According to the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center, Twiggs County ranks 158th in the state out of 159 counties in health outcomes. UnitedHealthcare is committed to addressing health disparities that exist in rural communities and is dedicated to reducing barriers that contribute to poor health outcomes.
With the help of a $190,000 grant from UnitedHealthcare, the Live Well Twiggs collaborative will build a new community health education center in Jeffersonville to improve the quality of life for local residents. The new center will create a hub for social service and health agencies to provide programs, education, and resources to promote health and wellness.
The collaborative partnership includes the Development Authority of the City of Jeffersonville, Twiggs County, and the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center at Mercer University School of Medicine. The Development Authority of the city of Jeffersonville will also be investing in the center, which will be operated by Community Health Care Systems (CHCS).
“This health education center will provide programs and resources to address direct concerns of community members right in their own backyards,” said Michael Minor, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Georgia. “We applaud the vision of those who made this possible and thank all the partners involved for coming together to improve the health of our communities by increasing access to essential care for Georgians.”
The health education center will be approximately 3,750 square feet and will include classroom space, health services, exterior walking trails and community gardens. CHCS will offer classes that address a multitude of health issues experienced by the citizens of Twiggs County. The health education center aims to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities for the rural community. Construction is scheduled to begin in late fall and targeted for completion by mid-2023. A ground-breaking ceremony will be announced later this year.
