Ossoff, Warnock secure health care funding for UNG, Athens programs

U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock are delivering federal funding for several health care-related projects across Georgia, including investments aimed at expanding medical training opportunities in North Georgia and assisting families in Athens.

Through bipartisan federal funding legislation signed into law, the senators secured $700,000 for the University of North Georgia to expand clinical training capacity at its Dahlonega and Blue Ridge campuses.

The funding will be used to purchase new patient simulators and clinical education supplies to help prepare more health care professionals for work in rural North Georgia communities.

“There’s no worse nightmare for any family than having a loved one who’s sick, but who cannot get the health care they need,” Ossoff said. “That’s why Senator Reverend Warnock and I brought Republicans and Democrats together to strengthen health care services for Georgia families.”

Warnock said he has “long fought to strengthen health care in Georgia” and was proud to work alongside Ossoff to secure funding for the projects.

University of North Georgia Dean Carolynn DeSandre said the investment will help address health care workforce shortages in the region.

“Improving healthcare workforce readiness in rural North Georgia is not just an academic goal. It is an economic and community imperative,” DeSandre said. “This investment will expand hands-on training and increase the number of healthcare professionals prepared to serve in high-need communities across our region.”

The legislation also includes $200,000 for Athens Area Diaper Bank to expand its diaper distribution program for families in the Athens area.

Executive Director Erin Campbell said diaper access remains a major challenge for many families.

“With nearly 1 in 2 families struggling to afford enough diapers, expanding diaper access is a critical investment that will strengthen families and our entire community,” Campbell said.

Other projects funded through the legislation include:

• $964,000 for CommonSpirit – Memorial Hospital to upgrade hospital technology and expand telehealth capabilities.
• $476,000 for Emory University to purchase neonatal intensive care equipment for Emory Decatur Hospital.
• $3 million for Cobb & Douglas Public Health to help build a new South Cobb Public Health Campus offering public health, behavioral health and primary care services.