Lt. Governor Cagle Hails Enactment of Trauma Commission, Announces Appointments

(Atlanta, GA) – Lt. Governor Casey Cagle announced today his appointment of Dr. Joe Sam Robinson, Jr., M.D. and Dr. Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D. to the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission. The commission will work to ensure that all Georgians have adequate access to trauma care.

“This commission is only a first step, and we need to come back next year and develop a funding mechanism to ensure we do not lose the lives of Georgians to gaps in our trauma coverage.

“I am confident in the capabilities of Dr. Robinson and Dr. Haley. They both have the expertise and understanding of what is necessary for excellent trauma care and I look forward to working with them as this needed commission brings trauma care solutions to Georgia,” Cagle said.

"I'm honored to serve on the state's Trauma Commission and I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues on this critical issue and need for Georgia.  The lack of a true statewide trauma system is a critical issue for all Georgians regardless of ethnicity, economic status or where they live.   Hopefully we will be successful in creating the system that is necessary for the future growth of our state,” Haley said.

“A well run comprehensive Georgia Trauma Network may be considered a matter of the highest public good. The establishment of this commission is an important step in the realization of that goal,” Robinson said.

Dr. Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D. M.H.S.A., F.A.C.E.P. is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff and Deputy Senior Vice-President of Medical Affairs for the Grady Health System. Haley received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Michigan.   Haley has interests in health administration, operations and strategic management and diversity as it relates to healthcare and emergency medicine in particular. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.   He is married to Dr. Carla Y. Neal-Haley and they reside in Smyrnawith their three children.

Dr. Joe Sam Robinson, Jr. M.D. is one of the areas most experienced neurosurgeons and practices at the Georgia Neurological Institute in Macon.   He graduated from Harvard and continued his education at the University of Virginia, where he received his doctorate in medicine. He began his neurosurgical practice at the Medical Center of Central Georgia and is currently Chairman of the hospital’s Department of Surgery.   Robinson has frequently lectured on disorders of the brain and spinal cord around the country.   He currently resides in Macon along with his wife, Betsy.

The Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission was established recently when Governor Perdue signed Senate Bill 60 into law.   The commission will be comprised of a nine member panel who will oversee state money set aside to assist trauma care hospitals. The commission will also be tasked to organize the network of trauma hospitals and emergency services to assure all Georgia citizens will receive quality care in the aftermath of a critical injury.  Adequate trauma centers throughout the state could save many lives every year.