Happy National Case Management Week! This week, October 12–16, we proudly recognize the incredible case managers at the Hamilton County Health Department’s Homeless Health Care Clinic. Our case managers connect individuals experiencing homelessness with essential health care, resources, and support services. Through compassion, advocacy, and unwavering dedication, they help people overcome challenges and move toward healthier, more stable lives. We are deeply grateful for the meaningful difference they make every day in the lives of those we serve and throughout our community. Please join us in celebrating and thanking our case managers for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional care!

Today, Hamilton County Health Department staff wore pink and blue to recognize Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Throughout October, we honor the precious lives lost too soon, stand with families affected by pregnancy and infant loss, and remind those who are grieving that they are not alone. By raising awareness and leading with compassion, we can help break the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss and foster a community where every story is heard, and every life is remembered. To every family carrying these losses in their hearts, please know we see you, support you, and remember with you.

Today is Global Handwashing Day! Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the simplest, most effective ways to prevent germ spread and protect your health and those around you. Remember to scrub for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the restroom, coughing, or sneezing. Healthy habits start with you. Together, we can build a healthier community, one handwash at a time!

Every baby matters. Every loss deserves to be remembered. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to honor babies gone too soon and recognize the families who carry their memories in their hearts. The Health Department invites residents and families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, no matter how long ago, to honor their baby or babies with a personalized remembrance card. We will display these remembrances along our breezeway throughout the month. To participate, please complete the form below and share as much or as little information as you feel comfortable providing: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F… We also invite you to join the “Global Wave of Light” on October 15 at 7 p.m. Light a candle wherever you are to remember and honor babies gone too soon, and join families around the world in a shared moment of remembrance. For grief resources and support, call 423-209-8051 or visit health.hamiltontn.org.

Walking Our Way to Healthier Communities! Last week, the Hamilton County Health Department celebrated Walk to School Day at Lookout Valley Elementary School. Students, families, and community partners came together for a fun-filled morning focused on physical activity, pedestrian safety, and healthy habits. Participants walked about 1.5 miles, received reflective armbands to help keep them safe while walking, and enjoyed jumping rope and other activities that kept everyone moving. Special thanks to the Chattanooga Police Department, Chattanooga Fire Department, Bike Walk Chattanooga, Lookout Valley Elementary staff, and all the families and volunteers who helped make this event possible! Check out highlights from this wonderful morning of walking, learning, and staying active!

Congratulations to Su-Lin Maldonado, an interpreter with Linguistics Health Services at the HD, on earning the nationally accredited Certified Healthcare Interpreter in Spanish designation from the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters. Su-Lin successfully completed the required 40-hour training course and examinations, earning an outstanding overall score and excelling in consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. This national certification reflects her advanced fluency in both English and Spanish. Su-Lin joins fellow HD interpreters Geraldine Spurgin and Martha Price as nationally certified medical interpreters in Spanish. Well done, Su-Lin, and congratulations on this well-deserved achievement!

Happy Pediatric Nurses Week! This week, we celebrate the extraordinary pediatric nurses who make a BIG impact on little lives every day. Through compassionate care, comfort, and reassurance, they make a lasting difference in the lives of children, families, and our entire community. Please join us in thanking our dedicated pediatric nurses for their kindness, commitment, and invaluable work. We’re so grateful to have you on our team! Thank you for all that you do!

Fight Flu TN Is Back! The Hamilton County Health Department is proud to participate in the annual statewide Fight Flu TN event on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. We will offer FREE flu shots to help protect our community this flu season. An annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of serious flu-related illness and protect yourself, your loved ones, and those around you. Two convenient locations: J.A. Henry Community YMCA 3500 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37407 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Samaritan Center 9231 Lee Hwy., Ooltewah, TN 37363 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Flu shots are FREE on October 20th at two locations only! Help us fight the flu and keep Hamilton County healthy. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and encourage your friends and family to get vaccinated! Learn more: tn.gov/health/fightflu/locat…

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** October 7, 2026 Health and Social Services Division’s Violence Prevention Program Presents Second Annual “Healing Through Art” Event LINK: bit.ly/4hKXwm5

ART SHOW: Join us for the 2nd Annual Healing Through Art on Saturday, October 10th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital, Entrance B. This meaningful event highlights art's healing power and gives those affected by violence a space to share their stories through creativity and expression. Guests can view survivor-created artwork, hear from keynote speakers, connect with community resources, enjoy refreshments, and purchase select artwork. A portion of the proceeds will support local organizations. Spend the afternoon with us as we bring our community together to promote awareness, connection, and healing through art.

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** October 5, 2026 Hamilton County Health & Social Services, Erlanger Hospital, and Community Partners Unite to Encourage Vaccinations Ahead of Cold and Flu Season LINK: bit.ly/4dgQNis

The Health and Social Services Vital Records office at our East 3rd Street location will close at 1 p.m. on the first Friday of each month for staff in-service. The office will reopen at 8 a.m. the following Monday. No other Health Department services are affected. All other services will continue operating on their regular schedules. For questions, call 423-209-8025 or visit health.hamiltontn.org.

Happy International Translation Day! Today, we celebrate our Linguistics Department for helping overcome language barriers and making essential health information and services more accessible to everyone in our community. Thank you for all you do!

Healthy aging starts with the little things! Stay active, eat well, and keep up with routine doctor visits to support your health at every age. Here’s to living well and aging well! Learn more at odphp.health.gov/our-work/na….

September 28th is World Rabies Day! This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,“ reminds us that preventing rabies takes all of us. Rabies can be deadly to both people and animals, but it is preventable. Vaccinating pets, preventing bites, and knowing what to do after an exposure are important steps in protecting our families, animals, and community. Together, we can help prevent rabies and keep our community safe. To learn more about the Rabies Program at the Hamilton County Health Department, call (423) 209-8110 or visit health.hamiltontn.org/en-us/….

CONGRATS TEAM! Hamilton County Breastfeeding Peer Counselors received the 2026 USDA Gold Award of Excellence for exemplary breastfeeding support and practices. The Tennessee Department of Health presented the award during its field staff training on August 27. Hamilton County’s program was one of only three in the state to receive this honor. To qualify, applicants must meet all 30 Gold Award criteria, demonstrating excellence in breastfeeding practices and support beyond the core components of the WIC Breastfeeding Model for Peer Counseling. Hamilton County’s peer counselors are Zina Difrancesco, Paula Allgood, Maricela Martinez, and Exelia Mejia Perez. They provide peer-to-peer education and support to expectant and postpartum mothers throughout their breastfeeding journeys. They are also available after hours to address concerns that may arise. Breastfeeding Coordinator Melissa Johnson, a registered nurse and certified lactation counselor, leads the team and provides specialized assistance to mothers facing a wide range of breastfeeding challenges.

September is Sexual Health Awareness Month—a perfect time to prioritize your well-being and stay proactive about your sexual health. Caring for your sexual health involves staying informed, getting regular screenings, and making empowered choices to protect yourself and your partners. The Hamilton County Health Department’s Sexual & Reproductive Wellness Clinic provides confidential services such as STI testing and treatment, FREE HIV testing, family planning, pregnancy testing, and comprehensive reproductive health education. To schedule an appointment, call 423-209-8350 and press #1 For more details, visit: health.hamiltontn.org/en-us/…

Every age and stage requires the appropriate protection. During Child Passenger Safety Week, we want to remind parents and caregivers that car seat safety evolves as children grow-from rear-facing seats to forward-facing harnesses, booster seats, and ultimately, seat belts. The safest seat suits your child's age, height, and weight, is installed correctly, and is used properly on every trip. Always follow the car seat manufacturer's guidelines and keep children in the suitable restraint for as long as they fit within its limits. Small steps can make a significant difference. Use the right seat and ensure the right fit for every journey. To learn more about child passenger safety, visit nhtsa.gov/car-seats-and-boos…