Fulton County Health Department Observes Nat’l Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The health promotion team of Fulton County’s Department of Health and Wellness (FCDHW) has been busy this month presenting a series of community health education talks on self-breast care and breast cancer prevention.  The presentations explain what breast cancer is; describe related risk factors; and highlight the importance of self-breast exams and mammograms. The programs are being held at several senior centers throughout Fulton County and the Atlanta-Fulton Dogwood Branch library.  The one-hour talks are FREE and open to the public.

Schedule of FREE Breast Cancer Awareness Presentations at Senior Centers, Public Library:  

Monday, October 24, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location:  Atlanta Fulton Public Library Dogwood Branch, 1838 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Monday, October 24, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location:  Quality Living Services Villa Center, 4020 Danforth Road, SW, Atlanta, GA  30331

Tuesday, October 25, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location:  Hapeville Neighborhood Senior Center, 527 King Arnold St., Hapeville, GA  30354

Wednesday, October 26, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location:  Adamsville Green Apartments Center, 527 King Arnold Street, Hapeville, GA  30354.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the United States and in Georgia.  Each year about 220,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed across the United States. This accounts for more than 40,000 deaths among women and 400 deaths among men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fulton County health promotion staff also makes presentations at community health fairs throughout the year.  To see a complete schedule of health events, visit: http://www.fultoncountyga.gov/health-events.  To schedule a health promotion presentation at your school, church or organization, contact Fulton County Senior Public Health Educator Angela Johnson:  404.612.4236 or Angela.johnson@fultoncountyga.gov.  

 

Fulton County Registration and Elections Message for College Students

The Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections reiterates the importance of college students knowing the requirements to vote in Georgia. The voter registration deadline to vote in the November General Special Election is October 11, 2016.

“We are aware that voting requirements might not be clear for college students,” states Richard Barron, Director of Fulton County Registration and Elections. “College students are unique because of their residency status and we encourage them to do some research before heading to the poll to vote.”

Residency determines how and where college students can vote:

Fulton County Resident
If you are a permanent resident of Fulton County, on Election Day, you MUST vote at your designated precinct. If you choose to vote early, you can vote at any Early Voting site within the county.

Georgia Resident
If you are listed as a permanent resident in another Georgia county, on Election Day, you can ask for a provisional ballot, but to avoid any problems, if possible, return home to vote or complete an Absentee Ballot that can be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s office website (make sure the ballot is returned before the deadline). If it’s discovered that you are not a registered voter in Fulton County by the voter registration deadline, your provisional vote will not be counted.

Out-of-State Resident
If your permanent residency is listed in another state, ask your parent(s) to send you an Absentee Ballot or visit your state’s Election website to download an Absentee Ballot. Make sure the Absentee Ballot is returned before the deadline.

Required Voter ID

Bring one of these six forms of identification to vote:

• Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free ID Card issued by your county registrar's office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
• A Georgia Driver's License, even if expired
• A Valid out-of-state Driver’s License
• Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of this state
• Valid U.S. passport ID
• Valid U.S. military photo ID
• Valid tribal photo ID

The Department of Registration and Elections regularly partners with groups and organizations to conduct voter registration drives. Groups interested in scheduling a drive can contact the Department of Registration and Elections by phone 404-612-3816, by fax 404-730-8839 or via email at Elections.VoterRegistration@fultoncountyga.gov.

For more information about upcoming Elections, log on to www.fultonelections.com or call 404-730-7072.

Fulton Board Signs on to Discount Healthcare Plan for Citizens

In a unanimous vote today, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners is making discounted healthcare services available to residents by teaming up, at no cost to the county, with the Coast2Coast Rx Discount Card Program.   In fact, according to the contract with parent company Financial Marketing Concepts, Inc. of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Fulton County will receive a “royalty of $1.25 for every claim paid by the company”.  In addition to discounts on prescriptions, the card will provide discounts on dental, vision, hearing, the Diabetes Savings Program, imaging and lab tests and even veterinary services for pets. 

 

Once the program is up and running, residents will be able to learn about and print their cards online.  Cards will also be available at Fulton County health centers, government centers and libraries.  They will be accepted at participating pharmacies.  Details of other healthcare providers participating in the program will be made widely available to the public through what the company says will be a broad “newspaper, radio, television and internet” campaign. 

The resolution was sponsored by District 4 Commissioner Joan Garner—a passionate healthcare advocate and the Commissioner overseeing the County’s core principle that “All People are Healthy.”  It was co-sponsored by District 5 Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Jr. 

“The Coast2Coast Discount program ensures all people are healthy by increasing access to services that may have otherwise been unaffordable for Fulton County residents,” says District 5 Commissioner Joan Garner. “We know that the costs of prescriptions, lab tests, and medical supplies can often be barriers for those who are on low or fixed incomes. I’m glad that our board unanimously voted to make this program a reality, and I hope that all Fulton County residents will take advantage of this great opportunity.”

Coast2Coast Rx says other healthcare services may be added to its discounted services list.  The company reports the average discount for its “cardholder base in 2013 was over 65%.”  It says the cards of Fulton residents will be assigned a unique Group Code so they can be tracked anywhere they are used at participating pharmacies, including those anywhere in the United States, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Fulton County to Kickoff Program to End Senior Hunger and Improve Health Outcomes

Fulton County Aging & Youth and the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger (NFESH) will kick off “What A Waste: Reducing Hunger and Improving Health among Fulton County Seniors” to enhance the health and wellbeing of vulnerable seniors in Fulton County on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., located at the Sandy Springs Neighborhood Senior Center, 6500 Vernon Woods Drive, Sandy Springs, GA.

The program  is designed to directly improve the health and well-being of vulnerable seniors living in Fulton County by assisting select senior centers and others, similar senior meal providers in improving the nutrition services that they currently furnish to seniors who are now receiving meals and in expanding their services to reach other vulnerable older persons who are in need but excluded from services due to budgetary and other resource constraints.

The funding for “What a Waste” is being provided through the Community Services Program (CSP).   Through “What A Waste”, NFESH will work with the Sandy Springs Neighborhood Senior Center and the Roswell Neighborhood Senior Center to evaluate the program and make recommendations for operational and policy changes.

Based on the organization's track record with other jurisdictions, their recommendations have assisted senior meal programs in: lowering their food costs; improving their menus; and refining the nutrient content of meals to ensure that seniors have regular access to the much-needed nutritious foods.

For more information, contact Darrell Jackson, Deputy Director, Aging and Youth Services Department at 404-613-7944.

Fulton County Selects New Chief Medical Examiner

Veteran forensic expert and pathologist, Dr. Jan Gorniak has been named the new Chief Medical Examiner for Fulton County.  She comes to the county after serving as Deputy Chief Medical Examiner in the District of Columbia for the past two years.  Prior to that position, Dr. Gorniak spent 5 years as Franklin County Coroner in Columbus, Ohio, serving as that county's first full-time forensic pathologist coroner. 

"Dr. Gorniak comes as a highly recommended and well-regarded expert in her field with a long list of achievements and accreditations," said Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson. "However, her tenure in several positions has also involved reaching out to the communities she serves to battle issues such as violence and drug abuse.  She truly cares about the communities she's served."

A native of the Bronx, New York, Dr. Jan Gorniak is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners and the National Association of Medical Examiners.  She previously served on the Board of Directors of the Ohio State Coroners' Association.  She graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania and trained in anatomic pathology at the University Hospitals of Cleveland and in forensic pathology at the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office in Cleveland, Ohio.

 

Dr. Jan Gorniak is scheduled to begin her new duties on July 25, 2016.

Fulton County Senior Facilities Serve as Cooling Centers on Weekdays during Extreme Heat

Fulton County’s Aging and Youth Services Department, Senior Multipurpose Facilities are open to serve as Cooling Centers for seniors in need of a cooler environment.  The facilities are available to ensure the health and safety of seniors during days when temperatures are expected to rise as high as 100 degrees or more.

The four Senior Multipurpose Facilities are available from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to seniors living in Fulton County.  Aging and Youth Service staff members urge seniors without air conditioning to visit one of the four Senior Multipurpose Facilities. 

Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Facility
6500 Vernon Woods Dr.
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
404-613-4900 (Office)

H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility
2885 Church Street
East Point, GA 30344
404-762-4821 (Office)

Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility
677 Fairburn Road, NW
Atlanta, GA 30331
404-613-8580 (Office)

Helene S. Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility
515 John Wesley Dobbs
Atlanta, GA   30312
404-523-3353 (Office)

The Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) offers the following tips to help seniors and County residents to cope with extreme heat:

• Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Familiarize yourself with the medical conditions that can result from over-exposure to heat, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke to help lessen health threats and harm.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade.  Be careful not over-exercise them and keep them indoors when it's extremely hot.

Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information on excessive heat watches and warnings.  For more information about. Emergency Preparedness in Fulton County, contact AFCEMA at 404-730-5600.

Citizens in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, including communications in an alternative format, should contact the Disability Liaison at 404-613-7944. To obtain Georgia Relay Access, citizens should dial 711.

Fulton County Offers Swimming Pool Precautions as Mid-Summer Heat Continues Tips to Avoid Injuries/Drownings and Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI)

As the mid-summer temperatures continue to soar, it is open swim time at more than 1,200 public swimming pools in Fulton County.  As residents enjoy the water, the Fulton County Health Department warns that accidental drownings among toddlers and youth and recreational water illnesses (RWI) among all swimmers can be avoided by practicing safety precautions.

Recreational water illnesses are caused by germs and chemicals found in the pool water. The germs are spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or having contact with contaminated water in pools and water parks, etc., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fulton County’s Environmental Health specialists have been busy inspecting public pools to ensure water clarity and proper chlorine balance. The inspectors also check for the presence of prominently placed safety equipment, including proper gate height, 911 emergency phones and first aid kits.

“Some of the most common pool inspection violations are pools where the chemical readings are too low and where the flow meters are not working properly,” explains Fulton County’s Environmental Health Deputy Director Ellis Jones. Prior to entering a public pool, Jones recommends parents of young swimmers and adult swimmers check the pool’s latest inspection report.  Public pool inspection reports are to be placed in a visible location, typically near the pool entrance or in the main swimming area. To report a public pool safety hazard in Fulton County, call 404-613-1303.

The CDC and the American Red Cross recommend these additional safety precautions for swimmers: 

FIVE Tips to Prevent Swimming Pool Injuries and Accidental Drownings Before You Enter the Pool

• Check for a lifeguard.  If on duty, the lifeguard should be focused on the swimmers.
• If NO lifeguard is on duty, a “NO Lifeguard on Duty” sign should be posted. Swim at your own risk!
• Know where the safety equipment is located. 
• Use well-fitting Coast Guard approved life jackets for flotation rather than foam or air-filled toys.
• Don’t swim if pool drain covers are missing or broken, or can’t be clearly seen.

Four Tips to Prevent Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI) while in the Pool

• Don’t swim when you have diarrhea or have an open wound on your body.
• Shower before you enter the pool.  After leaving the pool, shower again for at least a minute.
• Don’t swallow the water.
• Don’t urinate or defecate in the water.

Fulton County Fire Rescue Offers Tips for a Safe 4th of July

Although many types of fireworks are legal in Georgia, residents need to be careful when using them. Fulton County Fire Rescue Department offers fireworks safety tips for a fun July 4th celebration.

 “We want citizens to have fun, but safety is our first priority.” states Fulton County Fire Chief Larry Few. “Even though the new law expands the sale of fireworks, the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.”

Fireworks injury is highest for children ages 5-19 and adults 35-44.  Each July 4th, thousands of people, often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks.

Adults are strongly urged to keep children away from fireworks, including sparklers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides the following tips:

• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

The new state law governing fireworks, HB 110, has certain provisions and times that revelers should be aware of:

1. The new state law allows for fireworks to be sold statewide in Georgia.

2. Fireworks can be used between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight (12 a.m.).

3. On Jan. 1, July 3, July 4 and on Dec. 31, fireworks can be used from 10 a.m. through 2 a.m.

4. Fireworks cannot be exploded within 100 yards of a nuclear power facility or gas station, or a facility that refines, processes, or blends gasoline.

5. Persons must be at least 18 years of age to purchase fireworks.

Nearly 90 percent of the fireworks injuries reported to emergency departments involved fireworks permitted under federal regulations, with many suffering injuries to their heads, eyes and extremities. Sixty-three percent of these injuries were burns.

For more information about the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department, log-on to www.fultoncountyga.gov. Follow them @FCFRD on Twitter.

Fulton County Commissioners Approve T-SPLOST Projects List

Board backs $100 Million in priorities for transportation upgrades

At their June 1, 2015 meeting the Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved a preliminary list of infrastructure and road improvements in unincorporated that would be funded by dollars collected by a Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax (or T-SPLOST) if Fulton County voters approve the November 8 referendum. The list of projects totals over $100 million dollars in road improvements and upgrades. The Board will finalize the project list at its June 15 meeting.

"Everyone who lives or drives through Fulton County knows transportation must be improved,” says Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John H. Eaves. “Thanks to input from residents, the business community and government leaders, we have come up with a project list that reflects your key areas of concern. I encourage you to review the list before you vote in November."

The list was developed with extensive public input. Among the projects and expenditures on the list for the unincorporated communities of south Fulton County are:

• $36 million in maintenance and safety enhancements (including topping and resurfacing of local roadways),
• over $41 million for operations and safety improvements,
• $3.7 million for work on bridges,
• $1.1 million for Fulton County Airport Improvements.
• $2.2 million for Quick Response Projects,
• more than $17 million for pedestrian bike improvements.

Voters are scheduled to vote on the T-SPLOST referendum on November 8, 2016.  If approved, it would allocate .75 cents per dollar to transportation projects countywide.

Residents Invited to Give Input on Central Library During June 14 Meeting

Fulton County residents are invited to a meeting on June 14 to give input on the future of the Fulton County Library System’s Central Library.

The meeting will be from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on the Main floor of the library, located at One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303.

At their May 18 meeting, members of the Fulton County Board discussed options for the library. Those options include either renovating the current Central Library facility or constructing a new library at a different location in the downtown area.

This discussion comes as the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System enters the second phase of a $275 million building program, funded by a library bond referendum approved by Fulton County voters in 2008.

Phase I of the Capital Program included the construction of eight new branch libraries and major renovation to two libraries. Seven of the new libraries are now open, with the eighth (Southeast Library) scheduled to open next month.

Phase II will include construction or renovation of the Central Library, as well as renovation of other branches throughout the system.

2016 Fulton Fresh Mobile Kick-Off Event

Fulton County’s Ryan White Program Receives More Federal Dollars to Fight HIV/AIDS

More than a million more dollars headed to initiatives battling spread of disease in metro Atlanta

Fulton County has received a Fiscal Year 2016 grant of $25,023,768 in federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the US Department of Health and Human Services under the Ryan White Treatment Extension Act of 2009. The FY 2016 award of $25,023,768 represents a 5% increase over the FY 2015 of $23,778,777.  In 2015, the Ryan White Program expended 99.6% of its funding and served more than 14,000 people.

“Words can’t express how pleased I am to learn that the Ryan White program has received increased funding this year,” says Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John H. Eaves.  “Every dollar we receive moves us a step forward in reducing new infections and improving the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS.  I view the additional money as a sign that our program serving the 20-county metro Atlanta area is being recognized for the services it provides and the many lives it touches every day.”

“The community has prioritized these funds to support navigators to help people with HIV enroll in health insurance and also to support rapid entry programs to help people enroll in care more quickly,” says Jeff Cheek, Director of the Ryan White Program. “The goal is to reduce the time for a new appointment from two to six weeks down to 3 days. Our clinics are responding to the HIV epidemic in Atlanta with a renewed sense of urgency.”

Fulton County administers Atlanta’s Ryan White Part A grant for the 20-county area which includes: Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Spalding and Walton Counties.  Part A funds support clients as they progress through the HIV care continuum and include core medical and essential support services with a strong focus on HIV treatment.

Atlanta’s Ryan White Program works to improve the availability and quality of care for low-income, uninsured, or underinsured people living with HIV.  The ultimate goal of HIV treatment is to achieve viral suppression, meaning the amount of HIV in the body is very low or undetectable. This is important for people with HIV to stay healthy, live longer, and reduce their chances of passing HIV to others. 

Futon County Ryan White Website: http://ryanwhiteatl.org.

For more information, visit Fulton County’s website at www.fultoncountyga.gov or connect with Fulton County government on Twitter at @FultonInfo or Facebook at @fultoninfo.

Public-Private Partnership with Keep Atlanta Beautiful and Fulton County Will Revitalize ‘The Front Door to the County’

“As part of our continued efforts to address the many capital needs of our Fulton County facilities, I am thrilled with our partnership with Keep Atlanta Beautiful to improve and beautify our water garden.  This Public/Private partnership will bring great improvements to our main government center’s “front door” for our many visitors and employees for years to come,” said Vice Chairman Liz Hausmann, District 1.

“I am pleased to work with Keep Atlanta Beautiful on this important project. The structure was built as a fountain and needs to be maintained because we don't want it to create health or environmental issues,” said Commissioner Joan P. Garner, District 4, which includes the Government Center. “It is important to me that Fulton County create our water garden into a more inviting public space that will make Fulton County and the government district more welcoming to visitors and residents. I am glad to be part of the energy and excitement that defines downtown Atlanta."

Friedberg, a recipient of the American Society of Landscape Architects’ medal – the highest honor for a landscape architect – has also designed other noteworthy public spaces, such as Pershing Park in Washington D.C., the 67th Street Playground in New York, and Peavey Plaza in Minneapolis.

In conjunction with modernization of the water garden, a $2 million streetscape improvement project will address the surrounding sidewalks that lead to the government center, redevelop the edges of the building to meet the current Special Public Interest (SPI) overlay requirements, and establish a cohesive streetscape connecting the Fulton County Government building to the greater urban fabric of the area.

This partnership comes at an exciting time, when more than $3 billion is being invested in the overall improvement of the area around the Fulton County Government Center, including the $1.4 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium; the $60.2 million makeover of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive; and the substantial investments in Georgia State University, Atlanta Underground, Centennial Olympic Park, and Turner Field, to name a few.

“We are excited to work with the county and our partners Integral-Gude, HGOR, and Astra Group on this unique architectural space in our great city,” said Brent Brown, Chairman of Keep Atlanta Beautiful.  The revitalization of this Water Garden/Streetscape into a welcoming and relevant space will benefit the county, city, and surrounding neighborhood for years to come. This project is in keeping with the goals of Keep Atlanta Beautiful, which seeks to maintain welcoming, beautiful public spaces, improving the quality of life for all.”

Keep Atlanta Beautiful, Inc. and Fulton County are partnering on a $3.4 million project to enhance the Fulton County Government Center on Pryor Street. The one-of-a-kind project, in the heart of Atlanta’s Government District, will update the 26-year-old water garden and improve the surrounding streetscape. 

The Center’s water garden, which opened in 1989, and was designed by world-renowned landscape architect M. Paul Friedberg, will undergo a $1.4 million modernization preserving the original architectural integrity of the garden, improving the pedestrian circulation, and enhancing the beauty of the landscape with the using of native, adapted, and aquatic plants. The vision of the project is to create a more welcoming front door to the county that greets the thousands of Fulton County employees, residents and visitors every year.

Commissioner Arrington to Host Family Fun Day May 14

Fulton County District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr. invites residents to the 2nd Annual District 5 Family Fun Day. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oak Hill Family Center, 2805 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta, GA.   Parking and shuttle bus services will be available from Atlanta Metropolitan College's Gold Lot at 1630 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30315 to Mount Zion Methodist Church on 2840 Metropolitan Parkway SW, Atlanta, GA 30315.

“This is a great day for families in the communities of District 5 to celebrate all that is great about living in our area,” says Commissioner Arrington. “We hope, in the midst of the day of fun, some valuable information will also go out to our friends and neighbors.”

The event will include: free health screenings, free lunches by Chick-fil-A  storytelling by Mama Koku and Mr. Tyriq, live dance performances, spoken word by Atlanta's Hank Stewart, Zoo Atlanta’s Zoomobile, City of Atlanta's Parks and Recreation Game Mobile, face painting by Fulton Arts, healthy cooking classes by CHOICES, MARTA's Community Interactive Bus, SSK 25, Older 2nd Annual Kickball Tournament, and much more. In addition, residents will learn more about Fulton County and City of Atlanta services, including Health & Wellness, Registration & Elections, the Fulton County Library system, public safety services, and more.

The event can be shared on social media via the hashtag #D5FamilyFunDay. To RSVP for the event, go online to www.2016FamilyFunDay.eventbrite.com.

For more information, visit Fulton County’s website at www.fultoncountyga.gov or connect with Fulton County government on Twitter at @FultonInfo or Facebook at @FultonInfo.

Meet the “Carolina Lady” #SeniorsOfFulton

“I say I'm from Atlanta now, but I was originally a Carolina lady. I was born in Anderson, South Carolina. I moved to Atlanta in the 1950’s.

Every day I come to the Bowden Center and sit in the parking lot at 6:30 a.m. and wait for the doors to open. I started coming in 1998. I have a lot of friends here and everyone is pleasant, no matter your nationality everyone are friends. I'm a country girl. Growing up, we had neighbors who were African American. We didn't know anything about segregation, and I didn't know until my 40's about racism. We didn't have radio or TV. Only thing we had was farm work, school and church.

I don’t mean to be ugly, but I’m losing my hair, so I’d rather not have a picture taken of me. I’d like to finish by saying that I enjoy coming to the Bowden Center to breakfast with my friends.”

Fulton County Senior, 91, ‪#‎SeniorsOfFulton‬ ‪#‎OAM2016‬

Meet Tawanna Sellers #SeniorsOfFulton

“I joined the Benson facility eight years ago after I turned 55. I came to the Benson facility to make a presentation during my days as an American Heart Association volunteer. I remembered how much I enjoyed the center and that’s why I decided to come back after I retired to join and serve as a volunteer. I love meeting people and helping others. Our facility provides great meals, classes and the pool. This facility is wonderful. Some people would do nothing if they didn’t come here.” 

Meet Tawanna Sellers, 63 #SeniorsOfFulton #OAM2016

Meet Dorothy Benson ‪#‎SeniorsOfFulton

May is Older Americans Month across the Country as we celebrate the contributions, activism and creativity of our Nation’s seniors. Dorothy C. Benson, the trailblazer for which the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Facility in Sandy Springs is named practices in her calligraphy class at the Benson facility.

In 1990, Ms. Benson and 40 other seniors boarded a bus for a trip to Baltimore, Maryland to tour senior multipurpose facilities in that city. The trip to Baltimore planted the seeds for Fulton County’s first senior Multipurpose Facility, the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility. The generosity of East Point in donating the land made Bowden the first of four to open in Fulton County.

Dorothy Benson, #‎SeniorsOfFulton‬

Every Kid Healthy Week Salute to Fulton County Schools Creative PE Program

Every child in Fulton County deserves to be well-nourished, physically active, healthy and ready to learn. Studies from researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and elsewhere show that in addition to preventing obesity and obesity-related health problems, regular physical activity enhances important components of academic performance for youngsters, including concentration, cognition and classroom behavior.

Sadly, one in three children aged 2 to 17 in Fulton County is estimated to be either overweight or obese and fewer than half of Georgia high school students are physically active for at least an hour a day.  Health experts say that if these trends continue, this generation will be the first in history to live shorter lives than their parents.

The good news is, with sound nutrition and opportunities for physical activity, kids thrive. That’s why Action for Healthy Kids and the Fulton County Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program are calling on adults and children alike during Every Kid Healthy Week (April 25-29, 2016) to help make schools healthier places, so kids can live healthier lives and be better prepared to learn and succeed academically.

This week, the Fulton County PICH Program is shining a spotlight on the wonderful efforts by Fulton County Schools to improve the health and wellness of students.  The PICH Program is proud of its partnership with Fulton County Schools to implement creative Physical Education programs in elementary and middle schools this year. PICH provides financial support for the implementation of the Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum (EPEC) in all Fulton County elementary schools and the SPARK Curriculum in middle schools. Both programs are research-based and promote healthy habits in all aspects of students’ lives. PICH is also funding a series of workshops that to-date have trained over 300 health and PE teachers in creative P.E. instruction techniques.

Combating childhood obesity by increasing opportunities for physical activity is a topline goal of the PICH Program. The collaboration between PICH and the Fulton County Schools on these new P.E. strategies will ensure that students have the means to become both physically fit and academically stronger.

Dr. Tasha Guadalupe, Health and Physical Education Coordinator for Fulton County Schools, says the resource funding that PICH is providing will “enhance teachers’ instructional strategies through a standards-based approach, helping students to maintain good health, perform better in class, and promote an active lifestyle.”

Learn more about the PICH Program at http://www.fultoncountyga.gov/partnership-to-improve-community-health. For more information about the Fulton County Schools, visit http://www.fultonschools.org. The website http://www.everykidhealthyweek.org has details about Every Kid Healthy Week.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week 2016

Join the Victims' Rights Ceremony and 1 Mile Walk to show solidarity for victims of crime in Fulton County on Friday, April 15, 2016 at 1pm. The walk will begin at the Slayton Courthouse Steps, 136 Pryor Street, Atlanta, GA 30303.

Registration is Open for 22nd Annual Fulton Golden Games

Active older adults 50 and over can demonstrate their fitness and enjoy the warmer temperatures of spring during the 22nd Annual Fulton Golden Games. Registration is now open for local residents who want to participate in the games, which begin April 27, 2016 and continue through May 26, 2016. Registrants pay a $20 registration fee, which includes the cost of a t-shirt and opening day picnic lunch. Registered seniors can take part in all of the event's competitive games. Residents can download the registration packet here or pick one up at any Fulton County senior multipurpose facility or senior centers. Nearly 400 participants registered for the Golden Games last year. The deadline for registration is March 29. Opening ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m., on April 27, 2016 at Bell Memorial Park in Milton located at 15245 Bell Park Road in Milton. Track and field events, including a one-mile walk and run, half-mile walk, flying disc throw, discus and shot-put throw, bocce toss, ladder golf, football throw and more begin after the ceremony. Throughout May, players can take part in various tournaments, including bridge, pickle ball, tennis, canasta and poker, diving and swimming events, a nature hike, rock climbing, a biathlon, table tennis, and other competitive events. A luncheon and awards ceremony will be held Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex in Sandy Springs. For more information, contact Fitness Instructor Nicole Wyche at (404) 613-4900. The 22nd Annual Fulton Golden Games are hosted by the Fulton County Aging and Youth Services Department, Office of Aging, Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department in conjunction with the Johns Creek Recreation and Parks Division, City of Milton Parks and Recreation Department, Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department and the Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department. Citizens in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability including communications in an alternative format should contact the Disability Liaison in the Aging and Youth Services Department at (404) 613-7944. For Georgia Relay Access, dial 711.