2019 Health Services Professional of the Year Named

Commissioner : Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Dr. James Barron recognized

FORSYTH, Ga. –  The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) honored Dr. James Barron, statewide dental director, as Health Services Professional of the Year at the 15th Annual GDC Awards ceremony on September 24 at GDC headquarters in Forsyth, Ga.  Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 400 guests. Making the award presentation with Commissioner Timothy C. Ward were Alton Russell, Board of Corrections Chairman, Christopher Clark and Donnie Pope, Board of Corrections, and Assistant Commissioner Randy Sauls.

“Dr. Barron has been a steadfast and reliable employee for over 23 years,” said Assistant Commissioner Randy Sauls.  “His dedication and contributions to the agency are far reaching.”

Dr. Barron is responsible for oversight and audits of all dental operations at 28 facilities across the state. Under Dr. Barron’s oversight and leadership, the Department of Corrections has increased the access to and efficiency of its dental services, which are provided to more than 50,000 offenders annually.  Dr. Barron’s contributions go beyond the GDC where he is recognized on the national level, as a founding member of the American Correctional Association’s Dental Committee.

The award recognizes a physician, psychiatrist, dentist, psychologist, advanced practice professional, nurse or other licensed/certified or non-licensed healthcare professional who provides direct or indirect services to offender-patients within GDC. The recipient of this award must show they excel in their disciplines by acting, behaving and leading to improve the quality of care, promote the delivery of care and/or contribute to the overall effectiveness of medical care delivered to an individual, prison, or agency.

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.