Georgia Public Broadcasting

Georgia Public Broadcasting’s mission is to create high quality programs and services that educate, inform and entertain audiences. GPB TV, Radio and Digital cover all of Georgia and adjacent counties in surrounding states. Operating across all platforms, GPB News is the local host for PBS and NPR news and produces stories of regional importance from its hubs in Atlanta, Macon and Savannah. With a combined broadcast and digital audience of over 4 million, GPB News is also developing a growing presence on social media.

Current Position

Location: Macon, GA

Beat: Rural healthcare in the "Stroke Belt."

Position:

Rural communities in central and south Georgia, part of the South’s Stroke Belt, have some of the highest rates of maternal mortality, heart attack, cancer and chronic diseases like diabetes, and an escalating problem with opioid addiction.The region is further challenged by hospital closures, lack of transportation, a declining number of physicians and lack of access to broadband. The rural health reporter investigates causes for the challenges these communities face, and whether proposed solutions are working.

Reporter: Sofia Gratas