Adolescent Health/Youth Development Program
The goal of the Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) Program is to reduce teen birth rates for adolescents 15-17 years of age. Build community capacity by providing public awareness and education and collaborating with community agencies/organizations which have an interest in reducing teen pregnancy. Address teen pregnancy related issues with community/parents/professional agencies/organizations, and provide training, education, and technical assistance to the community. The Adolescent Healths/Youth Development is a community-based program and service includes: Teen pregnancy prevention, education designed for teens which assists them with manage life skills such as: Peer pressure, self-esteem, conflict resolution, coping skills, responsible decision-making about sexual practices, career development and communication skills. For more information contact: (706) 667-4238 Training
(706) 729-2052/2055 Educational Services
Birth or Death Certificates
All births and death are registered and recorded in the County that the event occurred. The Richmond County Health Department, through a partnership with VitalChek Network, Inc., has made it possible for you to request vital records online by using your credit card. An additional Fee will be charged by VitalChek Network, Inc. for using this service, all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa. To order vital records on line :
http://www.vitalchek.com/richmond-county-express-vital-records.aspx
Hours of Operation Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
1916 North Leg Road, Augusta Georgia 30909
For additional information please call (706) 667-4335. Chronic Disease Prevention/Health Promotion
The goals of the Chronic Disease Program are to improve the health status and quality of life all Georgians by preventing and/or reducing chronic diseases and conditions, and the unhealthily decisions that affect individuals across the lifespan. The program focuses on the recruitment of community-based coalitions and collaboration with existing community partners and individuals to provide community-based education, awareness and health promotion efforts aimed at: 1) prevention and reduction of Chronic diseases, 2) promotion of quality health through improved lifestyle behaviors, 3) Prevent and reduce the number of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. 4) policy and Environmental development and changes which lead to improved health for all Populations. Health Promotion focus areas include: Arthritis/Osteoporosis, Asthmas, Cancer, Cardiovascular Health, Diabetes and behavioral risk factors: unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and tobacco use. For additional information contact: (706) 729 2055
Nutrition Services/WIC/Breastfeeding
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program designed to influence nutrition and health behaviors in a targeted, high-risk population. WIC provides specific nutritional foods; nutrition and breastfeeding education and support. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women, infants and children under five years of age who meet the following guidelines are eligible to apply:
Provide proof of ID and Georgia residency
Have a documented nutritional risk
Provide proof of income less than or equal to 185% of poverty guidelines or proof of Medicaid/Food Stamp Enrollment
For additional information, contact Nutrition Services/WIC Program at (706) 667-4287. The goal of the East Central Health District Breastfeeding Program is to make breastfeeding the norm in infant feeding practices and to provide breastfeeding information, education, and support to pregnant and breastfeeding women. The following services are provided through the East Central Health District Breastfeeding Program:
Breastfeeding Helpline- call the Breastfeeding helpline for questions or concerns about breastfeeding or request a breast pump. You may listen to automated messages or speak to a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (1-800-992-9708). More Food Vouchers – WIC mothers who are breastfeeding may receive vouchers for more food and may also stay on WIC longer than mothers who are not breastfeeding. Breastfeeding classes – Some health departments offer breastfeeding classes that are taught by trained Breastfeeding Peer Counselors. Please call your local health department or Breastfeeding Helpline for more information. After Delivery Follow-Up - Home visits may be available in your area by a board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or Breastfeeding Peer Counselors can follow-up with a phone call if you need help with breastfeeding. There is also a Breastfeeding Coalition in Augusta and Burke County to support Mothers and Babies. For more information, please call (706) 667-4705 or email dmwilson@dhr.state.ga.us
Children Health Programs
The Child Health Programs consist of a variety of integrated services, including immunizations, hearing, dental, and vision screenings, well-child examinations, and family planning Services. Public Health nursing staff supports county school systems by providing education about the identification and treatment of communicable disease. Children 1st identifies children at risk for poor health and/or developmental outcomes from birth to age 5. Families are linked to appropriate health, developmental and family support services. Children 1st was created to help make sure that all of Georgia’s children stay in the best possible health. Children 1st assists families by offering no-cost, in-home visits to assess for needs and linking them to available community resources. Participation is voluntary from beginning to end and parents may withdraw at any time. Infants and children identified with special health care needs and/or developmental needs are referred to one or more of our Children with Special Needs programs- Children 1st First Care for infants up to one year of age, Babies’ Can’t Wait (BCW), and Children’s Medical Services (CMS). Children 1st First Care provides services to assure that families with high risk infants receive appropriate health and/or medical screenings, assessments, intervention and follow-up. Staff works with families to assure they have the knowledge, skill and abilities to provide care and to access the services needed for their infant. After the first birthday the infant is transitioned back to the Children 1st program for followup until age 5 or referred to other special needs programs as needed. Babies’ Can’t Wait (BCW) is Georgia’s statewide interagency service delivery system for children from birth to age three years. This program ensures that families have access to the services they need to enhance their child’s development. Eligibility for the program is based upon either a medical diagnosis which has a high probability of leading to developmental delay or the question of significant developmental delay. Services may include assistive technology, family training, occupational, speech, physical therapy and/or special instruction. Children’s Medical Services (CMS) is a program that strives to coordinate community based, family focused, and quality specialty medical care service coordination for children with chronic medical conditions. Children birth to 21 years who live in Georgia and meet medical and income eligibility requirements may be enrolled in CMS. The range of medically eligible conditions include cardiac, chronic lung diseases, diabetes, hearing disorders, neurological and neuromuscular disorders, cerebral palsy, vision disorders and congenital abnormalities. Through care coordination CMS nurses work closely with the primary care provider and/or specialist to coordinate services and assist with payment for evaluations, diagnostic tests, hospitalizations, medications and/or supplies if related to the CMS eligible condition. Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention (UNHSI) is a system in which Public Health works together with hospitals and primary health care providers to assure that every newborn is screened for hearing loss prior to hospital discharge. Infants not passing the initial and/or repeat screening are referred for appropriate diagnostic evaluation before three months of age and when appropriate to intervention by six months of age. HealthCheck is the Medicaid reimbursement program for children ages 0 to 21 years. It is designed to provide periodic screenings to detect and treat health problems before they become chronic and irreversible. The well-child exam includes a comprehensive physical examination, personal and family history, laboratory procedures, health risk assessment, education and any necessary immunizations. Any abnormal/suspicious findings are treated in the health department if possible or referred to a provider of the client’s choice. Women and Men Health Services
Women Health Services are available at all Health Departments within the 13 County District. Physical exams are offered, including: breast exams, pap smears, and evaluation for contraceptive methods. Pregnancy testing, confirmation of pregnancy, and referrals to prenatal care providers are also provided. Once a female is determined to be pregnant and a referral for prenatal care has been made, a presumptive Medicaid determination is made in order to remove the financial barriers. Early prenatal care is critical for a healthy birth outcome for both mother and infant. Planning for Health Babies (P4HB) applications are available to assist with birth control and space planning for children. Breast and Cervical Cancer Program provides screening tests including clinical breast exams, PAP smears and mammography for eligible women 40 years and older. If low income women are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, they can be screened for Women’s Health Medicaid. Men’s Health is linked to the Family Planning program in providing services to males across the District. Collaboration and coordination are provided to increase awareness of men’s health issues across the life span. Immunizations provide shots to protect not only children and adults but also the health of the public in general. There are now shots to protect against diseases that were once common and life threatening. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningitis, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Varicella (Chicken Pox), Haemophilus Influenza type B, Rotavirus, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and annual influenza vaccine are available at local health departments. Communicable Disease Program
Communicable Disease Program is the prevention and control of infectious and contagious diseases are essential Public Health Responsibilities. Public Health has traditionally played a major role in the prevention, treatment, education and follow-up of all sexually transmitted diseases (STD). STD clinics offer thorough examinations, diagnosis, treatment, and partner notification in a confidential setting, as well as individual education about the disease process. The primary goal of the STD program is to provide services to help reduce the number of STDs as well as the possibility of epidemics and spread of these infections. Congenital Syphilis cases are followed by the STD section for at least one year after birth to ensure appropriate testing and medical follow-up. Emergency Preparedness
Public Health’s role has changed after 9-11 from support to support plus two primary functions:
We coordinate and administer disaster specific shots (vaccines or immunizations) and medications to large populations of people when indicated. We assure access to special need population shelters (SNPS). SNPS differ from Red Cross General Shelters, also called congregate shelters, in that they provide first aid level of care for patients with medical problems that require special assistance. A simple example is a Kidney failure patient that has no resources during a disaster. We shelter them and make arrangements for dialysis. All responses to natural and/or man-made disasters are encompassed in 20 Emergency Support Functions (ESF). Public Health has responsibilities is ESF 8 “Health and Medical” and ESF 6 “Mass Care and Sheltering”. Environmental Health Services
Environment Health Services is protecting the public from environmental hazards has long been a mainstay for Public Health. Efforts to assure safe drinking water, proper sewage disposal, and sanitary Food preparations in restaurants have contributed greatly to Public health improvements In the East Central Health District. In addition to food-borne and water-borne diseases, Environmental Health Specialist also protect the public from diseases caused by animals. For more information in Richmond County please call (706) 667-4234. For all other Counties please call (706) 667-4346. HIV Information
HIV at District 6 is focused on the counseling, testing and education of all persons at risk for HIV. Case managers from Public Health’s AIDS Project Office assist HIV-infected clients with social and physical needs. In addition, they educate clients about ways to reduce risk of Infection to others. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Grant (Part B) is administered in District Six to provide medical treatment and care of persons under insured or uninsured and diagnosed with HIV and or AIDS. Medical and Support Services are provided for those who qualify. Currently the Georgia Health Sciences University and the Christ Community Health Center of Augusta provide comprehensive health services. Appointments may be obtained through the Ryan White Case Managers at (706)667-4342. The Jail Project is a prevention program that provides a prevention intervention that is a CDC Evidence Based Program to inmates of some of the county jails in District Six. Community outreach to all thirteen counties is available. Medical Reserve Corps
Medical Reserve Corps On September 30th 2003, the East Central Health District (ECHD) VI Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) was officially registered with the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General in the Department of Health and Human Services on September 30, 2006. The purpose of the MRC is to develop a cadre of medical and non-medical volunteers trained and credentialed to provide a back-up capability for emergency responders and Hospitals in the event of a major medical emergency or bio-terrorist act. MRC volunteers assist the ECHD in providing basic health services at Health Fairs, conducting immunization drills, and educating the public in Public Health issues. In addition, these volunteers provide staffing for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Points of Distribution (PODS) in the event of a major outbreak of disease or a bio-terrorist act that creates massive casualties. If you would like additional information regarding the Medical Reserve Corps, please call (706) 667-4275/4276. The Office of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance
The Office of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance provides epidemiological data support and disease surveillance activities to promote and protect the health of residents within the East Central Health District. The primary responsibility for the Epidemiology Department is to provide continuous surveillance of diseases in the district and to investigate all diseases and cluster illnesses that pose an imminent threat to the community, as well as, to determine and contain the disease origin. Disease surveillance is vital to determining the ongoing patterns of disease occurrence and disease potential so that investigation, control, and prevention measures can be applied efficiently and effectively. There are over 70 notifiable diseases that the Epidemiology Department tracks and investigates. These diseases include all vaccine preventable diseases, such as pertussis and measles; zoonotic and vector-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus and Lyme disease; waterborne and foodborne diseases such as Salmonella, Shigella, and E. Coli, and potential agents of bioterrorism, such as Q-fever and botulism. Georgia physicians , laboratories, and other health care providers are required by law to report the occurrence of certain diseases and conditions to Public Health. This notifiable disease reporting system links public health officials to clinicians, infection control professionals, and laboratorians who are often the first to become aware of public health threats. Disease reporting enables outbreak (epidemic) detection as well as characterization of epidemiology of endemic diseases. How to report a notifiable disease:
Can be reported electronically through the State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (SENDSS) at , or Disease report form that can be marked confidential and mailed in an envelope, or Call or fax your local County Health Department, or District Health office 706-667-4263, or Call the Georgia Division of Public Health, 1-866-PUB-HLTH. Oral Health
The vision of Georgia Oral Health is to provide complete dental care for children and
limited care for adults who cannot access a private dentist. Dental services are offered in East Central Public Health District – services include
Check ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, extractions, and x-rays. The following are eligible to receive dental care – 1 to 21 years of age, Pregnant
Women, Adults on an emergency basis, employees and their immediate families. Fees are based on income. We accept Medicaid/Peachcare. East Central Public Health Dental Clinics are located at:
Richmond County Health Department 950 Laney Walker Augusta, Ga 706-721-5891
Tri County Health Services Warrenton, Ga 706-465-3253
Summer clinics at Burke and Wilkes County Health Departments
Tobacco Use Prevention Program
The most preventable diseases and deaths are related to Tobacco Use
The Tobacco Use Prevention Program is a comprehensive program with goals to reduce the health burdens associated with tobacco use. The program is based on the Center of Disease Control (CDC) recommended four goals:
Prevent the initiative of tobacco use among youth
Promote quitting among youth and adults
Eliminate exposure to environmental (secondhand smoke)
Identify and eliminate disparities related to tobacco use and its effects among populations
The program is community-based and serves as a District-wide resource on tobacco related issues. Among the tools provided by the program are: Tobacco use prevention education/awareness, technical assistance with policy development, policy implementation, advocacy recruitment and training, and cessation. For Program Information call: (706) 729-2055
For information on quitting call the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line (a free cessation service for Georgia residents) call (877) 270-Stop
Hours are everyday from 8:00 am to Midnight
