Georgia House of Representatives Study Committee to Investigate Pain Management Alternatives

Representative Lee Hawkins has been appointed to the House Study Committee on Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management by Speaker Jon Burns. As the chairman of the House Health Committee, Rep. Hawkins expressed gratitude for the appointment and emphasized the importance of the committee's role in addressing the opioid crisis in Georgia.

“I am grateful to Speaker Burns for appointing me to this study committee and recognizing the need to continue the House’s work in ending the opioid crisis in Georgia,” said Chairman Hawkins. “We have heard far too many devastating stories from those who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic. It is important that we use this study committee to better our communication regarding alternatives to opioids and encourage patients and healthcare providers to seek and prescribe other effective sources of pain management. I am eager to work with my colleagues to make recommendations on ways we can reduce the need for these highly addictive forms of medication.” Georgia State Representative Lee Hawkins of the 27th District.

The committee, established after the adoption of House Resolution 1360, will investigate ways to raise awareness of non-opioid alternatives and foster collaboration among healthcare providers. It may also propose legislative recommendations before the 2025 session. Alongside Rep. Hawkins, other appointed members include State Representatives Katie Dempsey, Butch Parrish, Sharon Cooper, Michelle Au, Lynn Gladney, and Mark Newton, as well as non-legislative members Jeff Breedlove, Michael Persley, Dr. Armin Oskouei, Jesse Weathington, and Adam Kaye.

Representative Lee Hawkins represents the citizens of District 27, which includes portions of Hall and Lumpkin counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves as Chairman of the Health Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health, the Special Committee on Healthcare and the Banks & Banking, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance, Regulated Industries, Rules and Small Business Development committees.