MARCH 2019 EDITION
Your inside look at news in the City of South Fulton ...
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Message from the City Manager
Mayor & City Council
Fire Chief Larry Few Retires from Fire Services
Grocery Retailer Coming to District 1
COSF Announces New Chaplaincy Program
Fulton County Homestead Exemption
Elections
City News
City Departments at Work
Council Meetings & Upcoming Events
College Park Transit Accessibility & Enhancement Study
Georgia Power-Sign up for Outage Alerts
Spring Forward
March-Women's History Month
March-Colon Cancer & Kidney
2020 Census
Stay Connected
Important Contact Numbers & Quick Links
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Message from the City Manager
Greetings South Fulton,
March kicks off a very special time of year for the City of South Fulton filled as it is filled with farewells and marked by new beginnings. The City recently provided a heartfelt farewell to the first ever City Clerk and Fire Chief, while welcoming the new City Clerk, Ms. Diane White, and Court Administrator Phenix Gaston.
The City also launched an array of new programs and tools aimed at enhancing service delivery, including the launch of South Fulton 101 as well as the launch of the Chaplaincy Program. Through these community engagement initiatives including regionally scheduled Strategic Planning Sessions, we are committed to leveraging our citizens and key community stakeholders to help shape our government.
Whether you are here to live, work or play, we know that the City of South Fulton is quickly becoming the place you want to be. Please enjoy this offering as a highlight of February activities and a look ahead for March.
#OnwardSouthFulton
In Service,
Odie Donald II
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Mayor William "Bill" Edwards
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Councilwoman
Catherine Rowell
District 1
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Councilwoman
Carmalitha Gumbs
District
2
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Councilwoman
Helen
Willis
District 3
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Councilwoman
Naeema
Gilyard
District
4
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Councilwoman
Rosie
Jackson
District 5
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Councilman
Khalid
Kamau
District 6
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Mayor Pro Tem
Mark
Baker
District 7
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Click the map below to access a larger version of the city-wide map!
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FIRE CHIEF LARRY FEW RETIRES AFTER MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF SERVICE
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He’s served his community through his vow to protect life and property for more than 38 years and now the City of South Fulton’s Fire Chief Larry Few is trading in his turnout gear for fishing gear.
Chief Few is retiring and resigning from his post as Fire Chief for the City of South Fulton after making significant strides. Hired February 26, 2018, his main charge was to successfully transition Fire Services from Fulton County to the City. Few accomplished that goal. Under his leadership he has ordered two new fire engines expected for delivery in November of 2019, and a new ladder truck expected to be delivered in February of 2020. The acquisition of this equipment equals better and improved service to the residents of the City.
Since joining the team, Few was successful in acquiring a new Emergency Medical Services provider for the area cutting the response times for such services from half an hour to 11 minutes. Under his leadership the City's ISO has lowered from 4 to 3 ultimately making insurance premiums for residents and businesses lower.
Chief says one of his most memorable experiences as a firefighter was successfully administering CPR on a person who had stopped breathing. Chief Few said, "Serving as Fire Chief for the City of South Fulton and working in the fire service has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Firefighting is in my family's blood. My father, brother and son are all firefighters. I am a servant leader and It has been my pleasure to serve the citizens of South Fulton.
Chief Few was appointed by the Fulton County Commissioner to the Region III Council to represent Fulton County. He is a certified Executive Manager awarded through the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, holds the designation of Chief Fire Officer from the Commission on Professional Credentialing, is a member of The Institution of Fire Engineers and serves on the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Executive Board as Immediate Past President.
Deputy Chief Jack Butler Jr. will serve as the City’s Interim Fire Chief beginning Monday, March 4, 2019.
Click Here
to view the Channel 2 news story about Chief Few's retirement.
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LAST STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION-TONIGHT!
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It's not too late to get involved! Join the City of South Fulton for its last Strategic Planning Sessions tonight, Monday, March 4, 2019 from 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. at the Cedar Grove Community Center (9285 Cedar Grove Road, Fairburn, GA 30213).
This session serves as another opportunity for residents and community members to get involved in the City’s FY2019 strategic planning process. Residents and community stakeholders will participate in a discussion and a brief survey to help the City meet the five strategic goals as outlined by South Fulton’s executive leadership team, Mayor and Council. Those strategic areas include:
• Developing Strong, Healthy Teams
• Improving Infrastructure and Solidify Finances
• Increasing Community Collaboration and Quality of Life
• Focus on Economic Development
• Creating an Efficient Government
Click Here
to take the online Strategic Planning Survey!
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GROCERY RETAILER COMING TO DISTRICT 1
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The City is excited to welcome a new supermarket in District 1. The supermarket will be located at Sandtown Crossing II at the intersection of Camp Creek Parkway and Campbellton Road. The "prototype grocery store" will include an eat-in mezzanine and a drive-thru pharmacy.
The site plan also includes an outparcel pad available for a restaurant. Construction on this project will commence in 2019 and is slated for completion in 2020.
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COSF PRESENTS NEW CHAPLAIN PROGRAM
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The City of South Fulton is excited to introduce its new Chaplaincy Program. The brainchild of Mayor William "Bill" Edwards, the program was organized to make ministerial counsel available to City residents, elected officials, employees and those who receive services from the City.
The Office of the Chaplain will work in conjunction with chaplains, and other staff to offer a variety of faith-based services consistent with the goals and purposes of ensuring world class service delivery and customer service. These responsibilities include activities that provide aid, comfort, and the mitigation of stress.
Pastor Warren L. Henry, Sr. was appointed as the City's Chaplain in 2018. Pastor Henry comes to the program with over 40 years of pastoral experience and over 30 years of community leadership. He is also a P.O.S.T. Certified Chaplain, a P.O.S.T. Certified Peace Officer and a Certified Hostage Negotiator.
The 5 Branches of the Chaplaincy and the Chaplain of the Day Program are key initiatives of the Office of the Chaplain. To learn more about the Chaplain program and the 5 Branches of Chaplaincy visit our website at
www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov.
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The City of South Fulton would like to share Homestead Exemption information from the Fulton County Board of Assessors. April 1, 2019 is the deadline to file for homestead exemption. Anyone who purchased a new home in 2018, made changes to their deed, may qualify for a special exemption for the first time should apply. Several new homestead exemptions were approved by voters in November 2018. Most of the exemptions will apply automatically to existing homeowners. For additional information
Click Here
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Special Election Day in Fulton County is on March 19, 2019. One early voting poll will be open starting Monday, February 25 to Friday, March 15 from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Fulton County Government Center located at 130 Peachtree Street, SW, Atlanta 30303. No weekend voting provided.
Click Here
to view the list of qualified candidates Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections.
Click Here
for assistance in identifying poll locations or call 404-612-7020.
Click Here
for the 2019 State Elections & Voter Registration Calendar
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Mayor William "Bill" Edwards Served as a Guest Speaker for the 2019 South Metro Development Outlook Conference
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Mayor William "Bill" Edwards gave remarks to a packed house of elected officials, development industry professionals business owners and community members at the 2019 South Metro Development Outlook Conference.
Edwards talked about the importance of elected officials and municipalities working together to strengthen the region. He encouraged attendees to engage with government official and partner to create strong development opportunities.
The City's Economic Development Director, Christopher Pike also served as a panelist in the discussion about growth and development in the South Metropolitan area. Pike provided attendees with a snapshot of the City's Economic Development arm, Destination South Fulton as well as shared its accomplishments and future goals.
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District 1 Councilwoman Catherine Foster Rowell Hosts 2nd District 1 Economic Development Bus Tour
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On Friday, February 22, 2019, District 1 Councilwoman Catherine Foster Rowell hosted the 2nd District 1 Economic Development Bus Tour. Several District 1 residents participated in the expedition and learned about new developments slated for their area as well as how
Destination South Fulton
the economic development arm of the City.
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District 2 Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs Hosts First District 2 Economic Development Bus Tour
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On Wednesday, February 20, 2019, community members joined District 2 Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs for the first District 2 Economic Development Bus Tour. The event discussed the economic climate and highlighted locations for development and growth within the district.
The bus tour invites community members to become more familiar with the district and its individual qualities. The tour serves as a great opportunity to showcase the district’s many attributes and pro-economic development atmosphere.
Christopher Pike, the City's Economic Development Administrator, shared demographic information and provided key statistical data for participating developers. The event ended with a Bus Tour that showcased a number of commercial properties within the district that are available for development initiatives.
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Mayor William "Bill" Edwards and District 3 Councilwoman Helen Willis Hosts MARTA Forum
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On February 19, 2019, Councilwoman Helen Willis and Mayor William “Bill” Edwards hosted a MARTA Community Forum with representatives from the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).
One of the primary topics of discussion was the Fulton County Master Transit Plan that was completed and disseminated in 2018. The plan's objective is to bring BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) to South Fulton Parkway between Highway 92 and Campbellton Road.
During the forum, residents voiced their opinions on Light Rail, Bus Rapid, and Arterial Rapid Transit. Councilwoman Willis stated that with the influx of families and business growth in the area, there had to be a mechanism to decrease the number of cars on the road. Attendees all seemed to agree that MARTA is necessary to sustain the growth happening within Districts 3 and 4 primarily on South Fulton Parkway.
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City of South Fulton District 5 Councilwoman Rosie Jackson Hosted State of the District Brunch
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On Monday, February 4, 2019, Councilwoman Rosie Jackson hosted the State of District 5 Brunch at Diamond Hall Event Center. The event was attended by City of South Fulton District 2 Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs, District 5 Councilman khalid kamau and District 7 Mayor Pro Tem Mark Baker, State Legislators Senator Donzella James and State Representative Derrick Jackson.
Members of the faith based community including Bishop C.L. Carter of First Missionary Baptist Church, Dr.Carolyn Vinson of Highpoint Christian Tabernacle, and Minister Kevin Smith from World Changers Church International were also in attendance. Other attendees included business owners, the Old National Merchants’ Association Board Members and residents.
Guest speakers included Wesley Brooks, VP of Housing and Neighborhood Engagement from Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and Stanton Reecy, Project Manager for Aerotropolis Atlanta. The speakers shared information about blighted housing and Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) for Buffington Road.
Councilwoman Jackson delivered a very eye-opening speech discussed a number of issues she is working to address in District 5 including crime, loitering and panhandling.
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City of South Fulton District 7 Mayor Pro Tem Mark Baker Sponsored
Community and Police Panel Discussion
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District 7 Mayor Pro Tem Mark Baker hosted a panel discussion on bridging the gap between the City’s Police Department and the community. The event was held at Langston Hughes High School February 28, 2019.
The purpose of the panel discussion, which also included the City's new police recruits, was organized to provide a platform that encourages constructive dialogue between youth and law enforcement in order to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community.
The panel discussion followed the December 2018 “The Hate you Give” viewing field trip, where Mayor Pro Tem Baker accompanied 45 Langston Hughes High School students to view the film.
The panel was moderated by WSBTV Channel 2 News Reporter Tyisha Fernandes and concluded with a special address by the City of South Fulton’s Police Chief Keith Meadows.
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COSF Police Department Provides Forensic/Crime Scene Class to Girl Scouts
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On Saturday, February 23, 2019, the City's Police Department provided a a forensic/crime scene class group of Girl Scouts. The group, with scouts ages 8-14, met department representative at Friendship Community Church.
Scouts were introduced to the forensic science career field and the responsibilities of of forensic scientists. Each scout lifted a latent print, much like they would at a crime scene. Each scout was also able to take their fingerprints home to show family and friends.
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City of South Fulton Police Department Headquarters
5539 Old National Highway
College Park, GA 30349
Hours of Operation:
24 Hours
All services provided, including but not limited to:
-Copy of Police Reports
-Open Records Requests
-File Police Reports
-Apply for Law Enforcement
Related Permits
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City of South Fulton Police Department
Cedar Grove Mini-Precinct
6015 Lynmark Way Fairburn, GA 30213
Hours of Operation:
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Services Provided:
-File Police Reports
-Retrieve General Police
Department Services
Information
-Make Complaints
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City of South Fulton Police Department
Cascade Mini-Precinct
4121 Cascade Road SW
Atlanta, GA 30331
Hours of Operation:
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Services Provided:
-File Police Reports
-Retrieve General Police
Department Services
Information
-Make Complaints
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Code Enforcement Chronicles
The City's Code Enforcement Inspectors are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for City of South Fulton residents by providing effective public service through the enforcement of city codes and ordinances. One of Code Enforcement’s prime concern is community safety. The activities of the Code Enforcement division have been visible throughout the City. Take a look below at some before and after pictures showcasing Code Enforcement efforts.
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The owner of this property was not aware that severely over-grown shrubs could be a safety issue. After months of hard work, this property was brought into compliance.
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This property was vacant for years and is now being renovated. The property was once a blight to the community and is now turning heads as citizens drive down Welcome All Road. The persistence of our Code Enforcement team along with communication with the owner has led to the property being in compliance.
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This property sat for years burned, unsecured, and assisting with the decreasing of property values in the Hillandale community. It is now up to code and in compliance.
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City of South Fulton's Public Works Services Provider Supports S.T.E.A.M event at Westlake High School
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Jacobs, the City of South Fulton's
Public Works services provider,
is supporting the community through volunteering and sponsoring the "Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead" event at Westlake High School on March 16, 2019 from 9:00A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
The Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead event involves students K-12, teachers, parents, college students, community leaders and business partners. Event facilitators will lead participants in several different activities including coding, exploring and making fascinating engineering projects. Participants will fly drones through an obstacle course, build and drive robots, build hover cars and much more. Each activity will also include a scientific explanation for participants.
Jacobs engineers will lead various activities planned during the event. Jacobs is a strong supporter of STEM programs and looks forward to other similar events in the City of South Fulton.
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Sandtown Gymnasium Lighting Project
The Parks & Recreation department completed the lighting replacement project in the Sandtown Park Gymnasium. The project, which began in early February, worked to upgrade the entire gymnasium to LED lighting.
"The lighting enhancements at the Sandtown Recreation Center are a positive step forward in our ongoing efforts to provide better services and facilities for the communities that we serve," stated Parks & Recreation Director Tony Phillips. "We look forward to additional improvements to come."
LED lighting is more energy efficient and provides better overall lighting at a lower cost. As the current standard for lighting, LED lights are up to 80% more efficient than traditional lighting such as fluorescent and incandescent lights. Additionally, 95% of the energy in LEDs is converted into light and only 5% is wasted as heat. LED lights also draw less power than traditional lighting. Less energy use reduces the demand from power plants and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.
Imlementing LED lighting at the Sandtown location and others in the future is evidence of the City's overall efforts to be efficient and green.
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The following employment opportunities are open with the City of South Fulton:
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Community Development Services
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & UPCOMING EVENTS
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CITY OF SOUTH FULTON CITY COUNCIL
March City Council Meetings
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 @ 7:00 P.M.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019 @ 7:00 P.M.
Location:
Fulton County South Service Center
5600 Stonewall Tell Road
College Park, GA 30349
FULTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETINGS
March Fulton County Board of Commissioners Meetings
Regular Meeting: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 @ 10:00 A.M.
Recess Meeting: Wednesday, March 20, 2019 @ 10:00 A.M.
Location:
Fulton County Government Center Assembly Hall
141 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
COMMUNITY ZONING INFORMATION MEETING
Tuesday, March 7, 2019 @ 6:00 P.M.
Location:
City of South Fulton City Hall
5440 Fulton Industrial Blvd, S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30336
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING
Thursday, March 21, 2019 @ 1:00 P.M.
Location:
Fulton County South Service Center
5600 Stonewall Tell Road
College Park, GA 30349
UPCOMING CITY EVENTS
- March 4, 2019: Last Strategic Planning Session at 6:00 P.M. at Cedar Grove Community Center (9285 Cedar Grove Road, Fairburn, GA 30213)
- March 25, 2019: District 1 Councilwoman Catherine Foster Rowell District 1 Townhall Meeting at 6:00 P.M. at Decision Point Ministries (5450 Campbellton Road, Atlanta, GA 30331)
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COLLEGE PARK
TRANSIT
ACCESSIBILITY & ENHANCEMENT STUDY
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GEORGIA POWER-SIGN UP FOR OUTAGE ALERTS
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Power outages can be caused by a number of factors, including trees, animals, snow or ice. In order to provide immediate information and more efficient service, Georgia Power
created outage alerts. The alerts provide real-time outage information personalized specifically for your area that inform you know when an outage will occur and when your power is going to be restored.
Click Here
to Sign up for outage alerts and read more information about the alerts.
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Daylight Savings Time, also known as "Spring Forward" begins on Sunday, March 10, 2019. Clocks are turned forward 1 hour from 2:00 A.M. to 3:00 A.M. Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later on Mar 10, 2019 than the day before. This means more light in the evening and more fun for Spring activities!
The "Spring Forward" term is meant to trigger your memory to set your clocks forward 1 hour in the spring at the start of
Daylight Savings Time
, and 1 hour back in the fall when
Daylight Saving Time
ends. A different way to remember which direction to set your clock for
Daylight Savings Time
is that in the Spring, you bring out (or forward) the garden furniture and in the fall you put it back.
Click below for ways you can welcome Spring time with family and friends:
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MARCH-WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
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Women's History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.
By 1986, 14 states had already declared March as Women’s History Month. This momentum and state-by-state action was used as the rational to lobby Congress to declare the entire month of March 1987 as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women.
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MARCH - COLON CANCER & KIDNEY CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
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Colon Cancer
March is
Colorectal cancer Awareness Month.
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum, located at the digestive tract's lower end.
Early cases can begin as noncancerous polyps. These often have no symptoms but can be detected by screening. For this reason, doctors recommend screenings for those at high risk or over the age of 50.
Colorectal cancer symptoms depend on the size and location of the cancer. Some commonly experienced symptoms include changes in bowel habits, changes in stool consistency, blood in the stool, and abdominal discomfort. Colorectal cancer treatment depends on the size, location, and how far the cancer has spread. Common treatments include surgery to remove the cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
To lower your risk of colon cancer:
- Get screened for Colorectal Cancer
- Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Get regular exercise
- Watch your weight
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol
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Kidney Cancer
March is also Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. Kidney cancer
,
also called renal
cancer
,
is a disease in which kidney cells become malignant (cancerous) and grow out of control, forming a tumor. Almost all kidney cancers first appear in the lining of tiny tubes (tubules) in the kidney. This type of kidney cancer is called
renal cell carcinoma
. Most kidney cancers are found before they spread to distant organs and cancers caught early are easier to treat successfully.
Early kidney cancers do not usually cause any signs or symptoms, but larger ones might. Some possible signs and symptoms of kidney cancer include:
- Blood in the urine
- Low back pain on one side (not caused by injury)
- A mass (lump) on the side or lower back
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss not caused by dieting
- Fever that is not caused by an infection and that doesn’t go away
- Anemia (low red blood cell counts)
In many cases, the cause of kidney cancer is not known. In some other cases (such as with inherited conditions that raise kidney cancer risk), even when the cause is known it may not be preventable. But there are some ways you may be able to reduce your risk of this disease:
- Stop and/or reduce cigarette smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight by exercising and choosing a diet high in fruits and vegetables
- Seek treatment for high blood pressure
- Avoid workplace exposure to harmful substances such as cadmium and organic solvents
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The goal of the 2020 Census is to count everyone once and in the right place. The Census Bureau continues to improve its use of mobile technology, geospatial innovations, and internet self-response.
Click Here
for more information about the 2020 Census
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IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS & QUICK LINKS
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City Hall
5440 Fulton Industrial Blvd, S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30336
(470) 809-7700
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(470) 552-4311 (24 hour line)
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See an issue that needs to be fixed? Use COSF 311, our SeeClickFix application.
Citizens may dial
(470) 552-4311
to report issues or inquire about City services.
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Click the button below to download the app for Android
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Click the button below to download the app for iPhone
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Click the button below to view the City's OpenGov site.
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City of South Fulton | 470-809-7700
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