“Immigration is a social determinant of health,” according to the new State of the Latino Community report.

Those updates came Tuesday during the first meeting since May of the Georgia Department of Public Health board.

The accident at the chemical plant spewed smoke that forced thousands to evacuate and the shuttering of schools and businesses.

Many have long experience navigating Republican control of government by coalition building and bipartisan lobbying.

Infant hearing screening and the response to Hurricane Helene are on the agenda.

Questions remain about what steps local and state regulators took to prevent an accident at the chemical plant, which has a track record of environmental violations.

A coalition of community groups led by the Georgia Conservation Voters Education Fund has organized a “Shutdown Biolab” campaign that will include a rally on Saturday.

Emergency room visits spiked, many are still advised to stay indoors at night, and businesses are losing customers.

The nine-member board, which oversees and sets general policy for the Georgia Department of Public Health and its $800 million-plus annual budget, has met just three times this year.

Public health officials insist the air, fouled by burning “chlorines, chloramine and chlorine compounds,” is safe to breathe but have released few details.