Latest news with #ChathamCountyHealthDepartment
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Free hurricane preparedness event
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The Chatham County Health Department (CCHD) will host an Emergency and Hurricane Preparedness Event on Friday, May 30. The free event is from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the green space behind the health department building at 1395 Eisenhower Drive in Savannah. It is open to the public. Several organizations, such Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), Healthy Savannah, GROW Initiative GA, the Red Cross and Safe Kids Savannah, will be on hand with information. This event will highlight important emergency preparedness information, including the Coastal Health District's Hurricane Registry. The Registry is a list of homebound residents in coastal Georgia who cannot safely evacuate without support. Individuals on the Registry have certain medical conditions or functional challenges that make general evacuation difficult and they have no other reliable transportation to evacuate. 'Preparedness is key to staying safe during a hurricane, especially for our most vulnerable residents,' said Dr. Chris Rustin, Director of the Chatham County Health Department. 'This event is a great opportunity for the community to learn about local resources, get connected, and make sure everyone has a plan, including those who may need extra help evacuating.' Individuals must apply in advance to be on the Hurricane Registry and receive evacuation assistance. In addition to information on the Hurricane Registry, there will be: Door prizes for the first 100 attendees Raffle prizes Emergency kit demonstrations Evacuation plan guides Local resource directories Information booths Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cervical cancer screenings
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Healthy Savannah and the Chatham County Health Department are partnering to offer a cervical cancer awareness and screening event on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the health department clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive. Cervical cancer kills thousands of women each year, but many of these deaths can be prevented through vaccination and screening. In the United States, about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year and about 4,000 women die of this cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 'The tragedy of cervical cancer is that its detrimental consequences are almost entirely preventable due to the accessibility and efficacy of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine,' said Krystal Sharp, Adult Health supervisor at Chatham County Health Department and community advisory board member for CHC: Creating Healthier Communities. 'But the stigma surrounding this topic from negative stereotypes and misconceptions about HPV can lead to fear of rejection, shame, and judgment causing some people to be less receptive to being vaccinated.' Healthy Savannah has also launched a campaign to help dispel the stigma surrounding the disease. The organization is encouraging prevention and early detection through vaccinations, regular screenings, and education about cervical health. Supported by CHC funding, Healthy Savannah will join with the Chatham County Health Department to present a health fair at its Eisenhower location from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The event will include door prizes, drawings and opportunities to learn about healthy living. A health clinic will also be available for those who wish to be screened for cervical cancer via pap smear or receive the HPV vaccine. The Health Department is located at 1395 Eisenhower Dr, Savannah, GA 31406. NOTE: Community members interested in receiving a pap smear/cervical cancer screening should arrive no later than 5:30 p.m. Please bring an unexpired photo ID. Screening is available for people aged 21 and older. Healthy Savannah has also developed a social media campaign and has placed informative signage on Chatham Area Transit buses, both of which encourage getting the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. 'Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented,' said Dr. Elsie Smalls, HPV Vaccination Equity Initiative Program manager. 'HPV causes more than 90% of cervical cancers, but the HPV vaccine reduces the risk of developing cancer and aids the body's immune system in recognizing and eliminating the virus. Screenings can also detect pre-cancerous cells, and early treatment can prevent the development of cervical cancer.' Healthy Savannah was awarded a CHC grant in February 2024 to elevate awareness of the HPV vaccine as a preventable measure against certain HPV related cancers, including cervical cancer, in Savannah/Chatham County. The goal is to provide prevention information related to HPV and increase the number of individuals who access the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of viral strands that most often cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and throat/mouth cancers. The CDC says HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years but can be given starting at age 9 up through age 26. The CDC says it is also possible for those up to age 45 to benefit from the vaccine after consulting with their doctor. The CDC also recommends that women start getting Pap tests at age 21. Pap smears and HPV co-testing can aid with early detection of cervical cancer and the screening can be performed in a doctor's office and most health clinics. For more information on Healthy Savannah's HPV Vaccination Equity Initiative, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Free screenings at Chatham County Health Department
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Treat your heart right this February and get free blood pressure screenings, blood glucose tests and more during the Chatham County Health Department's Heart Health and Wellness Fair. The event is planned for Friday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive. There is no cost for the health screenings, and no appointment is needed. The event will also feature door prizes, as well as information and education from several community vendors. Health screenings are very important for protecting yourself from health complications such as diabetes, heart disease and heart attack. High blood pressure is often called the 'silent killer' because it usually has no symptoms. The only way to know you have high blood pressure is to measure it through blood pressure screening. If your blood pressure is too high, lifestyle changes or medicine can reduce your risk for heart disease or heart attack. Blood glucose screenings check for health concerns like pre-diabetes and diabetes. Once you know your blood glucose levels, you can make any needed adjustments to your diet, exercise, or medications to improve your health. The Coastal Health District has several programs to help you manage blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Find out more about these programs and other local resources at the event on February 28 by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
