Carroll EMC supports Carroll Tomorrow
In recognition of the importance of economic development to the quality of life in Carroll County, Carroll EMC made a contribution to Carroll Tomorrow as part of their five-year commitment to Advantage Carroll 2020. (Fourth from left) Loy Howard, President/CEO of Tanner Health System and co-chairman of Carroll Tomorrow, accepts the check from CEMC board member W.S. Harmon, who also sits on the Carroll Tomorrow board of directors. Representing CEMC were (l-r) Jerome Johnston, COO, and board members Emmett Harrod and Eddie Gore. Accepting the check on behalf of Carroll Tomorrow were (l-r) board members Jim Gill, Mary Covington, Ben Butler and Daniel Jackson, President/CEO of the Carroll County Chamber and Carroll Tomorrow.
YourTown Health Keeps West Georgia Economy Healthy Too
“Last year, YourTown Health saved the Georgia healthcare system more than 14 million dollars, reduced unnecessary hospitalizations and had a multi-million dollar economic impact on the six county region we serve,” said Jon W. Wollenzien, Jr., Chief Executive Officer.
For 50+ years, America’s community health centers, like West Georgia’s YourTown Health, have provided cost-effective, comprehensive, preventive and primary care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay. In 2015, YourTown Health’s network of six clinics provided quality care to the most vulnerable and underserved members of the West Georgia community – men and women, elderly and young children, veterans, minorities and more. In addition to the large safety net it provides, YourTown Health also generated a great economic impact to the area that included jobs, tax revenue and savings on a burdened healthcare system.
Lower healthcare costs are an added benefit to having a health center in your community. “Because we keep healthcare costs to a minimum and provide integrated medical and dental care under one roof, we generate cost savings for the entire healthcare system,” said Wollenzien. Studies show that people who use a community health center such as YourTown Health have lower rates of emergency department visits and fewer hospital admissions. Even uninsured patients are less likely to delay care because of cost or inability to refill a prescription. Health centers also provide much-needed access to quality preventive care that can reduce low birth rate and control hypertension, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Even if people have insurance coverage and can afford care, it may be beyond reach because of cultural, language, transportation or other barriers.
Accelerated Growth for Cancer Treatment Center
In August 2012, Cancer Treatment Centers of America opened its fifth and newest regional destination hospital outside Atlanta in Newnan, Ga. A recent study by the Center for Business and Economics Research at the University of West Georgia Richards College of Business found that the hospital’s economic impact vastly exceeded expectations, generating generated $893 million in economic activity in Georgia, and $659 million in Coweta County alone.
The facility, which opened with nearly 200 employees, now employs more than 1,000 – in addition to more than 200 physicians across specialties – greatly surpassing its initial projection of 500 employees over the first five years of operation. Coweta County’s close proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the amenities in the community and the strong quality of life helped in the decision-making process.