Local News
County Commissioner Benny Carter stands outside the Bethesda Mobile Unit.
Bethesda Clinic Mobile Unit Hits the Road Bethesda Community Clinic (BCC) has launched a mobile testing unit to assist with COVID-19 testing in Cherokee County, thanks to a $175,000 grant provided by Cherokee County commissioners through the CARES Act. Federal guidelines state that funding received from the CARES Act specifically must be used to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19. BCC showcased its new mobile testing unit before a recent work session of county commissioners. The BCC is a nonprofit organization, headquartered in Canton, that provides quality, affordable health care services to the uninsured and under-insured citizens of Cherokee County. Currently, an estimated 30,000 adults and 2,500 children are uninsured in Cherokee. In addition to COVID-19 testing, the mobile unit also will provide services for routine physicals, health screenings, health education, women’s exams and chronic care. BCC is working with the Cherokee County School District, and local churches and food pantries, to make the mobile testing unit available at local events. For more information, call 678-880-9654, or visit bcccherokee.com.
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AROUND CANTON | December 2020
Senior Centers Have Reopened The Senior Center in Canton has reopened on a limited basis; hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Lunch delivery will continue on Thursdays, even though the center is closed. A limit of 15 clients will be allowed each day, set up by a schedule based on mode of transportation and home location. The Ball Ground Senior Center also reopened, with up to 10 seniors allowed each day. Hours are 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with lunch provided. Each senior should have their own bag of supplies for daily activities. Clients will have their temperatures checked each day, and staff and clients who feel sick will not be allowed to enter. Clients who take CATS transportation will have their temperature checked before boarding the bus. Each center will have a separate entrance and exit, and dining room seating will be structured so that clients keep the same seat throughout the day and no more than two clients will sit at one table. Staff will service coffee, juice, snacks and water, and at lunch, food will be taken to the clients. The Silver Roamers group has been meeting for lunch throughout the summer and met as a group for an outside cookout in October. They recently had their first official day trip in October, following all safety protocols, practicing safe distancing, and wearing masks. The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners have approved a resolution requiring all senior attendees and staff wear masks. For details, call 770-345-2675.
