Assemblyman Jim Wood appointed as next chair of Assembly Health Committee

Today newly sworn in Speaker Anthony Rendon, appointed Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) as the next Chair of the powerful Assembly Health Committee.

“Ensuring access to affordable quality healthcare has been a lifelong passion of mine.  I began my professional life as a dentist and a healthcare provider where I witnessed first-hand the immense healthcare challenges we face in California,” said Wood.  “I would like to thank Speaker Rendon for this tremendous opportunity, I am looking forward to using this committee to work closely with my colleagues and our new Speaker to address our key priorities this year, including the unprecedented number of Californians living in poverty.”

In his first year in the Assembly Dr. Wood successfully authored an impressive package of healthcare measures including bills to; increase the minimum age to purchase tobacco from 18-21, to improve access to healthcare in rural areas, and to ensure medical marijuana patients have access to safe medicine that doesn’t mistakenly wind up in the hands of children.

This year Wood is once again championing major healthcare reforms including measures to curb opioid abuse, improve access to mental health services, comprehensively manage chronic conditions, and improve the Denti-Cal program.

“Rural California is currently experiencing a healthcare crisis,” said Wood.  “We must find a way to encourage more providers to live and work in our rural communities.  As a healthcare provider that represents a largely rural district, I am excited about the possibilities for progress in this area.”

Assemblyman Wood takes over as Chair of the Assembly Health Committee effective immediately.