Rockdale Health Center is closed today, March 17, 2025, due to a lighting system issue.

Our staff is reaching out to individuals who had appointments scheduled for today. If you have not yet rescheduled, please call our appointment line at 770.904.3717.

We expect Rockdale Health Center to reopen for appointments tomorrow, but please check this website for the latest updates.

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident.

Read the full January 28, 2025, release on the Georgia Department of Public Health website.

How contagious is Measles?

Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.

What are the symptoms of Measles?

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus, typically including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

Is Measles preventable?

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective.

What should I do if I suspect I have symptoms of Measles?

People with symptoms of measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately. DO NOT go to the doctor’s office, the hospital, or a public health clinic without first calling to let them know about your symptoms. Healthcare providers who suspect measles in a patient should notify public health immediately.

The best way to prevent getting sick with vaccine-preventable illnesses is to get vaccinated. Check if you and your loved ones are up to date. Visit Vaccine Schedules for You and Your Family

To schedule a vaccine appointment at any of our health center locations, please call 770.904.3717.

For more information on vaccines, visit Vaccines and Immunizations at the CDC.

Due to continuing hazardous conditions, all GNR Public Health offices and health centers will be closed on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

Regular office hours will resume on Friday, January 24. Please check back for updates.

If you have an appointment scheduled for January 23 and have not been contacted by the health department to reschedule, please call 770.904.3717 during regular business hours.

Want to know how to prepare for winter weather? Visit ready.gov/winter-ready for helpful tips!

All GNR Public Health offices and health centers will be closed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, due to winter weather conditions.

Regular office hours will resume on Thursday, January 23.

If you have an appointment scheduled for January 22 and have not been contacted by the health department to reschedule, please call 770.904.3717 during regular business hours.

Want to know how to prepare for winter weather? Visit ready.gov/winter-ready for helpful tips!

All GNR Public Health offices and health centers are closed on January 21, 2025 due to winter weather conditions.

Offices will resume regular hours on Wednesday, January 22.

People who have appointments scheduled on Tuesday, January 21, and have not been contacted by the health department for a new appointment can call 770.904.3717 during regular business hours to reschedule their appointments.

Learn how to prepare for winter weather! Visit ready.gov/winter-ready.

All GNR Public Health locations will be closed for State Holiday on Monday, January 20, 2025. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

Georgia Pathways to Coverage offers healthcare coverage to residents who meet program requirements and are not otherwise eligible for traditional Medicaid.

As one of Governor Kemp’s key priorities, this program seeks to increase access to affordable healthcare coverage, lower the uninsured rate across Georgia, support members on their journeys to financial independence, and promote members’ transition from Pathways into private coverage.

Covered Benefits

Pathways covers many of the same medical services as traditional Medicaid, including:

1. Doctor visits
2. Hospital stays
3. Emergency services
4. Prescriptions
5. Laboratory and x-rays
6. Family planning services
7. Mental health services
8. Preventive and wellness services
9. Chronic disease management services

Pathways does not cover non-emergency medical transportation except for members ages 19-20.

Check your eligibility or apply.

Visit Georgia Pathways to learn more, check eligibility requirements, or apply. Applications are taken online, by mail, or by phone.

Helpful Links

Georgia PathwaysFrequently Asked Questions English Spanish

Source: Georgia Pathways to Coverage Website. https://pathways.georgia.gov/. Visited January 13, 2025.

For helpful tips on being preparing for and staying safe during a winter event, visit Ready.gov.

GNR Public Health offices and health centers will be closed for the holiday on Monday, December 23, Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Health department clinics and the Gwinnett and Rockdale Environmental Health offices will resume regular hours on Thursday, December 26.

Please note that the Newton Environmental Health office will remain closed for in-person services on Thursday, December 26; however, environmental health services in Newton will be available by phone that day, and inspections will still be conducted. The Newton Environmental Health office will reopen for in-person services on Friday, December 27.

All health department locations will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, and will resume regular business hours on January 2.

‘Tis the season for cool weather and fun celebrations, but did you know there is an increase in illnesses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus.

Remember these simple steps to help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy this season!

How To Avoid Getting Sick! 

Wash your hands often. 

Use soap and water and have hand sanitizer available, especially at gatherings. Hand sanitizer is ineffective against some germs, especially gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus. Hand washing is preferred.

Stay up to date on recommended vaccines.

Make an appointment to get all recommended vaccines, including seasonal ones such as influenza.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Consider wearing a mask when traveling or in crowds.

What To Do When You’re Sick!

Stay home and isolate yourself from others in your household when you’re sick.

Learn when to stay home from work or school.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or use your inner elbow.

Don’t forget to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

Do not cook or serve others when sick, especially when experiencing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Seek testing to determine which illness you are experiencing

• For testing, see your healthcare provider, a GNR Public Health center, your local pharmacy, or use an at-home testing option.
• For COVID, use a reliable at-home antigen test kit from the health department, your local pharmacy, or the federal government. Get free COVID tests delivered or call to find out if free COVID test kits are available at our health centers.
• For flu and COVID, you can self-test at one of three convenient health department kiosks. Testing kiosks are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week! Find a kiosk near you.
• For RSV and norovirus, contact your medical provider to get tested.

Consult your healthcare provider right away if symptoms aren’t manageable or worsen.

GNR Public Health wishes you a healthy and happy holiday!

For additional information about staying healthy this time of year, check out the CDC’s Steps to Help You Stay Healthy During the Holidays.