Gale Pollock, Peggy Wilmoth, James M. Galloway and Mitchell Cohen
Guest Columnists
Despite worldwide advances in medical treatment and public health, many in Georgia have not benefited significantly from many of these interventions. More than 60% of Georgians have one or more chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, and 33% of adults and 18% of high school children are obese.
The health of our state and her residents is negatively affected by disparities in income, employment, education, housing quality, environmental conditions, public safety, health systems and transportation. Less access to affordable and quality health care is also contributing to poor health in Georgia. Since 2008, nine of our 30 rural hospitals have closed (30%) and another dozen are currently at high risk for closing because of financial struggles.