State Sen. Jack Hill (R-Reidsville) has been honored as a “Public Health Hero” by the Georgia Public Health Association (GPHA). The recognition was announced by the GPHA at its December business meeting at the Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon.

GPHA President Russ Toal commended Hill for his leadership on health issues during his tenure in the legislature.

“Jack Hill devotes a great deal of time and effort to understanding the implications of maintaining a healthy state population,” Toal said. “His thoughtful and pragmatic approach balances the long-term consequences of the public’s overall health with the difficult budgetary constraints our state faces. We are pleased to recognize his outstanding leadership on public health issues at the Capitol.”  

During the association’s meeting, Toal passed the gavel to incoming president, Dr. Alpha Bryan, who serves as District Health Director in Clayton County. GPHA’s mission is to advocate for conditions in which all people and communities can be healthy; to promote the scientific foundation of public health practice and policy; and to assure a continuous voice broadly representing public health in Georgia.