Executive order on prescription drugs; Hurricane season; New mother mental health

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast - May 22, 2025

Host: Peter Biello
Producer: Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB)
Episode Topics: Executive Order on Prescription Drugs, Hurricane Season Forecast, New Mother Mental Health

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1. Executive Order on Prescription Drugs

Overview:
The episode opens with a discussion on the recent executive order from the White House aimed at making prescription drugs more affordable in the United States. This order targets aggressive measures against pharmaceutical manufacturers that fail to comply with federally set price caps. However, the implications for local retailers remain uncertain.

Key Points:

• Price Transparency Issues: Kia Williams, co-founder of Serum and Good Pill, highlights the lack of transparency in drug pricing. She states, “drug pricing is not transparent” (01:34).
• Consumer Impact: The federal government accuses drug companies of charging Americans more to subsidize lower prices abroad. Williams questions, “Who will make that lowered price a reality?” (01:19).
• Unclear Outcomes: Vanessa emphasizes the uncertainty of the executive order’s effects on consumers, noting, “Is hard to tell exactly how right now this may trickle down to out of pocket costs” (01:51).

Notable Quotes:

• Kia Williams: “drug pricing is not transparent” (01:34)
• Vanessa: “That is the big question” (01:44)

Conclusion:
While the executive order promises significant changes in drug pricing, experts and stakeholders are awaiting detailed plans to understand its full impact on both consumers and local pharmacies.

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2. Active Hurricane Season Forecast

Overview:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts an unusually active hurricane season for 2025, with a high probability of above-normal activity.

Key Points:

• Forecast Details: NOAA predicts a 60% chance of above-normal activity, expecting 13 to 19 named storms, including up to 10 hurricanes, some reaching Category 3 or higher (02:15).
• Contributing Factors: Ken Graham, NOAA’s Director of the National Weather Service, cites warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear as primary factors fueling hurricane development. He explains, “Warm sea surface temperature is probably the number one contributor” (02:37).
• Potential Impact: A single severe storm can cause extensive damage, as evidenced by last year’s Hurricane Helene, which resulted in significant inland flooding (02:49).

Notable Quotes:

• Ken Graham: “Warm sea surface temperature is probably the number one contributor” (02:37)
• Vanessa: “Not much wind shear. Wind shear tears the storms apart” (02:37)

Conclusion:
Residents and businesses in Georgia are advised to prepare for a potentially severe hurricane season, emphasizing the importance of readiness and resilience to mitigate possible devastation.

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3. Public Health Department Layoffs in Fulton County

Overview:
Two leaders at the Fulton County Health Department have been placed on unpaid administrative leave following the controversial layoff of 17 workers without the Georgia Department of Public Health's approval. These layoffs have raised concerns about the continuity of vital health services, particularly HIV and sexual health programs.

Key Points:

• Layoff Details: The state agency is reviewing the actions of the district's health director and human resources director. Despite assurances from the Georgia Department of Public Health that services remain uninterrupted, impacted workers express concerns about the community's health (03:03).
• HIV Services Impact: With metro Atlanta experiencing high rates of new HIV diagnoses, the reduction in staff could significantly affect testing and prevention efforts.
• Affordable Housing in Valdosta: Separately, Valdosta officials have opened an 80-unit apartment complex to address affordable housing needs, supported by state and federal grants. Developer Rhett Holmes underscores the necessity of local government involvement alongside financial incentives (04:25).

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Department of Public Health spokesperson: “There is no disruption in related services at the Fulton County Health Department” (03:03)
• Rhett Holmes: “There's no silver bullet to the fix” (04:25)

Conclusion:
The administrative leave and subsequent layoffs in Fulton County highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining essential health services amidst administrative upheavals, raising alarms about the broader impact on public health in Georgia.

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4. Perinatal Mental Health Care

Overview:
The podcast delves into the critical issue of perinatal mental health, focusing on the mental health struggles faced by new mothers. Specialists across Georgia are emphasizing the need for better mental health support during and after pregnancy to prevent severe outcomes.

Key Points:

• Personal Story: Vanessa shares her emotional struggles during pregnancy and postpartum, exacerbated by her mother's stroke and her son's premature birth. She states, “All of a sudden I'm just sad and this is something I wanted, this is something I prayed for is for me to have my baby and I just can't process it all” (00:41; 05:11).
• Statistical Insight: Bridget Cross, a perinatal mental health specialist, mentions that “one in five pregnant or postpartum women will experience a mental health issue,” though Dr. Aviva McPherson argues this is an underestimation (06:26; 06:34).
• Resource Shortage: Dr. McPherson points out the lack of trained professionals, noting, “we have still fewer than 100 with the certification that I have” (07:00).
• Support Initiatives: Bridget Cross founded the Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health to improve access and affordability of mental health services. Therapy has proven beneficial for Vanessa, allowing her to better support her children's emotional needs (08:10; 08:22).

Notable Quotes:

• Vanessa: “All of a sudden I'm just sad and this is something I wanted, this is something I prayed for is for me to have my baby and I just can't process it all” (05:11)
• Dr. Aviva McPherson: “But most of us who work in that field... that's a huge underestimation” (06:34)
• Vanessa: “I love therapy. I highly recommend” (07:49)

Conclusion:
Perinatal mental health is a pressing issue in Georgia, with inadequate resources and support systems exacerbating the challenges faced by new mothers. Initiatives like the Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health are crucial in bridging the gap and providing necessary care.

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5. Corporate Expansion: Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta

Overview:
Mercedes-Benz announced plans to expand its North American headquarters in metro Atlanta, signaling significant job creation and investment in the region.

Key Points:

• Job Creation: The expansion will add approximately 500 jobs to the existing Georgia facility, which has been the company's U.S. headquarters since 2018.
• Research and Development: In addition to jobs, Mercedes-Benz will establish a multi-million dollar research and development center nearby.
• Strategic Importance: CEO Jason Hoff stated that the expansion in Sandy Springs will enhance the company’s agility, speed to market, and customer experience (08:51).

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Hoff: “The expansion in Sandy Springs will enable the company to be more agile, increase speed to market and ensure the best customer experience” (08:51)

Conclusion:
Mercedes-Benz’s investment in Atlanta underscores the city’s growing importance as a corporate hub, promising economic growth and increased employment opportunities in the region.

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6. Memorial Day Travel Tips

Overview:
As Memorial Day approaches, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport anticipates a surge in passenger traffic, necessitating strategic planning for travelers.

Key Points:

• Passenger Volume: Approximately 2.6 million people are expected to travel through the airport during the week-long Memorial Day period, with tomorrow projected to be the busiest day at 378,000 passengers (09:34).
• Travel Advice: Spokesman Andrew Gobeil advises travelers to plan ahead, follow airport signage, and arrive 2 to 2.5 hours before departure to navigate the increased traffic efficiently (09:54).
• Operational Adjustments: Ongoing construction in the parking deck has reduced drop-off and pickup lanes to two in the south terminal, adding to the need for careful planning (10:09).

Notable Quotes:

• Vanessa: “When you get to the airport, you may see some traffic patterns that are a little different... arrive here at the airport at least two to two and a half hours prior to your departure time” (09:54).

Conclusion:
Travelers are encouraged to prepare for heightened activity at Atlanta’s airport during Memorial Day, ensuring a smoother and less stressful travel experience despite the anticipated congestion.

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Final Notes:
The May 22, 2025, episode of Georgia Today provided listeners with comprehensive coverage of pressing issues ranging from national policies impacting local communities to severe weather forecasts and critical health concerns. By offering in-depth analysis and personal stories, the podcast underscores GPB News' commitment to delivering valuable and insightful reporting to the Georgia audience.

Transcript

[David]

DBHDD is urging Georgians to store and lock away all medications to prevent theft and keep them away from children and pets. Old medications can be disposed of at Dropbox locations. Dropbox locations can be [e-mail].

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB news team. On today's episode, a look at what the president's executive order on prescription drugs might mean for local retailers this year might be a big one for hurricanes and specialists across the state are paying special attention to the mental health concerns of new mothers.

[Vanessa]

All of a sudden I'm just sad and this is something I wanted, this is something I prayed for is for me to have my baby and I just can't process it all.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Thursday, May 22nd. Hi, I'm Peter Biello and this is Georgia Today. An executive order from the White House promises to make prescription drugs in the US More affordable and take aggressive measures against manufacturers who don't comply with prices set by the federal government. It is not clear what that means for local retailers. As GPB's Sophie Gratis reports, US consumers.

[Kia Williams]

Typically pay far more for prescription drugs than consumers overseas. The federal government blames drug companies who they say subsidize low prices by charging Americans more with promises of immediate action to make drugs cheaper. Who will make that lowered price a reality?

[Vanessa]

That is the big question.

[Kia Williams]

Kia Williams co founded Serum and Good Pill, which redirect drug surpluses into Georgia pharmacies. She says drug pricing is not transparent.

[Vanessa]

A lot of companies have a say before someone is charged at a pharmacy counter.

[Kia Williams]

And as the executive order stands, it.

[Vanessa]

Is hard to tell exactly how right now this may trickle down to out.

[Kia Williams]

Of pocket costs, especially as many consumers pay different prices for the same drug. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gradas.

[Peter Biello]

The national oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says we could have an unusually active hurricane season this year. GPB's Chase McGee has more.

[David]

NOAA says the 2025 hurricane season, which begins June 1st, has a 60% chance of being above normal with a range of 13 to 19 named storms. Of those, as many as 10 could become hurricanes and up could reach category three or higher. Ken Graham is the director of NOAA's National Weather Service. He says conditions are lining up for severe hurricanes.

[Peter Biello]

Warm sea surface temperature is probably the number one contributor. Not much wind shear. Wind shear tears the storms apart. We don't expect a lot of wind shear and the African monsoons is a conducive spot to launch out the waves, launch out the storms.

[David]

But he noted it takes only one severe storm to cause devastation like last year's Hurricane Helene, which brought flooding hundreds of miles inland. For GPB news, I'm Chase McGee.

[Peter Biello]

Two leaders at the public health department in Atlanta's Fulton county have been placed on unpaid administrative leave after 17 workers were laid off, apparently without the approval of the Georgia Department of Public Health. The state agency said yesterday that it's reviewing the actions of the district's health director and human resources director. Those laid off included workers focused on HIV and sexual health services. A Georgia Department of Public Health spokesperson said there is no disruption in related services at the Fulton County Health Department. But one laid off worker told GPB partner healthbeat that the layoffs would have major implications for the community's health. HIV testing services are vital in metro Atlanta, which has one of the nation's highest rates of new HIV diagnoses. Officials in Valdosta have opened an 80 unit apartment complex to address the area's need for affordable housing. The public and private partners behind Harvest Station Apartments say the units would not have been built without millions of dollars in state and federal grants and tax credits. But developer IDP Properties president Rhett Holmes says there's more to building affordable housing than just federal and state dollars. There's no silver bullet to the fix, he says. Local governments also need to be at the table. Take those tax credits, for example, he says. To some local assessors, they look a lot like income.

[Vanessa]

They're basically trying to value the tax.

[David]

Credits as income, which they're not.

[Peter Biello]

Harvest Station was able to work with local officials to lower its tax burden. Holmes also cites excess regulation and rising costs as hindrances. We have more about affordable housing in south [e-mail] news. Women without access to health care, including mental health care, are more likely to die from pregnancy related issues. Now specialists across the state are paying special attention to the mental health of moms in their first few years after pregnancy. GPB's Ellen Eldridge has more about perinatal mental health care.

[Bridget Cross]

Vanessa was 32 and pregnant with her first child when a massive stroke left her mother paralyzed and in need of care. Vanessa asked to use her first name only.

[Vanessa]

Your mother is like your best friend type of thing. And this is something that I've wanted to, you know, go through with her and I couldn't.

[Bridget Cross]

Then the baby came.

[Vanessa]

All of a sudden I'm just sad and this is something I wanted, this is something I prayed for is for me to have my baby and I have the baby, the baby is healthy and I just can't process it all.

[Bridget Cross]

Doctors call anytime during pregnancy and up to two years after giving birth as the perinatal period. Perinatal depression and anxiety are not uncommon. During those years in Vanessa's life, her mother died and her second son was born prematurely. He weighed only three pounds and spent two months in the neonatal intensive care unit where Vanessa couldn't even hold him. She also had trouble connecting emotionally with her two year old. She felt like she just had to go, go, go all the time.

[Vanessa]

I would be gone all day and come at night and he's like, mommy, where are you? You know, he's missing me.

[Bridget Cross]

And to fully be there for her son, she needed professional support. Bridget Cross is a Savannah based perinatal mental health specialist. She says the statistic often cited is that one in five pregnant or postpartum women will experience a mental health issue.

[Dr. Aviva McPherson]

But most of us who work in that field, like, understand that that's a huge underestimation because that's only people who are actually going to get treatment.

[Bridget Cross]

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, underlying mental health conditions were the leading cause of maternal deaths in 2022, and that can be from suicide or accidental overdose. Some experts even tie heart related deaths to perinatal mental health, too. Cross started the Georgia Fund for Perinatal mental health in 2022 to help more people access and afford expert treatment.

[Dr. Aviva McPherson]

So one piece of it is the insurance. Another piece of it is we are really under resourced as a state in how many trained, certified, experienced perinatal mental health providers we have. I believe we have still fewer than 100 with the certification that I have.

[Bridget Cross]

Specialists like Cross typically have a master's degree. The extra certification can tack on two more years of education. Dr. Aviva McPherson is a perinatal psychologist who joined a maternal mental health program in Atlanta in 2023.

[Vanessa]

When I came to Northside, I introduced infant mental health, which was an opportunity to support not just mom, but mom and baby.

[Bridget Cross]

Vanessa, who struggled to care for her newborn and her toddler after her mother's death, was her first patient.

[Vanessa]

I love therapy. I highly recommend. Dr. McPherson is amazing. I tried to terminate with her. She wouldn't allow me to. Absolutely not. She's like, yeah, it's time to graduate. And I'm like, now, I need you for life.

[Bridget Cross]

McPherson asks Vanessa how she's doing, reminding her to care for her mental health.

[Vanessa]

And that would be something simple like having a cup of tea at night.

[Bridget Cross]

Before going to bed therapy taught Vanessa to relax and recharge so that she can support her children's mental health through therapy.

[Vanessa]

I've learned that no, you have to take some time for you and kind of take a break a little bit so that you could be fulfilled and you could be your best self again.

[Bridget Cross]

Which can help children grow into their best selves too. McPherson says infant mental health providers support social and emotional development and that reduces the risk of future mental illness. For GPV News, I'm Ellen Eldridge.

[Peter Biello]

Mercedes Benz plans to establish its North American headquarters in metro Atlanta. The German automaker said today that it will expand its existing US Corporate hub hub by adding hundreds of jobs relocated from other cities. The change will add about 500 jobs to the Georgia facility that has served as Mercedes Benz's US headquarters since 2018. The company also plans to add a multi million dollar research and development center nearby. Mercedes Benz North America CEO Jason Hoff said the expansion in Sandy Springs will enable the company to be more agile, increase speed to market and ensure the best customer experience.

[Vanessa]

Foreign.

[Peter Biello]

About 2.6 million people are expected to travel through Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport over a week long Memorial Day travel period which began on Wednesday. Tomorrow is expected to be the busiest day with 378,000 passengers at Atlanta airport. Spokesman Andrew Gobeil says planning ahead is essential.

[Vanessa]

When you get to the airport, you may see some traffic patterns that are a little different. Just follow the signs, make sure you're well aware of where you're going and that will help. Arrive here at the airport at least two to two and a half hours prior to your departure time.

[Peter Biello]

Parking deck construction has reduced pickup and drop off to just two lanes in the south terminal. That's a wrap on this edition of Georgia Today, but we'll be back tomorrow, so subscribe now and you won't miss a thing. Check out gpb.org news for updates. If you have feedback or a story idea, something you think we should be covering, we would love to hear from you. Send us an email. It goes to the whole team. The address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.

[Bridget Cross]

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[Dr. Aviva McPherson]

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[Bridget Cross]

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[Peter Biello]

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[Bridget Cross]

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