ATLANTA, GA – July 9, 2021 – In June and July, Georgia Watch presented its remaining 2020 Consumer Champion Awards to Christine Wiggins and Attorney John Salter for their work to protect and empower consumers in Georgia.
Georgia Watch presented the “Champion for Health Equity” award to Christine Wiggins of the Georgia Department of Public Health during the Department’s annual Community Health Worker (CHW) Forum on June 15. Christine received the award for her tireless effort to promote healthcare access and health equity by uplifting CHWs around the state. For over five years, Christine has worked to advance health equity at the Department. As a Deputy Director for the Chronic Disease Prevention Section, she has steered the development of a statewide training program that would sustain and grow the CHW workforce. She recognizes that CHWs play a central role in ensuring healthcare access to all and addressing health inequities facing minority and rural communities.
The “Champion for Consumer Energy” award was presented to Attorney John Salter of the Barnes Law Group on July 8, at the home of Roy and Marie Barnes. John received the award for his dogged pursuit of fairness while representing us pro bono to contest the Georgia Public Service Commission’s decision to approve the continuation of the costly Plant Vogtle nuclear expansion. John worked tirelessly over more than two and a half years to challenge a process that so unfairly tilted the scales in favor of Georgia Power’s shareholders while putting the risk of further cost increases on the backs of Georgia consumers. Through numerous briefs and in-court appearances, he made a powerful case in Fulton County Superior Court and the Georgia Court Appeals in support of our efforts to protect Georgians from unfair, spiraling costs at Plant Vogtle.
“Georgia Watch is proud to recognize these Consumer Champions for standing up for the interests of Georgia consumers,” said Georgia Watch Executive Director Liz Coyle. “We owe them each a debt of gratitude for the energy they put forth every day to keep Georgians safe, healthy, and financially secure.” Founded in 2002, Georgia Watch is a statewide, non-profit consumer advocacy organization working to inform and protect Georgia consumers on matters that significantly impact their quality of life, including the effects of predatory business practices, the high cost of utilities and healthcare, and restricted access to the civil justice system.