The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters. The department's main goal is to protect and improve the health of Georgians, particularly those whose health is at risk.
Services Offered by the Georgia Department of Public Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health offers a wide range of health services to its citizens, including:
Preventive Health Services
These services aim to prevent illness and disease before they occur. Some examples include:
- Immunizations: The department provides vaccinations for children and adults to protect against diseases such as flu, pneumonia, and HPV.
- Cancer Screening: The department offers free or low-cost cancer screenings, including mammograms, pap tests, and colon cancer screenings.
- Health Checkups: The department provides health checkups for children and adults, including routine physical exams and health screenings.
Chronic Disease Prevention
The department works to prevent and manage chronic diseases, such as:
- Diabetes: The department provides education and resources to help manage diabetes, including healthy eating and physical activity programs.
- Heart Disease: The department offers blood pressure screenings and education on healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Obesity: The department provides resources and programs to help individuals achieve a healthy weight, including nutrition counseling and physical activity programs.
Infectious Disease Control
The department works to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including:
- Tuberculosis (TB) Control: The department provides testing and treatment for TB, as well as education and outreach to prevent the spread of the disease.
- HIV/AIDS: The department provides testing, counseling, and treatment for HIV/AIDS, as well as education and outreach to prevent the spread of the disease.
- STD Prevention: The department provides testing, treatment, and education to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Environmental Health Services
The department works to protect the environment and prevent environmental health hazards, including:
- Water Quality: The department monitors and enforces water quality standards to ensure safe drinking water.
- Air Quality: The department monitors and enforces air quality standards to ensure clean air.
- Food Safety: The department inspects and regulates food establishments to ensure safe food handling practices.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program | Provides nutrition assistance and education to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. |
| Maternal and Child Health Services | Provides health services and support to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, including prenatal care, birth control, and childhood immunizations. |
| Mental Health Services | Provides mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and crisis intervention, to individuals and families. |
In addition to these services, the Georgia Department of Public Health also provides resources and support for healthcare providers, including training, technical assistance, and funding opportunities.
How to Access Health Services in Georgia
To access health services in Georgia, individuals can:
- Visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website to find a local health department or healthcare provider.
- Call the Georgia Department of Public Health toll-free hotline at 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584) for information and referrals.
- Visit a local health department or healthcare provider in person to receive services.
Individuals can also contact their local health department or healthcare provider to learn more about the services available and to schedule an appointment.
What services does the Georgia Department of Public Health offer?
+The Georgia Department of Public Health offers a wide range of health services, including preventive health services, chronic disease prevention, infectious disease control, environmental health services, and more.
How can I access health services in Georgia?
+To access health services in Georgia, individuals can visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website, call the toll-free hotline, or visit a local health department or healthcare provider in person.
What is the WIC program and how can I apply?
+The WIC program provides nutrition assistance and education to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. To apply, individuals can visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website or contact their local health department.
