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State-by-State Report Evaluates Emergency Preparedness

The Trust for America’s Health recently released its 18th annual report “Ready or Not: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism". The study looks at the level of preparedness in the nation as a whole, as well as each state individually.

John Auerbach is president and CEO of the nonprofit:

"There have been areas where there has been an improvement. Seasonal flu vaccine rates, for example, have gone up. But that there are still many areas where improvement is needed. "

Georgia ranked fairly well in this year’s study.

"Georgia came out this year as a high performer. And it improved over last year, in that in just the last year Georgia has become accredited for emergency management."

In addition, 97% of state hospitals have been involved in regional emergency preparedness planning and response. But of course, there is always room for improvement.

"Less than half of the residents of the state who should get a flu shot are getting it. Another area we're paying attention to is paid sick leave. We've learned from COVID-19 and past emergencies that if workers don't have paid sick leave, they'll show up at work, even if they're sick, and even if they have an infectious illness."

Only 59% of Georgia workers have paid sick leave. Auerbach says more funding is needed for Public Health across the nation at all levels.

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!