© 2024 WUGA | University of Georgia
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Chronic Public Health Underfunding Hindered COVID Response

WSBTV

A recent report by the nonprofit Trust for America’s health states chronic underfunding of the nation’s public health system has result in persistent health inequities that must be addressed.

The report: The Impact of Chronic Underfunding on America’s Public Health System is calling for an annual $4.5-billion-dollar investment in public health infrastructure to eliminate barriers.

Dara Lieberman is Director of Government Relations at the organization.

Lieberman says Georgia increased its public health spending by 12% in 2021, but she says that needs to be maintained at both the state and federal levels.

She says that lack of funding hindered the nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To view the report, view TFAH.org.

Alexia Ridley joined WUGA as Television and Radio News Anchor and Reporter in 2013. When WUGA TV concluded operations, she became the primary Reporter for WUGA Radio. Alexia came to Athens from Macon where she served as the News Director and show host for WGXA TV. She's a career journalist and Savannah native hailing from the University of Michigan. However, Alexia considers herself an honorary UGA DAWG!