Improving the Health Status of Our Community

Report on Community Health CentersConnections 2006: Paving the Way to Better Health and Health Care Across

Georgia ConferenceFebruary 16, 2006

About the Partnership• Began in 1993• Today has six hospitals, two health

departments, and 36 churches, businesses, community organizations, social service agencies, governmental agencies on its board

• Conducted a Health Status Assessment

• Included secondary data and a survey of 2100 residents• Identified the 30901 zip code area as one of greatest need

30901 Zip Code Area Project

• Partnered with the Beulah Grove Community Resource Center

• Held community meetings

• Developed a community plan

• Developed a wholistic approach

• Implemented a health center – The Center for Community Health

• Beulah Grove Baptist Church provided the land for the center

• Center has grown from 3,000 visits in 1996 when it was initiated to 5,876 visits in 2005

• Center has enlarged to accommodate growth

• 64% of patients come from the 30901 zip code area

• Others are from areas of need

• Center provides care regardless of income, based on a sliding fee schedule

• Health Education, Care Management, Social Services are available

30906 Zip Code Area Project

• 30906 zip code area identified as second area of greatest need

• Held community meetings• Developed community plan• Developed a wholistic approach

• Developed the Neighborhood Improvement Project

• Belle Terrace Presbyterian Church provided the land for the center

• Implemented a health center— The Neighborhood Health Services Center

• Center has grown from 2800 visits in 1999 when it was initiated to 6,172 visits in 2005

• 53% of patients come from the 30906 zip code area

• Others are from areas of need

• Center provides care regardless of income, based on a sliding fee schedule

• Center has enlarged to accommodate growth

• Center now provides neurology, OB-GYN, pediatrics, and a pharmacy program for the center and the 30901 Center

• Health Education, Care Management and Eldercare and After-School programs are available

30904 Zip Code Area Project

• 30904 zip code area was third area of greatest need

• Partnered with Miracle Making Ministries

• Implemented health center – Druid Park Community Health Center

• Opened On March 31,2005• Has provided 1,167 visits

Key Accomplishments

• Average 1100 patient visits a month

• Implemented a Management Information System which:–Provides an electronic medical record–Provides electronic prescription

writing–Provides for an electronic practice

management system

Key Accomplishments …

• Implemented a disease management program which provides care management for patients with hypertension and diabetes

• Implemented a health promotion and disease prevention program for obesity and diabetes

Key Accomplishments …

• Implemented a pharmacy program

• Between 2001 and 2003, 30901 and 30906 centers saved over $3,000,000 to one hospital by diverting patients from the emergency room

Secrets to our Success

• Community Meetings to plan services

• Hospital sponsorship for funding• Collaboration by many groups• Continued involvement of

churches• Strong community buy-in• Ability to show results

Organizational Challenges

• Funding• Finding committed staff

Lessons Learned

• Always have community buy-in• Have collaboration by many groups• Identify funding sources before

planning begins• Implement centers in areas of need• Consult others who have

implemented centers before starting

Improving the Health Status of Our Community

Gwendolyn J. Durnell, Executive Director

P.O. Box 1212

Augusta, GA 30903-1212

Phone:(706) 828-2396 Fax: (706) 828-2496

gdurnell@uh.org