State Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, has been appointed Republican co-chairwoman of the Public Health Committee by Republican President Pro Tempore Len Fasano, Senate Republicans announced in a news release Thursday. 

This panel, comprising both House and Senate members, considers issues relating to the state departments of Public Health; Mental Health and Addiction Services and Developmental Services, as well as the state Office of Health Care Access.

The committee also has jurisdiction on matters relating to emergency medical services, all licensing boards within the Department of Public Health, nursing homes, pure food and drugs and controlled substances, including the treatment of substance abuse. 

Somers is also a member of the Appropriations Committee, and serves as Republican vice chairwoman of the Environment Committee, the Education Committee and the Higher Education Committee. She also serves as Republican majority whip.