5 Critical Public Health Updates You Need To Know In DeKalb County, GA (2025)

As of December 2025, DeKalb County Public Health is managing a complex and evolving health landscape, characterized by significant new funding, critical disease advisories, and a renewed focus on equitable service delivery. The DeKalb County Board of Health (DCBOH) is leveraging its new FY 2025–2029 Strategic Plan to address deep-rooted health disparities while simultaneously tackling urgent issues like the ongoing opioid crisis and seasonal infectious disease threats, ensuring that the county’s 764,000+ residents have access to essential services. The most recent updates highlight the county’s proactive stance, from administering millions in Opioid Settlement Funds to launching mobile vaccination clinics and issuing the first West Nile virus advisories of the year. Understanding these key initiatives is crucial for every resident, as the DCBOH’s programs directly impact everything from back-to-school immunizations to chronic disease prevention efforts across Decatur, Stone Mountain, and the greater metropolitan area.

The Urgent 2025 Public Health Landscape in DeKalb County, GA

The public health agenda in DeKalb County, Georgia, is currently dominated by three high-priority issues: the administration of new crisis funding, the management of seasonal infectious diseases, and the rollout of updated immunization guidance. These areas represent the most immediate challenges facing the community in late 2025.

Opioid Crisis: Administration of Settlement Funds

A major development for DeKalb County’s public health infrastructure is the administration of the national Opioid Settlement Funds. In a critical move to combat the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic, the DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board was authorized to administer these funds, which were segregated in late 2024. The county is quickly moving to disburse these resources to front-line service providers. For instance, resolutions from May 2025 authorized the disbursement of over $2.3 million in settlement funds to organizations like Claratel Behavioral Health. This funding is essential for expanding access to addiction treatment, mental health services, and overdose prevention programs, making it a cornerstone of the county’s 2025 public health strategy.

Infectious Disease Advisories: West Nile and COVID-19

DeKalb Public Health remains vigilant against infectious threats, issuing specific advisories throughout the year. * West Nile Virus (WNV): In 2025, DeKalb health officials reported the first lab confirmation of West Nile positive mosquito traps. This annual advisory triggers increased surveillance, mosquito control efforts, and public education campaigns to encourage residents to use repellents and eliminate standing water. * COVID-19 and Immunizations: The DCBOH continues to be a central provider for routine and specialized vaccinations. The department is offering the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, with appointments required for children aged 6 months through 18 years. Furthermore, the county has extended clinic hours for back-to-school immunizations and screenings, ensuring that children meet Georgia’s school entry requirements.

Core Services and the FY 2025–2029 Strategic Vision

The foundation of the DeKalb County Board of Health’s work lies in its comprehensive service delivery, which is now being guided by the ambitious FY 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. This long-term vision aims to improve health equity and service accessibility across the county.

Expanding Access Through Mobile and Drive-Thru Clinics

To overcome barriers to access, especially for vulnerable populations, the DCBOH is actively utilizing outreach models. * Mobile Clinics: DeKalb Public Health is partnering with local institutions, such as the DeKalb County Public Library, to host mobile clinics offering vaccines, health screenings, and general health information. A mobile clinic was scheduled for May 2025, demonstrating the commitment to community-based outreach. * Drive-Thru Options: The county also maintains drive-thru vaccination clinics, which are often segmented to prioritize groups like seniors and individuals with special needs during specific hours, followed by general adults and children.

Essential Clinical and Environmental Health Services

The health department’s clinical services are vital for preventative care, offering services to children, adults, and families regardless of insurance status (with options for free vaccines for those who meet requirements). Key clinical services include: * Sexual health exams. * Birth control methods. * Immunizations and screenings. * WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) nutrition services. Beyond clinical care, the DCBOH’s mandate includes robust Environmental Health services, covering everything from restaurant inspections and food safety to septic tank permitting and emergency preparedness. The environmental health team is also crucial in the response to the WNV threat, managing mosquito-trapping and testing protocols.

Strategic Focus on Refugee and Vulnerable Populations

A key pillar of the FY 2025–2029 Strategic Plan is the commitment to improving service accessibility and outreach to DeKalb County's refugee population. This focus acknowledges the unique health challenges faced by this community and seeks to bridge the gap in access to preventative care and health education. Health screenings for refugees have seen dramatic fluctuations, underscoring the need for targeted, multi-channel customer access to ensure equitable health outcomes.

Fighting Chronic Disease and Health Disparities: Key DeKalb Initiatives

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are major contributors to poor health outcomes in DeKalb County. The DCBOH, in collaboration with community partners, runs several high-impact programs designed to promote healthy living and reduce health disparities.

The Live Healthy DeKalb Coalition and REACH Program

The effort to combat chronic disease is centralized through the Live Healthy DeKalb Coalition. This group actively collects and uses local health data to design and implement targeted initiatives across the county. A significant partner in this effort is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through its REACH Program (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health). The REACH program specifically targets reducing chronic diseases and health disparities by cultivating a healthier environment through fresh food access and exercise opportunities. This initiative operates on the principle that if healthy options are not readily available, healthy living is not possible.

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Diabetes Prevention

Specific programs focus on lifestyle interventions to prevent the onset of chronic conditions. * Diabetes Prevention: Community efforts, often supported by entities like UGA Extension, have seen hundreds of adults participate in diabetes prevention activities, focusing on education, physical activity, and nutrition. * Obesity Awareness: Initiatives target community involvement and awareness to combat obesity, a key risk factor for multiple chronic diseases. * Health Equity: The overall vision of the DeKalb Public Health team is to create a community where all residents can achieve optimal health where they live, work, and play, emphasizing the critical role of health equity in all programs. By focusing on these multi-faceted approaches—from administering opioid funds and managing infectious outbreaks to launching long-term chronic disease and equity initiatives—DeKalb County Public Health continues to serve as the essential shield and resource for the community in 2025 and beyond.