REED Summit highlights healthcare profession

The University of North Georgia (UNG) hosted the Regional Education and Economic Development (REED) Summit on Sept. 20 to explore the theme "Transforming Healthcare in North Georgia."

Carol Burrell, CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) and morning keynote speaker, discussed lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted the importance of resilience and adapting quickly, planning for the future even in the midst of a crisis, transparency, and a team approach.

"COVID reshaped our work and what our future will look like," Burrell said. "We're all in it together as a community. There is a sense of unity and almost reverence for what we've experienced together."

Maria Thacker, CEO of the Center for Global Health Innovation and the lunch keynote speaker, highlighted the life sciences industry and the wide array of well-paying jobs available.

Through collaboration with K-12 educators and our technical college partners, and industry, our goal is to help young people to realize their potential, succeed as adults and contribute to the economic prosperity of their communities.

Dr. Bonita Jacobs

UNG president

"Through collaboration with K-12 educators and our technical college partners, and industry, our goal is to help young people to realize their potential, succeed as adults and contribute to the economic prosperity of their communities," she said. "The REED Summit is the only event of its kind that brings together high school and college students, educators, industry professionals and economic developers to explore in-demand career opportunities and the educational pathways available to prepare students to meet those needs."

A session on Georgia's mental health crisis included panelists Kevin Tanner, chairman of the Georgia Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission and Forsyth County manager; Adrian Johnson, deputy director of the Division of Behavioral Health within Georgia's Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities; and Cindy Levi, CEO of Avita Community Partners.

They discussed the importance of providing mental health assistance when it's needed rather than arresting individuals who need help. The panelists also spoke about removing the stigma attached to seeking counseling or other assistance.

"We need to treat mental health the same as physical health. If we have a physical ailment, we seek treatment," Levi said. "There's no need to suffer when there's help available."

Participants also had a chance to attend breakout sessions that highlighted various healthcare sectors:

• Healthy Aging & Gerontology
• Not Everyone in Healthcare Wears Scrubs
• Healthcare Innovation
• Physical Therapy: More Than Rehab

Northeast Georgia Health System, the event's presenting sponsor, and UNG have partnered to create an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to add 280 nurses to the workforce over the next five years beyond the nurses UNG already trains. The 15-month program is for students who already have a bachelor's or master's degree in another field and want to transition to a career in nursing. The program's first cohort will begin in January 2023.