Peach Pulse | Our first annual report, mental health during COVID-19 & community health workers

Thank you!

Thank you for supporting GHF on #GivingTuesdayNow

Earlier this month you helped GHF and other non-profits celebrate #GivingTuesdayNow as we collectively respond to COVID-19! As the voice for Georgia’s health care consumers, GHF advocates for the state policies and systems that are essential for a strong, effective response to the pandemic. GHF will continue our efforts to protect and promote your health and well-being as the pandemic and its economic fallout evolve.

If you missed being a part of #GivingTuesdayNow, we hope that you will consider supporting our advocacy today. Donate here and consider making your donation a monthly gift. Thank you for your generosity and partnership!

Your support in action

The generosity of our donors has already contributed to a healthier, more equitable Georgia! The highlights of GHF’s 2019 work and the difference it makes for Georgia individuals and families is captured in our first-ever annual report! Download the report to find out how your donations mobilized community members, made pressing health issues visible in the media, and fostered collaboration with decision-makers and partner groups to achieve change for all Georgians.

Commenters are 9-to-1 opposed to Governor Kemp’s Medicaid Waiver

Outnumbered: Georgians ask for Medicaid expansion

GHF’s new analysis reveals that 9 out of 10 Georgians who commented on Gov. Kemp’s Medicaid plan were opposed to it. Most commenters preferred Medicaid expansion because it would cover more Georgians and makes more financial sense.

During a FaceBook Live conversation about the Outnumbered report last week, nationally-recognized Medicaid expert Joan Alker said, “A state like Georgia is tying one arm behind its back in responding to this pandemic by not picking up the Medicaid expansion because of Medicaid’s role as a first responder…the pandemic has laid bare the urgency and moral imperative with the kind of disparities that are shocking and just ripping our country apart.”

When state leaders reconvene at the state Capitol next month, they have the opportunity to take action on the issue. Ask Gov. Kemp and your state legislators to take swift action to expand Medicaid today!

Share the Outnumbered report with your family, friends, and social networks and ask them to take action for Medicaid expansion today!

Updated weekly: Helping you manage COVID-19

GHF has new and updated resources to help you manage during the COVID-19 pandemic

GHF is dedicated to helping you understand and navigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out these links for the most up-to-date information and resources.

Mental health & addiction recovery in the time of COVID-19 — in an easy-to-understand way, lists resources and supports available to Georgians who want support for their mental health or substance use recovery
Your health coverage, care, and well-being — provides easy-to-understand information and links about how to access health services, what to expect from your health insurance coverage if you need COVID-19 testing and treatment, and how to meet your and your family’s basic needs
COVID-19 Policy Priorities for a Healthy Georgia — tracks state and federal actions needed to successfully overcome the current public health crisis and protect the economic well-being of Georgians

Your story is one of the most powerful tools available as we advocate for the health and wellness of Georgians. Sharing your real-life experiences can shape the decisions made by Georgia’s leaders about the state’s response to this crisis and our economic recovery. If you are uninsured, recently lost your insurance, have sought COVID-19 testing or treatment, are caring for a loved one who is sick, or have another health care story to share, we want to hear from you. Thank you for your generous input!

Community health workers, we need you!

Support your CHW peers by joining the Community Advisory Board

The COVID-19 emergency, particularly the disease’s impact on communities of color, has drawn attention to the unequal health experiences that Community Health Workers (CHWs) encounter daily in their work. As part of the new Community Voices for Health— Georgia (CVHG) project, Georgia Watch, GHF, and our project partners are launching a Community Advisory Board to support CHWs’ efforts to make a difference in their communities through civic engagement and advocacy.

The CVHG project team is seeking five interested CHWs to join the Community Advisory Board. The Board will guide and advise the CVHG project so that it meets the real needs of CHWs and the communities they serve.

You can learn more about CVHG and the Community Advisory Board here.

When you’re ready to apply, complete the online application here.