ATLANTA – State Representative Terry England (R-Auburn) today was appointed by Governor Deal to the Rural Hospital Stabilization Committee. The 15-member committee will identify needs of the rural hospital community and research potential solutions, such as addressing cash flow issues or encouraging hospitals to modify their business plans to meet the needs of their community while maintaining financial stability.
“I am honored that Governor Deal has chosen me to serve on this very special committee,” said Rep. England. “As a rural Georgian, this is an issue that hits very close to home. Rural hospitals face unique challenges every day, and we must do everything we can to ensure that their doors stay open. I hope my experience on the House Appropriations Committee will allow me to bring a unique perspective to this Committee, and I look forward to working with the other Committee members to learn more about rural hospitals, their needs, and ways that we can address those needs.”
Rep. England will serve on this Committee with fellow legislator, Senator David Lucas (R-Macon). Other Committee members include: Jimmy Lewis, HomeTown Health; Greg Hearn, Ty Cobb Regional Medical Center; Scott Kroell, Liberty Regional Medical Center; Maggie Gill, Memorial Health; Wade Johnson, Lincoln County Commission Chairman; Dr. Angela Highbaugh-Battle, Pediatrician, Charles Owens, State Office of Rural Health; Molly Howard, Jefferson County Superintendent; Jimmy Allen, Business Owner and Tift Regional Hospital Board Member; Dr. Thomas Fitzgerald, Tanner Medical Center, Emergency Medicine; Ronnie Rollins, Community Health Systems; David Sanders, Fannin Regional Hospital; and Dr. Jeffrey Harris, OB/GYN.
In March of this year, Gov. Deal announced the creation of the committee as part of a three-prong proposal to protect rural hospitals. The proposal comes in response to the closing of four rural hospitals in the last two years.
“I recognize the critical need for hospital infrastructure in rural Georgia and remain committed to ensuring citizens throughout the state have the ability to receive the care that they need,” said Gov. Deal. “This committee will work to increase the flow of communication between hospitals and the state and improve our citizens’ access to health care. I am proud to welcome this team and look forward to what we stand to accomplish.”
Representative Terry England represents the citizens of District 116, which includes portions of Barrow County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2005, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and the Ex-Officio of the Ways & Means Committee. He also serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Education, Industry and Labor, and Natural Resources & Environment committees.
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