The 1999 annual Community Health Assessment conducted by the Coastal Health District (Georgia Public Health District 9-3) identified cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the #1 cause of death in coastal Georgia. Based on these findings, the Public Health District - in collaboration with the hospital, the American Heart Association and other supporters – formed the Coastal Heart Network and submitted a proposal for a Rural Health Network Grant from HRSA (Federal Health Resources and Services Administration). The proposal was one of 12 applications nationwide to be awarded a grant, and is Georgia’s first Rural Health Network. In addition to health care providers, network partners include local government, business, voluntary and faith-based organizations. The Coastal Health District has taken a lead in the partnership by donating office space and furniture as an in-kind contribution. The network’s vision is that a collaborative, multi-level, community-based approach to CVD prevention and treatment will lead to a reduction in CVD rates in the project area. Partners conduct community CVD public awareness campaigns at the grassroots level by sponsoring educational programs in local health departments, senior citizen centers, schools, churches and work sites. Rather than focusing on new service development, the network works to strengthen existing efforts by better integrating services among providers. For example, many consumers with multiple diagnoses are seen jointly by the Health Department, private physicians and rural health clinics. By facilitating clinical information integration and communication among service providers, the network hopes to improve management of these consumers’ medical conditions
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to: 1. Describe how a community health assessment can aid in identifying and prioritizing public health interventions. 2. Discuss ways in which collaboration can serve as a means to accomplish these interventions.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Georgia Public Health District 9-3
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee of Ga. Public Health District 9-3