When House Bill 214 was presented to the Georgia General Assembly by Rep. Mickey Channell of Greensboro in February of 2011 and signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal in May of the same year, we in public health had no idea of the total impact of the law. We did know we had an opportunity to make things better and a challenge to improve the health and safety of Georgians. We were encouraged by the support of Sen. Renee Unterman, Sen. Greg Goggans, Rep. Butch Parrish, Rep. Sharon Cooper and the many others who believed we could do it.

First, we needed to establish a new stand-alone agency with only existing funding. We've done that.

Then, we needed to improve and streamline control of the funding from our many federal partners. We're doing that.

Then, we needed to clarify and streamline the funding to our many county partners. We're well on the way.

We needed to be clear about our mission and engage partners throughout the state to work with us to solve the most critical health problems facing our state.  I am very pleased that we have made real progress in our four clinical areas of obesity, immunizations, smoking cessation, and infant mortality. The dedication of the employees of public health to improve the health of Georgians in these critical areas is incredible. I am so proud of the work they have done this year and it is a real honor to be able to work with them. There is clearly much more to be done but I believe we are truly on the right path to a safer, healthier Georgia.

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Department of Community Health and Commissioner David Cook, along with our wonderful board chaired by Gary Nelson, Ph.D., and our private partners - Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the Georgia Hospital Association, the Georgia Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics - for the ongoing support they give public health.

Happy Anniversary, new Department of Public Health.  May the second year be even better.