The Department of Community Health (DCH) Board met June 11, 2015. Commissioner Clyde Reese recognized two retiring long-time employees Vince Harris (IT Director) and Tim Connell (CFO). The Department is currently interviewing candidates for CFO. Matt Jarrard has been named the new Director of IT.
News
Outdoor Jobs Raise Skin Cancer Risks
Beachgoers aren’t the only ones who need to take precautions against sun damage. People who work outdoors are at increased risk for skin cancer, and Georgia’s melanoma rate is higher than the national average.
News from the GA Public Health Board Meeting
During the Georgia Public Health Board May meeting on Tuesday, board members saw presentations on Asthma-Friendly Childcare Centers, the Georgia Alzheimer’s Registry, and an Update on 2016 General Obligation Bonds and Budget. The presentations are viewable online.
Georgia Residents Have Lower Rates of Heavy Drinking
Georgia residents have lower rates of heavy drinking and binge drinking when compared to the rest of the nation, according to a study recently published in the American Journal of Public Health.
Deal Creates GA Commission on Medical Cannabis
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has appointed a panel to make recommendations about medical marijuana use in Georgia. A law recently passed allowing people with certain medical conditions to have cannabis oil with a doctor’s permission.
Resolutions Adopted During 2015 Conference
The GPHA membership considered and voted to approve three resolutions during the 2015 Annual Meeting and Conference.
GPHA Conference Photos Now Online
All of our conference photos are now online and available for download.
Fitzgerald Receives Sellers-McCroan Award
Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health, received the Sellers-McCroan Award during the GPHA conference on April 13. Fitzgerald was commended for her work leading the Ebola response in Georgia.
Legislative Report for April 3
Now that the Georgia General Assembly has adjourned for the year, our legislative liaison gives a recap of legislation of interest to public health.
News from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD USER has recently published several articles about affordable housing, policy, and community development issues that have public health implications.