#PublicHealth | AM 1180 Radio

March 19, 2026

Health Fair Seeking Vendors in Chattooga County for April 18 Event

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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.

March 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

UGA Extension Offering Diabetes Cooking School Series In Chattooga County

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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.

March 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Blood Drive Planned at Chattooga County EMA on April 10

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Residents in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to help save lives during an upcoming community blood drive hosted at the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in Summerville. The blood drive is scheduled for Friday, April 10, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the EMA facility located at 170 Farrar Drive.

The event is being organized in partnership with Blood Assurance, and officials say a single blood donation can help save up to three lives. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance through bloodassurance.org/schedule, though walk-ins may be accepted if space allows.

In addition, Blood Assurance is offering an incentive for donors. Anyone who donates between April 1 and April 15 will be entered to win a $100 gift card, with one winner selected per community and seven winners total.

Community leaders say blood donations are always needed to help hospitals maintain an adequate supply for patients requiring surgeries, treatments, and emergency care.

March 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

PFAS Concerns Continue in Northwest Georgia as Proposed Legislation Could Affect Chattooga County Lawsuit

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Concerns over PFAS contamination — often called “forever chemicals” — continue to affect communities across Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, as lawmakers debate legislation that could change how pollution cases are handled in the state.

March 2, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Proposed Senate Bill Could Halt Chattooga County PFAS Lawsuit and Others Across Georgia

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The Finley Law Firm — which represents Chattooga County in PFAS-related litigation — is warning that a proposed bill in the Georgia Senate could effectively end the county’s case and shut down similar lawsuits filed by local governments across the state seeking cleanup costs for “forever chemical” contamination.

February 28, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

AARP Georgia Honors 21 Lawmakers Who Serve as Family Caregivers

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AARP Georgia recently recognized 21 members of the Georgia General Assembly who are also family caregivers, highlighting the personal responsibilities many lawmakers carry while shaping policy at the Capitol.

February 26, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Atrium Health Floyd Lifts Temporary Masking and Visitor Restrictions

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Atrium Health Floyd has lifted the temporary masking and visitor restrictions that had been in place since December, citing a steady decline in respiratory illness cases among patients and staff.

February 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

DPH Confirms Measles Case in Georgia; Second Reported Case in 2026

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The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated resident of Bryan County. While there is no history of international travel, officials say the individual recently traveled out of state, and DPH is currently notifying those who may have been exposed and are at increased risk of developing the virus.

February 20, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

New & Living Way Church and Highland Rivers Behavioral Health to Host Suicide Prevention Training in Rome

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Residents from across Northwest Georgia are invited to attend a free suicide prevention training this weekend at New & Living Way Church in Rome.

February 19, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Second Annual Chattooga County Health Fair Set for April 18

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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.