Atlanta – The annual Health Connect South conference returned for its 13th year on Sept. 16, gathering more than a thousand health‑care professionals, researchers and entrepreneurs at the Georgia Aquarium. Organizers emphasized the event’s role in fostering collaboration among Georgia’s rich network of medical institutions, biotech firms and public‑health agencies.
Keynote speakers signal strong federal‑state partnership
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the 18th director of the National Institutes of Health, was introduced by former Georgia governor and former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price. The other keynote speaker, Dr. Erica Schwartz, newly appointed director of the Atlanta‑based Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, addressed the audience for the first time since taking office on Aug. 5. Dr. Schwartz praised the dedication of the 1,100 participants, saying, “I think the future of public health is incredibly bright. All of you are doing amazing jobs.”
Brain‑health initiative positions Georgia as a national hub
Georgia’s growing expertise in neuroscience was a focal point of the conference. Tim Denning, president of the Georgia Research Alliance, and Allan Levey, director of Emory University’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, both described the state as being at an “inflection point” for brain‑health research. New blood‑based tests that can detect Alzheimer’s early were highlighted as a game‑changer, offering hope for earlier treatment and better outcomes.
Levey noted the challenge of breaking down institutional silos, but expressed confidence that Georgia’s collaborative ecosystem could attract venture capital and federal funding. He cited Texas’s recent $3 billion commitment to Alzheimer’s research as a reminder that competition is fierce, yet Georgia’s diverse population provides a valuable testing ground for innovative therapies.
Digital tool expands health access for rural Georgians
Serial entrepreneur Jeff Arnold, founder of WebMD and Sharecare, introduced AskMD, a free health‑navigation platform that integrates a user’s medical history, insurance information and location to guide them to appropriate care. The Georgia Department of Community Health selected AskMD as its patient‑engagement tool to improve access in underserved and rural areas.
Arnold explained that AskMD helps patients understand next steps in their health journey and see transparent cost information, aligning with his mission to make health information available to anyone willing to share their records securely.
Community impact and future outlook
Founder and longtime organizer Lipari reflected on the conference’s origins in 2013, noting that Health Connect South was created after national health conferences bypassed Georgia. “Diseases don’t care how you vote. Health transcends everything,” Lipari said, underscoring the event’s nonpartisan focus on collaboration.
Over the years, officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations have participated, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to bipartisan problem‑solving on issues ranging from Ebola to COVID‑19. Attendees praised the opportunity for serendipitous connections that can spark innovative solutions.
Looking ahead
Denning said the Georgia Research Alliance plans to model its efforts after the federal ARPA‑H program, setting clear goals and assembling a broad partnership team. Funding remains a priority, but the momentum generated at this year’s gathering suggests Georgia is well‑positioned to lead national conversations on brain health and rural health equity.
Health Connect South will return next year, continuing its mission to unite Georgia’s health community and drive forward breakthroughs that benefit all Georgians.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
