Georgia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was among the worst in the nation according to a new study. The Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit which supports public health study and research, considered the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Sara Collins is vice president for healthcare coverage and access at the organization.
Collins said the situation was made worse by the number of uninsured adults and children in the state.
The Commonwealth Fund recommended Georgia expand Medicaid eligibility to cut down on the number of uninsured/on that number.
Collins said Georgia did fare better in some areas. It ranks low in the number in alcohol and overdose deaths and the rates of children getting mental health care are increasing.
Mississippi was the lowest ranked state, Hawaii the highest. You can view the list at commonwealthfund.org.
In a May 16, 2022 news release, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said the state has had one of the best recoveries:
Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that he has awarded more than
$415 million in response to the economic harms caused by the COVID-19
pandemic and affecting hardworking Georgians and Georgia non-profits,
government organizations, and businesses.
“We remained focused on protecting lives and livelihoods throughout
the pandemic, and our approach gave us a leg up in the Great Recovery," said Governor Kemp. "I'm
proud of our state's resilience, and as of today, we have worked hard
and identified ways to further deliver assistance to hardworking
Georgians, support businesses and speed up the recovery of impacted
industries, and rebuild crucial public services.
"Our balanced and targeted approach has also allowed us to ensure we
are accounting for additional high-need areas. On top of the awards we
are announcing today, we are also announcing the creation of a Victims
Service Provider Grant as well as the Georgia Investments in Housing
Grant. Both will help us serve those most vulnerable in our communities -
like crime victims and individuals experiencing homelessness."
Governor Kemp is allotting $50 million for the Victims Service Provider
Grant and $100 million for the Georgia Investments in Housing Grant. The
Victim Service Provider Grant will help address challenges these
nonprofits have experienced as a result of economic hardships during
COVID 19. The Georgia Investments in Housing Grant will support
nonprofits that are 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) tax-exempt organizations who
provide affordable housing and aid individuals experiencing
homelessness.
