HR154: HR154 Morehouse School of Medicine; 50th anniversary; recognize

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizing Morehouse School of Medicine's 50th anniversary. The text recounts the school's history, starting with a 1969 proposal by Dr. Louis Brown, a 1977 state operating grant of $1 million, its 1978 opening in a single trailer with 24 students, and its growth into a full four-year medical school by 1985. The resolution notes that 3,283 students, including 1,867 physicians, have graduated from the school, with about 60 percent of MD graduates who finished residency now practicing in Georgia. It formally commends the school and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to Morehouse School of Medicine.

• Formally commends Morehouse School of Medicine on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
• Recounts the school's founding history, including its 1977 state operating grant of $1 million and its 1978 opening with 24 students.
• States that 3,283 students, including 1,867 physicians, have graduated from the school, with about 60 percent of MD graduates practicing in Georgia.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send a copy of the resolution to Morehouse School of Medicine.

The resolution directly names Morehouse School of Medicine, its leadership including President and CEO Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, and its graduates and students. It has no legal effect on the public but serves as an official honor from the Georgia House.

The resolution carries no legal or funding changes, but it is an official record of the Georgia House recognizing an institution that has trained thousands of doctors, many of whom now practice in underserved communities across the state.

• The whereas clauses describe the school's 1969 origin, its 1977 state grant of $1 million, and its 1978 opening with 24 students in a two-year program.
• The whereas clauses note the school became an independent institution in 1981 and a four-year medical school in 1985.
• The resolving clause commends Morehouse School of Medicine on its 50th anniversary.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute a copy of the resolution to the school.

1. 2025-02-04House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-04House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-04House Hopper (House)

• Butch Parrish (R, HD-158)Primary sponsor
• Jon Burns (R, HD-159)
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Samuel Park (D, HD-107)
• Jan Jones (R, HD-047)
• Darlene Taylor (R, HD-173)

• Morehouse School of Medicine
• medical education
• Georgia history
• healthcare workforce