Public Health Leaders Get Recognition at DPH Meeting


In its June meeting, the Georgia Department of Public Health recognized several public health groups for their leadership and service.

Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald recognized the Epidemiology Section for receiving the national “Best Poster” award at an Epidemiology national meeting. She also noted that the Vital Records Department had been recognized by a national organization as the best “Up and Coming” Department in the country.

The Department of Public Health Recognized the Cobb/Douglas Public Health District and the Atlanta Braves for their joint effort in making SunTrust Park Tobacco Free. Kenny Ray, Tobacco Program Manager, brought a presentation on efforts to reduce the use of smoking by Georgians. In addition to SunTrust Park being a Tobacco Free Venue, Ray pointed out that all new Major League Baseball draftees must agree to be tobacco free. His slide presentation of other tobacco prevention efforts can be found at the link below.

Additional presentations were made by Cherie Drenzek with a Zika Update, and Pat O’Neal with an update on the Opioid Outbreak in Georgia.

Click here to view all the presentations. 

The GA DPH also elected new officers during this meeting. The new officers will begin their services July 1, and are:

  • Dr. Cindy Mercer, Chair
  • Dr. James Curran, Vice Chair
  • Dr. Robert Harshman, Secretary