Primary Care is crucial for several reasons: Comprehensive Health Services offers a wide range of health services, including health promotion, disease prevention, chronic condition management, and palliative care. A relationship with a primary care provider ensures continuity of care, leading to better health outcomes and lower medical costs. Additionally, having a primary care provider reduces unnecessary ER visits, decreasing the burden on emergency rooms.

• Mammogram Access: 35% of women between age  50 and 74 do not have access to a mammogram.
• Leading Causes of Death: Diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease are the leading causes of death in Georgia.
• Medication Affordability: 20% of individuals cannot afford their medication.

Integrating behavioral health (BH) services with the medical model enhances patient access to mental health support. This approach helps mitigate the negative effects on physical health by addressing behavioral factors related to chronic disease management, mental health, substance use, and stress. With a full team of BH providers, we can serve the community more effectively through group therapy, case management, and support services.

• Aging Population: 20% of our aging population experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
• Children and Teens: 1 in 8 teens experience depression, and suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in children under 14.

School-Based Health Clinics (SBHCs) improve attendance for both students and staff by providing convenient access to healthcare. This reduces the burden on the school district to find coverage for absent staff, as visits to the clinic take only an hour instead of an entire day. Additionally, by minimizing the need for students to leave school for medical appointments, often in another town, academic performance is enhanced. SBHCs also offer essential mental health support and chronic condition management, making it easier to manage conditions like ADHD with the help of a dedicated team.

• Reducing Absenteeism: SBHCs have been shown to reduce absenteeism in both children and teachers.
• Access to Healthcare: Many children in rural areas lack access to a primary care provider or pediatrician.

At Coastal Community Health Foundation, we believe in giving back to the community when our goals are met. One of the ways we do this is by providing educational opportunities for individuals to pursue careers as medical assistants. By investing in education, we empower community members to build rewarding careers in healthcare, contribute to the well-being of their neighbors, and help meet the growing demand for skilled medical professionals. This initiative not only enhances individual lives but also strengthens the overall health and resilience of our community.