The Central Savannah River Area Partnership for Community Health (the Partnership) began in 1993 when three partners (the Richmond County Health Department, the Richmond County Commission and University Hospital) met to discuss ways to improve indigent care in Richmond County. After some deliberation, it was decided that the concept should be broadened and that other partners should be involved. Subsequently, 120 community leaders were interviewed to assess the community readiness to collaborate, to determine key issues and key resource holders. In 1995, the Partnership was incorporated and now consists of seven hospitals, two health departments and leaders of 42 community organizations including social service agencies, churches, businesses, community organizations, and governmental agencies.

 

During the initial stages of the organization, the Partnership chose to develop strategies around three specific areas: access to care, child health and a health status assessment of the community. The health status assessment took place over a six-month period in 1994-95. The health status assessment indicated that the 30901 and 30906 zip code areas were areas with very high health status disparities and social service needs. The data from the assessment were used extensively by the Partnership to develop neighborhood strategies and programs localized within these zip code communities. We have organized communit; helped communities develop community plans; implemented two health centers; assisted in the development of social services programs including youth and eldercare programs; provided care management services to the high risk clients of the health centers; developed a web-based resource directory; and assisted in the development of the 211 information and referral system which allows residents to dial the number 211 on their telephones and receive information about health and human services.

 

The Partnership continues to implement infrastructure and disease management projects as a result of federal government grants and in-kind contributions from Partnership agencies. These activities include the implementation of management information systems which provide for a computerized patient record for patients who receive care at the 30901 zip code area health center, the 30906 zip code area health center and University Hospital where most patients receive their in-patient and some specialty care.