Peach Pulse Archive 2024

Peach Pulse | Post-Session Advocacy Opportunities, New Board Members, & more!

 

 

 

APRIL 2024

 

THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION MAY HAVE ENDED,
BUT OUR WORK IS YEAR-ROUND!

The legislative session may have wrapped up, but GHF’s efforts to enhance health care in Georgia are far from over.

 

As we move into May, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the outcomes of the 2024 session and plan for future advocacy.

In our final 2024 legislative session update, we shared some noteworthy health investments in the state budget and highlighted some significant bills that have been passed, including but not limited to:

  • HB 1339, which establishes a Comprehensive Health Coverage Commission;
  • HB 1010, which extends parental leave for state employees; and
  • HB 404, also known as the Safe at Home Act, which establishes tenant protection for renters in Georgia.

We are pleased to share that the Governor has already signed these three bills into law.

While efforts to close the coverage gap fell short this year, your advocacy did not go unnoticed! More Georgia leaders than ever are supportive of closing the gap so that 500,000 Georgians can have meaningful access to health care when they need it.

As we await final decisions from the Governor on other bills and budget changes, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support and advocacy during the session. Your unwavering commitment to improving health care in Georgia makes a real difference.

 

JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL FUNDRAISING DAY SUPPORTING HEALTHY HOUSING! 

As supporters of Georgians for a Healthy Future, you share our belief that every Georgian should have access to healthy, affordable housing.

Having a home isn’t just about having a roof over our heads—it’s a place that promotes health and happiness where families can thrive.

That’s why we’re rallying our community on May 15th to come together and support GHF’s mission by participating in a virtual fundraising day. 

Inadequate housing conditions can put residents at risk for chronic health problems or make any health problems they already have worse. By advocating for housing policy solutions that prioritize health and well-being, we ensure that all Georgians–regardless of health, wealth, or background–have healthy living environments.

That’s why GHF is asking 80 donors to give any amount to help us advocate for policies that promote healthier housing options and empower Georgia communities. Your support will advance our housing work and create lasting change in the lives of Georgians.

We invite you to be part of the exciting day by giving now and by helping spread the word. Click here to help us spread the word on social media. Let’s make May 15th a day of impact!

GHF’S NEW BOARD MEMBERS! 

We are delighted to welcome five outstanding individuals to GHF’s esteemed board of directors. Their diverse backgrounds, expertise, and commitment to our mission will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts to advance health equity for Georgians in the years to come.

Meet our new board members by clicking on their names below: 

Together, we are poised to continue our journey toward creating a healthier and more equitable Georgia. Please join us in welcoming Kate, Zerita, Abeni, Kai, and Christine to the GHF team!

OUR COMMUNITY. OUR VOICES.

There’s still time to join GHF’s coalition of advocates working to advance innovative local solutions and ideas! 

 

Local cities and counties are important testing grounds for policies that improve community well-being and health. Trying out innovative ideas like locally-managed internet access, paid family leave, or local tobacco taxes can help close health and economic gaps for certain communities, and they help demonstrate how policies and programs could work if they were expanded to the state or federal level.

Increasingly, corporate lobbyists are influencing state lawmakers to use a tool called “preemption” to limit Georgia communities from trying out these kinds of new ideas. GHF is building a coalition of dedicated advocates to stand against harmful preemption policies that silence local voices and prevent communities from adopting policies that promote well-being and fairness for all residents.

As a coalition member, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Collaborate with GHF team members to shape the conversation around preemption in Georgia and its impact across various issues like public health, elections, internet access, & more.
  • Strategize about how to effectively defend against harmful preemption efforts that strip away local control.
  • Elevate your voice and empower other Georgians to advocate for community liberties and policies that support the health and well-being of all Georgia residents.

We believe that understanding how harmful state overreach takes place is key to our advocacy efforts. Check out GHF’s video and blog to learn more.

Interested in joining? Click the sign-up button below! If you want to learn more about how preemption may impact your local community before you consider joining, please reach out to GHF’s Director of Partnerships & Outreach, Knetta Adkins, at kadkins@healthyfuturega.org.

Together, let’s ensure communities have the decision-making power they need to build a healthier, more equitable future for all Georgians. 

 
GHF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO GIVE COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
AT UGA COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH  

We’re excited to announce that Laura Colbert, Executive Director of Georgians for a Healthy Future, will be the commencement speaker for the University of Georgia’s College of Public Health’s spring ceremony. Laura is a UGA alum (B.S.Ed, 2007) and went on to earn her Masters in Public Health at Emory University (2010).

“As a public health educator and advocate, I am truly humbled by the invitation to help celebrate this year’s public health graduates as they embark on their own professional journeys to build healthier communities worldwide,” Laura shared.

Congratulations, Laura, on this well-deserved honor!

 

 

REGISTER TODAY: THE CARTER CENTER MENTAL HEALTH FORUM

 

The Carter Center is hosting the 28th Annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum on Tuesday, May 14th.

The event is free and open to the public. Confirmed speakers include First Lady Marty Kemp, DBHDD Commissioner Kevin Tanner, Department of Veteran Services Commissioner Patricia Ross, and many more advocacy and policy leaders! Please register through the Eventbrite link and direct any questions to Ryan.Greenstein@cartercenter.org.

Space is limited so register today!
Register here: The 28th Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum Tickets, Tue, May 14, 2024 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite

 

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