Top state officials with the Georgia Department of Public Health and district health directors from around the state will convene Thursday in Valdosta for a health director’s meeting.

Mayor John Gayle will welcome participants to the meeting and Representative Amy Carter will be the keynote speaker at lunch, according to organizers.

“We are excited to host this meeting in Valdosta for a change,” said Dr. William Grow, MD, FACP, district health director. “We want others from around the state to see everything we have to offer in South Georgia too.”

Participants will have a chance to hear from local DPH staff about the public health issues that exist in our area and the innovative programs in place to overcome those issues. Some of the topics that will be addressed are infant mortality, hypertension/diabetes services and adolescent health.

The afternoon will consist of DPH business and state program updates, organizers said.

“These sessions give us a chance to learn from other districts throughout Georgia and from the state programs. We hope this time, they’ll learn from us,” Grow said.

The meeting will be held at James H. Rainwater Conference Center.