05 LC 28
2135
Senate
Resolution 87
By:
Senators Meyer von Bremen of the 12th, Golden of the 8th, Hooks of the 14th,
Harbison of the 15th, Hill of the 4th and others
A
RESOLUTION
Commending
the Georgia Rural Health Association and recognizing Rural Health Day; and for
other purposes.
WHEREAS,
the Georgia Rural Health Association (GRHA) is a nonprofit advocate for rural
health care consumers and the dedicated health care professionals who serve
rural Georgia and encourages the development of an improved health care system
throughout the state; and
WHEREAS,
Georgia has 118 rural counties with over two million residents, one-third of the
state´s population, but only one-half as many physicians as urban Georgia
plus a continuing decline in the availability and quality of health care
facilities and professional services; and
WHEREAS,
these areas have the highest cancer and cardiovascular mortality rates and
infant mortality, child abuse, and teen pregnancy rates, and the growing
uninsured population and elderly population with multiple diseases far exceed
these areas´ health care resources; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia Rural Development Council recognizes that the limited availability and quality of rural health care facilities and services further aggravate the distressed economy and deter industry recruitment in rural areas; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia Rural Development Council recognizes that the limited availability and quality of rural health care facilities and services further aggravate the distressed economy and deter industry recruitment in rural areas; and
WHEREAS,
state and federal officials need to focus on the plight of rural communities and
the need for better access to health care, workforce development and training,
access to capital for aging health care facilities, and medical practice tort
reform.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend
the efforts of the Georgia Rural Health Association and recognize February 22,
2005, as Rural Health Day.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to GRHA.