Peach Tree Times

State Representative Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert), co-chair of the House Rural Development Council alongside State Representative Mack Jackson (D-Sandersville), recently hosted the council’s second meeting of the year at the historic Thomson Depot in Thomson, Georgia. Both Reps. Greene and Jackson were appointed as co-chairs by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) in 2023. The meeting’s agenda concentrated on addressing rural healthcare needs, including maternal and infant health, shortages of physicians, and improving access to care in underserved regions.

“I want to extend my thanks to my co-chair, Rep. Mack Jackson, for graciously hosting us in his district,” said Rep. Greene. “The discussions we had on rural healthcare, particularly maternal and infant health, physician shortages and access to care in underserved areas, are essential for the future of Georgia’s rural communities. The council is fully committed to addressing these unique challenges, and I’m eager to keep these important conversations going as we work toward meaningful change for rural Georgia.”

The meeting focused on healthcare, with a particular emphasis on maternal and infant health, gathering stakeholders from across the state to address challenges and explore potential solutions for improving healthcare access in rural areas. The council heard testimony that underscored the need for more healthcare providers and facilities in rural portions of the state, especially in maternity services and specialties like OB/GYN and family medicine. The Georgia Board of Healthcare Workforce outlined strategies for attracting and retaining physicians in rural areas, stressing the importance of long-term funding for Graduate Medical Education programs and enhancements to the state’s credentialing and liability processes.

The council also received presentations on school-based health centers and the increasing demand for behavioral and mental health services in schools. The need for mental health support was highlighted as a growing concern, particularly following the passage of the Mental Health Parity Act, championed by the late House Speaker David Ralston. Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Commissioner Kevin Tanner provided updates on initiatives to address mental health crises, homelessness, and developmental disabilities in rural areas. DBHDD also reported on the success of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, noting that rural Georgians are utilizing this service at higher rates than their urban counterparts.

The House Rural Development Council was established in 2017 to collaborate with rural communities on strategies for promoting economic growth and job creation. During the 2023 legislative session, the council was renewed for the current term through the unanimous adoption of House Resolution 488.

More information about the House Rural Development Council may be found here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/other-committees/house/2024/rural-development-council-2024

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