Former Commissioner Pat O’Neal, MD was honored recently for his many years of service to the Department of Public Health. Chairwoman Cindy Mercer, MD presented him with a framed proclamation on behalf of the Georgia Board of Health during its April meeting.
News
Our latest news posts are available below, or click the buttons to dig into our Newsletter Archive or Milestone Moments:
US Senate Passes Resolution Affirming Efficacy of Vaccination
Last week, the US Senate passed Senate Resolution 165, which affirms the efficacy of vaccination in the midst of measles outbreaks in 15 states. The resolution says, in part, that the Senate “affirms that vaccines and immunizations save lives and are essential to maintain the public health and the economic and national security of the United States.”
Silent Auction: Get Ready to Bid!
GPHA will host a silent auction during the conference, and you’ll have the opportunity to bid on great gifts, getaways and packages. A portion of your proceeds will benefit the Jim Alley Memorial Fund.
Earn 15 Hours of Continuing Education Credit at the GPHA Conference
Attendees of the 2019 Conference of the Georgia Public Health Association can earn up to 15 hours of continuing education (CE) credit, approved by the American Public Health Association (APHA).
Webinar Explains New Data Tools and Resources for Maternal and Child Health
The Maternal and Child Health section of GPHA is offering a webinar on April 25 at 10 a.m. which will provide an overview of Georgia’s Cross-Agency Child Data System. You are invited to learn more about these new data tools and resources to help inform what access looks like for Georgia’s youngest learners!
APHA Gathering Signatures on Letter Regarding Mercury and Air Toxics Standards
The American Public Health Association is working with the American Lung Association to gather signatures on a health professionals’ letter regarding changes to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering weakening these standards, and APHA believes they need to hear from health experts that undermining these protections is unacceptable and would cause irreversible harm to patients and communities. The deadline to sign the letter is April 15, 2019.
Final Legislative Report for 2019
The 2019 session of the Georgia General Assembly came to a close about midnight on April 2, 2019. Gov. Brian Kemp signed 21 bills on the last day of the session, and has until May 12 to sign or veto passed legislation, or it becomes law without his signature. Our legislative liaison Scott Maxwell provides his final weekly update on bills and other activity relating to public health in this session.
Legislature Passes Obesity Management Pilot Project for State Employees
The General Assembly has now completed 39 days of its prescribed 40-day legislative session and many issues are on their way to the Governor, or in the last throes of the vetting process. On Friday, March 29th, the Obesity Management Pilot Project bill received final passage. This pilot project created by HB 187 (Katie Dempsey-R) would provide coverage for the treatment of obesity through medication and counseling for members of the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP).
GPHA Representative Travels to Washington, DC to Advocate for Public Health Funding and Policies
The National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH) joined with other health leaders on Capitol Hill during the 2019 Winter Leadership Meeting, to advocate for public health funding and policies. Among them was Ted Toles, GPHA’s representative to NALBOH and member of the NALBOH board.
Legislative Session Nearing Closure
The Georgia General Assembly is coming into the home stretch, racing toward the April 2nd adjournment date. Our legislative liaison Scott Maxwell has provided the following update on activity through March 22nd, and what’s likely to be the focus of these final days of the session.