In recognition of World TB Day, the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness will offer health screenings and educational information on Monday, March 24, 2009 from 9:00am – 3:00pm at the Aldredge Health Center located at 99 Jesse Hill Jr., Dr. (across from Grady Memorial Hospital). County residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to gain valuable information about tuberculosis.

“We have always believed that education is crucial to controlling and eliminating tuberculosis,” says Dr. Kim Turner, Interim Health Director. “By being proactive in our efforts, we help residents learn the symptoms, effects and prevention of this disease.”

World TB Day was first sponsored in 1982 to raise awareness about the devastating health and economic consequences of TB. TB remains a threat to the health and well-being of people around the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of TB cases in the United States is on the decline. In Georgia, the number of reported cases has also been declining.

In 2006, Fulton County experienced a 17.1 percent decline in the number of reported TB cases. A portion of the decline can be attributed to the systematic method of providing TB treatment through directly observed therapy (DOT) which is the standard of care for providing tuberculosis treatment.

For more information about TB, educational materials or to locate a health center, visit the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness at www.fultoncountygahealth.org or call (404) 730-1450.