In the last quarter of 2007, a healthcare consortium was formed for Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties.  Funded by a Safety Net Planning Grant from the state Office of Rural Health, Georgia Department of Community Health, the consortium is assessing needs and having community forums in each of the counties.  The assessments, data from consultants and studies from task groups will assist the consortium in planning a regional healthcare system.  This plan, if selected by the state, could draw funding to this region to implement the plan.

Residents in Long County have an opportunity to share their healthcare concerns and priorities at a community healthcare forum at 6 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the senior citizen’s center in Ludowici.  Another forum will be scheduled for residents in the northern part of the county later that week.

Questions may be directed to Kathy Rowell, nurse manager at the Long County Health Department (545-2107, ext. 233) or to Linda Ratcliffe at 876-2173, ext. 236.