District 2 Public Health

05/27/2026

Life can turn upside down during an emergency such as a natural disaster or a health concern. During this period, exposure to trauma can negatively affect mental health long-term. 🧠

The Emergency Preparedness team collaborates with mental health professionals before, during, and after emergencies to ensure effective recovery and community wellness. Working together strengthens community resilience, and recovery is possible with the right support. 👥💚

05/22/2026

High blood pressure is dangerous because it usually has no symptoms, but it’s a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. 🫀

Checking your blood pressure at home is a simple, yet powerful way to stay on top of your health, according to the World Health Organization. Early detection, regular monitoring, and proper treatment can help prevent many hypertension-related complications. 💪

To learn more information about hypertension, visit: https://www.who.int/health-topics/hypertension =tab_1

05/20/2026

Mental health affects every part of our lives. Economic instability, housing insecurity, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare can all negatively impact mental well-being. 🧠🌿

Because these challenges are deeply connected to our overall health and safety, Public Health Emergency Preparedness plays a vital role in supporting community wellness and improving access to care. Building community resilience helps us all be prepared for unexpected health emergencies and natural disasters. ⛈️

During Mental Health Awareness Month, take time to learn about mental health so we can lead with compassion and empathy in our homes and communities. 🤝

To learn more about mental health conditions, signs, and tips, visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health

05/14/2026

Staying active can be fun! Exercising through activities you like can make fitness a sustainable part of your routine. 💪🏾

Kids and teens need at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Adults need at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, plus muscle-strengthening activities. Move your way! 🙌🏽

To learn more tips to stay active, visit:
https://odphp.health.gov/moveyourway

Hate going to the gym? Find ways to get active that work for you!Learn more tips on how to get active here: https://youtu.be/dAaB8XDUi4I

05/08/2026

Find the latest updates in the March/April edition of "EP News and Views"! ☀️

This edition of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Newsletter features the annual Piedmont University Exercise, as well as valuable wildfire preparedness tips to help keep our community safe! 🤝

04/30/2026

No toda exposición conlleva un riesgo de transmisión del VIH. 💭

Para hacer una cita para una prueba de VIH o para aprender más sobre PrEP, comuníquese con el Navegador de Salud Pública del Distrito 2:

📱 Llame al 762-900-8000
🌐 Visita el sitio web: https://phdistrict2.org/std-hiv-testing/
🔗 Visita nuestro Linktree: https://linktr.ee/district2prep

04/30/2026

Ready to make an impact this summer? ☀️

The District 2 Public Health Women’s Health Youth Ambassadors Program gives high school students a unique chance to explore careers in public health and women’s health! 🌸

Through hands-on, non-clinical experiences and community engagement, you’ll build real-world leadership skills while making a meaningful impact in the community.

Be the voice. Be the change. Be an ambassador. 🌍

Sign up today by filling out the form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DaEtURsHlEuKvJ7EBE0VFv0TIxIxY71JoD0umRAlTGFUMFQ0QUM0Q084TFg2QzNMTEdBRThHTTRVSC4u

04/24/2026

As wildfire risk remains heightened across Georgia, stay prepared with these simple steps (CDC):

🟩 If you see or smell wildfire smoke, limit time outdoors. Keep windows and doors closed to maintain clean air indoors.
🟩 Stay tuned to local news for air quality updates.
🟩 Close windows, vents, and blinds prior to an evacuation.
🟩 Prepare for wildfires by knowing multiple, potential escape routes.
🟩 Prepare a go-kit with essentials to take during an emergency.
🟩 Have a dual-sensor smoke alarm on each level of your home, and test it monthly.

Taking small steps now helps the community be prepared! 💪

04/24/2026

Spring is a time to reset; your health deserves it too.🌱✨ Refresh your routine and make time for:

• HIV testing
• Learning about PrEP
• Connecting with local resources

A fresh start looks good on you! 💚 To make an appointment for HIV testing or to learn about PrEP, contact the District 2 Public Health Navigator:

📱 Call: 762-900-8000
🌐 Visit the STI and HIV webpage: https://phdistrict2.org/std-hiv-testing/
🔗 Explore our linktree: https://linktr.ee/district2prep

04/23/2026

The Franklin County animal rabies clinics are coming soon on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Protect your pets from rabies during this once-a-year opportunity for $5 per vaccine. 🐈🐕

Bring your cats and dogs to get their one-year rabies vaccine. If you are interested to get your pet a 3-year rabies vaccine, we encourage you to contact the desired veterinarian’s office you plan to visit ahead of time to know the price and availability. 🐾

As rabies incidents occur periodically in North Georgia, it is important to keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Please see the locations and times below:

Dr. April Steele, D.V.M.
• Tugaloo Hospital (5648 Vickery St, Lavonia, GA 30553): 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Dr. Patrick L. Hitchcock, D.V.M.
• Line Community Center (15551 Hwy 17 Lavonia, GA): 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
• Poplar Springs Baptist Church (67 Poplar Springs Church Rd, Lavonia, GA 30553): 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Red Hill Baseball Field (Located at the corner of Red Hill School Rd and Hwy 106): 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Dr. Leslie Lord, D.V.M.
• Royston Animal Hospital (2888 W Main St, Royston, GA 30662): 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM