The Coastal Healthcare Alliance heard reports from area health care providers at its September meeting at the Liberty County Historic Courthouse.
Established in 2012 as a result of a Strategic Health Plan and Needs Assessment Study conducted for the Fort Stewart Growth Management Partnership (FSGMP), the consortium of civilian and military healthcare providers meets quarterly to collaborate and share information on health care activities in the Liberty County and Fort Stewart area.
Led by Donald Lovette, Liberty County Commission chairman and director of Laboratory Services at Liberty Regional Medical Center, the alliance brings together healthcare professionals from the area’s medical and behavioral healthcare providers. Among those represented at the meeting were Diversity Healthcare, Gateway Behavioral Services, Fraser Center, Liberty Regional Medical Center and Georgia Wellcare.
Gregory Rosso of Georgia Wellcare reported that his organization’s main objective is to work to fill in gaps between healthcare providers and underserved populations in Georgia. Bridgett Coleman of Diversity Healthcare reported that the organization has recently opened a new clinic on Gen. Stewart Way in Hinesville, and the staff is working toward the construction of a new facility to provide comprehensive medical and dental services adjacent to the existing location on Fraser Drive in Hinesville.
Jennifer Sears of Gateway Behavioral Health reported on a new public outreach initiative to enhance the provision of behavioral services in the area. Additionally, Pat Swicord of Liberty Regional Medical Center reported on the addition of a pediatrician and nurse practitioner to the staff.
Teresa Winn of the Fraser Counseling Center reported on the agency’s participation in the Veterans Treatment Court. Both Swicord and Winn reported on collaborative efforts of Liberty Regional and the Fraser Center to provide enhanced services to veterans.
The alliance’s next meeting will be at 3 p.m. Jan. 17 in the Liberty County Main Library on Memorial Drive in Hinesville. At that time there will be an update of healthcare services from each attending agency and a followup discussion of the desire of Chairman Lovette to create a county wellness program.
For more information about the alliance, contact Jeff Ricketson at 912-408-2030 or jricketson@thelcpc.org or visit www.thelcpc.org.