This report about recent legislative activity includes highlights from the Department of Community Health Board Meeting, information about taxes on tobacco, and several bills of interest.
News
News and Funding Opportunities from RWJ Foundation
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation newsletter has links to articles and podcasts about recent initiatives to improve public health. There are also links to current funding opportunities.
Legislative Report for Feb. 6
This report about recent legislative activity includes information about vaccinations, taxes on tobacco, “hold harmless” funding, and several bills of interest.
Registration Now Open for GPHA Annual Meeting and Conference
Save on your registration fee with Early Bird discounts if you register before March 16!
Georgia Ranks 38th Among All States in Health Study
A new report card detailing the health of every state has ranked Georgia 38th in the U.S. Georgia received the same rank last year, and southern states generally rank toward the bottom of the list.
Medicaid Director Stepping Down
Georgia’s Medicaid Director Jerry Dubberly is leaving his position January 2nd. The Medicaid Director for the state of Georgia oversees services for nearly 2 million Georgians enrolled in Medicaid and PeachCare.
Deal issues new policy for travelers from Ebola-affected countries
Governor Nathan Deal’s office issued a statement outlining a new policy for travelers from Ebola-affected countries. The policy includes more aggressive monitoring procedures to help the state manage the risks of disease and to better protect citizens.
Advancing National Accreditation Readiness Among Health Departments
The Georgia Public Health Association (GPHA) has accepted a $6,500 sub-award from the American Public Health Association (APHA) to advance national accreditation readiness among local, tribal, state and territorial health departments.
Georgia's Public Health Commissioner to Lead Ebola Task Force
Georgia’s Public Health Commissioner Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald has been appointed to lead an Ebola task force by Gov. Nathan Deal. The task force will focus on preparing the state to respond to the Ebola threat.
Fitzgerald 15-Year-Old Making a Difference in Childhood Obesity Fight
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation has selected a 15-year-old from Fitzgerald, Georgia to serve on its Youth Advisory Board. Congratulations to Tyler Tucker!