The Addiction Alliance of Georgia (AAG) has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Bill Foege Global Health Award by MAP International. This annual award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made substantial contributions to advancing global health, aligning with the legacy of Bill Foege, MD, MPH,a renowned figure in the global health community, often hailed as the key figure behind the eradication of smallpox. 

In addition to the Addiction Alliance of Georgia, other notable recipients of the 2023 Bill Foege Global Health Award include Freeman A. Hrabowski III, Louis W. Sullivan and Richard Hubert. The Metro Atlanta Chamber also presented its Heroes of Global Health Award to Debra Houry, chief medical officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Addiction Alliance of Georgia is a groundbreaking partnership between two national health care leaders, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and Emory Healthcare. This collaboration marks the first time addiction treatment programs of such renown have joined forces with an academic medical center. The result is a pioneering approach to addiction care, uniting evidence-based treatment and recovery strategies with world-class research and education initiatives. Together, they are dedicated to reducing addiction rates, enhancing recovery outcomes, and ultimately saving more lives.

“We are deeply humbled to receive the 2023 Bill Foege Global Health Award from MAP International. This recognition serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing addiction care and recovery on a global scale,” said Justine Welsh, Emory Healthcare addiction psychiatrist and medical director of the Addiction Alliance of Georgia’s Emory Addiction Center.  “We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported our mission, and we remain steadfast in our dedication to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by addiction.”

“This esteemed recognition highlights the significant impact of the Addiction Alliance of Georgia’s dedication and innovation in addressing the global health crisis of addiction. We look forward to continuing our transformative work in addiction care, making a positive impact on global health and wellbeing,” said Heather Jones, PhD, Hazelden Betty Ford’s vice president of mental health, family and children’s programs.

Click here for more information about the Addiction Alliance of Georgia.