Dougherty County Commissioner Russell Gray was recently reappointed as vice chair of the Health and Human Services Policy Committee for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG or Georgia’s County Association). The appointment was made by ACCG President and Dougherty County Commissioner Clinton Johnson.

“Advocacy is a foundational aspect of our organization, and our policy committee leaders are essential to our advocacy efforts,” said Executive Director Dave Wills. “ACCG prioritizes being a member-driven and focused organization. The Governmental Affairs staff is eager to collaborate with these new leaders to help impact change on issues of significance to all Georgia counties.”

Through a consensus-based policy development process, ACCG policy committees develop positions on key issues impacting county government. Those issues are later approved by the full association membership as the ACCG Policy Priorities, which guide the association’s advocacy efforts on behalf of counties during the legislative session.

The Health and Human Services Committee examines health and human service delivery and financing issues. These include indigent health care, medically underserved areas, public health, mental health, developmental disabilities, addictive diseases, hospital authorities, emergency medical services and housing.

“I am looking forward to continuing this important policy work on behalf of Georgia’s counties. Healthcare is a complex landscape that impacts every aspect of our lives. I am optimistic this legislative session will be a productive one for the ACCG team. They are the absolute best to work with!” Commissioner Gray will lead the Health and Human Services Policy Committee with Gordon County Chairman Bud Owens who was named chair.