Archive for the ‘Georgia Healthy Family Alliance’ Category

Disaster relief available for GAFP members in Northwest Georgia

 

The following message was written by Georgia Healthy Family Alliance President Eddie Richardson Jr., MD, FAAFP…

We are aware that several Northwest Georgia communities in Floyd and Chattooga County saw flooding damage on September 4. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were impacted by these storms. Because damage is still being assessed in the impacted communities, we want you to know that the GAFP’s Foundation – the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance – has a Disaster Relief Fund to help our members who may have experienced damage to their practice. We established this fund in 2007 and over the years have helped several GAFP members to get their clinics reopened to support them and the communities they serve. If you are aware of a family physician in need or if you have damage to your office, don’t hesitate to contact Kara Sinkule at ksinkule@gafp.org or Fay Fulton at ffulton@gafp.org for help completing a simple disaster relief application.

Alliant Health Solutions donates $20K to Middle Georgia GHFA ‘Tar Wars’ team

Alliant Health Solutions has donated $20,000 to the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) Middle Georgia ‘Tar Wars’ Strike Force, which supports tobacco, nicotine and vape prevention education program in Laurens, Dodge, Treutlen, Washington, and Johnson counties.

GHFA Board of Trustees President Eddie Richardson, M.D., says, “The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance is excited to partner with Alliant Health Solutions. Together, we will make a difference in Middle Georgia – one student, one family, and one community at a time.”

Alliant Health Solutions President and CEO Dennis White stresses that, “We know that Georgia’s family physicians and the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance will be great stewards of these funds to support these counties with this program to prevent future health concerns in rural Georgia communities.”

Alliant Health Solutions provides professional services that support effective health care program administration and funding for health care improvement initiatives. It works with public and private partners to “make health care better, starting with a patient-first philosophy.” Leveraging evidence-based methods, data and technology, and clinical expertise, Alliant Health Solutions’ primary services include care management, quality improvement, program integrity, and education and training.

White explains, “Alliant Health Solutions’ guiding principle is that a culture of service leads to continued success, which is why everything we do is focused on our customers, community, and employees.”

The ‘Tar Wars’ program…

– Is a collaborative effort with schools.

– Is an evidence-based, effective, and interactive educational program that has impacted the lives of more than 10 million children worldwide since it was developed by family physicians in 1988.

– Equips fourth and fifth grade students with knowledge to make healthier choices.

– Is designed to convince children to stop using tobacco and e-cigarettes and vaping. Lower smoking and vaping rates will decrease the proportion of cancer deaths in Georgia that are attributable to smoking (29 percent). The Middle Georgia Strike Force believes, “If Georgia’s youth never start smoking or vaping, then they never have to quit.”

– Is one of CDC’s ‘Programs that Work’ for tobacco, nicotine and vape prevention.

– Is being promoted by the Georgia Department of Education as a “suggested resource.”

GAFP members who are interested in supporting the ‘Tar Wars’ program in Georgia with their time or financial support can contact Alexis Klima at aklima@gafp.org or 478-714-3760.

Spotlight: The latest news on youth vaping in Georgia

A recent article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution cited new research out of the University of Georgia that found that before the pandemic kids who were considered athletes were using e-cigarettes at a higher rate than those who got less exercise, potentially because of a mix of peer pressure and a misunderstanding of the health risks.

The article notes that students who were physically active four to five days a week were 23 percent more likely to vape than those who were active a day or less a week. About seven percent of Georgia high school students vape.

“Our youth who tend to be on the healthy spectrum for physical health have heightened risk of using electronic vapor products,” says Janani Rajbhandari-Thapa, the lead author of the study and an associate professor in UGA’s College of Public Health.

Click here for the AJC article.

Want to be part of GAFP’s efforts to prevent and stop Georgia students from vaping? Get plugged into our ‘Tar Wars’ educational initiative. Contact Abbey Carr at acarr@gafp.org for details or to sign up for one of the program’s weekly online orientations.

Georgia Healthy Family Alliance Launches Caduceus Diamond Giving Level

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance has launched the Caduceus Diamond giving level.

During the August 2022 Trustee meeting, the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance Board members noted that many members were nearing the end of their original pledge for the Your Giving is Great Medicine capital campaign. The highest level of giving was the Caduceus Level – $10,000 to $24,999 with the ability to give over several years. The Trustees enthusiastically voted to add the Caduceus Diamond level, a giving level ranging between $25,000 to $49,999. 

GHFA Executive Director Fay Fulton asked for it to be noted that she wished to be the first official Caduceus Diamond level giver in memory of her mother, Mrs. Leo B. Fulton.

“My Mom loved her family physician, and the many GAFP members who were also consulted about her medical condition over the last few years, said Fulton. It is an honor and a pleasure to continue my giving to support family medicine and support the many Georgia communities that the Alliance is helping in these urgent times when so many need so much.”

In addition, Dr. Eddie Richardson – the current President of the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance Board of Trustees – also joined the Caduceus Diamond level immediately after it was voted and approved by the Trustees.

When asked why he donated Dr. Richard stated, “I have seen firsthand the marvelous heart and life-touching work that the GHFA Community Health Grant recipients have done. And I am 110% behind furthering the mission!”

The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance is also fortunate to have two of its former board presidents already giving at the Caduceus Diamond level even before it was considered an official level. At this moment, we would like to acknowledge and thank two of GHFA’s most distinguished givers – Dr. Loy “Chip” Cowart and Dr. Patrick “PJ” Lynn. Not only are they both selfless with their treasure, both give their time, talent and connections in order to further the GHFA mission.

“I’ve been a faithful supporter of the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance with my money, time, and energy for several years. Nothing is more rewarding than hearing the stories of family doctors serving their communities through our grant programs. Additionally, the growth and innovation with Tar Wars that we have pressed for has been a resounding success, and I am excited to see how many kids we are reaching with our message,” stated Dr. Lynn.

Dr. Cowart expressed a similar sentiment about donating to the Alliance, “Donating to GHFA is a way to help current citizens in Georgia with the health care needs as well as educating students on healthy lifestyle choices. It is a small gesture that can make a big difference for other people.”

Throughout history, diamonds have symbolized strength, love, health and long life. They are regarded as a sign of distinction and often mark the 75th anniversary.

If you are interested in learning more about the various Alliance giving levels and finding a level that fits with your current lifestyle, then contact Alexis Klima at aklima@gafp.org or 478-714-3760.

Together we a making a difference in Georgia – one patient, student, community, and inspiring donor at a time.

The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance Awards $15,000 in Third Cycle 2022 Community Grants To Support Local Health Projects

The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) awarded Community Health Grant award applicants $15,000 in third cycle 2022 grants.  Grant awards were made to GAFP member affiliated community organizations that support GHFA program priorities including underserved populations and programs that promote healthy practices. The application deadline for first cycle 2023 grants is February 1st. Visit  www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/grants/  for more information or to download the application.

Third cycle 2022 Community Health Grant recipients are:

  1. “Stephens County Hospital Crash Cart Standardization Plan,” Jennifer Utley, MD Toccoa

Stephens County Hospital (SCH) has developed a standardization plan addressing the lack of uniformity of nursing equipment throughout their facility.  SCH is a 96-bed, acute care facility located in a rural county of 26,000+ but which serves the contiguous five counties as well. This funding will allow SCH to purchase two Emergency “crash” carts to be used exclusively in the Emergency Department (ED). The ED consistently sees 1,000 plus patients monthly but SCH ability to treat each one quickly and efficiently is dependent upon the tools available. Currently, the staff in the ED is using makeshift carts fashioned from metal toolboxes from a local home improvement store. Due to the geographical area, valuable time is often spent en route to SCH.

  1. “Healthy Families in Northeast Georgia,” Donald Fordham, MD Demorest,

Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia (FRC) is expanding the reach of home visiting programs in both Rabun and White County to underserved populations and improving maternal and child health outcomes. This program is targeting young teen mothers/pregnant teenagers.  As an affiliate with Healthy Families America (HFA) the program provides parental guidance and coaching in the home of the participant and includes services such as pre-and post-natal care assessment, developmental screenings, postpartum depression screening, child development, and parenting education from birth to 3 years of age.  The Healthy Families Program began in Habersham County in 2022.  This funding will provide similar programming for home visits for teen mothers/parents in Rabun and White Counties. The project goal is to provide support, education, and advocacy for teen mothers so that the children within the homes receive immunizations, check-ups, meet development markers, as well as provide parent education, life skills, and resources for the mothers/parents to ensure the child/children receive nurturing care from their family that will lead to a healthy, long and successful life. The target number of weekly in-home visits per county will be 10 teen mothers enrolled in the program. For both counties that is a total of 20 teen mothers/parents.

  1. “Improving Access To Primary Health Care With Medical Interpretation Services,” Esther Kim, MD Clarkston

Medical interpretation by trained interpreters is critical to ensuring equitable access to affordable primary health care for children and adults in Clarkston and the surrounding communities. Over half of Clarkston, Ga. residents were born outside the United States and one-quarter of the community has limited English proficiency. This cultural and linguistic diversity creates significant health care access barriers – leading to low utilization of preventive services, unmanaged acute conditions, low medication and treatment plan adherence, and exacerbation of chronic conditions. Ethnē Health’s medical interpretation services ensure all Clarkston-area residents can receive high-quality primary care in their preferred language. Through this service, the clinic is able to increase health care access and ensure better health outcomes for patients. Due to a variety of community-wide economic barriers, more patients than ever need affordable primary care. The increase in patients seeking care at Ethnē has led to a 36% increase in medical interpretation services over the past six months. Ethnē expects to provide up to 1,400 medical interpretation calls in more than 30 languages for patients with household incomes between 50% – 200% of the Federal Poverty Level during the grant period.

Even if you do not have a community project that could benefit from a grant, please consider making a contribution so that the Alliance can continue to support these vital community projects. All donations are tax deductible. Alliance contributions can be made easily online at www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/donate/ or by contacting Alexis Klima at aklima@gafp.org or calling (800) 392-3841.

GHFA Awards Immediate Needs Grant to Northeast Georgia Family Resource Center To Provide Infant Formula For Families In Need

In response to the ongoing infant formula shortage in Georgia and across the nation, the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) has awarded the Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia an Immediate Needs Grant to ensure families have access to baby formula. Georgia Academy of Family Physicians member, Dr. Donald Fordham of Demorest, applied for this funding on their behalf.

 The infant formula shortage began last Fall due to supply chain issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. It was exacerbated in February 2022, when manufacturer Abbott Nutrition recalled powdered formula made in its Michigan plant and temporarily shut down plant operations. These two factors resulted in bare grocery shelves in both urban and rural areas across the state. (see photo)

The $1,000 Immediate Needs Grant from GHFA will allow Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia to source and purchase hard to find infant formula (including soy) at cost and ensure that families in Northeast Georgia who have the greatest need are able to access it.  Many clients of the Center are rural and lack transportation or funds to travel to nearby communities in search of infant formula.

“We have had many desperate calls from families looking for specialized formula,” said Linda Johnson, Executive Director of the Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia.   “Thank you to GHFA for helping us obtain this formula for our local families in need,” she added.

As the philanthropic arm of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP), GHFA launched the Immediate Needs Grant Program in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to address GAFP member-identified urgent health needs in Georgia communities. To learn more about the 50 Immediate Needs Grants GHFA has awarded to date or to make a donation to support future grants, please visit www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org or email aklima@gafp.org.

 

Caduceus Society Spotlight: Dr. Sreevalli Dega and Dr. Ian Munger of Statesboro Urgent Care – GAFP Members Supporting their Community and GHFA

Walking into Statesboro Urgent Care is a delight to the senses. The cool pastel colors, friendly and experienced staff, soothing sounds, and pleasant fragrance seem more spa-like than medical office. It’s obvious in the design and details of the facility that importance was placed on the comfort and care of the patients. Elite care in a comfortable setting.

Offering urgent care and family health care services for adults and children, Statesboro Urgent Care is anchored and owned by two experienced doctors, Dr. Sreevalli Dega and Dr. Ian Munger. The two family physicians met during residency and moved to Georgia in 2013 after their wedding in Iowa.

Statesboro Urgent Care was built during the height of the Covid pandemic and opened in November 2020. Construction during the pandemic posed many problems, but also lead to some interesting innovations. The steadfast and dedicated approach by Dr. Dega and Dr. Munger was the reason the project was finished. Cost of goods, availability of goods, issues with getting permits from public services that were down, these all created backlogs, extra money, extra paperwork that slowed the process.

“We don’t have backing financially from outside sources, hospitals, or providers. This is owned by ourselves and the responsibility was ours alone,” stated Dr. Munger.

They credit the community and their connections to helpful people for assisting them along the way with getting in touch with the right people and the right areas to get things accomplished. 

One design feature that arose from construction during the pandemic was the need for a drive thru Covid testing area that was discreet and protected from inclement weather. This feature was implemented and now serves as a unique, effective, and efficient part of the overall design.

Dr. Dega is Board Certified in Family Medicine with special training in Urgent Care Medicine, DOT physical training, workman’s compensation claims, and drug screening. She has been practicing Urgent Care Medicine full time since 2013.

Born and raised in India, Dr. Dega migrated to the United States in 2007 after completing her medical college and one year of internship. She went on to complete residency at Mercy Medical Center, Uni of Iowa hospitals in Iowa. She has been practicing medicine since 2012. Dr. Dega is on the board for East Georgia Regional Medical Center and also serves her community as a proud Rotary member and volunteers in the community thru Statesboro Service League.

Dr. Ian Munger is a full-time Emergency Medicine physician at East Georgia Regional Medical Center and serves as administrator and part-time physician at Statesboro Urgent Care. From Jacksonville/Haines City, Florida and Newton, Iowa, Dr. Munger is a graduate of the University of Florida and Central College with degrees in Biology and Fire and Emergency Services. His medical degree is from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida. Dr. Munger has been an ER physician for 12 years, but trained in Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine. His interest in primary care is due to urgent care medicine and community medicine. He is the EMS director for multiple counties in South Georgia.

Tar Wars tobacco and vape prevention education is the program that Dr. Munger and Dr. Dega support through the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance as Caduceus Society members, which is a gift level ranging from $10,000-$25,000. It clearly expresses generosity and strong support from Dr. Dega and Dr. Munger for Tar Wars.

For Dr. Munger, growing up with parents that smoked and witnessing them struggle with quitting, as well as seeing how accessible it was at a young age made him aware of the problems associated with tobacco and gave him insight into understanding how and when to target education to stop the start of the problem. 

“Once that opportunity passes, it is very hard to catch up,” expressed Dr. Munger.

For Dr. Dega, she has seen patients in urgent care and also primary care (FQHC) with active or passive smoking at an early age and the family dynamics around it.

“I do believe prevention is better than cure. Educating these young adults at the right age and at the right time in a structured school environment with lot of resources will help us fight this battle,” stated Dr. Dega.

Dr. Dega and Dr. Munger have even decided to get trained as Tar Wars presenters to help initiate the outreach and implementation of the program into the schools in Statesboro.

When asked who is your favorite TV/movie doctor; Dr. Dega chose House, MD and Dr. Munger chose Doogie Houser, MD.

If you would like information about Tar Wars and ways to help support this tobacco and vape prevention program, please contact Alexis Klima at aklima@gafp.org or 404-321-7445   https://www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/

GHFA Awards $35,000 in Second Cycle 2022 Community Health Grants To Support Local Health Projects

The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) awarded Community Health Grant Award applicants $35,000 in second cycle 2022 grants.  Grant awards were made to GAFP member affiliated community organizations that support GHFA program priorities including underserved populations and projects that promote healthy practices. The application deadline for third cycle grants is July 9, 2022.

Visit  www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/grants/  for more information or to download the application.

Second cycle 2022 Community Health Grant recipients are:

Shifa Clinic “Improving Access and Quality of Patient Care through a Free Clinic” Sana Rabbi, MD- Duluth $5,000   

Shifa Clinic Duluth is a project of ICNA Relief USA, a 501(c) non-profit organization and as such many patients come from a variety of faith backgrounds and are first-generation immigrants or refugees. In 2021, Shifa Clinic Duluth served about 2,000 patients via in-person and telehealth visits for underinsured and uninsured patients. Clinic patients lack a primary care clinician and access to preventative services, and Shifa Clinic serves as the main point of contact for healthcare services.

Most of the patients seen at Shifa Clinic Duluth are adults with chronic conditions, including hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. Approximately 850 patients will be supported by this grant: around 100 patients for lab fees assistance, 100 for ECGs based on previous utilization data, 30 patients for glucose monitoring based on the number of kits proposed for funding, 20 patients for translation services and at least 300 for patient education.

Adult Disability Medical Healthcare “Get Fit on the Go!” Andrea Videlefsky, MD- Marietta $5,000                  

The Get Fit and Be Healthy program has been a hallmark health and wellness program offered by ADMH to individuals with developmental disabilities. This program provides an opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities to actively engage in an education, fitness and healthy cooking program to develop lifelong habits for improving and maintaining health and wellness. This project takes the tools and strategies from previous grants to develop a creative and long-lasting outcome. Last year a cookbook/health manual was created incorporating health, fitness information and recipes learned in the program. In order to maintain interest in healthy lifestyles, ADMH will introduce the innovative concept of Get Fit on the GO! This program will encourage participants to maintain healthy lifestyles out in the community. Together, the participants guided by the team, will identify innovative healthy activities/educational workshops/ service projects in the community. These include:

  • cooking healthy meals for a homeless shelter,
  • cooking with community responders (fire/police officers) and emergency planning
  • hiking with teen volunteers from a local high school
  • bringing exercise/healthy cooking ideas to collaborating community-based programs
  • participating in a grocery shopping trip and then cooking

Hearts & Hands Medical Clinic “Patient Lab Tests Project 2022,” Brian DeLoach, MD- Statesboro $5,000  

The Hearts & Hands Clinic provides free medical and dental care to Bulloch County residents who are uninsured, ineligible for Medicaid and Medicare, and who live at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. The clinic sees approximately 500 patients per year. Twenty-one percent of Bulloch County’s 82,442 residents lived below the poverty line in 2021; 17% of individuals under age 65 were uninsured (census.gov). Bulloch is a medically underserved county; the ratio of population to primary care physicians is 1,890:1 and population to other primary care clinicians is 970:1. In addition, 48.3% of the county’s population live in a rural area (countyhealthrankings.org, 2021). There is no public transportation system. The clinic is the only free healthcare facility in the county; the closest free clinics are an hour’s drive away.

Each new patient requires basic lab tests which are repeated on an annual basis. Many patients require follow up tests to determine their diagnosis and course of care. Because of this, lab fees comprise a considerable percentage of the clinic’s budget. This grant will support 100 new patients with four lab tests (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), Complete Blood Count (CBC), Lipid Panel, Hemoglobin (A1C) and 50 current diabetic patients with four lab tests performed annually (CMP, CBC, Lipid Panel, Hemoglobin A1C). The grant will also provide 50 current patients with hypertension with three lab tests performed annually (CMP, CBC, Lipid Panel) and specialized lab tests to 60 patients.

Cancer Navigators “Counseling, Nutrition & Transportation Project,” Lyndsay Claroni, DO- Rome, $5,000     

Cancer Navigators serves as a complement to the medical expertise of cancer care providers in Floyd, Polk, Chattooga, Bartow, Gordon, Paulding, Whitfield, Murray and Walker counties by guiding those affected by cancer toward a better understanding of diagnosis and care while connecting them with needed resources and services – free of charge. CN’s Counseling Program supports the mental health of cancer patients by providing one-hour counseling sessions, with a licensed clinical social worker employed by CN, to patients who physicians have referred to CN specifically for counseling and who could not otherwise afford counseling. Many CN patients suffer from anxiety and lack a support system. There is not a per-patient limit to the number of sessions; the counselor evaluates each patient to determine his/her progress. CN hosts a weekly support group and patients who no longer require private counseling sessions are encouraged to attend.

In 2021, CN provided 3,560 services to 1,583 patients; most patients were female (70%) diagnosed with breast cancer and categorized as low-income, with 50% ages 40 – 64, 49% ages 65+, and 1% ages 20-39. Surveys of patient data indicate approximately 40% of Northwest Georgia cancer patients suffer financial insecurity related to the cost of cancer treatment, and over 90% of CN patients are classified as low income. This grant will provide 33 cancer patients each a one-hour counseling session, 25 cancer patients $100 in transportation assistance, and 34 patients a month’s supply of liquid nutrition

Group Prenatal Care in a Family Medicine Residency Clinic,” Monica Newton, DO- Gainesville $5,000               

Group prenatal visits, like “Centering Pregnancy,” have been shown to decrease the rate of preterm and low weight babies, increase breastfeeding rates and improve prenatal visit attendance. The group prenatal care program at Northeast Georgia Medical Center will follow national models that bring together six to ten pregnant women at similar gestational ages to provide education, support, and skills training for a healthy birth and beyond. Each group will gather ten times: every four weeks in their second trimester and then every other week in the third trimester with one post-partum visit. NGMC FM residents have created an engaging educational curriculum that facilitates group discussion and learning at each visit. The group fosters an external support system for women that will last well beyond delivery.

This program will serve 24-40 pregnant women and their babies for the Northeast Georgia region each year. Some of the most vulnerable are those with low English fluency and those without insurance. The program will specifically target pregnant women from the Good News Free Clinic, Pro Salud (a indigent Hispanic partner clinic), the Family Medicine clinic, and the Hall County Health Department. Each group visit has three parts. It begins with the collecting and tracking personal health data to empower participants and expand knowledge base. Each participant will have individual private time with their physician for exams and questions. The session concludes in the group setting with healthy snacks, education, and skills training from experts on topics ranging from healthy prenatal nutrition to parental bonding. Mothers who attend the program will receive baby supplies and be invited back for a post-partum meeting. This project aims to overcome healthcare disparities by increasing breast feeding rates, while decreasing preterm births, low birth weights, and costly NICU stays.

“Community Outreach Resource and Empowerment (CORE) Project,” Alida Gertz, MD-  Atlanta, $5,000

The Community Outreach Resource and Empowerment Program (C.O.R.E.)  is an initiative of CORE Plus to help improve health and economic outcomes of some of DeKalb, Fulton and Clayton county’s most vulnerable citizens: low income families, seniors, veterans and the homeless. Homelessness in Atlanta has increased by 31 percent since the Covid-19 pandemic began. The CORE program, which is entering its second year, is addressing challenges such as job loss and food insecurities that are residual effects of the pandemic as well as other community challenges such as homelessness, under employment and the unique needs of homebound Senior citizens. Working hand-in-hand with a diverse and ever-growing group of like-minded community partners like Dr. Alida Gertz, CORE is providing hope and assistance to our most vulnerable citizens assisting them with toiletries, hygiene kits, PPE, clothing, bedding, food assistance, prescription assistance transportation and mental health services. CORE will serve 1,000 citizens with the requested funding.

Ujima Way “Camp Breakthrough 2022 For Those Experiencing Homelessness,” Antonio Williams, MD-  Clayton County $5,000                               

Ujima Way is the only organization offering mobile outreach services to the homeless in Clayton County conducting street outreach five days a week throughout the year and providing hot meals and assistance to an average of 20 individuals per night. When examining the medical, mental health and substance abuse needs of clients during the 2021 Medical Monday’s initiative, the tremendous needs and gaps in services homeless individuals experience became apparent. Moreover, the barriers of insurance, fees, transportation, disparities, identification, and lack of funds prevent many from seeking or receiving the care and services they need. Ujima’s current caseload is comprised of multiple clients with a host of diseases and ailments such as, but not limited to, diabetes, various heart conditions, COPD, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, and various forms and stages of cancer. In regard to mental health, there are several diagnosed cases of Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and PTSD.

Camp Breakthrough 2022 will bring Ujima Way partner service providers together to meet with and assess the various health, mental health, employment and housing needs and conditions of up to 20 homeless clients and develop coordinated and comprehensive strategies for providing needed care and services to transition them off of the streets and into safe and stable living arrangements.

These are just a few of the more than 100 community health projects GHFA has funded across Georgia since 2012.

To apply for a Community Health Grant, visit www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/grants/ to download a 2022 grant application or to view a list of previously funded community health grant projects.. The final deadline for 2022 is July 9.

Even if you do not have a community project that could benefit from a grant, please consider making a contribution so that the Alliance can continue to support these vital community projects. All donations are tax deductible. Alliance contributions can be made easily online at www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/donate/ or by contacting Alexis Klima at aklima@gafp.org or calling (800) 392-3841.

GHFA Seeking Applicants For Third Cycle 2022 Community Health Grant Awards Program

The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) is currently seeking applications for the final cycle of the 2022 Community Health Grant Awards program. Grant awards of up to $5,000 are made to GAFP member-sponsored community groups that support program priorities including underserved populations and community projects that promote healthy practices consistent with the principles of Family Medicine. Current GAFP members including medical students, residents and active/life members are eligible to apply. The application deadline for third cycle 2022 awards is July 9. Third cycle grant awards will be announced in August 2022.

Over the last ten years, the Community Health Grant Program has awarded over $510,000 in grants back to GAFP members, residency programs, FMIG groups and their communities including Wellstar Kennestone Family Medicine for their “Let’s Get Moving” Pedometer project:                                                                                                  

” I am motivated to live healthier for my children. I want to control my diabetes through exercise,“ said a Wellstar “Let’s Get Moving” Pedometer project participant on what motivates her to make healthy nutrition and exercise choices.

To apply, visit www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/grants/ to download a 2022 grant application or to view a list of previously funded community health grant projects.

Even if you do not have a community project that could benefit from a grant, please consider making a contribution so that the Alliance can continue to support these vital community projects. All donations are tax deductible. Alliance contributions can be made easily online at www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/donate/ or by contacting Alexis Klima at aklima@gafp.org or calling (800) 392-3841.

The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance Launches Fourth Tar Wars Strike Force Initiative in Middle Georgia

Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) – the philanthropic arm of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, (GAFP) officially launched the Middle Georgia Tar Wars Strike Force initiative May 3, 2022 in Macon. Local family physician leaders, Dr. Harry Strothers and Dr. Monique Davis-Smith, joined GHFA Board President Dr. Eddie Richardson Jr., a team of family physicians and local community leaders at the kickoff to address the epidemic of youth vaping in 15 Middle Georgia counties.

The goal of the Middle Georgia Strike Force is to raise $250,000 to bring Tar Wars, a youth anti-tobacco, anti-vaping education and awareness program, to approximately 20,000 4th and 5th grade students in Bibb, Houston, Wilkinson, Monroe, Jones, Twiggs, Baldwin, Crawford, Peach, Laurens, Bleckley, Dodge, Washington, Johnson and Treutlen counties over the next three school years.

Tar Wars is an evidence-based, effective, and interactive educational program that has impacted the lives of more than 10 million children worldwide since it’s development by family physicians in 1988. The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance and Georgia Academy of Family Physicians provide all trainings, lesson plans and materials needed at no cost to the schools, presenters and volunteers.

Statewide Tar Wars Manager, Abbey Carr, is outreaching to schools in the Middle Georgia footprint to build awareness and initiate implementation of the Tar Wars tobacco and vaping prevention program offered at no cost to participating schools. Plans are currently underway to implement Tar Wars into all Bibb County public elementary schools with a Fall 2022 target date. Tar Wars presenter training sessions for the PE and/or health teachers are scheduled for July and will impact 4th and 5th graders at 20 elementary schools – approximately 4,000 students. Outreach efforts to school leadership within Middle Georgia will be extensive and ongoing.

GHFA Director of Philanthropy, Alexis Klima, is meeting with potential individual donors, businesses, foundations and organizations for funding support and outreach. Prior to the launch, GHFA had already secured $51,500 in Tar Wars education support in the Middle Georgia region.

Georgia’s statewide average of students in grades 6th – 12th who admit to vaping is around 9%. There’s specific and urgent cause for concern in Middle Georgia where most of the counties within the Tar Wars Strike Force region are near, or greater than the statewide average.

Tar Wars has been acknowledged on the Georgia Department of Education’s website as one of the preferred educational activities for school children and designated as one of the CDC’s “Programs that Work” for tobacco and vaping prevention.

All funds raised for the Middle Georgia Strike Forces go directly back into the communities in which they are designated.  Please click here to make a donation to the capital campaign or to a specific Tar Wars Strike Force, or for more information contact Alexis Klima at aklima@gafp.org.

2022 Immediate Needs Grants Now Available

Because many GAFP members continue to be aware of those struggling in their communities, applications for the 2022 Georgia Healthy Family Alliance Immediate Needs Community Grants will be accepted as long as funds remain.  Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to GAFP members to address immediate local needs in their communities.  Some examples of these grant needs could be urgent housing, transportation as well as food or prescription assistance for individuals that are in a fragile or dangerous situation.

To date, GHFA has awarded more than $47,000 in Immediate Needs Grants since 2020. The Immediate Needs Grant application and review process have been streamlined to allow GHFA staff to transmit funds within 3-5 days.   

See below for the application – or a downloadable application can be found on the GHFA website at www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org . Contact Kara Sinkule – ksinkule@gafp.org or call 404-321-7445 with any questions.

Physicians’ Care Clinic Awarded Community Health Grant to Support Chronic Disease and Diabetes Management Project

The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA), the philanthropic arm of the  Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP), recently awarded Decatur-based Physicians’ Care Clinic (PCC) a $5,000 Community Health Grant to support their Chronic Disease and Diabetes Management project which provides chronic disease management for uninsured women and men with Hypertension and Diabetes. Dr. Martha Crenshaw, a family physician from Stone Mountain, sponsored the Physicians Care Clinic project.

Current GAFP members including medical students, residents and active/ life members are eligible to apply for grants on behalf of GAFP member affiliated community organizations that support program priorities including underserved populations and community projects that promote healthy practices.

GHFA Deputy Director Kara Sinkule recently presented the $5,000 grant award to PCC Executive Director Sharon Gantt  and PCC Office Coordinator Cindy Sanders.

Last year, PCC served approximately 1,241 uninsured patients in Dekalb County. Most PCC patients are from minority populations, including refugees and immigrants who have resettled in DeKalb County: 55% are Black/African American, 34% are Asian, 7% are Caucasian, and 4% are Hispanic. Of these patients, 100% of them live 200% below poverty level.

The overall goal of the Chronic Disease and Diabetes Management project is to provide patients with educational classes, clinical support, supplies, and exercise and nutrition information. These services assist patients in better managing their health by giving them access to educational support, one-on-one clinical visits, and home monitoring tools.

GHFA is the philanthropic arm of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP). Our nationally recognized Community Health Grant Program exists to support and create momentum in an area of need and provide vital funds for family physician sponsored healthcare projects across Georgia.

Since launching the program in 2012, the Alliance has awarded more than $510,000 in grants statewide. For more information visit www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org.