Babies Can’t Wait (BCW) a statewide initiative that offers eligible families, throughout the state of Georgia, access to early intervention services for children (ages birth to three) who may be at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.

To be eligible for the BCW Program, the child must:

• Be under the age of 36 months, and
• Have a diagnosed medical condition the will result in a developmental delay, or
• Show significant delays in development such as talking or walking.
• If you are concerned about a child’s development, please contact the Children 1st entry line at 770-514-2759, Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

Early Intervention services may include developmental screenings to determine the child’s delay, evaluations to determine eligibility and assessments to determine the scope of services needed. To learn more about early intervention services provided by the BCW program, please click here.

Babies Can’t Wait or Children 1st staff will provide your child with a developmental screening at no cost. Developmental screenings are conducted using a tool called the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). If the screening shows delays, the child will be referred to BCW for further testing.

Children can be in the BCW program until the day before his/her third birthday. As your child approaches his/her third birthday, a BCW coordinator will work with you and your family to determine the next steps in your child’s development.

BCW services are provided in a child’s home, daycare or any other natural environment.

Prior to enrolling in the Babies Can’t Wait program, a financial form is completed to determine costs of services/participation, if any. If a family has insurance, services provided may be billed to the insurance (or Medicaid). If there is no insurance, the family pays for services using a sliding fee scale based on the number of people in the family and the total income. Cobb & Douglas Public Health accepts these commercial insurance providers.

To refer or enroll your child in the Babies Can’t Wait program call 770-514-2759, Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Vital records, as defined by the Georgia Department of Public Health, are birth, death, fetal deaths (stillbirth), induced termination of pregnancy, marriage and divorce certificates and reports.

Vital records are completed in the county where the event occurred:

• Birth Certificates: The majority of birth records are generated by hospital staff.
• Death Certificates: Death Certificates are completed by funeral directors and certifying physicians, except in the case of coroner investigations where the coroner certifies the manner of death.
• Marriage Applications and Licenses: Marriage applications and licenses are completed by probate judges and marriage officials.
• Divorce Report: Reports of divorce are completed by the Clerks of the Superior Courts.

*Original records, except marriage and divorce reports, are filed at the state office of vital records.

Home Births can be filed in the County Vital Records office by APPOINTMENT ONLY, Please call to schedule an appointment 770-514-2394 or 770-514-2395. A home birth packet can be mailed to the parents upon request. Generally, appointments are scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

In Georgia, only certain people are entitled to a certified copy of a birth/death certificate. According to Georgia law and the Department of Human Resources, the person(s) entitled to a certificate is:

• The person named on the certificate
• The parents listed on the certificate
• The authorized legal guardian or agent of the person on certificate
• The living legal spouse or next of kin or legal representative of the person on certificate
• The court of competent jurisdiction, upon order or subpoena
• Any governmental agency, state or federal, provided that such a certificate is needed for official purposes
• Death certificates with a cause of death will only be issued to the IMMEDIATE next of kin. Certificates WITHOUT the cause can be issued to others with VALID ID.
• When required, the social security number is redacted on a death certificate

Online:
Cobb & Douglas Public Health does not accept credit cards or online orders; however, for your convenience, you can process online requests through an independent company that we have partnered with: VitalChek. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for using this service, and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.

By Mail:
When requesting a certificate by mail, you may pay by money order made payable to Cobb County Public Health. Do not send cash in the mail. Be sure to include a copy of your Photo ID.

Address:
Cobb & Douglas Public Health
Vital Records Office
1650 County Services Parkway
Marietta, Georgia 30008

In Person:
When requesting a birth certificate in person, you may pay by credit card (MasterCard, Visa and Discover only), or cash.

Please provide the following to receive a certified copy of a birth certificate:

The person requesting a certified copy of a birth record must provide the appropriate fee and a signed request that includes the following information:

• Photo ID: Passport, Driver’s License, U.S. Military ID, State of Georgia ID, Foreign Passport
• Full name of person shown on the birth certificate (last name at birth if female)
• Date of birth (month, day, year)
• Place of birth (hospital, city, county)
• Full name of mother (include mother’s maiden name)
• Full name of father
• Relationship to the person named on the birth certificate request
• The number (full size) of certificates requested

Fees*:

• Search fee (includes one certified copy, if the record is found on file): $25.00
• Additional certifications of the same record ordered at the same time: $5.00

*Georgia law requires that a search fee is to be received before a certified copy of a birth certificate can be issued. Payment of the fee is necessary at the time of service and search fees are non-refundable.

Paternity Acknowledgment

The Paternity Acknowledgment (PA) document has two main purposes:

• To add a father to a child’s birth record,
• To further efforts to legitimate the relationship between the father and the child.

Once filed with the State Office of Vital Records, the PA helps establish the father and child relationship. It is a voluntary agreement between the mother and the biological father to add the father’s name to the birth record. The child’s name can also be changed if agreed upon by both mother and father.

A PA cannot be used if the mother of the child was married to anyone within 10 months prior to the birth of this child or, if for any other reason, there is another father listed on this child’s birth certificate. If the mother was married during this time frame, or if another father is listed on the birth record, court action will be necessary to establish paternity, amend the birth record, and establish legitimation.

For more information, see http://www.health.state.ga.us/programs/vitalrecords/ or contact:

State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Boulevard
Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30349

State Office Hours:
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Call Center Information:
(404) 679-4702
Hours: 
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Putative Father Registry

The Putative Father Registry is a list of the names of men who have either declared paternity of a child, or indicated the possibility of paternity.

Registry allows possible biological (not legal) fathers to provide identifying information about themselves, the mother, and the child so that these men can be notified about adoption proceedings.  The possible biological father is encouraged to place his name in the Registry as soon as possible after engaging in a sexual relationship with a woman who is not his legal wife where such union could result in the birth of a child, preferably registering before the child is born.

In order to register, a man should complete the Putative Father Registry Registration Form (no. 3960) which can be obtained in person at the Cobb Public Health, Vital Records Office at the address below:

Cobb County Public Health Vital Records Office
1650 County Services Parkway
Marietta, Georgia 30008
(770) 514-2337 (Vital Records Office)
Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Birth certificates may be purchased at any County Vital Records office in the state of Georgia. See below for Cobb and Douglas counties Vital Records information:

Cobb County:
Cobb County Public Health
Vital Records Office
1650 County Services Parkway
Marietta, Georgia 30008
(770) 514-2337 (Vital Records Office)
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

State and Federal Holidays Are Observed

Douglas County:
Douglas County Probate Court
Vital Records Office
8700 Hospital Drive
Douglasville, Georgia 30134
(770) 920-7249 (Vital Records Office)
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

State and Federal Holidays Are Observed

Cobb County Public Health (Marietta Health Center)
Vital Records Office
1650 County Services Parkway
Marietta, Georgia 30008
(770) 514-2337 (Vital Records Office)
Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

State and Federal Holidays Are Observed

Douglas County Probate Court
Vital Records Office
8700 Hospital Drive
Douglasville, Georgia 30134
(770) 920-7249 (Vital Records Office)
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

State and Federal Holidays Are Observed

To make corrections to a birth certificate, you must:

• Obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate from the state vital records office.
• Submit a written request detailing the desired changes. An additional fee of $10 will be required to make the change. *Note: There is no fee for current year corrections. There is fee for over 1 year of age.
• Requests should be mailed to:
  
   
  Vital Records (Change Unit)
  1680 Phoenix Boulevard
  Suite 100
  Atlanta, Georgia 30349
  (404) 679-4702

No information will be provided by telephone for instructions/procedures for change. A review of the record must be made to provide proper instructions/procedures for your individual certificate.

The BreasTEST & More program is a health initiative that offers breast and cervical cancer screenings, follow-up exams, and referral services to low-income women between the ages of 50-64 with no insurance.

Qualifying women may be eligible to receive breast exams and pap smears at no cost.  We are also able to provide referrals for no-cost mammograms.

To qualify for the BreasTest & More program, a woman must:

• Be a Georgia resident
• Be low- income, according to the federal poverty level (200% of the poverty level or below)
• Not have Medicaid or Medicare or any insurance that covers mammograms
• Be between the ages of 50-64

NOTE: Younger women may qualify for the program as funding allows.

The target age group for no-cost mammogram referrals is 50-64. Dependent on funding, other age groups may be accepted.

If you have cancer, we will assist you in completing the application for Women’s Health Medicaid. Women’s Health Medicaid offers women access to Breast and Cervical Cancer treatment through Medicaid as well as a variety of other services. Our BreasTest & More staff members will also refer you to a Breast or Cervical Cancer Specialist who will be able to care for your needs.

Children 1st collaborates with local hospitals, physicians and other healthcare providers, schools, community-based organizations, and other agencies to identify children who are at-risk for poor health and developmental outcomes.

Is my child eligible for Children 1st?

• Be under the age of 5 years,
• Be identified to be at risk for poor health and developmental outcomes
• If you are concerned about a child’s development, please contact the Children 1st Intake line at 770-514-2759, Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

Your child can receive an initial developmental screening and assessment through the Children 1st Program.  If consent is given, Children 1st will bill your insurance. There are no out pocket costs to you or your family.

Children 1st is a voluntary program. Your child can remain in the Children 1st Program up to age five and enters school. Children 1st will be available to you during this time for any developmental concerns that may arise.

Children 1st provides all services (i.e., screenings and assessments) in the home of the child. If necessary, clinic visits can be arranged.

To enroll your child in the Children 1st Program please contact the Children 1st Intake line at 770-514-2759, Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

You may also, complete the Children 1st Screening and Referral form and submit it:

•  By Email: cdphreferrals@dph.ga.gov
•  By Fax: 770-514-2742

For more information about the Children 1st Program, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health – Children 1st website.

Children’s Medical Services, commonly referred to as CMS, is Georgia’s state and federally funded Maternal and Child Health (Title V) Children with Special Health Care Needs Program. CMS offers care coordination by nursing and professional staff for every child enrolled in the program. Every child enrolled in CMS receives periodic home visits from CMS staff. Children enrolled in CMS, from birth to age 21 with eligible chronic medical conditions, also receive comprehensive, coordinated specialty care.

Examples of eligible chronic medical conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Cardiac, Chronic Lung (including asthma & cystic fibrosis)
• Craniofacial anomalies (including cleft lip and/or palate)
• Orthopedic and neuromuscular (including cerebral palsy, scoliosis & amputations)
• Diabetes, gastrointestinal, hearing, and vision (cataracts, glaucoma, amblyopia & strabismus)
• Spina Bifida, neurological, and neurosurgical (including epilepsy & hydrocephalus)

Eligibility for the program includes medical and financial requirements. The financial requirements are updated annually. Families with incomes greater than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) through 236% of the FPL will be required to participate in the cost of care for their child. Children who are Medicaid or PeachCare enrolled, who receive SSI, and/or who are in foster care are financially eligible for CMS services.

Yes, children with Medicaid, PeachCare or other private insurance plans may qualify for the CMS program, as long as the Medical and Financial Eligibility guidelines are met. Cobb & Douglas Public Health accepts these commercial insurinsurance providers.

As the parent or guardian of a child with special health care needs, you are the most important member of your child’s health care team. Your CMS care coordinator will help you find a Medical Specialist and other Community Services that best meet the needs of your child.

Your child’s care will usually be provided in doctors’ offices. Your child’s CMS care coordinator will work with you, as needed, to schedule and coordinate doctor visits.

If you have any questions regarding your child’s diagnosis, medication and/or treatment, you can call the doctor’s office or your CMS care coordinator for clarification.

For all children under 5 years of age, please call 770-514-2759 to apply for the CMS program. For children ages 5-21 years, please call 770-432-0578 to apply for the CMS program.

Visit the State’s website for more information on Children’s Medical Services

The Family Planning Program offers health education, health care and family planning to help women and men stay healthy and have healthy babies. These services strengthen families and communities throughout Cobb and Douglas County by promoting personal responsibility and economic self-sufficiency.

Yes, the family planning clinic accepts walk-in patients.  The number of walk-in patients we see each day varies depending our clinic staff and the number of patients who have not kept their appointment.

Yes, the family planning clinic offers same day appointments. Similar to walk-in patients, the number of same-day appointments varies each day depending our clinic staff and patient load.

The family planning clinic accepts Visa, MasterCard and Cash.  Unfortunately, we are unable to accept checks.

No, family planning patients see either a Nurse Practitioner or a specially trained Registered Nurse.

No, the Family Planning Clinic accepts patients from all counties throughout the state of Georgia.

The family planning clinic accepts these commercial insurance providers. We do accept Medicaid.

No, the family planning clinic does not provide medical services. We only provide Family Planning services.

You can get your Depo Provera or birth control pills from us only if you want to become a patient of Cobb & Douglas Public Health. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide Depo Provera or birth control pills to patients with any other primary provider.

Please refer to the basic requirements to open a restaurant in Cobb and Douglas counties.

Basic requirements for mobile food units (i.e. food trucks) can be found here.

To obtain a food service permit, please review the resources located here, and complete the appropriate application and submit it, along with the applicable fees,  to the appropriate Environmental Health office.  An Environmental Health Specialist will then contact you to guide you through the permitting process.

When determining who will be designated as a Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) for your food service facility, please keep in mind that the CFSM must be a person with authority over the establishment’s operation, such as a manager or owner.  When present at the food service facility, the CFSM is required to be the person-in-charge (PIC) and should answer questions about the operation when asked by the health inspector.

For more information about accredited CFSM courses and class availability, please visit our CFSM Courses page.

The latest update to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Rules and Regulations for Food Service does allow for after hours (a.k.a. key drop) deliveries if certain conditions are met.  Basic guidelines for this delivery method and a sample of a contractual agreement can be found at the following links:

• Key Drop Deliveries Guidance
• Key Drop Contractual Agreement Sample

The nine most common food allergens are:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Fish
• Crustacean shellfish
• Tree nuts
• Peanutsv
• Wheat
• Soybeans
• Sesame

For more information on food allergens, please check out the information provided here.

Please click here for information on how to develop an emergency action plan for your food service facility.

The cleanup process that occurs after a vomit or fecal event is very important since these substances may be contaminated with highly infectious pathogens, such as norovirus.  Norovirus is a highly contagious microorganism – as few as 10 viral particles can make you  sick, and a single vomiting incident can spread as many as 300,000 viral particles into the environment.  Matters are further complicated by the fact that norovirus is resistant to many disinfectants, so choosing the right product for disinfection is essential.

The following materials are provided to help guide you through the safe and effective cleanup of vomit or fecal material:

• Cleanup Procedures for Vomit/Fecal Events
• EPA Registered Disinfectants Effective Against Norovirus
• Poster: Clean-up and Disinfection for Norovirus

If a modification or waiver of one or more requirements of Georgia’s Rules and Regulations for Food Service would require approval from the Georgia Department of Public Health. If the facility only operates in Cobb County, an application for a variance would need to be completed and submitted with supporting documents to the local health authority for review for recommendation to proceed to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) for final review and approval.  If the food service establishment is part of a chain that operates in other counties in Georgia as well, the variance application and supporting documents are required to be submitted directly to DPH.  A successful applicant must be able to demonstrate that at least equivalent protection will be afforded as is provided by the Rules and Regulations for Food Service.

DPH Process for Considering Variance and Waiver Requests from Georgia’s Food Service Rules and Regulations
This document provides an overview of the variance and waiver process and offers guidance for completing the associated application.

Variance Request Form
This is the application that must be completed to begin the process of seeking a variance or waiver from the Rules and Regulations for Food Service, Chapter 511-6-1.

Food prepared and served in a food service establishment is required to be from an approved source. An approved source is one that the health authority deems acceptable because it conforms with applicable laws. For example, if a restaurant offers “homemade soup” on its menu, this typically means that the soup is made from scratch in their permitted kitchen, not in a person’s home. Food prepared in a private home or received from the general public may not be used or served in a food service establishment. Serving food from an unapproved source is one of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s top five risk factors for foodborne illness outbreaks.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. You may hear that someone is HIV infected, has HIV infection, or has HIV disease. These are all terms that mean the person has HIV in his or her body and can pass the virus to other people.

AIDS is a late stage of HIV disease.  When a person has AIDS their CD4 Count (measures the strength of the immune system) falls below 200.

For statistics, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/statistics.html

Overall, crude rates have steadily increased over the years in Cobb and Douglas Counties and in Georgia.

No, there is not an average HIV patient since the disease affects all races, ages, genders and socioeconomic levels.

Cobb & Douglas Public Health offers walk-in opt-out testing for HIV in the Adult Health Clinic, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please call 770-514-2380 for more information.

Cobb & Douglas Public Health also sponsors special free HIV testing events throughout the year at various public health centers and locations. You can check our website, Facebook page, Twitter or call 770-514-2815 for more information on HIV Prevention outreach and testing events.

Vaccinations are administered to protect clients from vaccine preventable diseases. These vaccinations are developed to reduce the risk of infection by developing immunity to the disease over a period of time. The mission of the Immunization Clinic at Cobb & Douglas Public Health is to ensure that immunization rates remain high and vaccine preventable diseases remain low by making sure all clients receive the vaccines they need.

Yes, appointments are needed for Travel Health Services. Travel Health Services are available at our Marietta, Douglas and Acworth-Kennesaw locations. Please call the Travel Health Clinic to make an appointment.

Marietta Public Health Center
1650 County Services Parkway
Marietta, Georgia 30008
770-514-2485

Douglas Public Health Center
6770 Selman Drive
Douglasville, Georgia 30134
770-949-1970

Acworth-Kennesaw Public Health Center
3810 Old 41 Highway NW
Kennesaw, Georgia 30144
770-974-3330

Vaccinations are administered to protect clients from vaccine-preventable diseases. These vaccinations are developed to reduce the risk of infection by developing immunity to the disease over a period of time. The mission of the Immunization Clinic at Cobb & Douglas Public Health is to ensure that immunization rates remain high and vaccine-preventable diseases remain low by making sure all clients receive the vaccines they need.

If your child is 0 to 18 years of age and has no health insurance, is on Medicaid, has PeachCare or insurance that does not cover the vaccine he/she is eligible for vaccines provided through the Vaccines for Children Program.  There is an administration fee of $21.90 charged per vaccine for vaccine supplied by the Vaccines for Children Program, however, no child will be denied service for inability to pay this administration fee.

Cash, Discover, Visa and MasterCard will also be accepted.

For a list of accepted commercial insurance providers, please check here.

To ensure your child receives the required and/or recommended immunizations, please bring the following information with you:

• Your child’s immunization record
• Your child’s insurance information

Yes, the Immunization Clinic can complete an Immunization Certificate (Form 3231) and administer any immunizations based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and State of Georgia requirements. Please bring your child in with his or her immunization record to receive the required vaccines and to obtain a completed Immunization Certificate. For a summary of Georgia Immunization Requirements for Child Care and School Attendance, please click here.

Yes, the Immunization Clinic is able to provide all students with the required and/or recommended vaccines and a completed Immunization Verification form when requested. For more information about which vaccines are required and which vaccines should be considered for students attending a Georgia public college, please click here. We are only able to print verification forms for students attending a college in Georgia. If you are attending a college out of the state, please bring your Immunization Verification form with you.

Appointments are encouraged. During high volumes, we are not able to accommodate all walk-ins, therefore we encourage appointments. Appointments can be made online or by calling 770-514-2300.

Immunization services are available at our Marietta, Douglas, Smyrna and Acworth-Kennesaw locations.

Immunizations for travel require an appointment. Travel Health Services are available at our Marietta (770-514-2485), Douglas (770-949-1970) and Acworth-Kennesaw (770-974-3330) locations. Please call the Travel Health Clinic to make an appointment.

Anyone who has not received the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is at risk of contracting measles. Children under age 5 and adults over the age of 20 who have not been vaccinated are most likely to develop complications from measles infections, such as pneumonia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you are considered protected from measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at least one of the following:

• You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n)—
  • school-aged child (grades K-12)
  • adult who was not vaccinated as a child and will be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers.
• You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n)—
  • preschool-aged child
  • adult who was not vaccinated as a child and will not be in a high-risk setting for measles transmission.
• A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life.
• A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles.
• You were born before 1957.

If you’re unsure whether you’re immune to measles, you should first try to find your vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity. If you do not have written documentation of measles immunity, you should get vaccinated with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Another option is to have a doctor test your blood to determine whether you’re immune, but this option is likely to cost more and will take two doctor’s visits. There is no harm in getting another dose of MMR vaccine if you may already be immune to measles (or mumps or rubella).

Measles is primarily a concern in the United States due to the travel of unvaccinated individuals (Americans and visitors) from other countries, where measles is still a common disease, into the United States, and pockets of unvaccinated individuals living in the nation.

You:

• Must be 18 years old
• Must complete a profile in ServGA
• Must complete required paperwork, have a background check, and attend an orientation
• Must complete basic NIMS training (IS 100, 200, 700 and 800) within 60 days of orientation.
  • Training is an ongoing process as we deal with disasters and community preparedness.
• Please contact the MRC Coordinator for more details on becoming a CDMRC volunteer.

The State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Georgia (ServGA) is a volunteer gateway system that is used to pre-credential volunteers before a disaster occurs. ServGA helps to effectively organize, coordinate and mobilize volunteers, to respond in a disaster. This alleviates the issues associated with non-certified and spontaneous volunteers simply showing up at disaster sites. Volunteers with CDMRC must be pre-credentialed to respond to disasters and mobilize when there is a community need.

We meet on Saturdays on a quarterly basis, however on-going training is involved, as we deal with disasters and community preparedness. These additional trainings are scheduled throughout the year.

Yes, some training can be done online, free of charge. You can find the NIMS training (IS 100, 200, 700, & 800), among others, on the FEMA training website, under Independent study.

Please go to https://training.fema.gov/is/

The Cobb Board of Health Pharmacy is located in building A on the main level of the Marietta Health Center. The Pharmacy is open Monday 8-5, Tuesday, 8-7, Wednesday 8-5, Thursday 8-5 and Friday 8-5. We are closed most major holidays.

Yes, refills may be called in over the phone.

Yes, we accept all Medicaid Plans and most major insurance plans. Please let the staff know what type of insurance you have.

No. The pharmacy does not administer vaccines, however we do administer vaccines in our immunization department.

A patient can receive up to a 3 month supply of medication.

Prescriptions can be paid with Cash, Visa, Mastercard or a Debit Card.

Yes, the pharmacy does accept outside prescriptions on a limited basis. The pharmacy fills prescriptions mainly from within the Health Department, and from sites that are affiliated with the Health Department.

No. The pharmacy has free condoms available from our Prevention Department, located throughout the building, to promote safe sex practices.

The pharmacy has feminine hygiene products available to our clients who are in need, at no charge.

We recommend you call us at 770-514-2471 or 770-514-2367 and we can answer any questions you may have. You can also stop by the health department for prenatal screening. If you have proof of pregnancy, bring this with you. If you do not have one, we will advise you on how to get one.

Bring a picture ID, proof of family income, birth certificate or U.S. passport and medical proof of pregnancy.

Proof of pregnancy is a statement of pregnancy usually provided by a health or medical facility like a hospital, doctor’s office, health department, or pregnancy center. It must have your name, statement of pregnancy, and a medical signature by a doctor or nurse.  Your prenatal records or an Emergency Room discharge summary can also serve as proof of pregnancy.

Generally, the Medicaid application process for pregnancy is faster through the health department than an application placed at DFCS or online. At the time your application is processed, you will know whether you are eligible for Medicaid or not. If you are eligible for Medicaid, you can get started with prenatal care as soon as you leave the health department.

Yes, through our Perinatal Case Management program our staff will provide you with information to help you get started with prenatal care. We will give you a list of local doctors who accept Medicaid.

Yes, the STI/STD clinic accepts walk-in patients.  The number of walk-in patients we see each day varies depending our clinic staff and the number of patients who have not kept their appointment.

Yes, the STI/STD clinic offers same-day appointments. Similar to walk-in patients, the number of same-day appointments varies each day depending on our clinic staff and patient load. Make an appointment here.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide free services to STI/STD patients. The cost depends on the number of people in your family and your income (a sliding fee scale). We ask that you provide proof of income the day of your appointment.  Acceptable Proof of Income includes:

• Two recent pay stubs (One pay stub is acceptable in some cases)
• 2013 W-2 or Tax papers
• Award letter from Unemployment or Disability
• Financial Aid/Loan Paperwork (College students)
• High School Students (ages 18 and older) must bring a Progress Report or School ID with the current school year on it

Without acceptable Proof of Income, the cost of STI/STD services is $111.00. Dependent on income and family size, the cost of STI/STD services is $88.80, $66.60, $44.40 or $27.75 for new clients.

No, STI/STD patients see either a Nurse Practitioner or a specially-trained Registered Nurse.

No, the STI/STD Clinic provides services to patients from all counties throughout the state of Georgia.

The  STI/STD clinic accepts the commercial insurance providers listed at /accepted-insurance/

We do accept Medicaid.

No, the STI/STD clinic does not provide medical services. We only provide STI/STD services.

Click here for a guide to assist you in preparing your swimming pool for its opening inspection.

The Cobb and Douglas County Boards of Health Rules and Regulations for Swimming Pools state that all pools shall be required to meet the current requirements of these rules and regulations related to the abatement of suction hazards, which would include the main drains of any pool that we are required to permit.

Though the installation of a dual main drain system is strongly recommended, existing single main drain pools also have the option of installing a single unblockable drain or a single main drain with added secondary protection, such as a safety vacuum release system, suction limiting vent system, gravity drainage system, or an automated pump shut-off system.

Any single main drain swimming pool, wading pool, spa, etc. which undergoes a renovation such as replastering, interior repainting, or any other modification that requires draining of the pool, must submit specifications for review to the appropriate Center for Environmental Health with the understanding that the pool or spa must install a compliant dual main drain system.

Please be aware that all drain covers and grates must comply with ANSI/APSP-16 or any successor standard that may be prescribed by ANSI/APSP, be installed with a sump that meets the drain cover manufacturer’s minimum requirements, and be rated for the maximum flow of the pumps connected to the main drain.

Thank you for your cooperation in this effort to ensure swimmer safety. If you have any questions, please contact your local Center for Environmental Health (Cobb: 770-435-7815, Douglas: 770-920-7311).

A pool must close under the following conditions.

• Disinfectant and/or pH out of acceptable range
• Main drain grate not visible
• Main drain grate missing or damaged
• Pumps or filters not operating properly
• Less than 50% of skimmers operating
• Lack of safety equipment (life ring and/or shepherd’s hook)
• Emergency telephone missing or inoperative
• Disinfectant equipment and/or chemical feeders missing or inoperative
• Fecal accidents or contamination of pool water with vomitus or blood
• Non-compliant pool barrier or pool gate that does not self-close and self-latch
• Any other condition deemed to be an imminent health or safety hazard by the department

The following guide may be used to assist you in calculating your swimming pool’s bathing load.  Visit: Bathing Load Calculation Guide

General Requirements 
All swimming pools under the jurisdiction of Cobb & Douglas Public Health are required to have an operable and weatherproof emergency phone with direct 911 access.  This phone must be served by a hard-wired conventional telephone line or a continuous power source, be installed in a conspicuous location, and be available to bathers and pool staff at all times.  A sign stating “EMERGENCY 911” must be posted by the emergency phone.  Directions to the phone’s location must be conspicuously posted if the telephone is not readily visible within the pool area.

The pool emergency phone must also be capable of relaying accurate location information to the 911 call center, which is why it is extremely important that pool owners/operators have their location accuracy verified with 911.  An unverified emergency phone may have the address of an adjacent property associated with its phone number, which could result in unnecessary delays from emergency medical technicians (EMTs).  A verified emergency phone number will let the 911 operator know the exact location of the emergency situation to assure that EMTs can arrive on the scene as quickly as possible.

Cell Phones 
Since cell phones are not associated with a defined location, are battery-powered, and do not provide accurate caller location information to 911, they do not afford the public reliable means to call for assistance in the event of an emergency where EMT response times are critical. For this reason, Cobb & Douglas Public Health prohibits the use of cell phones as an alternative to a traditional pool emergency phone.

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FOR ALL POOLS: 

• Pool rules (in minimum 1 inch letters) posted at or near the pool’s entrance shall state the following:
  • Pool Risks:
    • Shower before entering the pool.
    • Children shall not use pool without an adult in attendance.
    • Adults shall not swim alone.
    • All children three years old and younger and any child not potty-trained must wear snug fitting plastic pants or a water resistant swim diaper.
    • Do not swim if the suction outlets are missing, broken, or not clearly visible from the deck.
    • No glass articles allowed in or around pool.
    • Do not swallow the pool water.
    • Do not dive unless diving area is clear of other bathers.
    • Do not swim if you had diarrhea within the past two weeks.
    • No animals are allowed in the pool or pool enclosure, except service animals are allowed on the deck.
• A sign stating “EMERGENCY 911” shall be posted at the telephone.
• A sign stating the pool’s hours of operation shall be posted at or near the pool entrance.
• A sign stating the pool’s bathing load in at least 4 inch letters shall be posted at or near the pool entrance.

FOR POOLS WHERE THESE CONDITIONS ARE APPLICABLE: 

Where lifeguards are not provided or at lifeguarded pools with “swim at your own risk” periods:

• Signs shall be posted in a conspicuous location at or near the pool entrance that state in at least four inches (4”) high letters, “WARNING – NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY” and “RISK OF DROWNING – SUPERVISE CHILDREN CLOSELY”.

Where a pool slide is provided:

• Rules shall be posted at the entrance of the slide that state the following:
  • Risk of Illness and Injury:
    • Running, standing, kneeling, rotating, tumbling, or stopping in any flume or tunnel.
    • Rough playing on the slide or feature.
    • Diving or flipping while exiting from a flume or feature.
    • Use of the slide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
    • Use of the flume or feature by more than one person at a time.
    • Failure to obey the instructions of the pool attendant or lifeguard.
    • Failure to keep hands inside the flume while using the slide.
    • Failure to leave the falling-entry pool promptly after exiting from the slide.
    • The possession of any glass, bottle or food in or near any pool.
    • Entry into an area of grass or other vegetation and returning to slide, feature or pool.
    • The possession of any loose objects.
    • The use of any clothing other than the swimwear on the slide or feature.
    • Wearing any bracelet, watch, or other jewelry.

If the pool is a spa/whirlpool:

• Rules shall be posted at or near the spa that state the following:
  • Risk of Fetus Damage. Hot water exposure limitations vary from person to person. Pregnant women and small children should not use spa without medical approval.
  • Risk of Drowning. Other persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, and other health problems should not enter the spa without medical approval.
  • Risk of Drowning. Do not use the spa while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or drugs that cause sleepiness and drowsiness or raise/lower blood pressure.
  • Risk of Drowning. Use caution when bathing alone. Overexposure to hot water may cause nausea, dizziness, and fainting. Lower water temperatures are recommended for young children and for extended use (more than10-15 minutes).
  • Risk of Drowning. Do not use or operate spa if the suction fitting is missing, broken, or loose.
  • Risk of Child Drowning. Unsupervised use by children is prohibited. Children under five shall not use the spa.
  • Risk of Injury. Check spa temperature before entering. The spa temperature should not exceed 104°F.
  • Risk of Injury. Enter and exit slowly.
  • Risk of Injury. Keep all glass and breakable objects out of the spa area.
  • Risk of Shock. Never place electrical appliances (telephone, radio, or televisions) within five feet of the spa.

While a fecal, vomitus, or blood contamination incident can present a health hazard to bathers in the immediate vicinity of the incident, the potential for disease transmission may be reduced by implementing the following procedures at your pool:

• Discourage bathers from entering the pool if they have suffered from gastrointestinal illness related diarrhea in the past two weeks.
• Encourage bathers to use the toilet and wash their hands with soap and water before using the pool.  Take children on frequent bathroom breaks.
• Encourage bathers to always shower before entering the pool or before reentering the pool after using the toilet.
• Require that children who are not yet potty-trained and incontinent bathers wear swimsuit diapers and tight-fitting rubber or plastic pants.  Keep in mind that even though rubber pants and swimsuit diapers can contain most fecal accidents, they may not be completely effective (i.e., improperly sized, become stretched or torn, etc.). Immediately remove the child or incontinent bather from the pool and pool area if defecation occurs.
• Do not permit diaper changing in the pool area and prohibit the practice of dipping a child’s bottom in the pool as part of the diaper changing process.  If possible, install diaper changing tables in bather accessible bathrooms.
• Encourage bathers to avoid swallowing pool water.
• Ensure all pool personnel are properly trained in the prevention and management of pool water fecal, vomitus, or blood incidents.
• Evacuate and close the pool immediately in the event of vomitus or fecal contamination.  Also, refer to the CDC’s Fecal Incident Response Recommendations for Aquatic Staff for guidance.
• Ensure that your pool water is balanced and tested frequently, and that a minimum free chlorine residual of 1.0 ppm (2.0 ppm for pools using stabilized chlorine, and 3.0 ppm for spas) is maintained.  Maintain the pH between 7.2 -7.8.  Do not operate the pool if the filtration or disinfection systems are not in proper working order.
• Ensure that the pool, pool piping, deck, and deck piping are properly designed to prevent gray water, wastewater, or sewage from backing up or draining into the pool. Ensure proper back-flow prevention devices are installed on potable water lines and that they are in good, working condition.
• Discourage bathers from sharing items, like towels or razors, with other people.
• Encourage bathers with skin infections to stay out of the pool. If that is not possible, encourage the bather to cover any bumps, cuts, or infected areas with water tight bandages.
• Do not allow pets in the pool area, and try to prevent wild animals from using the pool as a water source.
• When incidents of contamination occur, log all information documenting what actions were taken to correct the situation in the pool’s daily records.

The CDC recently updated its Fecal Incident Response Recommendations, so please discontinue using any Cobb & Douglas Public Health handouts related to fecal accident response.  Moving forward, our agency will only provide direct links to CDC recommendations for remediating fecal, vomit, blood, and bodily fluid-related incidents.  The latest recommendations can be found at the following links:

• Fecal Incident and Outbreak Response  – Click on the link to the left, then scroll down and click on Fecal Incident Response and Hyperchlorination to Kill Crypto Guidelines for specific pool treatment information.
• Vomit & Blood Contamination of Pool Water
• Cleaning Up Body Fluid Spills on Pool Surfaces

If you are unsure of how to proceed with treating your pool after a contamination incident, please feel free to contact your local Environmental Health office for guidance.

•  Cobb Environmental Health: 770-435-7815
•  Douglas Environmental Health: 770-920-7311

If you are planning to build a residential swimming pool on a property that is served by an on-site sewage management system (i.e., a septic tank), it is required that you obtain a Residential Swimming Pool Construction Permit from our department prior to beginning construction.  The purpose of this permit is to ensure that the installation of the swimming pool does not have a negative impact on your existing septic system or your ability to adequately repair the system in the future.

A health department permit is not required if your swimming pool will be located on a property that is serviced by a county or municipal sanitary sewer system.

Requirements for obtaining a Residential Swimming Pool Construction Permit can be found here.

The Center for Environmental Health uses the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Tourist Accommodations Plan Review Checklist  as a guide when evaluating your facility’s plans for compliance with the Rules and Regulations for Tourist Accommodations. This document can also be used to assess new plans for completeness prior to their submittal for review or to perform self-checks of existing facilities.

The cleanup process that occurs after a vomit or fecal event is very important since these substances may be contaminated with highly infectious pathogens, such as norovirus.  Norovirus is a highly contagious microorganism – as few as 10 viral particles can make you sick, and a single vomiting incident can spread as many as 300,000 viral particles into the environment.  Matters are further complicated by the fact that norovirus is resistant to many disinfectants, so choosing the right product for disinfection is essential.

The following materials are provided to help guide you through the safe and effective cleanup of vomit or fecal material:

• Cleanup Procedures for Vomit/Fecal Events
• EPA Registered Disinfectants Effective Against Norovirus
• Poster: Clean-up and Disinfection for Norovirus

Travel Health Services at Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) was created to protect clients traveling to foreign countries from vaccine-preventable diseases and Malaria. Although other vaccines may be recommended when traveling to other countries, the only vaccine required by International Health Regulations is yellow fever vaccination.  It is our mission to assist clients in traveling abroad safely and to remain in good health.

Travel Health Services offers a wide-range of services that provides clients traveling to foreign countries, with the necessary resources and vaccines for a safe and healthy trip. Services include:

•  A thorough review of clients immunizations and medical history
• Personalized vaccine recommendations based on clients trip itinerary
• Administer required and recommended vaccines to clients traveling to foreign countries
• Provide Malaria Prophylaxis to clients traveling to areas where they are at risk of acquiring Malaria
• Client Counseling which provides clients with information about food, water and insect precautions based on the clients destination

Yellow Fever vaccination is the only vaccine required by International Health Regulations when traveling to certain countries. Other vaccines will be recommended during your appointment, based on your destination and medical history, to protect you from illnesses present in other countries. Below you will find a list of common vaccines administered to clients traveling to other countries (Please click the links for more information):

Common Vaccinations:

• Yellow Fever vaccine 
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis (Td or Tdap)
• Meningitis vaccine
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A (HAV)
• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Varicella vaccine

Yes, appointments are needed for all Travel Health Services. We have three locations to serve you. Please call one of our Travel Health Clinics listed below to schedule an appointment:

Marietta Public Health Center
1650 County Services Parkway
Marietta, Georgia 30008
770-514-2300

Douglas Public Health Center
6770 Selman Drive
Douglasville, Georgia 30134
770-949-1970

Acworth-Kennesaw Public Health Center
3810 Old 41 Highway NW
Kennesaw, Georgia 30144
770-974-3330

The Travel Health Clinic offers services to clients traveling out of the county. The goal of the Travel Health Clinic is to provide clients traveling out of the country with the necessary resources and vaccines for a safe and healthy trip. All other clients needing routine vaccines are seen in the Immunization Clinic.

Tuberculosis, commonly referred to as TB, is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterial disease usually attacks the lungs but, can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.

Symptoms of TB include: fever, weight loss, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), and weakness or fatigue.  If you experience two or more symptoms over an extended period of time, please contact your healthcare provider. (NOTE: These symptoms can also be associated with other illnesses.)

To get tested for TB, please contact:

TB Clinic
Marietta Health Center – Building B
1738 County Services Parkway
Marietta, Georgia 30008
770-514-2362

No, a positive reaction to the TST indicates that at some point in time you were exposed to someone with active tuberculosis.

Schools and employers will sometimes require this test to determine if you have been exposed to tuberculosis prior to enrollment or employment.

Yes, we do provide most services to residents of other counties, including but not limited to, TST, chest x-rays and x-ray interpretations. Please contact your local health department for more information on services offered to residents of other counties.

Currently, Cobb & Douglas Public Health accepts these commercial insurance providers.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, commonly referred to as WIC, provides nutrition education and supplemental foods to low income families.  Participants receive a nutrition assessment, health screening, medical history, body measurements (weight and height), hemoglobin check, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, referrals to other health and social services, and vouchers for healthy foods.

Acworth-Kennesaw Health Center:
Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*Closed the 4th Monday of each month

Marietta Health Center:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday – 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The 1st Saturday of each month – 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Douglas Health Center (Douglasville):
Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The 2nd Saturday of each month – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Smyrna Health Center:
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

South Cobb Health Center:
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The WIC income eligibility guidelines change annually.
Visit: Income Eligible Guidelines

There are many different kinds of GA WIC appointments.  Each different service has a different appointment type.  Expectations for each type of appointment will be different.  Some things that may happen include:

• Complete a questionnaire about what you and/or your children eat.
• Submit Proof of Income, Proof of Residency and Proof of Identification.
• Height and weight check of you and/or your children
• Finger stick for Hemoglobin status (Some people call this Iron Status)
• Meet with a nutritionist to go over your answers to the questionnaire, answer questions you may have about growth and development, nutrition, physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle issues and assist with referrals.
• Create lifestyle change goals with your nutritionist
• Receive vouchers for healthy foods and instruction in how to use those vouchers.
• Receive an appointment for your next GA WIC Visit

The items needed for your WIC appointment will vary, depending on the type of appointment you have scheduled for that day. Below you will find a few general rules:

• Regardless of what type of appointment you have scheduled, you should always bring your WIC ID folder.
• For all Children Certification Appointments, the applicant must bring Proof of Income, Proof of Residency (street address in Georgia), and an Identification Card for the parent/guardian and an Identification Card for the child. NOTE: For Child Certification Appointments, both the parent/guardian and child must be present.
• For all Women’s Certification Appointments, you must bring Proof of Income, Proof of Residency (street address in Georgia), and an Identification Card. NOTE: For Women’s Certification Appointments, the applicant must be present.
• For Nutrition classes, the participant may need to attend. Please refer to your personalized WIC ID folder (Appointment Section) for more information.
• For Prevent Anemia classes, the participant or proxy may attend.
• For Breastfeeding classes, the participant or proxy may attend.

• Prenatal women stay in the WIC program until six weeks postpartum.
• Postpartum women may continue (if still eligible) until six months postpartum.
• Breastfeeding women may remain on the program for as long as one year after delivery (if they continue to breastfeed).
• Infants may remain on the WIC program until their first birthday.
• Children may be eligible for WIC up to five years of age. They must be reassessed for income eligibility annually.

A “30 Day Form” means you have 30 days from the date received to bring the missing proof/documentation to your local WIC clinic. Please see your personalized WIC ID Folder (Appointment Section) for more information. When a participant receives a “30 Day Form,” the participant is eligible to receive only one month of vouchers. Once the missing proof/documentation is received by the WIC clinic, the participant will be able to pick-up the next month’s vouchers. The participant may bring missing proof/documentation to the WIC clinic during normal business hours. The proof/documentation must be received on or before the 30 day expiration date; however, if you miss your appointment to bring your proof information, please call our call center (770-514-2389) who will work with you to get back on the program without restarting the process.

A proxy is a trusted person designated by a GA WIC participant or the participant’s guardian, to attend some GA WIC services when the participant or guardian is unable to attend. Proxies may also pickup vouchers and cash them in the store for the participant.  Proxies must follow all the rules and regulations of a GA WIC participant; they also have additional rules to follow.  The proxy may only be selected by the participant or participant’s guardian at a primary WIC visit also called the certification visit.  A proxy must have both their personal identification, and their GA WIC ID folder to access services.

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people may become severely ill.

People who are older, are immunocompromised, have certain disabilities, or have underlying health conditions are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.

Possible symptoms of COVD-19 may include the following:

• Fever (100.4 °F or higher) or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste or smell

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus, and anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.

If you start experiencing symptoms, test immediately. If you do not have symptoms but have been exposed to COVID-19, wait at least 5 days before taking a test. You may choose to take a PCR or antigen test.

After being exposed to COVID-19, you should take precautions such as wearing a mask any time you are around others in your home or indoors in public. Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask. Watch for symptoms; if you develop symptoms, get tested immediately. If you test positive for COVID-19, isolate immediately.

For more information, visit: https://dph.georgia.gov/contact

• Stay home and separate from others.
• Improve ventilation (airflow) at home to help prevent COVID-19 from spreading to others.
• Monitor symptoms and follow healthcare provider instructions (resting, medications, drinking fluids, etc.)
• Practice everyday hygiene such as washing hands covering coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid sharing personal household items.
• Wear a high-quality mask/respirator with the best fit and protection around others.

For more information, visit: https://dph.georgia.gov/isolation-contact

There are a lot of actions you can take to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19. You can stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations as well as practice basic health and hygiene like handwashing. Click Here to find admission levels and prevention steps for your county.

There are four COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States:

• Pfizer-BioNTech
• Moderna
• Novavax
• Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen

All vaccines are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill and being hospitalized. COVID-19 vaccines and the COVID-19 Bivalent booster are available at the Marietta, Acworth-Kennesaw, Smyrna and Douglas Public Health Centers. No appointment is necessary.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus that is related to the virus that causes smallpox.

People with mpox often get a rash that may be located on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or near genitals. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion.

Currently, testing is only recommended if you have a rash consistent with mpox. If you think you have mpox or have had personal contact with someone who has mpox, take precautions and visit a healthcare provider to help you decide if you need to be tested.

Only a healthcare provider can order an mpox test. Contact your local health department for any questions and to find out what the testing options are for your community.

Symptoms for mpox usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash one to four days later.

Yes. Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread between animals and people. If you are in West or Central Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread mpox virus, usually rodents and primates. Also, avoid sick or dead animals, as well as other materials they may have touched.

Yes. Mpox is often transmitted through close, sustained physical contact. Talk with your partner about any mpox symptoms and be aware of any rashes. If you or a partner has mpox or think you may have mpox, the best way to protect yourself is to avoid sex of any kind.

• Take care of yourself, including covering rashes with bandages, washing hands, wearing a mask, and resting to allow your body to heal.
• Manage your symptoms. Some medicines like ibuprofen may help you feel better. For rash in the mouth, rinse with salt water at least four times a day.
• Do not touch or scratch any rashes.
• Soak in a warm bath to provide relief to any rashes.
• Notify close contacts that they may have been exposed to the virus.

 Vaccination is an important tool in preventing in the spread of mpox. Also, take the following steps:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
• Avoid touching any rash
• Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with mpox has used.
• Wash your hands often.
• Do not leave home for work
• Avoid contact with any pets in the home, especially mammals