Rusty Kidd Receives HoG Lifetime Achievement Award
E. Culver "Rusty" Kidd was presented with the Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG) Lifetime Achievement Award at the agency’s April 26, 2017 Volunteer Appreciation Reception. Jeff Cornett, HoG’s Vice President of Research and Public Policy, presented the award – a framed painting of the lake at HoG’s Camp Wannaklot – and described the support Rusty Kidd has given over the years to the Georgia bleeding disorder community.
Rusty Kidd became the lobbyist for HoG in 1987 and served in that capacity until 2009. His number one task was safeguarding the funding in the state budget that provided factor concentrate for people with hemophilia who were uninsured. The line item, which peaked at $1.9 million in 2008, was always a target for budget cutters and Rusty was diligent in explaining that the money was for life-saving medication, provided at cost by HoG, and any unused funds were returned to the state. His hard work meant that no person with hemophilia ever went without medication in Georgia.
In 2009, Rusty decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and was elected to represent District 145 (Baldwin and part of Putnam counties) in the Georgia General Assembly. He was the only Independent ever to be elected and serve in the state legislature. Though he could no longer be Hemophilia of Georgia’s lobbyist, he continued to advocate for our community. His support was crucial in securing passage of legislation to create the state’s Hemophilia Advisory Board. He also sponsored an annual resolution recognizing Hemophilia of Georgia Day at the capitol and spoke from the house floor about the importance of HoG’s work. Rusty is also a strong advocate for people with disabilities, having been in a wheelchair since a motorcycle accident severed his spinal cord in 1999.
Rusty Kidd retired from the General Assembly last year but we are looking forward to many more years of his continued work on behalf of the citizens of our state, especially those with bleeding disorders.