floor in front of a child in a backseat. This will help you see your child when you open the rear door and reach for your belongings. Set the alarm on your cell phone/smartphone/computer calendar as a reminder to you to drop your child off at day care. Establish a plan with your daycare that if your child fails to arrive within an agreed upon time that you will be called within a few minutes.
Get Involved. Advocate for stronger state laws to protect children from being left unattended in a motor vehicle.
For more information on preventing child heat stroke deaths, please visit www.ggweather.com/heat and www.safekids.org/nlyca. Be sure to NEVER LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE in a car.
Restaurant Health Inspection Search Tool
Search for the most recent health inspection score of your favorite restaurant.
Click Here to Begin Restaurant Score Search
Annual Billing to be Instituted in 2012 for Food Service Establishments
Beginning January 1, 2012, the CCBOH Environmental Health Services Department will implement annual billing for environmental health services, starting with food service establishments. Click here to see the letter of notification.
Become a Public Health Volunteer
The Clayton County Board of Health needs your help during emergencies and disasters that affect the health and welfare of the public! Become a part of our Public Health Volunteer Program! Click here for more information!
State of Health Report
For the first time ever in the 70-year history of the Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH), the board has released its State of Health Report for Clayton County. This comprehensive report was developed by the Board of Health to heighten the community's awareness of the most prevalent health issues impacting Clayton County.
The 17-page State of Health Report is meant to serve as a guide to individuals and policy makers about what factors are negatively impacting the life expectancy of Clayton County residents. To see the full report, click here.
New payment policy for Environmental Health Services customers:
The Clayton County Board of Health now requires that all permits, application fees, inspection fees, and penalty fees be paid by check (personal or business) or money order. Cash will not be accepted. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please plan accordingly to present the correct form(s) of payment at the time fees are due. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Need a car seat for your child? Click here for more information!
Director’s Message
Welcome to the Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH) Web site. We are pleased that you are visiting our site and hope that you will find it both user-friendly and helpful. We offer a vast array of public health programs and it is our intent that you will be able to access useful information on the many programs and services we provide.
Our mission is to protect and promote the health of our residents (and also visitors to Clayton County) through high standards of quality community health by prevention, surveillance, assessment, treatment and collaborative community partnerships throughout Clayton County.
CCBOH offers both clinical and specialty services for children, teens and adults. Services include but are not limited to immunizations, dental and adult health services, including family planning. Specialty Services Clinic provides treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and refugee services. Population–based services are also offered and include Chronic Disease and Tobacco Prevention Initiative, Clayton County Adolescent Health and Youth Development, Disease Prevention and Outbreak Investigation, HIV Jail Project, M.O.M.S. (Making Our Mothers Successful), Environmental Health and Emergency Preparedness.
Please take time to browse through our Web site and learn more about public health services and how they work for you in Clayton County. Your feedback on this site is welcomed.
Thank you.