On Monday, Agnes Scott welcomed Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) to a press conference with President Zak, Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett and other community leaders to share information about the Federal resources he is delivering to train physician assistants and clinical mental health counselors in maternal and pediatric care. The funding is part of the 2024 omnibus appropriations bill signed by President Biden on March 23, 2024.

Senator Ossoff applauded Agnes Scott for its innovation and efforts to effect much-needed change in the professional medical pipeline as the state faces severe shortages in service providers. The $1million grant will support the equipment, curriculum development and technology needed to prepare our master’s students to practice as licensed professional counselors and by 2027 certified physician assistants. Senator Ossoff toured Hopkins Hall, which is undergoing renovation to house the PA program.

“It was an honor to have Senator Ossoff on our campus, just steps away from where our new physician assistant training program will reside. The impact of this investment will be far-reaching, not only for advancing education, but improving healthcare outcomes for Georgia residents for generations to come,” said Leocadia I. Zak, president of Agnes Scott

College.

“We're in the midst of a maternal, neonatal, and pediatric health crisis in Georgia that has been unaddressed for far too long. Bringing Republicans and Democrats together, I passed through the Senate and into law a $1 million appropriation to help establish a new physician assistant program at Agnes Scott College that will specialize in training the next generation of clinical staff to support pregnant women, delivering mothers, newborn babies and children across the state of Georgia. I thank Agnes Scott President Leocadia I. Zak and the Agnes Scott team for bringing this proposal to my office and for their leadership in the community,” Senator Jon Ossoff said.

To learn more about Agnes Scott College’s graduate studies and innovative health sciences programs, visit agnesscott.edu.