Residents in several north Georgia counties are being asked to take part in a series of focus groups. St. Mary’s Healthcare and the UGA are working together to gather information needed for the 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment.
Mark Ralston says the information is needed to meet a federal government requirement.
“Every three years the IRS requires nonprofit hospitals like St. Mary’s to put together a Community Health Needs Assessment,” according to Ralston. “And to do that we are getting input from area residents all across our service area and we’re not in the process of getting people enrolled to do those focus groups.”
Ralston says the information received through focus groups and other methods allows for the best possible use of health resources in the community.
“It’ll be an opportunity for people to come in and tell us about their health needs. Everything from how hard it may be to get transportation to and from a doctor’s office, or whether there are needs in the community that are not being addressed, or even things that are being addressed but could be done better.
He says UGA will summarize the results and allow experts to concentrate on the most pressing issues. Devote resources to the areas of most need.
“To find the 10 areas that we can make the most impact on, then we will develop programs, often in conjunction with community partners, to address t hose needs as best we can.”
4:27 we have to know what the need is…what we do is find the 10 areas.
The next focus group will be held on Monday, Feb. 11, from 3:30-5 p.m. at the Jackson County EMC office, 85 Spratlin Mill Dr, Hull.
For more information, visit St. Mary's website.
