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AUGUST 18, 2018
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GLBC 2018 Legislative Conference
Bishop Reginald T. Jackson urges black Georgians to ‘prepare for war’ DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond: The power of “And” By Valerie J. Morgan
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he Georgia Black Legislative Caucus kicked off its 2018 conference, “Let Freedom Ring,” with a fiery AME preacher who served as the event’s first keynote speaker. The two-day conference, Aug. 10-11, was held at the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute, located in the new city of Stonecrest. Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Presiding Prelate Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, told attendees that black voters have the power to be the game changer when they go to the polls in November. Bishop Jackson laid out the groundwork
needed not only to elect Georgia’s first Democratic governor in decades, but for every candidate the GLBC wants all the way down the ballot in the upcoming general election. Said Bishop Jackson: “Everywhere I go people ask me: Well, do you think she can win in Georgia?” said Jackson, referring to Stacey Abrams, who is making a bid to become the nation’s first African American governor. “They act like it’s impossible and the first thing I do is remind them that we’ve got more than one black woman running statewide in Georgia. We got a black running for superintendent of schools. We got a black running for state insurance commissioner. And yes, all of them can win!” Bishop Jackson made his
remarks during the Eugene Tillman Prayer Breakfast, named for the first African American elected to the Georgia General Assembly after Reconstruction. The late Tillman served 16 years representing the Savannah area. Tillman, who was also a pastor, passed away in July 2009. Bishop Jackson set the tone for the conference, encouraging empowerment and unity throughout the community, including among church leaders. “Historically, the black church has been the conscience of the nation. But over the last 25 years, the conscience of the nation has been quiet,” he said. A sold-out crowd attended
SEE GLBC page 5
Bishop Reginald T. Jackson
State Rep. Billy Mitchell
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
Attendees bow their heads at the Eugene Tillman Prayer Breakfast.
Emory Healthcare, DeKalb Medical to merge Sept. 1
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eKalb Medical and Emory Healthcare system are expected to become one healthcare system on Sept. 1. The Georgia Attorney General’s Office announced the final regulatory approval of the integration on Aug. 10, paving the way for the merger. Jonathan S. Lewin, MD, president and CEO of Emory Healthcare, expressed excitement over the partnership. “By combining a community health system and an academic health system, the communities and patients cared for by Emory Healthcare and DeKalb Medical will experience an even stronger quality of care with more accessibility to providers and specialty care,” Lewin said. The two health systems initiated their requests for a partnership in November 2017 through a formal Letter of Intent. The Federal Trade Commission approved the partnership in March 2018. The partnership application was then filed with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, which has announced its decision. “We have been working for several months with Emory Healthcare to forge
Anthony Hill
Robert Olsen
Judge J.P. Boulee
DeKalb judge denies motion to dismiss charges against officer who fatally shot Anthony Hill By Valerie J. Morgan
a partnership that will position us to grow and meet our community’s needs for years to come,” says Bob Wilson, president and CEO of DeKalb Medical. “We are confident that being part of Emory Healthcare is the right choice for our community, our employees and our physicians, and are anxious to begin fully integrating into the Emory system.” The merge will include name changes for the former DeKalb Medical campuses: DeKalb Medical’s hospital on North Decatur Road will be named Emory Decatur Hospital; DeKalb Medical Hillandale will be named Emory Hillandale Hospital; and DeKalb Medical Long Term Acute Care at Downtown Decatur will be named Emory Long Term Acute Care. Both Emory Healthcare
SEE EMORY page 7
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eKalb County Superior Court Judge J.P. Boulee has rejected former DeKalb Police Officer Robert Olsen’s motion to drop all charges against him in the shooting death of Anthony Hill. The unarmed and naked Air Force veteran was roaming outside the Chamblee apartment complex where he lived when Olsen was dispatched to a possible signal 22(demented person) on March 9, 2015. Hill’s family said he was dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Judge Boulee’s Aug. 14 ruling paves the way for the case to move forward to trial, although no date has been set yet. Olsen is facing two counts of felony murder, one count of aggravated assault, one count of making a false statement and two counts of violation of oath by a public officer. Olsen said he shot Hill in self-defense. However, the judge said in his ruling that Olsen failed to show that it was reasonable to believe that Hill was about to kill him, inflict great bodily injuring upon him or a third person, or commit a forcible felony. “As an initial matter, no evidence exists that Defendant ever believed that Hill was going to kilI him, and no witness testified that they thought Hill was capable of killing Defendant. Any belief by Defendant that Hill was about to kill him and that deadly force was necessary to prevent the killing was not reasonable,” Boulee
said in the ruling. “Because Defendant did not prove by a preponderance of the evidence that he was justified in using deadly force, Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss Based on SelfDefense Immunity is HEREBY DENIED.” Retired Lt. Army Col. Amos King, who heads Justice for Veterans in DeKalb County, said he is pleased the case is finally moving to trial. “We’re very excited. It’s been three long years. The family has suffered tremendously. Now it’s in the hands of DeKalb County citizens to decide,” said King, who has been on the front lines fighting for justice for Hill and his family. “As we move forward, we want to make sure that the public knows what is going on. We’re not finished yet. There are more cases that we’re dealing with. Hopefully, this one will be over before the end of the year. We believe the truth is going to prevail.” King thanked former DeKalb District Attorney Robert James for indicting Olsen, saying James showed “a lot of courage” in indicting a police officer. King also commended Eric D. Echols, a private investigator who tracked down several witnesses in the case. Echols was working for Attorney Chris Chestnut, who was representing Hill’s family at the time. Echols said he turned over all of his findings to the District Attorney’s Office. “I talked to several witnesses that the GBI never interviewed. One of them said he saw Olsen get out of the car and fire two shots, killing Anthony Hill. The witness said Hill never lunged at the officer,” said Echols.
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Rockdale deputy arrested on sexual battery charges Rockdale County Deputy Dedra Hall has been arrested and charged with sexual battery. The charges stem from a county court systems employee who filed a complaint with the Rockdale County Human Resources Department on April 12, according to the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office. Hall has been placed on Administrative leave, the Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release. No explanation was given why the arrest took place four months after the complaint was made. The Sheriff’s Dedra Hall Office said there is an ongoing Internal Affairs and Criminal investigation. “It is unfortunate this incident has presented itself. However, I expect RCSO employees to work diligently to maintain and present a professional image both, on duty and off duty,” Sheriff Eric Levett said in a statement.
MARTA Police arrest suspect in bus shooting MARTA Police Department has made an arrest in the July 26 shooting aboard a bus near the H.E. Holmes Station. Garland D. Wilson, 25, turned himself in on Aug. 6 following an investigation by MARTA’s Special Operations Response Team and the U.S. Marshal’s Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force. Wilson was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Garland D. Wilson “Our state-of-the-art surveillance system played a pivotal role in identifying the suspect, teamed with hard work from all law enforcement officers involved brought this case to a successful resolution,” said MARTA Police Chief Wanda Y. Dunham. MARTA police officers recovered a handgun at the scene. Wilson remains the only suspect in the shooting. The case will be turned over to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution. The victim was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital. MARTA has over 10,000 cameras that monitor the transit system in real-time, including inside of stations, and aboard trains and buses.
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AUGUST 18, 2018 • PAGE 3
Stonecrest City Council votes on publishing proposed charter changes
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ayor Jason Lary and the City Council held a special call meeting on Aug. 15 to vote on resolutions that would give the city clerk authorization to publicize proposed ordinances that would amend the city charter. Normally, an ordinance is read twice and then voted on by the council. Resolutions aren’t usually necessary. Because these proposed ordinances involve changes to the city charter, however, the city clerk must publicize each amended ordinance three times during a 60-day period, said Adrion Bell, the city’s Communications Director. After the 60 days, the council can hold public meetings and then vote on each of the ordinances. Lary said the special call meeting was not held to vote on the specific ordinances. “It was a procedural meeting in which we voted on resolutions to simply allow the clerk to publicize the information so that we can officially receive public input,” said Lary. “There is a difference between an ordinance and a resolution. These were resolutions.” Resolutions were passed for the following ordinances: • An ordinance to amend the charter for the purposes of changing the titles of individuals serving as municipal court judges • An ordinance to amend the charter for the purpose of changing the millage rate cap • An ordinance to amend the charter changing the job title of the city accountant to city finance director • An ordinance amending the charter to eliminate the employment restrictions for the mayor and council. The resolution to publicize the millage rate cap ordinance was met with some public resistance. Many perceive this proposed ordinance to be
DeKalb delivers on property tax cut Many DeKalb County property owners who qualified for the homestead exemption received lower tax bills in the mail this week. “DeKalb has delivered on providing tax relief to county property owners,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “Thanks to the passage of two historic measures in November, the county is revolutionizing the process of extending tax relief and improved services to DeKalb citizens.” CEO Michael Thurmond Tax bills mailed to county property owners included a new column indicating cuts based on the EHOST. The column shows a dollar amount of the Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) credit for each eligible millage rate and the amount deducted from county property taxes. For the next six years, DeKalb County homeowners will receive an estimated $110 million annually in property tax relief. The $660 million tax cut is the result of the passage of two measures in November 2017— EHOST and the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). The following table shows the amount of the 2017 HOST credit compared to the 2018 EHOST credit based on a home with a fair market value of $250,000 and the basic homestead exemption. For information about the property tax bills, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/ taxcommissioner.
Mayor Jason Lary and the Stonecrest City Council weigh proposed changes to the city charter. The meeting drew a crowd of citizens. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
a tax increase. The second paragraph of the proposed ordinance indicates that the mayor and council desire to modify the current 3.35 millage rate cap by the amount of any rollback or reduction of the millage rate for governmental services formerly provided to Stonecrest by DeKalb County. “Your millage rate is still at zero and you do not have any tax increases,” Lary said. This proposed millage rate cap would allow the county to transfer to Stonecrest the current tax revenue for services being paid by the city’s businesses and residents to DeKalb County, Lary said. “This could also mean a reduction in the rate that you pay the county if we find that Stonecrest can provide the services for less than DeKalb,” the mayor added.
The resolution to publicize an ordinance amending the mayor’s salary and the expense allowances of the mayor and council failed by a 4-to2 vote. The mayor offered a substitute motion to change the wording of the ordinance so that it removes the mayor’s salary portion and focuses solely on the expense allowances. The substitute motion failed by a 3-to-3 vote. “It was my intent to give each citizen their say on each of these items,” said Lary. “I am disappointed that we couldn’t come to a simple decision to allow the constituents to have their say on these matters. When I realized that the mayor’s salary was an issue, I removed it and we still couldn’t agree to let the public speak on the remaining part of the ordinance.“ To view the special call meeting, go to www.ocgnews.com.
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Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist sets revival, homecoming services Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church invites the community to its revival and homecoming worship services Aug. 22-24, 7:30 nightly, and Sunday, Aug. 26. Pastor Christopher A. Wimberly, Sr. of Hunter Hill First Missionary Baptist Church of Atlanta will preach for the revival. On Sunday, Aug. 26, Minister Tyler Joshua Green will preach at both of Antioch-Lithonia’s worship services: 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The up-and-coming millennial is a graduate of Clark-Atlanta University and Minister Tyler Joshua Green Duke's Divinity School. Minister Green has been the featured speaker at a number of events and training including the Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball in 2013, where $1 million was raised to assist students at the Atlanta University Center; the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute International, where he served as professor and counselor; Young African Leaders Initiative; and the McMiracle Foundation among others. He is a minister of the Clark Atlanta University Isabella T. Jenkins Honors Society; International Academy of Preachers 2011 Initiate; Alpha Kappa Mun Honors Society and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
DeKalb Sheriff’s Office warning public about phone scammers seeking “cash fines” The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office warns that another telephone scam is in play. This time the unsuspecting victims are actually being told to meet them at the DeKalb County Jail with cash to avoid arrest for citations. The DeKalb Sheriff's Office wants callers to know that they are not placing these calls, even though the callers are identifying themselves as sheriff's deputies who work for Sheriff Jeff Mann. "Our office does not place telephone calls to Sheriff Jeff Mann persons to collect fines," said Mann. The Sheriff’s Office advises that you hang up. As with most scams, the caller is using fear to get people to respond.
Scenes from the Aug. 11 Cultural Exchange Breakfast Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner and DeKalb School Board Vicki B. Turner hosted newly-elected DeKalb County officials and Democratic nominees at Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Decatur.. Photos by Travis Hudgons
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Arabia Alliance ‘Daisy Days’ triple hike set for Sept. 30 Adventurers won’t have to wait until March for the popular triple hike challenge across Arabia Mountain, Panola Mountain and Stone Mountain. Similar to the fast-paced Monadnock Madness hike, outdoor enthusiasts will stimulate their senses, challenge themselves, and discover the scenic beauty at three metro Atlanta monadnocks this fall. During the Daisy Days Triple Hike on Sept. 30, hikers will see seemingly Photo by Travis Hudgons stark mountains transform into a sea of yellow as we summit all three mountains in one incredible day. Participants will even earn a special souvenir and roast marshmallows by a fire. To purchase tickets now, visit http://daisydays.bpt.me. This adventure is presented by the Arabia Mountain Heritage Alliance in partnership with the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, Panola Mountain State Park, Friends of Panola Mountain State Park and Stone Mountain Memorial Association.
DeKalb History Center presents “Deep Roots in DeKalb: the Flatrock Story of Resilience” The DeKalb History Center and Flat Rock Archives will host a reception on Aug. 24, 7 - 8:30 p.m., to announce the opening of an exhibit dedicated to the historic Flat Rock Community – one of the oldest African American communities in DeKalb County. “Deep Roots in DeKalb: theFlatrock Story of Resilience” will replace “Tears and Curses: a Human Look at the Civil War” and will officially launch in February 2019. The reception will include light refreshments, a live oral history with Patsy Moon, and other guest speakers. A video detailing the history of the Flat Rock community will be featured in the “Reclaimed by Nature” Arabia Mountain exhibit. Guests will be able to view a photo gallery preview of the coming exhibit and current exhibits. Organizers say the partnership is monumentally consequential as it will explore and document, in detail, a community in the newly-formed city of Stonecrest that has thrived as one of the oldest African-American slave resettlement areas in America. The reception is free and open to the public.
Conyers Police to host “Coffee With a Cop,” Citizens Police Academy
The public is invited to join officers from the Conyers Police Department for “Coffee With A Cop” on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 8 to 9 a.m. at Beasley Drug Company, 933 Center St., Conyers. The Conyers Police Department (CPD) is preparing to once again offer a Citizens Police Academy. The 11-week academy will be held on Tuesdays beginning Sept. 4, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Conyers Police Department training room, 1194 Scott Street. “The Citizens Police Academy is one of our most popular community outreach programs,” said Police Chief Gene Wilson. “This behind the scenes glimpse into law enforcement is a favorite with citizens because it is so hands-on and interactive.” Academy participants will learn about the various divisions of the CPD, learn safety tips, solve a mock crime scene, obtain identity fraud and cybercrime tips, participate in various scenarios utilizing a judgmental shooting simulator, Taser scenarios and run laser devices on heavily trafficked roadways. Students will spend one full night with CPD’s Special Response Team. This year, active shooter response and a drone demonstration will be added to the regular course. There is no charge to participate in the academy. Participants must be over the age of 18. Those interested in participating in the Citizens Police Academy can download an application from www.conyerspolice.com. The academy is limited to 20 participants. The deadline for applications is Aug. 28. For more information, contact Sergeant Peggy Franklin at 678-374-5603.
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AUGUST 18, 2018 • PAGE 5
GLBC 2018 Legislative Conference
Lecester Allen: “ownership, ownership, ownership” is key to black wealth By Valerie J. Morgan
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ecester L. “Bill” Allen, founder and CEO of the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute, discussed the importance of promoting entrepreneurship and ownership, especially among young African Americans. He told state lawmakers attending the Leroy Johnson Civil Rights Dinner at the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus(GLBC) that they must do more to provide financial literacy to the black community in order for it to prosper. “I find it so unfortunate that too many of us in our community are financially illiterate. We don’t understand money. It is time that we understand the finances and how it works in this country because the basis of this country is built on small business ownership,” said Allen. “As legislators, I would like to encourage you to move from just the phrase of ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’ to ‘ownership, ownership, ownership.’ We often make references to the ‘Black Wall Street,’ but we don’t
that someday, he was going to own a house like that. “The vision of a black kid owning something that big was ridiculous, ludicrous,” said Allen, who left Dumas to go to college in Detroit. Allen said he bought his first property after graduating from college and becoming a teacher. He saved $3,000 of the $4,000 he needed for the property and Lecester L. “Bill” Allen was presented the Trailblazer of the Year Award by State Senator Lester. G. Jackson, borrowed from the teachers’ credit III, GLBC chairman, and State Senator Tonya P. Anderson. State Sen. Donzella James (not pictured) brought union. a special message during the Leroy Johnson Civil Rights Dinner. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan “I learned what the concept of depreciation and capitol gains really have the ownership,” said Allen, that I am only one generation from means,” said Allen, who was earning adding that he would like to see slavery. I wasn’t born with a silver $5,600 a year when he got out of more ownership of institutions spoon in my mouth,” said Allen, college. and businesses like the Allen who quickly learned strategies in Allen said students who Entrepreneurial Institute. figuring things out. are selected for the Allen Allen said he learned about the The R.A. Pickens Plantation near Entrepreneurial Institute learn about importance of money and ownership Dumas, Arkansas, where Allen grew those principles and only the cream at an early age from his mother who up, also left an indelible impression of the crop are accepted. continually reminded him that his on him as a youngster. The “It’s not enough to dream, you grandfather owned 500 acres of plantation was massive compared must develop a strategy to reach land. to the three-mile-square town of your goals,” said Allen, who says he “That had an impact on my Dumas, located 90 miles southeast has taken some of the basic concepts thinking. The seed was planted at an of little Rock and 45 miles southeast of the bible and applied them to his early age,” said Allen, who said his of Pine Bluff. life. “There’s not a better business father was a slave. Eyeing the Pickens’ mansion as book than the bible,” he said. “I know it is hard to believe a child, Allen said he used to say
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond
GLBC continued from page 1 the luncheon, where DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond served as the keynote speaker. Thurmond discussed the importance of unity. “When I was in the caucus, we spent a whole lot of time arguing over ‘or’ and not enough time focused on ‘and,’” Thurmond said. “…The Democratic Party is often split: Should we be focused on turning out the base or should we reach out and get the moderates and independents? You gotta’ do both,” he explained, saying that one must understand the power of “and” as a conjunction. We need to be unified. We need to get together. You really have to understand the difference between unanimous and unified. We can be unified and not be unanimous. You can disagree on how we’re going to get to the Governor’s mansion but come Jan. 1, we just want to be in the Governor’s mansion,” Thurmond said. State Rep. Billy Mitchell, who served as conference committee chairman, said the GLBC was pleased with the turnout for the conference. Georgia legislators, elected officials, business professionals, community leaders and others came to hear the keynote addresses as well as to attend a host of panel discussions and the opportunity to network. Mitchell said 41 of the 60 members of the caucus attend one or more events during the conference. “The conference was an overwhelming success. It was very well attended,” said Mitchell. “The weekend is one where we come together to discuss policies and efforts to support collectively. We heard from many advocates speaking on a variety of issues—from gun control to expanding Medicaid. We will take these positions and develop policies that we will support as a group in the coming year.” More photos from the event at www.ocgnews.com.
PAGE 6 • AUGUST 18, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale Democrats elect delegates to Georgia state convention Democrats in Rockdale County rallied as they elected delegates and alternates for the Georgia state convention, which will be held on Aug. 25 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Atlanta. Fourteen candidates participated in the Aug. 14 delegate elections at the Rockdale Democratic Party headquarters, 1264 Parker Road, S.E., in Conyers. Delegates elected include: • Phyllis Hatcher, a candidate for District 17 state senate seat • Muddessar Ahmad, a businessman and philanthropist. Ahmad was honored in February with the Community Spirit Award by the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce.
Phyllis Hatcher Delegate
Muddessar Ahmad Delegate
Keisha Cooper Delegate
Bob Nesbitt Delegate
Cheryl Miles Board Alternate delegate
• Keisha Cooper, who works for the Gwinnett County School System. Cooper is a 9-year resident who said she was attending her very first Democratic Party meeting because she wanted to get involved. • Bob Nesbitt, a local entrepreneur and former Party field organizer Alternate delegates include: • Cheryl Miles Board, secretary of the Rockdale Democratic Party, alternate delegate • Tommy Plummer, a past chair of the Rockdale Democratic Party, alternate delegate Janice Morris, acting chair of the Rockdale Democratic Party, said she is looking forward to the upcoming state convention and the opportunity to get Democrats “fired up” to turn Georgia blue. “We want Rockdale County to continue moving forward to go blue in the general election,” said Morris. “We have the opportunity to elect 10 Democrats statewide; one at the federal level; and two at the local level. We can accomplish this, if we work as a cohesive party.” About 60 people attended the delegate elections. The candidates were given one minute to state why they wanted to represent Rockdale as a delegate at the Democratic state convention. The event also brought out top brass in the Democratic Party including State Rep. Pam Stephenson, who represents Georgia on the Democratic National Committee; Melva Hicks, Democratic Chair of the 4th Congressional District; and Tisha Naghise, Democratic Party of Georgia regional field director.
Tommy Plummer Alternate delegate Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
Front L-R: Stan Williams, Democratic Party Committee Chair for Rockdale County, Acting Rockdale Party Chair Janice Morris, Cheryl Miles Board, Post Holder Rhonda Taylor, Keisha Cooper and State Rep. Pam Stephenson. Back Row L-R: Bob Nesbitt, Phyllis Hatcher, Tommy Plummer and Muddessar Ahmad.
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AUGUST 18, 2018 • PAGE 7
Rep. Johnson announces grants for Oakhurst Medical Center Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced that Oakhurst Medical Center is receiving more than $99,000 in Quality Improvement grant awards from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The award is part of more than $2.8 million in federal funds for health centers across Georgia, which will use the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grants to improve the quality, efficiency and the effectiveness of healthcare for the communities they serve. “What a great way to celebrate National Health Center Week,” said Congressman Johnson, who also attended a legislative breakfast this week to highlight this annual celebration. “Centers like Oakhurst and others across this state and country have gone above and beyond to serve the community Congressman Hank Johnson with quality, affordable healthcare.” The grant awards will promote continued community health center improvements by expanding access to comprehensive care, improve care quality and outcomes, increase comprehensive care delivery in a cost-effective way, address health disparities, advance the use of health information technology, and deliver patient-centered care. “We serve more than 24,000 patients each year,” said Jeff Taylor, CEO of Oakhurst Medical Centers, “It is important to us to ensure that each patient receives the highest level of care. These additional funds will help us improve our systems to move our quality objectives forward.” According to HRSA, in 2017, more than 27 million people (approximately one in 12 U.S. residents) relied on a HRSA-supported health centers for affordable primary healthcare including: one in nine children 17 years or younger; one in five rural residents; one in three people living in poverty; and more than 355,000 U.S. veterans.
Rockdale County to receive reimbursement for storm cleanup efforts Rockdale County will receive more than $196,000 in federal and state reimbursement funding for its cleanup efforts following tropical storm Irma, which occurred in September 2017. The monies will cover the costs of resources the county used during the emergency relief and cleanup efforts. Federal funding will reimburse 80 percent of the costs at $177,986 and the State will provide 8 percent at $18,165. In total $223,389.96 was spent to cover the efforts. Out of this sum, the cost to Rockdale and the taxpayer was 12
percent at $27,247.72. From the period during and following tropical storm Irma, Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), FireRescue, Department of Transportation, Parks and Recreation, Rockdale Water Resources and Stormwater moved into action with emergency protective measures, and debris removal. Following Irma, the county removed and hauled 2,464 cubic yards of debris from the roadways (805 cubic yards short of an Olympic size pool).
EMORY continued from page 1 and DeKalb Medical have strong roots in the community and the state of Georgia. Emory has had a presence in DeKalb County for more than 100 years, with more than half of its employees residing in DeKalb and the surrounding vicinity. DeKalb Medical has been serving the region’s patients and families for more than 57 years. DeKalb Medical is a not-for-profit health system consisting of three hospital campuses with a combined 627 licensed beds. As part of the integration, DeKalb Medical’s hospital on North Decatur Road will be named Emory Decatur Hospital; DeKalb Medical Hillandale will be named Emory Hillandale Hospital; and DeKalb Medical Long Term Acute Care at Downtown Decatur will be named Emory Long Term Acute Care. DeKalb Medical has 55 practice locations throughout DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, more than 800 doctors on its medical staff in nearly 50 specialties and 4,000 employees. Its long term acute care (LTAC) hospital is the only LTAC in the U.S. with three Joint Commission Gold Seal Disease-Specific Certifications in respiratory failure, wound care and acquired brain injury. Emory Healthcare, a nonprofit organization, is the most comprehensive health system in Georgia, with seven hospitals and 200 provider locations in metro Atlanta and surrounding communities, including nearly 60 urgent care and MinuteClinics. It has more than 2,000 physician providers in 70-plus specialties, including more than 120 in primary care. With an additional 23 regional affiliate hospitals, Emory Healthcare has a footprint in more than 40 counties throughout the state.
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