December 14, 2010

Spurred by poor health indicators that show a need for Georgia to re-evaluate its public health priorities, the Public Health Commission recently concluded that an independent Department of Public Health should be formed, and its primary charge would be overseeing the health of all Georgians. The commission, a nine-member panel of industry professionals, was convened through an act of legislation passed in 2009, and its recommendations were presented through a report to the governor, lieutenant governor and state General Assembly. Read more

November 18, 2010

On Tuesday, Georgia Watch partnered with Tift Regional Medical Center to host a consumer workshop entitled “Affording Hospital Care,” aiming to educate patients and their families on the best ways to manage their hospital debt.

Two sessions were held: a lunch session at noon and an evening session at 6 p.m. At each session, consumers were given information on the best ways to afford their hospital care and financial assistance available to them from the hospital. Read more

November 7, 2010

Last Tuesday, a ballot measure that would have infused an estimated $80 million into the state’s trauma network failed by a narrow margin – 53 percent to 47 percent.

Passage of this measure would have dedicated funding from annual car tag fees to beefing up emergency care at hospitals around our state. The proposed amendment to our state’s constitution would require a $10 fee to be included with other charges during annual registration of certain motor vehicles. The failure of this amendment’s passage could tip the balance between life and death for any Georgian. Read more