An annual outdoor burning ban is now in effect across Chattooga County and much of north and central Georgia.
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek support when they need it.
The public is invited to a free documentary screening Monday at the DeSoto Theatre in downtown Rome, focusing on PFAS contamination in the South and its impact on Northwest Georgia.
The latest health inspection report for Chattooga County covering April 15 through April 30 shows a strong run of perfect scores across local schools and restaurants.
The following establishments all received a 100 health inspection score during the reporting period:
- Menlo Elementary School – inspected April 29
- Leroy Massey Elementary – inspected April 28
- Summerville Middle School – inspected April 28
- Trion School – inspected April 27
- Chattooga Head Start / Early Head Start – inspected April 22
- Chattooga High School – inspected April 16
- Domino’s Pizza in Summerville – inspected April 15
Health officials say these scores reflect proper food handling, cleanliness, and adherence to safety standards.
Residents are reminded that if they ever have concerns or complaints about a food service establishment or tourist accommodation in Chattooga County, they can contact the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at (706) 857-3377.
Health officials are raising concerns as new data shows tick bites are sending more people to emergency rooms at the highest rate in nearly a decade.
Opioid overdose reversal kits are being distributed to 180 schools across Northwest Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is partnering with Northwest Georgia RESA as part of a statewide effort to equip every public school in Georgia with Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
A “Stuff the Box” event was held Tuesday, April 21, where local education, behavioral health, and public safety professionals helped assemble the kits for schools in the region. Several schools picked up their completed kits the same day.
State officials say the effort is funded through opioid settlement dollars and supports Wesley’s Law, which allows schools to obtain and administer opioid antagonists while providing legal protections for staff acting in good faith.
The statewide initiative has already reached more than 1,300 schools, with a goal of equipping 2,300 schools by the end of the school year.
Summerville Veterinary Clinic will host a rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, May 16, at Chattooga High School.
The clinic will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the school’s parking lot. Pet owners are asked to enter from the Highway 100 entrance and follow posted signs and arrows.
Rabies vaccinations will be available for $10 each. The clinic will be conducted as a drive-through service, with pets remaining inside vehicles while vaccinations are administered.
Organizers say the event offers a convenient and affordable way for residents to keep their pets up to date on rabies vaccinations.
The American Red Cross is encouraging donors to give blood now to help hospitals and transfusion centers remain prepared to care for patients in need.
Officials say the combination of warmer weather, outdoor activities, and spring travel can disrupt regular donation routines, leading to a drop in available blood products. Even small changes in schedules can have a significant impact on the blood supply.
Donors of all blood types, including those giving for the first time, are urged to make an appointment in the coming days or weeks.
To help encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives for those who give. Individuals who donate between April 13 and April 30, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Those who donate from May 1 through May 17, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.
Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
The Chattooga County Health Fair is happening today, offering residents a chance to take advantage of free health services and resources in one convenient location.
The event runs from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center on Middle School Road in Summerville. Organizers say the health fair focuses on promoting wellness, prevention, and connecting the community with local healthcare providers.
Attendees can receive a wide range of free health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and BMI checks, along with dental screenings, HIV testing, and cancer screenings. Hands-on CPR education, Narcan training, and even free food distribution will also be available.
Mammograms will be offered by appointment for eligible participants, and a number of healthcare organizations and community partners will be on hand to provide information and support.
Officials encourage residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia to stop by, take advantage of the free services, and learn more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Here are the latest health inspection scores from the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department for the first half of April, 2026: