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.
