ATLANTA – State Representative Mack Jackson (D-Sandersville) recently hosted the second 2024 meeting of the House Rural Development Council at the historic Thomson Depot in Thomson, Georgia, located in House District 128, which he represents. Rep. Jackson, alongside State Representative Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert), were appointed to serve as co-chairs of the council by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) in 2023. This meeting specifically focused on rural healthcare, addressing topics such as maternal and infant health, physician shortages and access to care in underserved areas.
“The second meeting of the House Rural Development Council in Thomson was incredibly productive,” said Rep. Jackson. “We focused on one of rural Georgia’s most pressing challenges—healthcare, particularly maternal and infant health. These discussions provided the insights needed to craft impactful legislation that will truly serve rural communities. I was proud to host such important conversations in my district and remain committed to advocating for the healthcare services our rural residents deserve.”
The meeting centered on healthcare, particularly maternal and infant health, and brought together stakeholders from across the state to discuss challenges and potential solutions aimed at improving healthcare access in rural areas. Discussions highlighted the need for more healthcare providers and facilities in rural areas, particularly maternity services and specialties like OB/GYN and family medicine. The Georgia Board of Healthcare Workforce discussed strategies to attract and retain physicians in rural areas, emphasizing the need for long-term funding for Graduate Medical Education programs and improvements in the state’s credentialing and liability processes.
The council also heard presentations on school-based health centers and the need for behavioral and mental health services in schools. Behavioral and mental health support in schools was identified as a growing need, especially in light of the Mental Health Parity Act, legislation championed by the late House Speaker David Ralston. Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Commissioner Kevin Tanner shared updates on efforts to address mental health crises, homelessness and developmental disabilities in rural areas. DBHDD also highlighted the success of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, noting that rural Georgians are utilizing the service at higher rates than urban residents.
Also, during the meeting, Rep. Jackson took a moment to honor the family of Dorothy “Dot” Meadows Knox and Robert Edward “Bob” Knox, Jr., presenting them with two resolutions, House Resolution 1594 and House Resolution 1599, commemorating the lives and legacies of Dot and Bob and their contributions to the Thomson community.
The House Rural Development Council was originally established in 2017 to collaborate with rural communities in fostering economic growth and job creation. During the 2023 legislative session, House Resolution 488 was unanimously adopted, renewing the council’s mandate for the current term.
More information about the House Rural Development Council may be found here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/other-committees/house/2024/rural-development-council-2024
*Editor’s note: photos of Rep. Jackson and the family of Dorothy “Dot” Meadows Knox and Robert Edward “Bob” Knox, Jr. are attached.
Representative Mack Jackson represents the citizens of District 128, which includes Glascock, Hancock, Warren and Washington counties, as well as portions of Baldwin and McDuffie counties. He was elected in 2008 and currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development and the Health, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Reapportionment and Redistricting, Rules, Small Business Development, State Planning & Community Affairs and Transportation committees.
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