Fact sheet: Division of Public Health, No. 26 (Oct. 2008)

fact sheet

Georgia Department of Human Resources
DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH
The Georgia Division of Public Health (DPH) is responsible for disease control and prevention, the reduction of avoidable injury-related deaths and disabilities, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The three basic functions of public health include assessing the health status of the population; establishing and implementing sound public health policy, and assuring that people have the resources and skills necessary to remain healthy.
A staff of approximately 6,770 state and county public health employees, located in the state office, 18 health districts, and 159 county health departments administer services that promote the health and well-being of the whole community. County public health departments also offer direct healthcare to low-income people and people in underserved areas of the state, and work with private medical providers to assure that these groups receive needed care.
In 2007, Georgia ranked 40th in the nation for health status according to the United Health Foundation (UHF). The division's goal is to rank 30th in health status by 2011. While there are 20 measures used to determine a state's rankings, the division has analyzed UHF's data to determine where public health should focus. The Division is focusing on six key areas or impact areas which are comprised of the following risk behaviors: smoking, obesity, and substance abuse; and on reducing three health conditions: infant mortality, cardiovascular deaths and premature deaths.
The division's fiscal year 2007 budget was $644.2 million, including $156.9 million in state funds.
Assessing Georgians' health status DPH regularly collects, analyzes and shares information about health conditions, risks
and resources in Georgia communities, so that decision makers can create sound public health policies. A wide range of disease occurrence and prevention information is available to the public as well as to medical professionals and researchers through the Internet at http://health.state.ga.us and http://oasis.state.ga.us. You can also access the health status of states, including Georgia, by visiting www.unitedhealthfoundation.org.
The Health Planning and Assessment Unit (HPAU) creates infrastructure, design of information interfaces, and analysis that enables multi-level, including sub-county, health status assessment and local strategic health planning. In 2002, HPAU created the Online Analytical Statistical Information System (OASIS), a data-reporting tool which serves as a one-stop shop for public health information. The tool provides, on average, about 400 data requests daily for local health professionals and the public. OASIS currently provides maternal and child health, chronic disease, infectious disease, mortality and morbidity, behavioral and socio-economic indicators.
The Epidemiology Section tracks mortality and morbidity patterns and health-related events and behavior of Georgia residents. With the advent of the State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System, (SENDSS) a web-based system for reporting, disease surveillance is becoming easier and more rapid, accurate and useful, while protecting privacy and confidentiality. Additional resources from anti-bioterrorism efforts have further enhanced Public Health's capacity to detect and respond to unusual clusters of disease.
The section oversees special surveys that are used by public and private groups to encourage individual behavior changes and guide overall health policy. The Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys Georgians annually about issues such as tobacco and alcohol use, seatbelt use, and exercise. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System collects information from women about prenatal care and their health-related behavior before and during pregnancy and after delivery. The Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry

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collects information on new cases of cancer. In 2007, of 243 events investigated by Division of Public Health epidemiologists, 160 (66%)
were considered Georgia confirmed outbreaks. The most common etiologies of outbreaks reported were norovirus (37 outbreaks), Shigella sonnei (33 outbreaks) and Salmonella (13 outbreaks). Food was the probable vehicle in 24 outbreaks. Several high profile cluster investigations implicated nationally distributed food products such as peanut butter, hot dog chili sauce and pot pies contaminated with infectious organisms.
In 2007, the Vital Records Section registered more than 270,000 births, deaths, marriages and divorces and more than 74,000 other documents. Over 210,000 copies of records were made for customers from the State Vital Records Office.
The Public Health Laboratory (GPHL) plays a major role in detecting and controlling infectious diseases and environmental health threats by testing specimens for infectious agents. The lab also screens for metabolic diseases and blood disorders in newborns born in Georgia. The laboratory consists of a central facility in Decatur and regional laboratories in Albany and Waycross. The staff processed nearly 700,000 specimens and performed six million tests in FY 2007. The GPHL continues to provide testing of bioterrorism specimens from within the state and will be an important resource in detecting any suspected bioterrorist event in Georgia.
Assuring the health of Georgians Assurance means making sure that Georgia citizens get the health services they need and
that measures to protect the public's health are in place, from both public and private sources. The state and district health offices have initiated a broad range of state, district, and county level activities to strengthen the public health infrastructure and the ability to detect, investigate and respond to emergency events.
Following the events of 9/11 and the anthrax outbreak, Congress funded every state to improve public health's ability to respond to bioterrorism, terrorism and other public health emergencies. Georgia's funds are used at the state and local levels. This effort involves work both within public health agencies and with community partners such as hospitals, emergency medical service providers, private physicians and other health professionals, laboratories, and universities to develop plans and, when necessary, respond to emergency situations.
The Pharmacy Section provides drug procurement and distribution services to the 18 Public Health Districts, nursing homes, substance abuse treatment centers and other sites in Georgia. Pharmaceuticals procured and distributed consist of medications for treatment and prevention such as antibiotics and family planning products. The Pharmacy Section also maintains quality assurance, provides information about pharmaceuticals, reviews and interprets federal and state pharmacy laws, helps develop disease treatment guidelines and nurse protocols, and trains health professionals.
Since reaching a peak of 909 cases in 1991, tuberculosis has declined in Georgia, with 474 cases in 2007. The Tuberculosis Section works with local health agencies and with private physicians to treat and deal with active cases and increase directly observed therapy (DOT). In 2007, Georgia reported a 7% decrease in TB cases from 2006 when 507 cases were reported. This represents a 48% decrease from 1991- the peak of the TB resurgence in Georgia.
The Refugee Health program provides health screening, immunization, case follow-up, interpretation, outreach, information and referrals for refugees who need health care. In 2007, 1,807 refugees, asylees and parolees resettled into 26 counties in Georgia, and 83% received health screenings within 90 days of their arrival into the United States. Objectives of the program are to eliminate health-related barriers to successful resettlement; and, detect and treat communicable diseases before they become a public health problem. The program receives funding from the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement.
The Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) sections provide STD and HIV testing, surveillance, counseling, education, treatment, partner notification and technical assistance in all 18 public health districts and related organizations. In 2007, Georgia reported 679 cases of primary and secondary syphilis, 9,815 cases of gonorrhea and 22,710 cases of chlamydia. In 2007, Georgia HIV Counseling and Testing programs provided

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129,388 HIV antibody tests and identified, counseled and referred to services 2,108 HIVpositive individuals.
The division's HIV/AIDS prevention efforts seek to prevent and/or reduce the transmission of HIV among Georgia's population through Perinatal HIV Prevention, Counseling and Testing Services, Health Education/Risk Reduction, Partner Counseling and Referral Services and Capacity Building. DPH provided federal funds to community-based organizations, health departments and county jails statewide to promote evidence-based interventions, health education and risk reduction and skill building workshops for populations at highest risk for HIV infection. Funding and program priorities are developed by the Georgia Community Planning group in a formal process.
The HIV program also distributed federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act Part B funds (formerly Title II) to 16 county health departments and community-based organizations for primary care and support services for Georgians living with HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program provided medications to over 5,000 Georgians in 2007. The Health Insurance Continuation program paid premiums for more than 104 people to help them maintain their health insurance coverage.
Preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles for all Georgians The top three causes of death in Georgia, cardiovascular disease, cancer and stroke,
make up more than 62 percent of all deaths. The division works to prevent chronic diseases and their complications, disability, premature death by assisting Georgians in achieving their highest level of health by raising public awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles. Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death. Georgia's Tobacco Use Prevention Program aims to 1) reduce the number of youth who start using tobacco; 2) eliminate secondhand smoke exposure; 3) promote quitting tobacco use; and 4) reduce the use and effect of tobacco use among hardest-hit populations.
To reduce high-risk behaviors in teens, DPH manages a comprehensive Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) program. AHYD offer services in communities throughout Georgia and at 32 Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program sites located in 28 counties. The program collaborates with families and communities to foster abstinence and promote healthy behavior among youth through positive activities. Each county adolescent health program is required to establish a parent and youth advisory committee. Programs also engage local businesses, civic associations, schools, volunteers and the faith community in positive adolescent health promotion. In FY 2007, AHYD provided individual services to 40,361 youth statewide including 36,162 comprehensive health services and 8,957 referrals to community services.
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP), in collaboration with the
Georgia Cancer Coalition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Community Health and nonprofit agencies, serve about 16,000 low-income, uninsured women for breast and cervical cancer each year. The BCCP also provides public awareness, outreach and referral for treatment of breast and cervical cancer as well as professional education about colorectal and prostate cancer through the Women's Health Medicaid Program. The Cancer State Aid program funds treatment and diagnosis for eligible low-income, uninsured Georgians who have all types of cancer.
Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention Program serves approximately 11,000 lowincome and insured Georgians with hypertension and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A primary focus is to promote the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke. New programs seek to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and other disabling conditions through policy and environmental changes that promote better nutrition and increased physical activity.
Ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all Georgians The Office of Preparedness includes the Emergency Preparedness Section which

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manages both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative agreement and the Health and Human Services (HHS) Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Hospital Preparedness Program Cooperative Agreement. Activities have included support of pandemic influenza planning throughout the state, preparation for distribution of critical medication to counter a disease outbreak or terrorist event, and coordination of public health disaster response for wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and other natural and manmade emergencies.
In fiscal year 2005, the division's Environmental Health Section programs provided 69,520 routine and follow-up inspections in food service facilities and 4,104 inspections in tourist accommodations, approved 45,107 new sewage systems, collected and tested 8,647 well water samples, and found more than 2,400 contaminated wells. In addition, 16,716 swimming pool inspections were made. They also investigated 14,822 animal complaints including animal bites, and 25,621 other environmental health complaints.
The division's regulatory functions included oversight of the state's more than 16,521 licensed medics; 277 ambulance services, medical first responder and neonatal transport services; 97 approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training programs; and 15 designated trauma centers. In 2007, DPH oversaw the administration of 3,512 medic competency examinations, and inspected more than 1,982 registered vehicles to ensure minimum equipment standards. The DPH also implemented a self-service online EMS license verification program which allows providers and the public to verify the license status of prehospital care professionals.
The Injury Prevention Section seeks to minimize injuries and their human and economic costs by raising public awareness of injury risks, implementing best practices among high-risk populations, and helping organizations work together to prevent injuries. In FY 2007, the program and its partners distributed 6,630 child safety seats and close to 3,000 smoke alarms to at-risk families.
Improving the health of Georgia's mothers and children The Office of Birth Outcomes works to improve health outcomes for women, infants
and children through prevention, early intervention, and treatment services in collaboration with the private sector.
Children 1st gives families a single point of entry into a wide range of public health and community programs to support children ages birth to five, who may be at increased risk for poor health or development. Referral sources include doctors, nurses, hospitals or various community providers and caretakers. In FY 2007, Children 1st identified more than 64,000 newborns and children needing medical or developmental services. Of the more than 64,000 newborns and children identified in FY 2007 as needing medical or developmental services, over 11,000 were linked to primary health care providers for continued assistance. Over 41,000 children were monitored last year for health and developmental status.
To prevent or minimize disabilities, DPH operates newborn screening programs for all Georgia newborns in collaboration with hospitals. During FY 2007, 97% of newborns were screened for hearing loss over 142,000 babies. Newborns are also screened for seven metabolic disorders and hemoglobinopathies. In FY 2007, over 199,000 newborn screening specimens (blood spots) were tested in the Georgia Public Health Laboratory; 121 infants were diagnosed with metabolic diseases; and 220 infants were diagnosed with a hemoglobin disorder including sickle cell anemia.
A Sudden Infant Death Syndrome program gives risk reduction information to new parents, grandparents and child care providers. Between 2002 and 2006, a total of 650 Georgia infants died due to SIDS. In FY 2007, the division initiated a statewide pilot program to reduce the risk of SIDS deaths in Georgia called the Crib Matching Program. Currently, more than 33 agencies (local health departments, DFCAS, community based organizations, women's shelters, and clinics) across the state participate in the program and serve 357 families.

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Health Check is a preventive and primary health care program for children enrolled in Medicaid or PeachCare, offered by both public and private health care providers. The Well Child Check Team in the Office of Infant and Child Health Services collaborates with the Department of Community Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics, Georgia Chapter, to provide quality assurance and technical assistance for Health Check services in the 18 public health districts, private health care providers, hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and rural health centers. Early intervention can minimize and in some cases prevent disabilities.
Babies Can't Wait provides services to children birth to age three with developmental delays in of five areas of development: cognitive, communication, physical, social-emotional and adaptive. In FY 2007, the program provided early intervention services to 11,000 infants and toddlers in Georgia.
The Children's Medical Services (CMS) program provides care coordination for children from birth to age 21 with chronic health/medical conditions. In FY 2007, CMS provided specialized medical/health care and care coordination services to approximately 8,700 Georgia children.
The Nutrition Section works to ensure, promote and influence nutrition-related policies and practices, and system development statewide. The section does so by: conducting population-based services, increasing the demand and providing options for achieving healthy eating lifestyles, enabling citizens to make informed food choices and creating public/private partnerships to share responsibility for actions.
In FY 2007, each month approximately 283,111 women, infants and children received nutritious supplemental foods along with nutrition education, through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. A few of the services WIC offers include: nutrition assessment, health screening, medical history, hemoglobin check, breast-feeding support and education, and vouchers for food supplements. WIC benefits are available to eligible pregnant or postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5.
The Immunization Section works with county health departments, community health centers and private providers to assure children are immunized against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases. This includes administering the federal Vaccines for Children program in Georgia, which gives free vaccine for eligible children up to age 19, and educating providers on immunization issues. The Georgia Registry of Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS), also known as the Georgia Immunization Information System, helps track children's immunization records. The section also works to prevent flu and pneumonia among the elderly and chronically ill and to reduce Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B in high-risk groups.
The Oral Health Prevention program has greatly expanded school-based preventive services using portable dental equipment, nine mobile dental trailers and two vans to serve poor children, especially in rural areas. In FY2007, 191,457 children received dental prevention and treatment services through 393 program visits to schools and other child facilities in the 18 health districts. In some rural areas more than 90% of the low-income children served have never been to the dentist. They are given preventive services including dental sealants, and referrals or emergency treatment.
To lower Georgia's infant mortality rates, DPH provides comprehensive women's health services in all 159 counties at 240 clinic sites. In FY 2007, 158,749 women and 5,030 men received family planning services. An important part of family planning is preconception health assessment and counseling to improve the health of women and couples before conception.
Disseminating wellness and health information to Georgians As part of its role to monitor and assess community health status and needs as well as to
promote healthy lifestyles, the division publishes reports on a wide variety of topics. These reports are available at http://health.state.ga.us/publications/reports.asp. Recent reports include:

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The Georgia Asthma Surveillance Report, 2007 provides data on asthma prevalence and its risk factors, work-related asthma, health care utilization, asthma severity and deaths, and asthma management practices for children, youth, and adults. The 2004 Strategic Plan for Addressing Asthma in Georgia establishes a framework and strategy to address asthma across the state.
The American Cancer Society South Atlantic Division Cancer Facts & Figures, 2007 describes the burden of cancer in Georgia and other states. The report includes the estimated number of new cancer cases and deaths, incidence rates, mortality rates and the prevalence of cancer screening and cancer risk factors.
The 2007 Georgia Stroke Report provides statewide statistics for stroke, including mortality, risk factors and knowledge of the signs/symptoms.
The 2006 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) report provides health data based on a random selection sample of adult Georgians. The report provides information about chronic conditions, risk behaviors and preventive practices. The Georgia Arthritis Burden Report, 2006 provided the estimated prevalence of arthritis in Georgia by age, race/ethnicity and sex across the 18 public health districts. Information such as health-related quality of life, impact of arthritis, arthritis management and hospitalizations due to arthritis are included.
The 2006 Georgia Physical Activity Surveillance Report includes information about physical activity behaviors, organizational policies, costs of inactivity and strategies to promote physical activity in Georgia.
The Cardiovascular Disease Report 2005, Georgia includes statewide and county-specific information on CVD, ischemic heart disease, and stroke in Georgia.
The Georgia Childhood Cancer Report, 2005 offers a detailed picture of childhood cancer in Georgia. It contains information on childhood cancer incidence and deaths, risk factors and prevention.
The Georgia's Family Planning Program Facts at a Glance, Fiscal Year 2005 presents an overview of the Georgia Family Planning Program's services and clients and is based on data submitted by a network of 276 clinic sites across the state.
The Georgia's Resource Guide for Families of Children with Hearing Loss was written for families of infants and children recently identified with hearing loss to help families with their questions and concerns about their child's hearing loss and assist them in finding local resources for services.
Overweight and Obesity in Georgia 2005 summarizes the burden of overweight and obesity in Georgia. The report also highlights strategies to prevent obesity by increasing breastfeeding initiation and duration, improving healthy eating habits, increasing physical activity and decreasing television viewing. The information presented in this report is intended to help plan, implement and evaluate programs to promote healthy behaviors in all Georgians.

Georgia Department of Human Resources Office of Communications www.dhr.georgia.gov October 2008