Director of Health Justice

Leah Chan

Leah Chan is the Director of Health Justice at Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. In her role, Leah focuses on research and advocacy that ensures all Georgians have a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.


Prior to joining GBPI in February 2022, Leah worked for over a decade at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in strategic partnership, policy, and communication roles and focused on a range of public health priorities from suicide to autism. Among her many duties while at CDC, Leah had the opportunity to co-lead human-centered design projects focused on better understanding the lived experiences of those most disproportionately impacted by today’s urgent health crises and working alongside those communities to develop solutions. Leah holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Georgia and a master’s of public health from Emory University. Outside of work, Leah enjoys exploring the outdoors with her young kids, reading biographies, and trying new foods.

Recent Posts by Leah

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Our Comments on the Pathways to Coverage 1115 Demonstration Waiver Extension Notice

On January 21, 2025, Georgia’s Department of Community Health notified the public of its intention to submit an ...
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Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Public Health

  Introduction The Department of Public Health programs focus on health promotion and health-related disaster response and preparedness ...
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Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

  Introduction Among a range of duties, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities operates five state ...
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Overview: 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Georgia Department of Community Health

  Introduction The Department of Community Health administers the state’s healthcare safety net, reimburses hospitals for services provided ...
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Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage Program – The First Year in Review Fact Sheet

In July 2023, Georgia launched the Pathways to Coverage program, which offers health care coverage to adults with ...
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Public Health for All Y’all: How A Thriving, Fully Funded Public Health System Can Support a Stronger, Healthier Georgia

  Introduction Georgia’s health security and economic well-being depend on a thriving, fully funded state and local public ...
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GBPI Statement on the Comprehensive Health Coverage Commission’s December Report

Georgia Budget & Policy Institute (GBPI) applauds the Comprehensive Health Coverage Commission for including an initial set of ...
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Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage Program: The First Year in Review

The Georgia Budget & Policy Institute (GBPI) would like to thank the Georgians who showed courage and vulnerability ...
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Georgia Health Budget Primer for State Fiscal Year 2025

The 20-Year View In 2004-2005, Georgia had the 8th highest uninsured rated in the nation, and in 2022, ...
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One-Year Anniversary of Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage Program Highlights Need for Reform

This statement was released in partnership with Georgians for a Healthy Future. Read more at healthyfuturega.org. July 1st ...
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The State of Georgia’s Healthcare System: References, Methods and Sources

Methodology Figure 1: GBPI analysis of Department of Health and Human Services’ data on state and county estimates ...
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Overview: 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

    Among a range of duties, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities operates five state ...

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GBPI Has New Data on Federal Policy

GBPI is committed to tracking how the state of Georgia raises and spends fiscal resources. As the federal government has promised and provided some of these, cuts to programs and funding on the federal level could have deep and lasting impacts on Georgians and on the state’s ability to meet the needs of all its residents. 

Submit your comment on the Georgia Pathways to Coverage Program

Submit public comment on Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage program extension by February 20th – just complete this easily fillable form: