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Georgia rolls out all-terrain wheelchairs at state parks

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Georgia rolls out all-terrain wheelchairs at state parks


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  • South Dakota, Colorado, Michigan and Minnesota all provide the chairs to these with bodily limitations.

  • Advocates and people with disabilities lauded the chairs’ launch in Georgia.

  • The chairs can sort out tough terrain together with swamps and fallen bushes. 

Georgia is the most recent state to introduce all-terrain wheelchairs at its public parks. 

The initiative is a part of a partnership between the Georgia Division of Pure Assets and the Aimee Copeland Basis. The chairs are free for many who qualify and are actually accessible at 11 state parks, historic websites and a wildlife middle. 

Related applications have been launched in South Dakota, Colorado, Michigan and Minnesota.

The chairs can surmount something from fallen bushes to swamps to steep inclines and provide elevated entry to public areas which have lengthy been out of attain for these with mobility points. Round 3 million People at the moment use wheelchairs.


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“Our mission is to supply out of doors alternatives for each Georgia citizen and customer,” stated Georgia State Parks & Historic Websites Director Jeff Cown in a launch. “I’m proud to associate with the Aimee Copeland Basis to supply entry to guests with mobility or bodily disabilities.”

The inspiration was created by Copeland, a Georgia native and out of doors fanatic, who—after being recognized with a uncommon flesh-eating bacterial an infection—underwent amputations of each fingers, one foot and far of 1 leg. 

The inspiration works to supply higher entry to the outside for these with bodily challenges.

“All Terrain Georgia is the satisfaction and pleasure of Aimee Copeland Basis,” Copeland stated in a press release. “It’s been a very long time coming and we’re honored to supply this life-changing program to the group.”

The chairs debuted at Panola Mountain State Park on Nov 4., whereas all guests with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, spinal twine accidents and decrease limb amputations are actually capable of discover the parks, so long as they’re accompanied by one different “buddy” always.

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These with bodily limitations are hailing the applications as “life-changing.”

“I’ll lastly be capable to go on these trails for the primary time in my life,” journey blogger Cory Lee advised The Washington Publish. Lee, a Georgia native, has by no means explored a state park 20 minutes from his dwelling, regardless of visiting greater than 40 international locations. “The paths are off-limits in my common wheelchair.”

Copeland hopes to develop applications to North Carolina subsequent, however has her sights set on reworking accessibility throughout the whole nation, the advocate advised The Publish.





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Georgia

Georgia DNR's Coastal Resources Division completes three artificial reef additions

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Georgia DNR's Coastal Resources Division completes three artificial reef additions


There are new additions to Reef JY off St. Catherines Island, Reef SAV near Tybee Island, and Reef HLHA east of Little Cumberland Island. These aim to enhance marine habitats and support local biodiversity.

The Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources recently completed three significant additions to Georgia’s offshore artificial reefs. 

CRD’s Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Unit conducted these deployments to enhance marine habitats and support local biodiversity. All materials were thoroughly cleaned and inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard prior to deployment. 

The 62-foot tug Sarah Katlin was deployed to Reef JY on May 31, situated 17 nautical miles east of St. Catherines Island. This deployment aims to create new habitats for marine life and support the local fishing community. The vessel sank in 68 feet of water at 31.60667°N, 80.79922°W (31°36.400’N, 80°47.953’W).

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Following this, on June 5, approximately 63 tons of concrete blocks previously used by the U.S. Coast Guard to anchor aids to navigation were added to Reef SAV about 6 nautical miles east of Tybee Island. These materials provide essential structure for various marine species, promoting ecological diversity and sustainability. The blocks were placed by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Willow (WLB-202), a seagoing buoy tender, in 41 feet of water at 31.92138°N, 80.78621°W (31°55.283’N, 80°47.173’W).

The final deployment occurred June 6, when the 50-foot tug G.A. Franklin was added to Reef HLHA, 23 miles east of Little Cumberland Island. This addition further expands the available habitats for fish and other marine organisms, contributing to the overall health of Georgia’s coastal ecosystems. The Franklin went down in 76 feet of water at 30.98958°N, 80.95315°W (30°59.375’N, 80°57.189’W).

The Savannah ABC affiliate WJCL-TV joined CRD for the deployment of the G.A. Franklin. The station aired an informative story highlighting the meticulous process of cleaning and preparing reef materials for deployment, ensuring environmental safety and effectiveness.

“We are very happy with the success of these reef deployments,” said Paul Medders, CRD’s Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Unit lead. “Artificial reefs play a crucial role in enhancing marine habitats, supporting fish populations, and boosting recreational fishing opportunities. These additions will provide long-term benefits for our coastal environment and community. While the reef materials are man-made, the organisms that will find a home here are totally natural.”

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G.A. Franklin sinking. DNR photo by Tyler Jones.The Coastal Conservation Association Georgia, a CRD partner, provided financial support to make the reef deployments possible. Members of the public can also show their support for artificial reef creation by purchasing the “Support Fish Habitat” license plate (Code “NR”) at their local tag office. This eye-catching tag features the state saltwater fish, the red drum, and costs just $25 more annually than a standard tag.

The CRD remains committed to conserving and enhancing Georgia’s coastal resources for present and future generations. For more information about the artificial reef program and other conservation initiatives, please visit CoastalGaDNR.org/HERU.

About the Coastal Resources Division

The mission of the Coastal Resources Division is to balance coastal development and protection of the coast’s natural assets, socio-cultural heritage and recreational resources for the benefit of present and future generations.





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Georgia Department of Public Health closing all remaining COVID-19 community testing sites – 41NBC News | WMGT-DT

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Georgia Department of Public Health closing all remaining COVID-19 community testing sites – 41NBC News | WMGT-DT


COVID-19 testing kiosks are now located throughout the state.
(Photo Credit: Taylor Gilchrist/41NBC)

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –

PCR testing though Georgia Department of Public Health will end operations July 1.

Michael Hokanson, the public information officer for the department’s North Central Health District, says there are still many ways to get tested for COVID-19 should you need to.

“There are other opportunities as well through other medical providers, pharmacies, things of that nature,” he said. “But we want to make sure that if anybody has any reasonable expectation for testing it is still available, just not the PCR Testing at that site.”

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COVID-19 testing kiosks are now located throughout the state. For more information, click here.





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Georgia Tech, Emory researchers testing potentially life-saving heat protection device

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Georgia Tech, Emory researchers testing potentially life-saving heat protection device


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Heat related illness is something that certainly can creep up on you, especially if you work outside.

Jorge Ortega works as a landscaper in Florida.

“I would say it’s a little bit harder to stay hydrated and you have to keep on moving even though the sun is hitting you,” said Ortega.

According to the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 1,000 people die from heat related illness each year in the United States. Researchers at Georgia Tech and Emory University are working to lower that number with a new heat protection device.

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Ortega is one of the first people to try it out.

“The idea is that it monitors the worker’s heart rate, their physical activity, respiration rate. The ultimate goal is we will be able to predict before a worker heads into heat stroke or heat exhaustion,’ said Emory University researcher Roxana Chicas.

She said when it thinks you are close to heat exhaustion is would send an alert to not only you, but ideally co-workers and supervisors on your shift.

“We’ve already tested it with construction workers. In our next phase we are going to test it with farm workers,” said Chicas.

“Honestly this is what people need. It can prevent a lot of injuries and people getting hurt from other stuff maybe they may not know of,” said Ortega.

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Some of the signs of heat exhaustion include headache, muscle cramps, a fast or even a weak pulse, and dizziness. Chicas said she is passionate about this work and hopes to save many lives once the technology is rolled out to the public.

“I’m an immigrant. I’m from El Salvador. Many of the workers you see outdoors are workers of color. They are immigrants,” she said.

“Heat waves are coming. Summer is here and we all have to try and protect ourselves,” said Chicas.

Chicas hopes to roll out the product for widespread use within three years.

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