As with other key areas of regional importance, SGA’s member Governors work collaboratively on health and human services programs designed to improve the overall wellness and well-being of Southern citizens, with special emphasis on the most vulnerable populations: children and the elderly.
The South has historically suffered from high levels of poverty, yet many of the programs that are geared towards alleviating that poverty often have distribution formulas that shortchange Southern states. SGA consistently advocates for equity for Southern states in programs administered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, such as the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. More recently, SGA has become involved in pursuing equity for Southern states in programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, IV-E Foster Care and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment program.
Read more about SGA’s interest in these Health and Human Services issues: