A center that has provided health information and services, job training, computer assistance and many other resources in Savannah, Georgia, for a quarter of century is reconfiguring its offerings to focus on a pressing community need: chronic disease management.
The African-American Health Information & Resource Center run by St. Joseph's/Candler has identified that chronic disease — including diabetes, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — is prevalent among people living in some of Savannah's most impoverished areas.
A newly hired nurse educator will help provide community members with health information and will assist them in finding health and social services.
Sr. Margaret Beatty, RSM, is a former vice president of mission services for St. Joseph's/Candler and worked with the advisory board of community members that guides the center's mission. "The center has always been a very dynamic place, but because many of the needs it was addressing have now been taken care of, we're now helping people in a variety of new, creative ways," Sr. Beatty says. "The presence of the nurse at the center will be a life-changer."
Brendan Moss, the current vice president of mission services for St. Joseph's/Candler, says the center has accomplished much over the last 25 years. "We hope the next 25 years brings an even more unified approach in how we make a lasting impact and how we promote wellness with our most vulnerable populations," says Moss.
Digital divide
The Catholic St. Joseph's Hospital and the Methodist Candler Hospital and their outpatient network make up St. Joseph's/Candler. St. Joseph's/Candler established the resource center in 1999 to address both the "digital divide" that was keeping many Black residents of Savannah from accessing online resources and the need for health information.
According to the center's website, it is "strategically placed in an area that has been plagued with deep persistent poverty for many years." That website notes that "poverty feeds crime, drugs, homelessness, despair and robs people of hope for decent affordable housing, good health, education and good food and nutrition."
The center has evolved since its founding. It now provides computer access, classes and assistance; job training; health screenings, health seminars, a health literacy program, a fitness club and classes; a resource library; and other offerings.
The center also provides referrals to health and social services. It has developed a website, herohelpme.com, with easy access to numerous Savannah social service organizations, including ones that provide rent and utility assistance, housing, senior services, food aid, transportation, mental health care, and job services.
Sr. Beatty says of the center, "It's become a hub where people know they are welcome, and the staff has built a level of trust" with the community.
Persistent issue
Moss says over the last couple years, St. Joseph's/Candler and the center's leadership reassessed its impact and services. The center already had accomplished much in bridging the digital divide, and with so many people having computers and smartphones and being proficient with technology, those leaders asked themselves where they should focus next.
Moss says that community health needs assessments, including the one that was just completed, identified chronic health conditions as a persistent concern.
Leadership recognized that while the center was offering health information, screenings and referrals, the community could greatly benefit from bolstered offerings. Residents especially needed help understanding their own health needs and how to navigate a complex health care system, says Moss.
The nurse educator will enhance the health information and services available at the resource center and will help people develop their own personal health plan. Moss says the vision is to have a holistic approach to health and health care.
In Savannah, St. Joseph's/Candler has two free clinics and a community center that provide services to poor and vulnerable people. Moss says the plan is to integrate the African-American Health Information & Resource Center with the free clinics and community center to better coordinate care, share patient information and make referrals. Some of the facilities have health navigators who will work closely with the resource center's nurse educator to guide people through the system.
Prospects for improvement
Moss says the nurse educator who St. Joseph's/Candler just hired to staff the center has practiced nursing in the Savannah community. He says she'll be seeking to collaborate closely with local health and social service organizations, both within and outside of St. Joseph's/Candler.
Moss expects positive health outcomes and reduced reliance on the emergency department for preventable conditions. He and Sr. Beatty say they are excited about the possibilities to improve health in Savannah.
Linda McKee, 72, has worked and raised a family in Savannah. She has been a huge fan of the center since her now-adult children were young. She used to take her kids to the free movie nights there. And, over the years, she's turned to the center for countless programs and services. She's received legal help, taken cooking classes, and attended numerous events. She and her daughter both like going to the center when the farm truck arrives with free fresh fruits and vegetables.
Currently, McKee is researching her ancestry. She notes that tracing family histories can be very difficult for African Americans like her because of how systemic issues and slavery complicated recordkeeping in the past. McKee says she is not very computer-savvy, but the center's free computer access and help has made the process easier.
Beyond the practical aid, McKee says she likes going to the center because she often runs into friends and acquaintances, including people she knew many years ago. She says it's fun reminiscing. She also enjoys the many free events the center offers, including a recent gathering centered around pets. In addition to food, socializing and dancing, the event offered information and resources on pet care.
Most of all, McKee likes the atmosphere at the center. "They know your name. They help you," she says. "I truly love it!"