Peach Tree Times

State Representative Mack Jackson (D-Sandersville) recently hosted the second 2024 meeting of the House Rural Development Council at the historic Thomson Depot in Thomson, Georgia. The event took place in House District 128, which Rep. Jackson represents. Alongside State Representative Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert), Jackson was appointed as co-chair of the council by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) in 2023. This meeting focused on rural healthcare, addressing issues such as maternal and infant health, physician shortages, and access to care in underserved areas.

“The second meeting of the House Rural Development Council in Thomson was incredibly productive,” said Rep. Jackson. “We focused on one of rural Georgia’s most pressing challenges—healthcare, particularly maternal and infant health. These discussions provided the insights needed to craft impactful legislation that will truly serve rural communities. I was proud to host such important conversations in my district and remain committed to advocating for the healthcare services our rural residents deserve.”

The meeting centered on healthcare, particularly maternal and infant health, bringing together stakeholders from across the state to discuss challenges and potential solutions aimed at improving healthcare access in rural areas. Discussions highlighted the need for more healthcare providers and facilities in these regions, particularly maternity services and specialties like OB/GYN and family medicine. The Georgia Board of Healthcare Workforce discussed strategies to attract and retain physicians in rural areas, emphasizing long-term funding for Graduate Medical Education programs and improvements in credentialing and liability processes.

The council also heard presentations on school-based health centers and behavioral and mental health services in schools. Behavioral support was identified as a growing need, especially considering the Mental Health Parity Act championed by late House Speaker David Ralston. Kevin Tanner, Commissioner of Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), shared updates on efforts to address mental health crises, homelessness, and developmental disabilities in rural areas. DBHDD also highlighted the success of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, noting higher usage rates among rural Georgians compared to urban residents.

During the meeting, Rep. Jackson honored Dorothy “Dot” Meadows Knox's family and Robert Edward “Bob” Knox Jr.'s family by presenting them with two resolutions—House Resolution 1594 and House Resolution 1599—commemorating their contributions to the Thomson community.

The House Rural Development Council was established in 2017 to collaborate with rural communities for economic growth and job creation. In 2023's legislative session, House Resolution 488 was unanimously adopted renewing its mandate for this term.

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

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