ATLANTA, GA — Georgia public health experts and advocates applaud the release of recommendations from the House Study Committee on Evaluating Funding for Public Health. Additional action is needed to ensure these recommendations are implemented and that elected leaders go further to explore innovative solutions that ensure all Georgians have a fair shot at good health.
Key recommendations include updating the funding formula for the county participating funds (a formula that has not been updated since the 1970s); creating consistent standards and accountability measures for local health departments so that everyone has the access to critical public health services no matter their zipcode; and supporting workforce recruitment by allowing county public health workers to retain accrued sick leave when they take state-level positions.
Georgia’s state and local public health system, including the Department of Public Health and the 159 county health departments, supports healthy communities and a strong economy. Increases in public health spending have been shown to reduce preventable deaths and save money. However, less than $1 in every $10 state general fund dollars spent on health goes to Department of Public Health, and access to core public health services and functions varies widely by county.
During the August, September and October 2025 study committee meetings, experts and advocates called on state leaders to use Georgia’s resources wisely to build on Georgia’s public health successes and strengthen our state and local public health system.
Leah Chan, Director of Health Justice at the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute, focused on the importance of adequate state and local public health funding and the opportunity to make data-driven adjustments to public health funding formulas.
“Effectively responding to future health threats like infectious disease outbreaks while also preventing long-standing public health issues like heart disease and maternal mortality requires adequate state investment in public health infrastructure – including up-to-date technology systems with actionable data and a well-trained, trusted and equitably paid state and local workforce. Modernizing the state’s public health funding formulas, including the county participating funds, would be one important step toward strengthening that infrastructure, fully unleashing the potential of our unique 159 county health department footprint, and keeping Georgia’s communities safe and healthy.”
Lloyd Sirmons, Executive Director of the Georgia Rural Health Association, underscores the critical role that public health plays in rural communities.
“For rural communities, a strong public health system is not optional—it is foundational to access, prevention, and economic stability. The Study Committee’s recommendations are an important step toward addressing long-standing funding inequities that leave rural health departments stretched thin. Implementing these recommendations will help ensure every Georgian, regardless of zip code, has access to core public health services and a workforce equipped to meet today’s and tomorrow’s health challenges.”
Natasha Taylor, Deputy Director of Georgia Watch, focused on strengthening Georgia’s public health workforce through sustainable Community Health Worker funding.
“Community Health Workers are a proven, cost-effective part of Georgia’s public health infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved communities facing provider shortages. As lawmakers consider the Study Committee’s recommendations, sustained investment in CHWs can strengthen care coordination, improve health outcomes, and ensure public health dollars are used in ways that truly meet community needs.”
Callan Wells, Senior Health Policy Manager at GEEARS, focused on services benefitting young children and new mothers, such as Babies Can’t Wait and Home Visiting.
“The Department of Public Health plays a pivotal role in supporting the health of pregnant women, newborns, and families across our state. Continued investment in DPH-administered programs such as Babies Can’t Wait and Home Visiting is essential to ensuring our youngest children receive the care and support they need during the most critical period of development.”
Georgia stands at a critical juncture as per person public health spending in Georgia continues to decline, and the boom-and-bust cycle of federal public health funding threatens hard-won, state-level successes. Georgia’s elected leaders can protect the state’s health security and economic well-being by implementing the study committee’s recommendations and continuing to expand their vision for how we might move toward a modernized, fully funded state and local public health system. As Georgia continues its ongoing efforts to strengthen its health care and behavioral health systems, the state must also reimagine the role that public health plays in creating the conditions where all Georgians can thrive.
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Georgia Budget and Policy Institute
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research and advocacy organization that advances lasting solutions to expand economic opportunity and well-being for all Georgians. Read more at gbpi.org
GEEARS: Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students
GEEARS is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that leads the statewide movement for quality early learning and healthy development for all children aged birth through five. Read more at geears.org.
Georgia Rural Health Association
The Georgia Rural Health Association, the oldest state rural health association in the country, is a nonprofit network of healthcare providers, educators, and individuals united in its commitment to improve the health and healthcare services of rural Georgians. Read more at grhainfo.org
Georgia Watch
Georgia Watch is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that uses education and advocacy to help give consumers a strong ally to level the playing field with powerful special interests in the state. Read more at georgiawatch.org
