Working Together for Better Healthcare
We often celebrate — rightly so — that Georgia is the best state in the nation for business. That’s because it means Georgia is actively expanding economic opportunity in every corner of our state.
But economic opportunity and success isn’t the only key factor in quality of life. Just as important is the availability and affordability of high quality healthcare. In today’s complex regulatory environment where federal and state laws overlap insurance requirements, finding high quality healthcare can be difficult — particularly for Georgians with limited means.
For years, the State of Georgia has attempted to work with the federal government to find state-specific solutions to cover more uninsured and underinsured Georgians. While we have made progress thanks to innovative programs like Georgia Pathways, we know there is still more work to do.
Many communities around the state — particularly in rural areas — are opening community-based health centers focusing on preventative and primary care. We know that preventing and promptly treating illnesses can avoid more costly care later on. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
In recent weeks, I’ve visited two such facilities: Two Rivers Health Clinic in Rincon and East Georgia Healthcare Center in Statesboro.
I was greeted by warm, smiling faces — healthcare professionals who have answered a call to serve their neighbors and their community. I also saw the amazing impact these centers can have on those they serve.
Community-based clinics are just one way we’re addressing the complex healthcare needs of a growing, thriving state.
The Doctor Is In: Workforce Development for the Future
Continuing on the important topic of healthcare, the House Rural Development Council recently met on the campus of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro to discuss rural Georgia’s healthcare needs.
I was proud to welcome 25 House members — many committee chairmen and subject matter experts — to Statesboro to hear testimony and review the facts facing our rural communities when it comes to healthcare.
As I discussed with the Council, one of the ways we are working to meet the healthcare needs of Georgians is ensuring we have enough medical professionals — doctors, nurses and specialists — to treat our growing population.
Georgia Southern University plays a key role in our plans. Next year, Georgia’s newest medical school will open on the Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern in Savannah. This new medical school is the result of an innovative partnership with Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia. Once fully enrolled, this new medical school campus will enroll 140 medical students on an annual basis.
I so appreciate Georgia Southern, Augusta University, and the University System of Georgia working together to launch this transformative campus which will mean better healthcare for Georgians for generations to come.
Go Eagles! — Hail Southern!
Dayle and I were delighted to join many of our fellow Eagle alumni and House members in cheering on Georgia Southern in defeating Georgia State at Paulson Stadium last week.
Congratulations to Head Coach Clay Helton and the entire Georgia Southern football team on a decisive victory in our great annual rivalry game.
Special Session in November
Georgia will have to hold a special session of the General Assembly next month. A U.S. District Court ruling invalidated Georgia’s electoral maps drawn by the legislature in 2021 and used during the 2022 elections.
While the underlying litigation is likely to be appealed, the General Assembly will have to redraw the maps to comply with the court’s order in the meantime.
Look for more information about this special session next month.