The Medical Center Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), recently received a $10,000 grant from Georgia Power on behalf of the Hall County Medical Society’s Health Access Initiative (HAI).

"Corporations such as Georgia Power provide a tremendous opportunity for The Medical Center Foundation to partner and work together to improve the health of our community," said Nancy Colston, executive director of The Medical Center Foundation. "We are truly grateful for this partnership and the opportunities it lends us."

Identified as one of The Medical Center Foundation’s community health improvement projects of its Healthy Journey II Campaign, HAI is a physician-driven project of the Hall County Medical Society that seeks to improve access to medical care for uninsured adults at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and living in Hall County. According to HAI, approximately one in 10 people in Hall County don't have health insurance. Many of these individuals are working and contributing to our local economy, but do not have access to medical insurance because they are self-employed or employed by small businesses which do not provide company-supported insurance plans. In most cases, when they do need medical attention, they turn to hospital emergency rooms.

Health Access Initiative provides a structure for local doctors and health organizations to volunteer their time and talent to care for these individuals. HAI is not a direct healthcare provider, but serves as a clearinghouse, linking eligible adults in Hall County with a coordinated network of existing providers and services. Currently there are over 160 private practice physicians, representing 22 specialties, who volunteer their time to see HAI patients. Health Access Initiative has been recognized by the Healthcare Georgia Foundation with the Foundation’s 2006 Community Service Collaborative Award.

"Georgia Power wants to give back to the communities in which our employees work and live," says Darrell Snyder, the regional area manager for Georgia Power. "We are pleased to support a collaborative effort such as HAI which utilizes physician volunteers, health organizations, existing providers and services to benefit the community. We are extremely proud of our long term relationship with NGHS and the positive support they provide for the economic growth of the northeast Georgia area."

The Medical Center Foundation was established in 1986 as the philanthropic arm of NGHS. Its purpose is to educate community leaders, to provide funds that will ensure excellence in services and to provide a legacy of support for projects, programs and facilities that fit within the mission of improving the health of our community. The Medical Center Foundation provides an avenue for community partners to support various health related initiatives to meet the many health needs within our region of the state.

For more information about HAI or The Medical Center Foundation, call (770)533-8099.