Government careers for Emory students are not uncommon, providing an important avenue to serving others. Even for those who do not ultimately choose such work, internships at all levels of government prove satisfying and instructive. Read more here.  

Dr. Bryce Gartland Testifies at Health and Human Services Committee Hearing 

On June 5, Dr. Bryce Gartland, Hospital Group President and Co-Chief of Clinical Operations, provided testimony to the Health and Human Service Committee, chaired by Senator Ben Watson. The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the state of healthcare infrastructure, specifically in metro Atlanta, in the wake of Wellstar AMC’s closure. Dr. Gartland spoke to the committee on the impact on Emory University Hospital Midtown, the major challenges facing healthcare, and the opportunities for state support to preserve our healthcare ecosystem. Watch the full committee meeting here. 

House Study Committee on Certificate of Need Modernization Members Appointed

Sheryl Bluestein, Vice President of Operations at Emory Healthcare, was appointed to serve on the House Study Committee on Certificate of Need Modernization. Representative Butch Parrish will chair the committee, established by House Resolution 603, as they explore the health care landscape and determine how current regulations impact access to high-quality, affordable care. The committee will meet throughout the remainder of the year and present a final report by December 1. The full list of appointees can be found here.  

With a June 5 deadline looming, both chambers of Congress moved swiftly last week to pass a federal debt bill negotiated between House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Joe Biden. The new law raises the debt ceiling through 2024, installs two years of budget caps, increases some work requirements on government benefits, and rescinds some IRS and COVID funding. OGCA will be watching how the spending caps impact federal research funding and will be advocating for agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We will also be watching, and advocating against, payment cuts targeting healthcare services. 

Senate Finance Committee 

The Senate Finance Committee met today to hear testimony on “Consolidation and Corporate Ownership in Health Care: Trends and Impacts on Access, Quality, and Costs.” Emory is particularly interested in the discussion related to the impact on access, quality, and cost structure for hospitals under corporate ownership. The OGCA team is carefully monitoring and engaging our delegation on this issue and others regarding reimbursement for hospitals and providers. The link to watch the hearing can be found here.

Check out the latest Community Engagement Newsletter to view Emory's collective community engagement effort. Together, we provided 17,462 hours (about 2 years) of service, and recognized 1,571 students, staff, faculty, and community members who created community impact on behalf of Emory.

Emory is hosting an informative celebration of health and wellness at the first annual Juneteenth Community Health Festival. For more information, click here and see the flyer below.  

On June 2, Emory participated in a Seniors Expo with the Senior Citizen Council of Cobb County. Emory provided giveaways and, as an exhibitor, educated participants about the Georgia Memory Net Program (https://gamemorynet.org/). This is a statewide program dedicated to early diagnosis and customized care plans for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, supported by the Georgia Department of Human Services and Emory Brain Health as well as community organizations and healthcare organizations.

Manager, State Affairs 

June 2 was Emlyn Langlieb’s last day at Emory. We wish her well as she explores her next professional chapter. We will be announcing our new Manager of State Affairs in a future newsletter.