Keeping Newton informed Local health specialist educates, helps compile data on community’s needs By TOM SPIGOLON tspigolon@covnews.com
DaShe’ McMillian is a public health specialist and knows about the health dangers of COVID-19. But she also knows about the long-term dangers of other health dangers — everything from diabetes to tobacco use — and teaches them to young and old alike in Newton County. McMillian is lead community health educator for Newton County for the Gwinnett-Newton-Rockdale Health Departments. Her job is to tell seniors about
proper nutrition, or make sure people know how to lower infant mortality rates, or teach young people about the hazards of drug
“The goal is to work together just to improve the community’s health.” use. McMillian’s work takes her “in the trenches” — to such areas as
schools, housing projects and civic clubs. It even took her to Georgia State University’s Newton campus in 2018 where she helped health sciences students collect data about food pantries, food “deserts,” teacher and staff mental health and adolescent health. Their collected survey data became part of Newton County health department’s 2019 Community Assessment Report, which is compiled every five years. McMillian said she works with community partners like Willing Helpers Clinic, which is
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