Hamilton County Health Department

Lung cancer kills more women annually than breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer combined. Both breast and lung cancer screening exams are essential for women, but very few women recognize lung cancer as the leading cause of death. This Pink and Pearl Day, we encourage all women to get their routine cancer screenings! Get help quitting today and call 1- 800-QUIT-NOW! For more information visit, https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/get-involved-with-fhw/health-campaigns/pink-and-pearl-campaign.html.

Happy Halloween! As the Hamilton County Health Department celebrates Halloween, we encourage you and your children to prioritize safety this evening. Please follow basic traffic safety protocols, such as crossing at crosswalks and street corners. Additionally, use reflective stickers, flashlights, or glow sticks to stay visible in the dark. Parents should accompany any trick-or-treaters aged 12 or under. For more information, please visit https://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips

TOMORROW is Prescription Drug Take Back Day!
10am to 2pm at the locations below.

You may be asking, "Why should I get rid of my unused prescriptions?" Here’s why it matters:

🛑 Unused opioids can pose risks, attracting those struggling with addiction and curious children. A 2013 study found that 15% of students in grades 7 to 12 reported misusing prescription medications.

👶 Having extra medications at home increases the chance of accidental poisoning in young children. Between 2001 and 2008, over 450,000 poisoning cases in kids under six were reported, with 95% involving prescription drugs.

🚫 Holding onto opioids for potential future pain can lead to addiction—not just for you, but for anyone in your home.

💊 Using leftover antibiotics to self-medicate often does more harm than good, delaying proper treatment and complicating a doctor’s ability to diagnose effectively.

LOCATIONS:
Avondale Community Center - 1305 Dodson Ave.
Walgreens - 3605 Brainerd Rd.
Walgreens - 2289 Gunbarrel Rd.
Walgreens, Hixson - 5478 SR-153
Elks Lodge #91 - 1067 Graysville Rd.
Food City, Red Bank - 3901 Dayton Blvd.
Walgreens, East Ridge - 5301 Ringgold Rd.
Walgreens, Ooltewah - 9307 Lee Hwy.
Mt. Canaan - 4801 SR-58
Food City, Harrison - 8634 Hwy. 58
Walmart, Dayton - 3034 Rhea County Hwy.
Spring City Police Department - 229 Front Street
GRACE Center - 67 Old Hwy #56

⚠️FDA, USDA, CDC, & state partners continue to work quickly & collaboratively to investigate & identify source of illnesses linked to E. coli in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. FDA is using all available tools to confirm if onions are the source.

While the investigation is ongoing, Taylor Farms, supplier of slivered onions for the affected McDonald’s locations, has initiated a voluntary recall. Food service customers who received recalled onions have been directly notified of the recall.

If you have already eaten at McDonald’s and have symptoms of E. coli infection you should contact your health care provider to report symptoms and receive care immediately.

This investigation is ongoing, and we will provide updates as they become available.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During this month, we come together to raise awareness about domestic violence and support those who have been affected by it. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 12 million people experience intimate partner violence each year. Take a moment to reflect on, remember, and honor those impacted by domestic violence. Let’s also discuss what we can do to ensure that everyone can live free from abuse and violence. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available. To learn more, visit https://www.thehotline.org/. 💜

The Hamilton County Health Department’s “Re-Vamp Lead Education Station” event is going on now until 5:30 at the downtown public library! Join us for an evening of fun filled lead education as well as free lead testing at our mobile unit across the street. We hope to see you here! The Chattanooga Public Library

Roads should safely guide us to our destinations, whether driving or walking. This October, join us in celebrating National Pedestrian Safety Month by being vigilant for pedestrians on the road, parking lots, and everywhere you go. The number of pedestrian fatalities is at its highest level since 1981, with an average of 21 lives lost each day. You can help reduce this number by following the speed limit, using your headlights at night and in bad weather, and minimizing distractions while driving. Remember, we are all pedestrians at some point, so let’s work together to keep everyone safe by adhering to the rules of the road! For more information, visit this site: https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/pedestrian-safety.

OUTBREAK: FDA, USDA Food Inspection Service, CDC along with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. A specific ingredient has not yet been confirmed as the source of the outbreak, but most sick people report eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burger varieties.
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-mcdonalds-quarter-pounders-october-2024

Investigators are working to determine if the slivered onions or beef patties on Quarter Pounder burgers are the likely source of contamination. McDonald’s stores affected in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma have temporarily stopped using Quarter Pounder slivered onions and beef patties.

If you have already eaten at McDonald’s and have symptoms of E. coli infection you should contact your health care provider to report symptoms and receive care immediately.
This investigation is ongoing, and we will provide updates as they become available.

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
October 22, 2024

Launch of New Mobile Health Units Delivers Essential Healthcare Services Directly to Hamilton County Communities
One unit dedicated to general health services, other focused on supporting the homeless population

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp today announced the Health Department’s launch of two new mobile health units designed to bring essential healthcare and social services, such as the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program, directly to communities. This initiative aims to improve residents’ accessibility to healthcare and focuses on serving our homeless population.

“With a renewed focus on our health department, we have prioritized initiatives that will connect young families and senior citizens with important resources for healthy living,” said Mayor Weston Wamp. “By meeting citizens where they are, we are ensuring that every resident—regardless of zip code—has access to quality healthcare services.”

The first mobile unit will offer various general health services, including vaccinations, health screenings, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. A second unit will be dedicated to providing essential healthcare and case management services to Hamilton County’s homeless population, traveling to numerous locations throughout the county to ensure these individuals have access to the care they need. Services provided will include medical checkups, substance abuse counseling, and connections to social services.

“We are thrilled to introduce these mobile units as part of our ongoing effort to improve healthcare access and outcomes for all residents,” said Sabrina Novak, Hamilton County Health Department Administrator. “By bringing services directly to the community, we can better address the diverse health needs of our residents and provide critical support to those who need it most.”

Both units will be strategically deployed to communities and parked at key locations across the county to ensure maximum reach and impact. Services are available to anyone in the community, and no one will be turned away based on their inability to pay.

For more information on the mobile units’ schedules and services, please visit health.hamiltontn.org or contact the Hamilton County Health Department at 423-209-8000.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) is October 20-26 this year! NLPPW is a call to bring together individuals and organizations to reduce childhood exposure to lead by increasing lead poisoning prevention awareness. Remember, lead poisoning is 100% preventable. Wash your hands, don't eat, smoke, or drink on the job site, and change your clothes before returning home to keep you and your family lead-free. Join us on Wednesday, October 23rd, for the Lead Education event at the Chattanooga Library on Broad Street from 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm! Questions about lead poisoning prevention? Visit our website at Health.HamiltonTN.org.

Join us on Wednesday, October 23rd, for the Health Department’s “Lead Education Station” Revamp Event! The Lead Education Station will be located at the Downtown Library on Broad Street from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Blood Lead Level testing will be available on-site. Enjoy an evening filled with lead education, games, and much more! Costumes are encouraged! We look forward to seeing you there. More information: https://www.facebook.com/share/pepPv1HwbkLpULxz/

On Tuesday, the Hamilton County Health Department administered nearly 300 free flu vaccines at all its clinics and La Paz Chattanooga. We appreciate the enthusiasm and dedication of the staff who participated in the Fight Flu TN initiative. A special thanks goes to La Paz Chattanooga for hosting the Health Department.
All Health Department locations offer the flu vaccine, including a high-dose vaccine for individuals aged 65 and older and an egg-free vaccine for those with an egg allergy. The Health Department encourages anyone with an egg allergy to call the clinic in advance to confirm that the appropriate vaccine is available for their visit. Questions? Call 423-209-8000. La Paz Chattanooga