Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich is set to return to Northwest Georgia next week as the PFAS Georgia team announces a major expansion of water, soil, and dust testing in Rome and several surrounding counties. Organizers say the renewed push comes after more than 20 months of work in the region uncovered some of the highest levels of “forever chemicals” found anywhere in the country.
The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to give back and help save lives by participating in an upcoming community blood drive on Friday, April 10.
The event will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the EMA office located at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville. Organizers say just one donation can help save up to three lives, making community participation especially important.
Those who donate between April 1 and April 15 will also be entered into the Blood Assurance “BA Local Hero” promotion, with a chance to win one of several $100 gift cards being awarded across participating communities.
Appointments can be scheduled online through Blood Assurance, and walk-ins may be accepted as space allows. Officials encourage residents to consider donating and supporting the ongoing need for blood supplies across the region.
The City of Summerville is moving forward with plans to improve its water system after receiving a $4.5 million grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to address PFAS contamination.
The City of Summerville is receiving a major boost for its public water system after being awarded a $4.5 million grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to help address emerging contaminants in drinking water.
Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich is set to return to Northwest Georgia later this month as part of an expanded effort focused on testing for PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” in Rome and Dalton.
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.
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.
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.
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.
