Our Time Is Now: The Strategy To End AIDS in Fulton County #EndAIDSFulton

Fulton County Aging & Youth Services Asks for the Community’s Input

As part of the strategic planning process, the Fulton County Aging & Youth Services Department (AYSD) is hosting 7 Town Hall meetings to launch the department’s five-year strategic plan.   The input gathered from citizens, community partners, and non-profit organizations will help shape the programs implements to serve children, youth, and seniors throughout Fulton County.  

The issues identified during the initial Strategic Planning Forums which are now a part of the department’s five-year plan include:

1. Increase program capacity to effectively address the social and health needs of the most vulnerable and at risk children, youth, and seniors  
2. Improve relationships across generations
3. Establish and maintain a culture of quality customer service that includes integrity and transparency
4. Create and strengthen partnerships to implement innovative practices
5. Promote preparation for a productive and healthy future

The central focus of the plan is to establish two frameworks, ‘Cradle-to-Career’ (focusing on programming for young people in Fulton County) and ‘Career-to-Golden Years’ (focusing on issues facing our population of seniors).     These two frameworks emphasize improved collaboration and coordination of services for Fulton County citizens.   The seven meetings are scheduled throughout the county next week:

Meeting Location	Date & Time
North Fulton Service Center 7741 Roswell Road Atlanta, Georgia 30350	Monday; November 30, 2015 @ 10:30 a.m.
Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex 6500 Vernon Woods Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30328	Monday; November 30, 2015 @ 1:00 p.m.
South Annex Service Center                     5600 Stonewall Tell Road College Park, Georgia 30349	Tuesday; December 1, 2015 @ 10:30 a.m.
Judge Romae T. Powell Juvenile Justice Center 395 Pryor Street SW Atlanta, GA 30312	Tuesday; December 1, 2015 @ 1:00 p.m.
H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility 2885 Church Street East Point, GA 30344	Thursday; December 3, 2015 @ 1:00 p.m.
Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility 677 Fairburn Road, NW Atlanta, GA 30331	Thursday; December 3, 2015 @ 10:00 a.m.
Helene S. Mills Multipurpose Facility 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30312	Friday; December 4, 2015 @ 11:00 a.m.

Additional evening Town Halls will be held in 2016. Citizens requesting more information should call the Aging & Youth Services Department at 404-612-9558 or reach the department via email atagingandyouth@fultoncountyga.gov.

“WE ARE FAMILY!” Campaign Launches Across America #WeAreFamily

The Fulton County Department of Health & Wellness and the DeKalb County Board of Health today launched the We Are Family campaign in Atlanta to reinforce the critical role loved ones play in the health and well-being of people living with HIV.

“We Are Family drives at the core of how Atlanta should respond to HIV…with love and action,” says Leisha McKinley-Beach who leads HIV prevention in Fulton County. “If we break the silence and act as a community, our families will be healthier.”

Anchored by a series of documentary-style short videos, We Are Family profiles Georgians, many from the Atlanta area, affected by HIV, including a grandmother and her grown son, a college student and his parents, a pastor and his congregation, a recovering addict and his mother, a transgender woman and her sister, and childhood best friends. Their stories provide a powerful illustration of the difference it can make for people with HIV to be open with and have the support of loved ones. Presented in the wider Atlanta area as part of Atlanta Greater Than AIDS (Atlanta>AIDS), We Are Family was produced by Greater Than AIDS and the Georgia Department of Public Health. The Fulton County Department of Health & Wellness is extending the reach of the campaign in the heavily-affected Atlanta area, including DeKalb County, with an extensive media campaign, including outdoor, transit, radio, TV and digital messages, and corresponding community materials. 

Fulton and DeKalb counties are among the top counties nationally in rates of new HIV diagnoses.  As is the case nationally, Black residents have been disproportionately affected, accounting for more than two thirds (68%) of Atlantans living with an HIV diagnosis as of 2012.

Whether it’s the one you are born into or the one you create, family matters. 

People with HIV who have strong support networks are more likely to get and stay in care, which both improves health outcomes and reduces the spread of the disease.  Conversely, fear of judgement and rejection can delay a person from seeking lifesaving treatment or even knowing their status. With ongoing treatment, people with HIV can live a normal life span and have children without HIV.  Antiretrovirals – the medications used to treat HIV – also significantly lowers the chance of passing the virus to others.

New Survey Reveals HIV Hits Close to Home for Many Georgians

According to a new statewide survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation that is being released today in conjunction with the campaign, nearly half (46%) of Georgians say they personally know someone living with, or who has died of, HIV/AIDS.  More than one in four (28%) Black residents report having a family member affected by the disease.

“HIV has touched many lives, yet it’s not talked about even with those closest to us,” says Tina Hoff, Senior Vice President and Director of Health Communication and Media Partnerships at the Kaiser Family Foundation, which directs Greater Than AIDS.  “Too many are getting HIV, and even dying, because of the stigma and silence.”

Despite these connections, the Kaiser survey reveals HIV today “rarely,” if at all, comes up in conversations with friends, family or even intimate partners.

Join The Great American Smokeout and Make Today Your Quit Day

Quitting smoking can be hard, so a good plan can help to combat withdrawal symptoms. Here are five easy steps from the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help smokers quit the habit and start the journey to a healthier future:

1. Set a quit date. Choose the Great American Smokeout or another quit day within the next 2 weeks.

2. Tell family and friends about your quit plan. Share your quit date with the important people in your life and ask for support. A daily phone call, e-mail, or text message can help you stay on course and provide moral support. Try SmokefreeTEXT for 24/7 help on your mobile phone.

3. Be prepared for challenges. The urge to smoke is short—usually only 3 to 5 minutes. Surprised? Those moments can feel intense. Even one puff can feed a craving and make it stronger. Before your quit day, write down healthy ways to cope. 

a. Drink water.
b. Take a walk or ride your bike.
c. Listen to a favorite song or play a game.
d. Call or text a friend.

4. Remove cigarettes and other tobacco from your home, car, and workplace. Throw away your cigarettes, matches, lighters, and ashtrays. Clean and freshen your car, home, and workplace. Old cigarette odors can cause cravings.

5. Talk to your pharmacist, doctor, or quitline coach about quit options. Nicotine patches, gum, or other approved quit medication can help with cravings. 

Find more tips and help at: The Georgia Tobacco Quitline: 1.877.270.STOP (7867)

• The Great American Smokeout website
• quitSTART and QuitGuide apps
• http://smokefree.gov
• www.quitsmokingga.org
• https://dph.georgia.gov/ready-quit

The Fulton County PICH Program is working with a coalition of government, school, healthcare, corporate, faith-based and non-profit organizations to discourage tobacco use, reduce second-hand smoke exposure and promote smoke-free policies.

Fulton County Prepares to Swear in Gary Stiles as County Police Chief

Interim Chief to take helm of department November 20

WHO: Chief Gary Stiles, Interim Fulton County Police Chief
                     
WHAT: Gary D. Stiles will be sworn in as Fulton County Police Chief in a ceremony at the Fulton County Government Center.  The swearing-in comes a month after Fulton County Commissioners named Stiles as the sole finalist for the position of Police Chief.  Stiles was named Interim Chief in April 2015 after working in the Fulton County Police Department for 30 years focusing on South Fulton County. His appointment was approved unanimously by the Board of Commissioners at its meeting on November 18, 2015.  Chief Stiles also serves as Chairman of the Badge of Honor Memorial Fund, an organization that advocates on behalf of the families of slain law enforcement officers.

WHEN: Friday, November 20, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. (Press Conference to begin at 9:30)

WHERE: Fulton County Government Center, Assembly Hall, 141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Fulton County Board of Commissioners Proclaims November 16-20 Nobody Quits Like Georgia Week

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners will issue a proclamation to the County’s Department of Health and Wellness Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program declaring the week of November 16-20 as Nobody Quits Like Georgia Week in Fulton County during its meeting on November 18, 2015. We invite you to cover the ceremony and to interview Health and Wellness Department officials about the anti-smoking work underway by the PICH Program and its partners.

WHAT: NOBODY QUITS LIKE GEORGIA WEEK IN FULTON COUNTY Proclamation Presentation Ceremony during Board of Commissioners Meeting

WHEN: 10:00 a.m., November 18, 2015

WHERE: Assembly Hall, Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor Street, Atlanta, GA 30303

WHO: Fulton County Board Of Commissioners, Department Of Health and Wellness Officials, Fulton County Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program Staff, Fulton County Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program Partners
                     
The Fulton County PICH Program is working in partnership with a coalition of government, education, healthcare, corporate, faith-based and non-profit organizations to focus on four program areas to address the chronic health problems residents face:

• increasing access to physical activities by helping develop physical activity programs and policies in school and after school 
• promoting healthy eating and nutrition by helping to increase access to environments with healthy food and beverage choices 
• discouraging tobacco use, reducing second-hand smoke exposure and promoting smoke-free policies 
• encouraging the design of communities in which people of all ages and abilities can walk, bike, ride transit and drive safely.

For more information about the PICH Program, please call Sonja Steptoe at 404.612.3492 or email her at sonja.steptoe@fultoncountyga.gov.To learn more about Fulton County Health and Wellness, please visit, www.fultoncountygahealth.org or call 404-612-1211.  

Fulton Residents Invited to Give Input on 2016 Budget

Fulton County residents are invited to give input during a series of community feedback sessions.

The 2016 Fulton County budget process is based on an intensive strategic planning process.  All Fulton County departments participated in a process to identify the best possible outcomes for residents and maximize the value from every available dollar.

SESSIONS THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 16, 2015

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

6:30 p.m. - Public Hearing on Proposed Water and Sewer Development Fee Modification

7 p.m. Budget Hearing

Host: Vice Chairman Liz Hausmann, District 1

East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30076

Thursday, November 19, 2015

6:30 p.m.

Host: Commissioner Lee Morris, District 3

St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church

4393 Garmon Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327

Friday, November 20, 2015

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Host: Commissioner Joan P. Garner, District 4

Helene S Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility

515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Full List of Upcoming Sessions

Commissioner Arrington‘s “Blanket Atlanta With Love” Drive Expanded and Extended

Those wishing to donate to Fulton County District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr.’s “Blanket Atlanta with Love” Drive will have additional opportunities to do so.  The drive, which collects coats and blankets to help those who are in need during the holiday season, has been extended and will now end November 23rd, 2015.  In addition, another collection site for blankets, coats, ponchos, and other cold weather clothing has been added at the Suite Lounge; 375 Luckie Street NW; Atlanta, GA 30313.

The drive will culminate with the distribution of the new and gently used goods collected and pre-Thanksgiving dinner provided by Chick-Fil-A at the Atlanta Recovery Center, 169 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 on November 24th from 5pm to 7pm.

The new location is in addition to the following, previously announced, locations in Fulton County:

            Fulton County Government Center
            141 Pryor Street SW
            Atlanta, GA 30303

            Fulton County District 5 Offices
            5440 Fulton Industrial Boulevard
            Atlanta, GA 30336

            Oak Hill Family Center
            2805 Metropolitan Parkway
            Atlanta, GA 30315

            Fulton County South Annex
            5600 Stonewall Tell Road
            College Park, GA 30349

Those seeking more information on this event can reach the office of District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr. at www.fultoncommission5.com.  The event can be shared on social media via the hashtag #BlanketAtlantaWithLove.

Honoring Fulton County Employee Veterans

In recognition of Veteran's Day, Fulton County proudly honors employee veterans and active members of the military. View photos here.

Fulton County Commissioners Authorize Tax Commissioner to Waive Ad Valorem Fines

By a unanimous vote, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners authorized the Fulton County Tax Commissioner to waive penalties and interest accrued by county drivers after notices of the annual taxes were delivered late.   The resolution was sponsored by District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis, along with co-sponsors, Fulton County Vice-Chairman District 1 Commissioner Liz Hausmann and District 3 Commissioner Lee Morris.

“The lack of a mailed notice does not relieve the obligation to pay the tag fees still due on your birthday,” says Fulton County Vice-Chairman District 1 Commissioner Liz Hausmann. “The Fulton County Board of Commissioners recognizes the confusion created to some taxpayers who did not receive the notice, and has acted to help relieve any additional burden caused by the late billing.”  

“I am pleased the Board took action to allow our taxpayers to be treated with equity and fairness,” said District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis.

“And, hopefully this will let the residents know that we heard them and this will provide them with the relief that they deserve,” said District 3 Commissioner Lee Morris.

The move comes after the company under contract with the Georgia Department of Revenue for mailing pre-bills sent a letter on September 29, 2015 informing the State they would cease all business operations and file Chapter 11 bankruptcy.   As a result of the vendor's default, some pre-bills were not sent to motor vehicle owners whose registration renewals were due in October 2015.   

Some motorists also reported the back-up vendor retained by the Georgia Department of Revenue mailed some pre-bills with return envelopes that did not show the complete address for the Tax Commissioner so that payment could be submitted but not received.

The resolution authorizes the Fulton County Tax Commissioner to waive penalties and/or interest, in whole or in part, upon motor vehicle owners meeting each of the following circumstances:

• Included are motor vehicle renewals that became due beginning October 1, 2015, through and including November 30, 2015, in Fulton County, Georgia
• The motor vehicle owner presents an Affidavit to the Tax Commissioner asserting that he or she either (a) failed to receive a pre-bill, or (b) received a pre-bill with a remittance envelope that failed to show the complete return address of the Tax Commissioner’s Office and as a result, the remittance was marked as undeliverable and returned to sender
• Payment in full of the principal ad valorem tax and tag fee is received within sixty (60) days of the original deadline for such payment.

If the Tax Commissioner determines that there was reasonable cause for the late payment as described above, the Fulton County Department of Finance will refund to the motor vehicle owner the appropriate amount as determined by the Tax Commissioner.

For more information on the Office of the Fulton County Tax Commissioner, motorists can log onto the office’s website at www.fultoncountytaxes.org/motor-vehicles.aspx.

Fulton County Commissioners Authorize Tax Commissioner to Waive Ad Valorem Fines

By a unanimous vote, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners authorized the Fulton County Tax Commissioner to waive penalties and interest accrued by county drivers after notices of the annual taxes were delivered late. The resolution was sponsored by District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis, along with co-sponsors, Fulton County Vice-Chairman District 1 Commissioner Liz Hausmann and District 3 Commissioner Lee Morris.

“The lack of a mailed notice does not relieve the obligation to pay the tag fees still due on your birthday,” says Fulton County Vice-Chairman District 1 Commissioner Liz Hausmann. “The Fulton County Board of Commissioners recognizes the confusion created to some taxpayers who did not receive the notice, and has acted to help relieve any additional burden caused by the late billing.” 

“I am pleased the Board took action to allow our taxpayers to be treated with equity and fairness,” said District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis.

“And, hopefully this will let the residents know that we heard them and this will provide them with the relief that they deserve,” said District 3 Commissioner Lee Morris.

The move comes after the company under contract with the Georgia Department of Revenue for mailing pre-bills sent a letter on September 29, 2015 informing the State they would cease all business operations and file Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As a result of the vendor's default, some pre-bills were not sent to motor vehicle owners whose registration renewals were due in October 2015. Some motorists also reported the back-up vendor retained by the Georgia Department of Revenue mailed some pre-bills with return envelopes that did not show the complete address for the Tax Commissioner so that payment could be submitted but not received.

The resolution authorizes the Fulton County Tax Commissioner to waive penalties and/or interest, in whole or in part, upon motor vehicle owners meeting each of the following circumstances: 

• Included are motor vehicle renewals that became due beginning October 1, 2015, through and including November 31, 2015, in Fulton County, Georgia

• The motor vehicle owner presents an Affidavit to the Tax Commissioner asserting that he or she either (a) failed to receive a pre-bill, or (b) received a pre-bill with a remittance envelope that failed to show the complete return address of the Tax Commissioner’s Office and as a result, the remittance was marked as undeliverable and returned to sender

• Payment in full of the principal ad valorem tax and tag fee is received within sixty (60) days of the original deadline for such payment.

If the Tax Commissioner determines that there was reasonable cause for the late payment as described above, the Fulton County Department of Finance will refund to the motor vehicle owner the appropriate amount as determined by the Tax Commissioner.

For more information on the Office of the Fulton County Tax Commissioner, motorists can log onto the office’s website at www.fultoncountytaxes.org/motor-vehicles.aspx.

Fulton County Cooperative Extension Invites Residents to Commit to "Dining In" on Thursday, December 3rd

Families invited to post pictures on Twitter using the #FultonDineIn

Fulton County residents are invited to join the nation in celebrating national “Dine-in Day” on Thursday, December 3, 2015 to promote families preparing and eating a healthy meal together. Residents are encouraged to show their support for Dine-In Day by posting a picture of their families preparing and having dinner together. Post your family dinner at #FultonDineIn.

Dine-In Day highlights the many benefits to families of “dining in”. Research has shown that the entire family benefits from family mealtime by having better nutrition, improving family communication, fostering family traditions, and teaching life skills such as meal planning, budgeting, and food preparation.

“National Dine-In Day or Family & Consumer Sciences Day calls attention to simple steps families can take be physically, mentally, and financially healthier by preparing and eating a nutritious meal together,” says Menia Chester, Director of Fulton County Cooperative Extension. “We are pleased to take part in this important initiative.”

The nationwide obesity epidemic, especially among children and teens, has a great deal to do with unhealthy eating and lack of food preparation knowledge. Encouraging families to prepare simple, healthy meals and eat together supports the essence of family and consumer sciences: “Creating Healthy and Sustainable Families.”

The year 2015 marks the second annual Family & Consumer Sciences Day, launched by the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), with a goal of having 200,000 families make a commitment to dining in together. December 3rd was chosen as Family & Consumer Sciences Day to honor AAFCS Founder Ellen Swallow Richards, the first female graduate of MIT.

For easy to prepare recipes and more information about Fulton County Cooperative Extension, call 404-332-2400.

Fulton County BRE to Hold Special Meeting on November 3rd

The Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 6:30pm at the Election Preparation Center located at 1365 English Street, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318.

The Board will meet to discuss Election Day activities for the November 3, 2015 Municipal General and Special Election.

The Board will also convene in Executive Session to Discuss Personnel and/or Legal Matters and Action as Required.