A Georgia health advocacy group is concerned about people's health outcomes as the COVID-19 public health emergency is set to expire on May 11. The Medicaid "continuous coverage" requirement starts to unwind on April 1, and an estimated 545,000 Georgians could lose their health insurance in the process.

Paige Havens, health equity program lead for the Gwinnett Coalition, said its goal is to raise awareness about the changes that will affect people's insurance status - and access to COVID-related resources. She said those who want the latest COVID vaccine should get it while it may still be free, based upon their Medicare, Medicaid or PeachCare coverage.

"That is going to become an individualized basis," she said. "We're going back to that normal health-care model where, based upon where you are and what coverage you have, will determine if you have any out-of-pocket expense."

Havens emphasized that free COVID-related services offered by private companies will begin to roll back once the health emergency ends. She noted that fewer options and choices will be available, and mobile units could also shut down because many were funded by federal dollars.

Havens emphasized that Gwinnett is a diverse county, and the Coalition works to remove cultural and language barriers that can limit residents' access to health care. She noted that there's still a 2% gap in vaccination rates between Black and white populations, and a 7% gap between Hispanic and non-Hispanic rates. She said they're focusing on those groups.

"So again," she said, "that's why we're looking at saying, 'How can we rally around those clinics who serve our uninsured? How can we educate people about where those resources are?' So, our goal really will be to continue strongly messaging around, 'Where are the resources?' "

She explained that people enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare and PeachCare will be asked to reapply, and the process of redetermining eligibility will take 12 to 18 months. Providers will be reaching out to people who need to reapply, and Havens said if they do so, it's important to respond in a timely manner to avoid a gap in health coverage.

In this year's devastating hurricane season, Florida community health centers are proving indispensable in disaster response and recovery, providing far more than medical care.

The back-to-back blows of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton left the region reeling, testing the resilience and adaptability of health care providers.

Kim Schuknecht, chief operating officer of Evara Health in Pinellas County, said they had plans to deploy mobile units to beach communities after Hurricane Helene but Milton's swift arrival and widespread flooding thwarted the efforts.

"By the time we were able to get that all worked out with the mayors of the different areas, here comes Milton," Schuknecht recounted. "We weren't even able after the first hurricane to get out there. That really was an inhibitor for us to be able to go out and do some mobile services because so many areas, we couldn't drive in them."

She pointed out they extended their operating hours to navigate those challenges. While providing services at emergency shelters, they discovered people were asking for help with needs beyond behavioral health and medical care. They ended up gathering supplies so evacuees could take showers in one of the mobile units.

Schuknecht noted one lesson learned is the demands were greater than anticipated, even beyond basic medical care.

"Baby wipes, things that we -- hadn't been through this type of situation before -- things that you just take for granted and don't really think about," Schuknecht explained. "We've learned to have more supplies on hand, different supplies than what we're used to."

As Florida looks ahead to the next hurricane season, Schuknecht noted her operation is refining its emergency preparedness strategies. Plans include more tabletop exercises and strengthening new collaborations, such as a partnership with the Red Cross, which she emphasized will be crucial for future responses.

Schuknecht added this season's experiences have shaped her company's approach to future planning, ensuring they remain a cornerstone of support in the face of Florida's unpredictable storms.

"I think we all learned a lot," Schuknecht acknowledged. "All of the agencies here in the county, including Evara Health, we were very fortunate to be able to have the resources to assist. And we're glad we were called upon to be able to provide the care that we did."


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Alabama faces a critical workforce gap, with only 38 available workers for every 100 open jobs, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

To address the issue, Black community colleges are stepping up as key players in preparing skilled workers for in-demand industries. The schools are coming together at the second annual EmpowerED Conference to explore ways to expand opportunities for students.

Chandra Scott, executive director of Alabama Possible, said the event will also include Historically Black Colleges and Universities and focus on creating seamless transitions from two-year community colleges to four-year universities.

"We want to make sure that there are streamlined pathways from the community college to an HBCU," Scott emphasized. "We don't want any credits lost. We don't want any time wasted and any money frayed away."

She explained they hope to achieve the goal by connecting educators, students and industry leaders to find solutions to Alabama's workforce challenges and elevate the work within the institutions. The two-day conference is Feb. 11-12 in Mobile.

Scott pointed out another key focus will be showcasing the contributions historical and predominantly Black community colleges make to the state's workforce. With Alabama's economy depending on industries like aerospace, manufacturing and shipbuilding, she noted the schools play a critical role in training diverse, skilled workers who are ready to fill gaps.

"Most of the students who come through these institution doors are first-generation, from under-resourced families and they are from families of color," Scott outlined. "Now, you're able to diversify what your workforce looks like and you're pulling on excellence because they are getting trained and credentialed in specific pathways."

In a state where the labor participation rate is below the national average, Scott added the EmpowerED Conference discussions could play a significant role in shaping Alabama's economic future.

Winter conditions across Michigan are fickle and The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging everyone to prioritize safety while enjoying the season's cold-weather adventures.

The DNR advised outdoor enthusiasts to prepare by dressing in layers, checking weather and road conditions, and carrying essential safety gear such as flashlights and ice picks.

Sgt. Jason Becker from the Law Enforcement Division of the DNR said it is also important to stay hydrated and not go out alone if possible. He offered a potentially life-saving tip:

"Let someone know where you're gonna be and approximately what time you're going to return," Becker recommended. "If something does happen, we know where to start looking or we even know that you are missing. We always tell people, 'Go with a buddy,' especially when it comes to snowmobiling because it tends to be far away from civilization."

Becker also stressed carrying a two-way communication device capable of working in remote areas and taking an honest assessment of your health. If you are not feeling well, stay home.

In Michigan, statistics show snowmobiling and hypothermia are leading causes of injury or death in winter recreational accidents. However, falling through ice, especially during ice fishing, remains a serious risk. In 2019, there were 65 fatalities from 54 ice-related accidents.

Becker emphasized a critical saying from the DNR: No ice is safe ice.

"Carry an ice pick so that if you do fall through, they're a way to get some traction in the ice to pull yourself back out of the water," Becker urged. "Have something to make a hole in the ice, to check the thickness and keep checking it periodically."

He added alcohol consumption is a big factor in many accidents during recreational activities.


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