U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff has announced plans to improve access to emergency health care for families in metro Atlanta by securing federal funding for a study on transportation disparities. With several hospitals closing in the area, this research aims to identify the greatest needs and help more families receive the care they need.
Senator Ossoff was able to secure $543,000 for this project through a bipartisan effort as part of this year’s state funding package. He hopes that his efforts will bring Republicans and Democrats together to accelerate progress towards ensuring that all metro Atlanta families have access to emergency health care when they need it most. Senator Ossoff expressed gratitude to Mayor Andre Dickens and ARC Executive Director Anna Roach for their cooperation and leadership in bringing this proposal to his office.
Mayor Dickens, who also serves as ARC board chair, emphasized the importance of addressing disparities in access to health care in the Atlanta region. He noted that access can vary significantly depending on one’s zip code and highlighted the critical role that this study will play in providing necessary data for informed decision-making that can ultimately save lives.
Anna Roach, Executive Director and CEO of ARC, emphasized the critical importance of people having access to emergency health services, regardless of where they live. She stressed that every minute is crucial during an emergency medical situation like a heart attack or stroke and can make a significant difference between life and death.
The study is expected to begin soon with the aim of identifying areas where transportation barriers exist and developing potential solutions to address them. The results of the study are expected to be used by policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders in making decisions about how best to provide emergency health care services across metro Atlanta.