Fulton County Board of Health in Atlanta, GA: What It Is and How It Can Help You

If you live in or around Atlanta, Georgia, the Fulton County Board of Health (FCBOH) is one of the main public agencies working behind the scenes to protect community health. From vaccines and STD testing to restaurant inspections and birth certificates, the Board of Health touches many parts of everyday life in Atlanta.

This guide walks you through what the Fulton County Board of Health does, how it serves Atlanta residents, where key locations are, and how to get the services you may need.

What Is the Fulton County Board of Health?

The Fulton County Board of Health is the public health authority serving Fulton County, including most of the City of Atlanta. It focuses on preventing disease, promoting health, and protecting the public.

While hospitals and clinics usually care for individual patients, the Board of Health focuses on the health of the whole community, including:

• Tracking and responding to outbreaks
• Offering low-cost or no-cost health services
• Supporting vulnerable populations
• Enforcing health and sanitation rules

Many Atlanta-area residents interact with the Board of Health without realizing it—through school vaccines, restaurant inspections, STD clinics, and community health programs.

Main Fulton County Board of Health Locations in Atlanta

Below is a quick overview of key FCBOH locations that commonly serve Atlanta residents. Details can change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm hours and specific services before visiting.

Many services are offered at multiple health centers across the county, including west, south, and north Fulton, so Atlanta residents can usually find an office within a reasonable drive or transit ride.

Key Services the Fulton County Board of Health Provides in Atlanta

The Board of Health offers a wide range of services to individuals, families, and businesses in Atlanta. Below are the main types of services you’re most likely to use.

1. Immunizations and Vaccines

The Fulton County Board of Health is a central place for vaccines in Atlanta, including:

• Childhood and school-required vaccines
• Adult immunizations
• Travel vaccines (offered at specific locations)
• Flu shots and certain other seasonal vaccines

These services are especially helpful for:

• Parents trying to meet Atlanta Public Schools or other local school immunization requirements
• College students in the Atlanta area (Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, etc.)
• Adults who need vaccines for work, travel, or general protection

💡 Tip: Ask about costs in advance. Some vaccines may be free or low-cost, especially for children, pregnant people, and certain income levels.

2. STD / STI Testing and HIV Services

The FCBOH is one of the main providers of confidential STD/STI testing and treatment in Fulton County, a core service for many Atlanta residents and visitors.

Common services include:

• Testing and treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and other STIs
• HIV testing and connection to ongoing HIV care
• Counseling about reducing risk and protecting partners
• Assistance accessing PrEP and other prevention options through appropriate providers or programs

These services are designed to be discreet, judgment-free, and accessible, and they are used by people from all parts of Atlanta—Midtown, Downtown, South Atlanta, Buckhead, and beyond.

3. Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services

At many Fulton County health centers, Atlanta residents can access:

• Birth control counseling and methods
• Testing and treatment for certain reproductive infections
• Screening for some women’s and men’s health issues
• Referrals to OB/GYNs or specialists when needed

Costs are often based on income or sliding-scale fees, which can be helpful if you do not have insurance or have limited coverage.

4. WIC and Nutrition Support

The Board of Health helps administer the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at multiple Fulton County sites serving Atlanta.

Through WIC, eligible families may receive:

• Monthly benefits for healthy foods
• Support for breastfeeding and infant feeding
• Nutrition education and counseling
• Referrals to medical and social services

These services are especially relevant for families in Atlanta neighborhoods like Southwest Atlanta, West End, East Point, College Park, and other areas where public health programs are a key resource.

5. Environmental Health and Restaurant Inspections

When you see a restaurant inspection score posted in an Atlanta restaurant, bar, or café, that score is typically issued by environmental health staff under the county and state health structure.

The Fulton County Board of Health’s environmental health division:

• Inspects restaurants, food trucks, grocery stores, and other food service locations in Fulton County (including most of Atlanta)
• Licenses and inspects public swimming pools, spas, and some tourist accommodations
• Responds to complaints about unsanitary conditions, food handling, and certain environmental hazards

If you have a concern about a restaurant or pool in Atlanta, you can contact Fulton County environmental health to report it or ask questions.

6. Vital Records: Birth and Death Certificates

If you need a birth certificate or death certificate for an event that occurred in Fulton County, the FCBOH can often help through vital records services.

Common reasons Atlanta residents use this service:

• Getting a certified birth certificate for:
  • School enrollment
  • Passport applications
  • Real ID driver’s license
• Obtaining death certificates for legal, financial, or estate matters

Bring valid photo ID and check in advance for:

• Accepted forms of identification
• Who is legally allowed to request the record
• Current fees and payment methods

7. School and Child Health Services

The Fulton County Board of Health coordinates with Atlanta Public Schools and other districts to support student health, including:

• Helping ensure students are up to date on required immunizations
• School nurse training and support
• Programs focused on asthma, nutrition, physical activity, and other child health needs
• Screenings for certain conditions, depending on school and program

Parents in Atlanta often work with both their child’s pediatrician and the Board of Health to make sure school health forms and vaccination records are complete.

8. Community Health Programs and Outreach

Throughout Atlanta, FCBOH staff participate in or organize community events, such as:

• Health fairs offering screenings for:
  • Blood pressure
  • Diabetes risk
  • Other basic health indicators
• Mobile clinics in neighborhoods with limited access to care
• Health education sessions at community centers, churches, and schools

If you live in an Atlanta neighborhood with fewer clinics or medical offices, these outreach services may be especially important.

Who Can Use Fulton County Board of Health Services?

Most services are aimed at people who live, work, or spend time in Fulton County, including the Atlanta city limits. In practice, that often includes:

• Residents of Atlanta and surrounding cities within Fulton County
• Students attending college or university in Atlanta
• Workers who regularly commute into Atlanta
• Visitors who happen to need public health services while in the city

Some programs may have additional eligibility rules—for example:

• WIC uses income and category guidelines
• Some low-cost services may be focused on people without insurance or with limited coverage
• Certain specialty services may be available only by referral

When you call or visit, staff can explain who qualifies for a particular program and what documents to bring.

How to Access Services: Practical Steps for Atlanta Residents

To make your visit smoother, it helps to plan a bit before you go.

1. Call Ahead or Check Current Information

Public health services can change over time. Before heading to a Fulton County health center, consider:

• Calling to confirm:
  • The service you need is offered at that location
  • Walk-in vs. appointment requirements
  • Current hours of operation
• Asking what documents or records to bring
• Confirming any fees, sliding-scale options, or insurance billing

This is especially important for:

• Travel vaccines
• Specific STD/HIV services
• Vital records requests

2. Bring Identification and Documentation

For many services, it’s helpful (or required) to bring:

• A photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.)
• Insurance card, if you have one
• Immunization records for vaccine visits
• For WIC:
  • Proof of residency (such as a utility bill)
  • Proof of income or benefits, if applicable
  • Documentation for the child or infant

Having these ready can save you time and avoid repeat visits.

3. Know About Costs and Payment Options

The Fulton County Board of Health typically aims to keep services affordable, and some are free. Cost structures often include:

• No-cost services for certain testing, vaccines, or programs
• Sliding-scale fees based on income
• Acceptance of some insurance plans, including Medicaid

When you call, ask:

• Whether the service has a fee
• If there are income-based discounts
• What types of payments are accepted

Fulton County Board of Health vs. Other Health Resources in Atlanta

Atlanta has a dense health care landscape—public health, private providers, and large medical systems. It helps to understand how the FCBOH fits in.

When the Board of Health Is a Good Fit

The Fulton County Board of Health is often a strong option if you:

• Need low-cost vaccinations or STD testing
• Are looking for WIC or nutrition support
• Need a birth or death certificate from Fulton County
• Have concerns about a restaurant, pool, or sanitation issue
• Want community-oriented programs and education in your neighborhood

When You May Need a Different Provider

You may need a hospital, urgent care, or primary care clinic instead when:

• You have a medical emergency (chest pain, severe injury, trouble breathing, etc.)
• You need ongoing management of chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease
• You require specialized medical procedures, surgery, or hospital-level care

Public health agencies like FCBOH often coordinate with these providers, but they are not a replacement for emergency or specialized medical care.

Common Reasons Atlanta Residents Contact the Fulton County Board of Health

Here are some everyday scenarios where someone in Atlanta might turn to the Board of Health:

• “My child is starting kindergarten in Atlanta Public Schools and needs immunizations.”
• “I live in Southwest Atlanta and need confidential STD testing at low cost.”
• “I’m pregnant and live near College Park. I want to apply for WIC.”
• “I’m opening a small café in Atlanta and need to understand restaurant health permits and inspections.”
• “A loved one passed away in Atlanta, and I need official death certificates.”
• “I want to know if there are free community health screenings near Downtown or the Westside.”

If your situation sounds similar to any of these, the Fulton County Board of Health is often an appropriate starting point for information and services.

Getting the Most Out of Public Health Services in Atlanta

To use the Fulton County Board of Health in Atlanta, GA effectively:

• Identify the specific service you need (vaccines, STI testing, WIC, vital records, etc.).
• Locate the nearest health center or office that provides that service.
• Call ahead to confirm hours, eligibility, and any costs.
• Bring required ID and documentation.
• Ask staff about other programs you might qualify for—many people discover additional helpful services this way.

By understanding how the Fulton County Board of Health operates in Atlanta, you can better navigate public health resources, protect your own well-being, and support the health of the broader Atlanta community.