Press Releases
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01/20/2012
DCH Releases Medicaid and CHIP Redesign Strategy Report
ATLANTA (January 20, 2012) The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) released its Medicaid and CHIP (Childrens Health Insurance Program) Redesign Strategy Report today. It is posted on the DCH website at www.dch.georgia.gov/medicaidredesign.
11/16/2011
Georgia Celebrates Rural Health Day on Thursday, November 17
ATLANTA - (November 16, 2011) - Georgia is joining the nation to celebrate the first annual Rural Health Day, recognizing the contributions of physicians, health care providers and hospitals who provide health care to hundreds of thousands of underserved people in rural areas of the nation. The program is being sponsored by the National Organization of State Rural Health Offices on Thursday, November 17.
11/16/2011
Georgia's Medicaid Program Recognized for Exceptional Quality Measurement and Reporting
ATLANTA - (November 16, 2011) - Georgia's Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids� programs, under the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), have been recognized for Quality Measurement and Reporting. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius featured Georgia in the 2011 Annual Report on the Quality of Care for Children in Medicaid and CHIP. Georgia was the only state spotlighted.
09/28/2011
DCH Awards $6.4 Million to Early Adopters of EHR
ATLANTA-Eighteen health care providers are the first in the state to receive payments from the Medicaid Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Program being administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) Office of Health Information Technology. This week, these eligible professionals and eligible hospitals have received more than $6.4 million in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-funded incentive payments for successfully qualifying for the program.
09/06/2011
Georgia's Medicaid EHR Incentive Program: More Than a Powerful Prescription for Better Care
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and its Office of Health Information Technology (HIT) have opened provider registration for the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program. This federally funded incentive program is targeted to eligible health care professionals and hospitals and will serve two main goals: to promote the meaningful use of certified electronic health records (EHRs) to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of patient care, and to reward and support providers as they transition into new technology within our nation's health care system.
09/02/2011
DCH Seeks Input about Medicaid and CHIP Redesign Initiative
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is seeking stakeholder input for its Medicaid and CHIP Redesign initiative. The Department is the state agency responsible for Medicaid Program and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP/PeachCare for Kids®), providing access to medical services and health care coverage for nearly 1.6 million Georgians. The deadline to apply to participate in one of 30 statewide focus groups is Tuesday, September 13.
09/02/2011
State of Georgia Pledges Support for Conversion to Electronic Health Records
ATLANTA - Registration for Georgia's Medicaid Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentives Program is slated to open on September 5, 2011. The program is a partnership among the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH).
08/25/2011
DCH Receives $2.5 Million Grant to Enhance Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) has received a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The grant, which is the largest awarded across the nation, will be used for technology that will streamline member enrollment and renewal for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids®, Georgia's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The two-year grant is authorized under the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) of 2009.
08/11/2011
DCH Takes Steps to Secure Georgia's State Health Benefit Plan
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) has adopted a broad-based proposal to secure the future of the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP). Developed after a lengthy and thorough examination of revenues, expenses and plan coverages, the initiative introduces a new consumer-directed Wellness Plan, improves plan administration, eliminates SHBP's projected deficit for this fiscal year and substantially reduces future deficits.
07/29/2011
Department of Community Health Awards Medicaid Redesign Contract
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) has awarded the contract for a comprehensive assessment and recommended redesign of Georgia's Medicaid Program and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to Navigant Consulting Inc. of Chicago, Ill. DCH is the state agency responsible for Medicaid and CHIP, providing access to medical services and health care coverage for nearly 1.7 million Georgians.
06/07/2011
DPH Publishes Public Health Assessment For Transco Pipeline in Madison County
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), Division of Public Health (DPH), conducted a public health assessment of the Transcontinental (Transco) Pipeline Company Compressor Station #130 in Madison County, GA. The public health assessment is available to the public online at www.health.state.ga.us/programs/hazards. The public comment period on the assessment ends on June 30, 2011.
06/02/2011
Near Record Temperatures Bring Early Health Warnings
ATLANTA - With temperatures already soaring into the 90s - much earlier than normal - the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is urging Georgians to exercise caution. Every year, thousands of Americans are hospitalized from heat-related illnesses. The elderly and those working in excessive heat are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat exhaustion and heat illness.
05/06/2011
Mosquitoes, Ticks Pose Early Threat This Year
ATLANTA - Georgia's first case of West Nile Virus (WNV) has been confirmed in a horse in Southeast Georgia. The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), Division of Public Health (DPH) recommends that Georgians protect themselves from mosquitoes and remove any standing water from their property.
04/08/2011
First Hot, Humid Weekend of the Season Brings Concern
Safety is NO Accident: ACTION Can Save Children Left in Cars
ATLANT - In recognition of National Public Health Week, the Georgia Department of Health (DCH) is joining Safe Kids Georgia in efforts to educate parents and reduce the number of child deaths in cars due to heat stroke. Even with outside temperatures in the low to mid- 70's, a car's inside temperature can jump 19 degrees in just 10 minutes. Last year, a record 49 children nationwide, including three children in Georgia, died from heat stroke after being left in cars.
03/30/2011
Georgia Department of Community Health Receives Approval for Statewide Health Information Exchange
Public-Private Collaborative to Deliver Better Care Anywhere
Atlanta - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is pleased to announce that it has received final approval for the Statewide Health Information Exchange (HIE) from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). The approval activates a $13 million federal grant in support of the exchange.
03/22/2011
Obesity is out When Students Get in Shape
DCH, Georgia Action for Healthy Kids and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Host Wellness Summit
03/17/2011
DCH Urges Georgians to Vaccinate Against Measles
ATLANTA - Due to recent reports of measles cases occurring throughout the U.S., the Georgia Department of Community Health's Division of Public Health encourages children and adults to ensure that their vaccinations are up-to-date.
03/16/2011
Georgia Radiation Response Planner Headed To Japan Earthquake Zone Will Offer Guidance to Partners, Gather Data on Response
ATLANTA - In the wake of the devastation in Japan, the Georgia Department of Community Health's Section of Emergency Preparedness and Response is responding by providing on-site radiological emergency guidance to state and federal nongovernmental partners.
03/04/2011
Georgia Department of Community Health and Georgia Cancer Coalition Partner with Rome Medical and Business Community
Health Information Exchange Challenge Grant to Improve Cancer Care in Georgia
ROME, GA - Today, the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce hosted a press conference to announce the community's role in a recently announced Health Information Exchange (HIE) Challenge Grant award. In late January, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) awarded a HIE Challenge Grant of $1,686,989 to the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and the Georgia Cancer Coalition (GCC), in partnership with Harbin Clinic, Floyd Medical Center and Redmond Regional Medical Center.
02/23/2011
New Legislation Requires Tanning Facilities to Register Before Operation
ATLANTA - Today, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) participated in Georgia Skin Cancer Awareness Day at the State Capitol to inform users and operators about the health risks associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation emitted from tanning devices. In 2010, the Georgia General Assembly passed legislation for 2011 that no person shall establish, maintain or operate a tanning facility in the state without first having registered with DCH.
02/08/2011
Georgia Department of Community Health Announces New Director of Public Health
ATLANTA - Today, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) announced that Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., will serve as the Departments new Director of the Division of Public Health. Dr. Fitzgerald, a board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist and a Fellow in Anti-Aging Medicine, has practiced medicine for three decades.
02/02/2011
Georgia Lead Hazard Program Awarded $2.1 million
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), Division of Public Health's Lead Hazard Program recently received $2.1 million in Lead Hazard Control (LHC) funds to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned rental or owner-occupied housing in Savannah, one of the highest risk areas of older housing in the state. This funding is being awarded to DCH on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Healthy Homes Initiative to protect children and their families from housing-related health and safety hazards.
02/01/2011
Wear Red Day on February 4 - Support the Fight against Heart Disease
ATLANTA - February is American Heart Month and the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) in partnership with the American Heart Association (AHA) is stressing the importance of living a healthy lifestyle to decrease the chances of developing heart disease. In recognition of American Heart Month, DCH is encouraging Georgians to participate in National Wear Red Day on February 4 to raise awareness of heart disease in women.
01/25/2011
DCH Commissioner Appoints New General Counsel
ATLANTA - Today, Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) Commissioner David Cook announced that Richard Greene will serve as the Department's new General Counsel. Greene is a management-level executive with 28 years of legal and 26 years of political experience.
"With his strong leadership and successful legislative background, Richard
01/04/2011
DCH Recognizes January as Birth Defects Prevention Month
ATLANTA - January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, and this years campaign focuses on medication use before, during and after pregnancy. Birth defects are the leading cause of death in children less than one year of age-causing one in every five deaths. Two out of every three women take prescription medications during pregnancy. The Georgia department of Community Health (DCH) encourages women of childbearing age to talk with a doctor about which medications are safe to take while pregnant.
12/13/2010
Shop Smart for Tots this Holiday Season
ATLANTA - The holiday season is upon us and the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is reminding Georgians of safety measures to keep in mind while making holiday gift choices for children. Please consider the following toy safety tips while shopping this holiday season:
12/10/2010
DCH Launches New Family Planning Program
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is pleased to announce that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has approved its application for an 1115 Family Planning demonstration waiver, the Planning for Healthy BabiesSM (P4HB) program. The P4HB program will offer family planning services to women who previously did not qualify for Medicaid benefits. The program will begin in January 2011.
12/10/2010
DCH Commissioner Reese Announces Executive Appointments
ATLANTA - Clyde L. Reese, III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), announced leadership changes within the Financial Management division. Vince Harris will serve as the Department's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Scott Frederking will resume his role as the Budget Director.
12/01/2010
Flu Activity Gains Momentum in Georgia DCH Reiterates the Importance of Vaccination
ATLANTA - One week after Georgia Public Health Officials reported moderate flu activity in Georgia, Officials are again reminding Georgians about the importance of vaccination as flu activity is now high.
11/23/2010
The Flu is Still Here - Get Vaccinated!
ATLANTA - It's that time of year again! While many Georgians will be sharing gifts and warm wishes this holiday season, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is reminding you to get vaccinated so you are not sharing the flu.
11/22/2010
Seven Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving Dinner
ATLANTA - Before you start cooking this Thanksgiving, start off in a safer, healthier direction by being mindful of a few food safety tips. Knowing how to best prepare your food will help ensure safe preparation and a healthy dinner for you and your family.
11/12/2010
Stakeholders Announce Public-Private Partnership to Advance HIE Across Georgia
ATLANTA - Today, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) announced the entity that will be the governance body for the establishment of a statewide HIE in Georgia. Georgia Health Information Exchange, Inc., a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, will be charged with creating a network that will allow for the timely exchange of vital health information and accelerate the pace of health information technology development across Georgia.
11/03/2010
Kick the Smoking Habit - Call the Georgia Quit Line DCH Recognizes November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is challenging Georgia's 1.4 million cigarette smokers to quit for a day by following the statewide 'Countdown to Quit' plan. The 'Countdown to Quit' plan is one resource smoker's can use to help kick the habit.
10/29/2010
DCH Awards Grants for Breast Cancer Treatment and Screening for Uninsured
ATLANTA - In an effort to improve breast cancer services for the state's uninsured population through the Georgia ACTS (Access, Care, Treatment and Services) Breast Cancer Grant Program, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is awarding $996,939 to 12 community organizations. Part of the statewide Breast Cancer License Tag Fund Initiative, the program provides grants to organizations offering breast cancer health promotion, screening and treatment to indigent women.
10/25/2010
DCH Commissioner Appoints New Deputy Chief of State Health Benefit Plan
ATLANTA - Today, Clyde Reese, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), announced the promotion of Valerie Duncan as Deputy Chief of the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP). Ms. Duncan was formerly the SHBP Director of Plan Management.
10/21/2010
Georgia Maternal and Child Health Director Receives National Award
ATLANTA - Brian C. Castrucci, Director of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), Division of Public Health's (DPH) Maternal and Child Health program has received the 2010 Young Leadership in Maternal and Child Health Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau.
10/20/2010
Early County Residents, Health Education and Assessment On-the-Go
ATLANTA - Technology continues to transform the way Georgians live, work and play. Now, it can help them learn about risks to their health. The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) in conjunction with Atlanta's National Health Museum (NHM) have announced a new way for the residents of Early County, Georgia to access current, personalized health assessments and information with just the touch of a computer screen.
10/06/2010
Breast Self-Exams and Mammograms are Key to Fighting Breast Cancer
ATLANTA - October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is continuing to encourage Georgians to be proactive about their breast health. Performing monthly breast-self exams and getting mammograms regularly can help improve life expectancy from breast cancer for women and men. In recognition of this health observance, DCH employees are participating in the American Cancer Societys Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.
09/24/2010
Georgia Department of Community Health, Georgia's WIC Responds to Similac Formula Recall
ATLANTA - Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) Public Health officials are working in collaboration with local and federal partners to ensure that Georgia's WIC participants and authorized WIC vendors are aware of the recent Similac powder infant formula recall. Officials are urging participants and authorized WIC vendors to check the lot numbers of Similac powder formula for the letters "RB" to determine if they have purchased a recalled product. Lot numbers are located on the bottom of Similac formula containers. No Abbott concentrate, ready-to-feed infant or specialty formulas are impacted.
09/24/2010
New Puerto Rico Legislation Affects Some Medicaid and PeachCare for KidsTM Applicants
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is informing first-time applicants for Medicaid or PeachCare for KidsTM born in Puerto Rico that a certified birth certificate, issued after July 1, 2010, or an unexpired Passport issued by Puerto Rico is required for program enrollment effective October 1, 2010. The change is a result of new legislation enacted by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to re-issue certified birth certificates for its residents. This change does not cancel any applications or re-certifications initiated prior to October 1, 2010.
09/01/2010
Fruits and Veggies - More Matters
DCH Recognizes September as National Fruit and Veggies Month
ATLANTA - September is National Fruits and Veggies - More Matters Month - and the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), is stressing the importance of Georgians incorporating fruits and vegetables into their daily diet.
08/24/2010
Mosquitoes are Still a Threat - DCH Encourages Georgians to Practice Safety Measures While Outdoors
ATLANTA - As temperatures begin to slowly decrease and the summer comes to a close, it is important to wear insect repellant while enjoying the great outdoors. The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is continuing to stress the importance of practicing safety measures while outdoors to minimize exposure to mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus (WNV).
08/18/2010
Statewide Health Information Exchange Receives Boost of Community Support
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and its Office of Health Information Technology and Transparency (OHITT) are collaborating with Georgia's key health care stakeholders to develop and implement plans to guide the first statewide health information exchange (HIE). As the state-designated entity for health information technology in Georgia, DCH was awarded a $13 million grant through U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology thanks to the provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) of 2009.
08/06/2010
Does Your Favorite Restaurant Make the Grade? DCH Launches Health Inspection Search Tool
ATLANTA - Have you ever been eating at your favorite local restaurant and wondered what their score was on their last health inspection? Well, wonder no more! The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is pleased to announce the launching of Georgia's statewide health inspection search tool. The tool was created to provide Georgians with accurate health inspection records.
08/02/2010
Protect Yourself by Getting Vaccinated DCH Recognizes
August as National Immunization Awareness Month
ATLANTA - August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) and the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is continuing to stress the importance of keeping up-to-date on your family's immunizations. The goal of NIAM is to increase awareness about immunizations across the life span, from infants to the elderly.
07/20/2010
Call the Georgia Quit Line for Help to Stop Smoking
ATLANTA - Are you a smoker trying to kick the habit? Great news! The Georgia Department of Community Health's (DCH) Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program are now offering Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for Georgia Quit Line users. NRT participants will be able to obtain nicotine gum or patches at no cost to help kick the habit of smoking.
07/12/2010
DCH Commissioner Appoints New State Health Benefit Plan Director
ATLANTA - Today, Clyde Reese, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), announced the appointment of Trudie Nacin as Director of the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP). Ms. Nacin was formerly the SHBP Deputy Director and has worked in the insurance and managed care industry since the 1980s.
06/28/2010
DCH Joins in Public-Private Partnership to Address Rising U.S. Infant Mortality Rate
Free mobile health service Text4baby provides health tips to pregnant women, new moms
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health's (DCH), Maternal and Child Health Program is taking steps to improve birth outcomes in Georgia by serving as an outreach partner for Text4baby. Text4baby is a free mobile information service that provides timely health information to pregnant women and new moms during pregnancy and through a baby's first year.
06/25/2010
Take the Test, Take Control! DCH Recognizes National HIV Testing Day, June 27
ATLANTA - On June 27, the Georgia Department of Community Health's (DCH), Division of Public Health (PH) is encouraging Georgians to take control of their lives through HIV testing in recognition of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD). NHTD is an annual campaign coordinated by the National Association of People with AIDS to encourage people of all ages to "Take the Test, Take Control."
06/22/2010
Georgia WIC Program Wants to Hear From You
Annual Public Comment Period June 14 - July 14
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), Division of Public Health's (DPH) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) will hold its annual public comment period June 14 - July 14, 2010. During this period, Georgians are invited to comment on the program's successes and identify opportunities to improve WIC services.
06/18/2010
ACTION Can Save Children Left in Cars
ATLANTA - With outside temperatures of only 80 degrees, a car's inside temperature can jump 19 degrees in just 10 minutes. And that car will continue to become hotter over time. Already this year, 13 children nationwide, including one child in Georgia, have died after being left in cars. The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is working alongside Safe Kids coalitions across the state to increase awareness about child safety and reduce these preventable deaths.
06/04/2010
Tips for Men - How to Stay Healthy and Active
Tips for Men - How to Stay Healthy and Active
By James Peoples, Executive Director of the Georgia Department of Community Health's Office of Health Improvement
05/28/2010
Don't Fry Day: Protect Your Skin from the Sun Today and Every Day - DCH Recognizes Don't Fry Day, May 28
ATLANTA - Can you smell it? Steaks on the grill, fresh cut grass and chlorine filled swimming pools. But before you step outside this Memorial Day to enjoy all that summer has to offer, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is urging Georgians to protect their skin by taking the proper precautions to avoid the harmful effects of the sun.
05/20/2010
Have a Safe Summer by Practicing Healthy Swimming Habits
National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week, May 24 - 30
ATLANTA - As temperatures outside continue to rise and public swimming pools begin to open, the Georgia Department of Community Health's (DCH), Division of Public Health (PH) is reminding you to practice healthy swimming habits in recognition of National Recreational Water Illness (RWI) Prevention Week, May 24 - 30. The goal of this week is to highlight simple steps swimmers and pool operators can take to ensure a healthy and safe swimming experience for everyone.
05/17/2010
School's Out - Buckle Up for a Safe Summer Vacation
ATLANTA - As the school year comes to a close, the Georgia Department of Community Health's (DCH) Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response encourages families to start their summer vacations safely by buckling up the whole family.
05/07/2010
Women "It's Your Time" - Take Control of Your Health
DCH Recognizes May as Women's Health Month
ATLANTA - May is Women's Health Month and the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is stressing the importance of women taking an active role in their physical health and wellbeing. In recognition of this health observance, DCH is encouraging Georgians to take part in National Women's Health Week (May 9-15) and the Woman's Challenge coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH).
05/06/2010
DCH Urges Georgians to Plan for the Future
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is promoting the need for Georgians to plan for long-term care (LTC) services through the implementation of the Georgia Long-Term Care Partnership, a public-private initiative that is designed to reward Georgians for planning ahead for their LTC needs and enable the state to more efficiently plan for future Medicaid spending. Georgia is among the first few states in the country to roll out Georgia Long-Term Care Partnership qualified programs.
05/03/2010
Know Your Numbers - The Key to Heart Health
DCH Recognizes May as National High Blood Pressure Education Month
ATLANTA - Sometimes what you don't know can kill you. May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, and the Georgia Department of Community Health urges you to "Know Your Numbers" by taking part in the statewide Know Your Numbers campaign. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. About 30 percent of adults in Georgia have high blood pressure.
04/29/2010
DCH Vital Records Director Awarded a Governor's Commendation for Customer Service
ATLANTA - Today, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) State Registrar and Vital Records Division Director Ken Bramlett was awarded a Governor's Commendation for his achievements in Customer Service. Bramlett was chosen because of his exemplary skills in handling constituent inquiries.
04/12/2010
Access to Quality Health Care for Minorities Advances the Health Status of Georgia
Access to Quality Health Care for Minorities Advances the Health Status of Georgia
DCH Recognizes April as Minority Health Month
ATLANTA - April is Minority Health Month and the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is bringing attention to health and health care related issues that disparately affect minorities throughout the state.
03/24/2010
H1N1 Hospitalizations and Deaths on the Rise in Georgia
ATLANTA - Now is not the time to drop our guard on H1N1 vaccinations, said state officials from the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) at a press conference today at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston Hospital. There have been a total of 1,012 H1N1 hospitalizations and 72 influenza associated deaths in Georgia since April 2009. Children are one of the most vulnerable populations affected by H1N1, and it is vitally important that some of them receive the required two doses of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine.
03/02/2010
Healthy Eating Habits Now Make a Healthy YOU Later
ATLANTA - March is National Nutrition Month and the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), is stressing the importance of developing healthy eating habits now to ensure a healthy Georgia in the future. Nutrition is a key component of good health, along with physical activity.
02/22/2010
Protect Your Children from the Flu - Receive Second Dose of Vaccine
By M. Rony Francois, MD, MSPH, PhD, Director of the Georgia Department of Community Health, Division of Public Health
02/18/2010
Morehouse School of Medicine Receives $19.5 Million Recovery Act Award
Grant to Help Provide Technical Support with Electronic Health Records - Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is the recipient of a $19.5 million Recovery Act grant to help health care providers advance the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology (IT). The grant is part of a nearly $1 billion federal investment to help grow the emerging health IT industry and train workers for the health care jobs of the future.
02/15/2010
DCH Continues Momentum in Advancing HIT Across Georgia
ATLANTA - In support for Georgias on-going effort to transform health care by expanding the use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and creating the infrastructure for Health Information Exchange (HIE) at the local, state, and national levels, U.S. Health and Human Services has awarded the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) $13,003,003.
02/02/2010
DCH Announces Election of Advisory Council for Public Health Members
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is pleased to announce the election of Dr. Henry M. Patton, M.D. as chair and Dr. Jean R. Sumner, M.D. as vice chair of the newly formed Advisory Council for Public Health (ACPH). The creation of the Council, as well as the July 1, 2009 transition, is in response to House Bill 228, which instructed the Department of Human Resources (DHR) to transfer all matters relating to public health to DCH.
01/29/2010
DCH Commissioner Medows Announces New Public Health Director
ATLANTA - Today, Dr. Rhonda Medows, Commissioner and State Health Officer of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), announced the appointment of Dr. M. Rony Francois, MD, MSPH, PhD, as the new Director of the Division of Public Health (DPH).
01/28/2010
Live a Healthy Lifestyle for a Healthy Heart
DCH Recognizes February as American Heart Month
ATLANTA - February is American Heart Month and the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is stressing the importance of living a healthy lifestyle to decrease the chances of developing heart disease. In recognition of American Heart Month, DCH is encouraging Georgians to participate in National Wear Red Day on February 5 to raise awareness of heart disease in women.
01/28/2010
Live a Healthy Lifestyle for a Healthy Heart
DCH Recognizes February as American Heart Month
ATLANTA February is American Heart Month and the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is stressing the importance of living a healthy lifestyle to decrease the chances of developing heart disease. In recognition of American Heart Month, DCH is encouraging Georgians to participate in National Wear Red Day on February 5 to raise awareness of heart disease in women.
01/19/2010
DCH Commissioner Medows Appoints New Chief Information Officer
ATLANTA - Today, Dr. Rhonda Medows, Commissioner and State Health Officer of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), announced the appointment of Perry Sims as Chief Information Officer. Mr. Sims has eight years of specialized health care information technology experience and 28 years of information technology experience.
12/21/2009
DCH Launches Georgia Health-e Connect
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health's (DCH) Office of Health Information Technology & Transparency (HITT) is leading an initiative called Georgia Health-e Connect to develop and implement a statewide certified electronic health record (EHR) and health information exchange (HIE) in support of Georgia's 1.5 million Medicaid population and the more than 10,000 physicians who serve them. DCH is scheduled to begin Phase I with providers in January.
12/17/2009
Georgia Injury Prevention Program Awarded $674,070
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health's (DCH) Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response received a total of $674,070 in competitive funding from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) to continue three injury prevention programs in 2010. The Older Driver Safety Program, the Rural Roads Initiative and the Child Occupant Safety Program were each awarded grants to improve motor vehicle safety in Georgia. The three programs offer technical assistance and resources to partner agencies statewide, develop community support for motor vehicle safety programs and evaluate program efforts.
12/16/2009
DCH Announces Shoo Flu, Shoo Art Contest Winners
12 Georgia students' artwork featured in 2010 flu prevention calendar
ATLANTA - Nearly 1,500 entries were submitted, but only 12 were chosen. The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) proudly announced the winners of the 2009 Shoo Flu, Shoo Art Contest during a press conference today at the Capitol. The winner's art work will be featured in the 2010 Shoo Flu, Shoo Calendar, which will be distributed statewide to all elementary and middle schools, and state agencies.
12/09/2009
Banks Appointed Interim Director of the Office of Health Information Technology and Transparency
ATLANTA - Carladenise Edwards, State HIT Coordinator and Chief of Staff of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), announced the appointment of Archie Banks as the Interim Director of the Office of Health Information Technology and Transparency (HITT).
12/08/2009
Winter is Not Too Late to Vaccinate
Winter is Not Too Late to Vaccinate
By Dr. Rhonda Medows, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health and State Health Officer
12/07/2009
Georgia Receives HIT ARRA Funding - State First in Region to be Awarded Funds
ATLANTA - U.S. Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) $3,171,328 to create a State Medicaid Health Information Technology Plan (SMHP) and complete initial planning activities related to promoting the adoption and utilization of electronic health records (EHR) among Medicaid providers. The funding is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Medicaid incentive program.
11/23/2009
Seven Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving Dinner
ATLANTA - Before the aromas of the holiday circle your kitchen, and your family and friends gather 'round the dinner table, take a minute this holiday to be mindful of a few food safety tips. These tips will help ensure safe preparation and a healthy dinner for you and your family.
11/23/2009
Shoo Flu, Shoo Online Voting Begins! Winners to be featured in a 2010 calendar about flu prevention
ATLANTA - "Cover your cough and sneezes to slow the spread of 2009 H1N1 flu!" That is just one message illustrated by students in grades K through 8 that entered the Georgia Department of Community Health's (DCH) Shoo Flu, Shoo Art Contest. DCH received nearly 1,500 entries from students across the state. A panel of judges selected 30 of the top entries, which are now available for voting online at georgiahealthinfo.gov.
11/19/2009
DCH Names State's Chief Nutritionist to Head WIC Program
ATLANTA - Miriam Bell, Deputy Director of Public Health Programs and Services with the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), named Abdul K. Lindsay as new director for the Georgia Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program.
11/02/2009
DCH Recognizes National Health Information Technology Week
ATLANTA - Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is pleased to acknowledge November 1-7 as Health Information Technology (HIT) Week, a national initiative to raise the public's awareness of the value and importance of using innovative technology to improve the quality and efficiency of health care. DCH is involved in numerous activities aimed at educating health care consumers and providers about HIT.
10/30/2009
DCH Partners with Georgia Coalition to End Homelessness
State Promotes Healthy Living in Homeless and Emergency Shelters
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and the Georgia Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc. (GCEH) have partnered to raise awareness of flu prevention among the state's homeless population. The outreach is being launched during Homeless Awareness Week, November 1-7.
10/14/2009
DCH Launches H1N1 Communication Tool for Georgians
ATLANTA - Dr. Rhonda Medows, State Health Officer and Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) Commissioner, announced the launch of Georgia's H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Provider Locator. The tool will make it easier for the public to locate a provider that is participating in the 2009 H1N1 vaccination campaign.
10/05/2009
Georgia Public Health Districts Receive Initial H1N1 Nasal Spray Shipment
ATLANTA - Early shipments of vaccine for the 2009 H1N1 began arriving in some of Georgia's Health Districts. Quantities are limited in this first shipment of vaccine, and is a nasal spray vaccine known as live attenuated influenza vaccine. Georgia is focusing the use of this small, initial supply on healthy children age 2 to 4 years in order to reach a population that spreads the virus and is more at risk for hospitalization. The nasal spray version of the H1N1 vaccine can be used by healthy people age 2 years to 49 years and non-pregnant woman.
10/05/2009
Georgia's Youth Tells the Flu to "Shoo"
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is pleased to announce the 2009 Shoo Flu, Shoo Art Contest to Georgia's youth. The contest is sponsored by DCH's Roll Up Your Sleeve campaign. The goal is to establish an open dialogue and create awareness among young people about protecting themselves and staying healthy during flu season.
10/01/2009
Georgia WIC Rolls Out New Food Packages
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Healths (DCH) Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is pleased to announce the availability of new WIC Food Packages. WIC Food Packages across the nation were recently changed to better meet the nutritional needs of WIC participants and encourage healthier eating habits.
09/03/2009
Grandparents Remember, Buckle Up Your Grandchildren
ATLANTA - This Grandparents' Day - September 13 - the Georgia Department of Community Health, Division of Emergency Preparedness & Response is urging grandparents to understand the importance of buckling up their grandchildren in an appropriate and correctly installed car seat.
09/01/2009
Georgians Encouraged to Prepare and Plan for Fall Flu Season
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) encourages everyone to take action and be prepared to fight the seasonal flu and novel influenza A (H1N1) viruses this fall. September is National Preparedness month and an opportunity for individuals, families and businesses to learn how to slow the spread of the disease in their communities.
08/13/2009
DCH Encourages Georgians to Roll Up Their Sleeve
ATLANTA - Campaign to Educate All Georgians about the importance of Seasonal Flu and novel H1N1 flu prevention.
Today, Dr. Rhonda Medows, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) announced the launch of the Roll Up Your Sleeve campaign. The campaign is DCHs statewide, grassroots educational campaign to educate Georgians about the seasonal flu and novel influenza A (H1N1) and encourage citizens that fall within high-risk groups to get vaccinated.
08/03/2009
DCH Recognizes August as National Immunization Awareness Month - Are you up-to-date?
ATLANTA - August is National Immunization Awareness Month and Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) Public Health Division Program Director for Infectious Disease and Immunizations Michelle Conner stresses the importance of receiving routine, up-to-date immunizations.
07/16/2009
Georgia Department of Community Health Reminds Georgia Parents, Never Leave a Child Unsupervised in a Car
ATLANTA (GA) - As temperatures increase and family schedules change, parents and caregivers should avoid leaving children unsupervised in or near vehicles.
07/10/2009
Georgia Department of Community Health Confirms First H1N1 Death in Georgia
Public Urged to Continue Healthy Behaviors to Prevent Illness
Atlanta - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) confirmed Georgia's first death related to novel influenza A (H1N1). The 43-year-old female from Cobb County, Georgia, suffered from underlying health conditions when she became infected with the novel H1N1 virus.
07/07/2009
Georgia Commission on Men's Health Issues 2009 Report
ATLANTA - The Georgia Commission on Men's Health is pleased to announce the release of their 2009 Men's Health Report: A Comprehensive Look at the Status of Men's Health in Georgia. This report highlights the incidences of disease, injury and death affecting Georgia's men.
06/30/2009
DCH Awarded Computerworld Honors Program 2009 Laureate Medal for Georgiahealthinfo.gov Web site
ATLANTA - Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) received a 2009 Laureate Medal from International Data Group's (IDG) Computerworld Honors Award Program for its exceptional use of information technology to benefit society. DCH's health care consumer transparency Web site, georgiahealthinfo.gov, was recognized as a Laureate in the government category. The Laureates came from 10 different industries and from all over the world
06/11/2009
DCH Announces New Healthcare Facility Regulation Division and Leadership
ATLANTA - Dr. Rhonda Medows, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), announced that the Office of Regulatory Services (ORS), a division of the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR), will now function as a division within DCH under the new name, Healthcare Facility Regulation (HFR), effective July 1. The transition is in response to Senate Bill 433, which instructs DHR to transfer all matters relating to the licensure and regulation of hospitals and health related institutions.
06/03/2009
Georgiahealthinfo.gov Touts New Features To Help Georgians Make Better Health Care Decisions
Online resource tool offers statewide comprehensive health information
04/01/2009
DCH State Office of Rural Health Awarded $436,057
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Health's (DCH) State Office of Rural Health (SORH) received $436,057 in stimulus funding through the Increased Demand for Services (IDS) grant. The IDS grant, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), will expand services at six existing community health center programs that serve 21 counties across Georgia. DCH is one of 28 recipients receiving ARRA IDS funds to support Georgia's health centers bringing the state's total award to $6,964,291.
04/01/2009
DCH Designated State Entity to Receive HIT Stimulus Funds
DCH Continues as Georgia's Health Information Technology Lead Agency
ATLANTA The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) today announced that it has been designated by Governor Sonny Perdue as the state agency to receive health information technology (HIT) funds available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The designation extends DCH's leadership role in the HIT community.