If your car looks yellow this week, you’re definitely not imagining it. Pollen levels across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are currently very high, with tree pollen reaching peak levels in late March and leaving a visible coating on cars, porches, patios, and outdoor furniture.
The Live Healthy Chattooga County Coalition is inviting vendors and community members to take part in the 2nd Annual Health Fair set for Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville and will focus on promoting health, wellness, and preventive care across the community.
Organizers say the health fair will feature a wide range of free health screenings, including cholesterol and glucose checks, blood pressure and BMI screenings, HIV testing, prostate and colorectal cancer screenings, vision exams, dental screenings, and hands-on CPR demonstrations. Mammograms will also be available by appointment.
The coalition is encouraging local vendors to participate, offering an opportunity to connect with community members, promote services, and support ongoing health initiatives in Chattooga County. Each vendor will be provided with a table and chairs, and organizers say door prizes are encouraged but optional.
Vendor setup is scheduled for Friday, April 17, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Officials say the event aims to improve access to healthcare resources while raising awareness about preventive health measures and overall well-being.
Those interested in participating or seeking more information are encouraged to contact the Live Healthy Chattooga County Coalition.
The University of Georgia Extension – Chattooga County is inviting residents to participate in a “Learning to Live With Diabetes” Cooking School Series, designed to help individuals better manage diabetes and other chronic health conditions through healthier cooking and nutrition choices.
The 2026 Lunch and Learn Series will cover several topics including label reading and portion control, sweeteners, carbohydrates and fiber, hypertension and sodium, and modifying recipes for healthier alternatives. Classes will be held Wednesdays from noon until 1:30 p.m. beginning March 25 and continuing through April 22.
Each class costs $15 and includes lunch. Sessions will take place at the Chattooga County Extension Office, 40 Middle School Road in Summerville. To register, residents can call 706-857-0744 or email rbt@uga.edu.
Blood Assurance says several days of heavy hospital usage have pushed its supply of O-positive and O-negative blood to critical levels, while platelet supplies are also nearing critical status.
The organization says there is an emergency need for donors as soon as possible, especially those with Type O blood.
The need comes as the region moves into severe weather season, a time when trauma cases can rise and put even more pressure on local blood supplies. Blood Assurance says rebuilding the supply quickly is especially important to help meet patient needs.
Blood Assurance is the primary supplier of blood and blood products for Atrium Health Floyd and AdventHealth Redmond in Rome, and it also supplies Cartersville Medical Center. Donations made at Blood Assurance donor centers and blood drives in Rome and Cartersville help support local patients across the area.
Eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment as soon as possible, although walk-ins are also being accepted.
To schedule a donation, visit Blood Assurance online, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777.
AdventHealth Medical Group has officially celebrated the grand opening of its new Primary Care & Urgent Care clinic in Summerville, expanding access to health care services for families across Chattooga County.
As plants begin a new season of growth and bloom, health care providers at Atrium Health Floyd are reminding residents that rising tree pollen levels can trigger seasonal allergy symptoms and are encouraging people to take steps now to stay comfortable.
Doctors say seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, is often caused by tree pollen as spring approaches. Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, an itchy nose or throat, and itchy or watery eyes.
Health experts note that allergy symptoms can become worse on dry, windy days, when pollen levels tend to be at their highest. Residents who struggle with spring allergies are encouraged to monitor pollen levels and take preventive measures to reduce exposure and manage symptoms.
The American Red Cross is urging donors to help the national blood supply recover from a severe shortage by making an appointment to give blood during March.
As an added thank-you during Red Cross Month, the Red Cross says successful blood, platelet, or plasma donations made March 1 through March 31, 2026 will come with two incentives: free A1C testing (one result per calendar year) and a $15 Amazon gift card delivered by email.
Mental health advocates in Georgia are urging lawmakers to strengthen and enforce the state’s Mental Health Parity Act, arguing that too many people still face denials, delays, or limited access when trying to get behavioral health care covered by insurance.
Community leaders, healthcare professionals, and residents are invited to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care and Urgent Care facility in Summerville.
The Second Annual Chattooga County Health Fair will return this spring, offering residents access to free health resources, screenings, and educational vendors in one convenient location.
