Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA) announced today that the Coastal Medical Access Project will receive nearly $400,000 in a federal grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. The funds, which were secured by Congressman Kingston last year, will be used to support a chronic disease prevention program intended to relieve emergency rooms and reduce costs in Glynn, McIntosh, and Camden Counties.
"Not only will this funding improve the health and well being of our coastal communities, it will save local tax dollars by keeping patients out of the emergency room," said Kingston. "We hope that this will serve as a pilot project and the lessons learned here can be applied across Georgia and across the nation to achieve a massive savings in emergency room spending. I commend CMAP for its work, its dedications to those it serves and its support for our community."
The funds will be used to support a program that identifies, and assists patients in successfully managing or avoiding debilitating conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma. Often, in spite of excellent clinical care, people struggle to successfully manage these conditions. The consequence of doing so is often tragic and costly to the patient and the community.
Those suffering from chronic disease often utilize emergency rooms for medical care. Prevention not only reduces the need for ER visits, thereby saving tax dollars, it also reduces their own medical costs.
"CMAP's Patient Navigators, building on what was learned in the successful federally funded demonstration program that concluded on August 31 of this year," said Edward Bland, CEO. "We will actively reach out to these populations, enroll them into the program and work with them to identify and remove the barriers that are preventing them from enjoying the longest and healthiest possible lives."
In addition to the patient navigation and chronic disease prevention program, CMAP also operates two free clinics and a prescription drug assistance program. The Southeast Georgia Health System is a key local supporter providing funds, facilities and clinical staff. Other key supporters include the United Thank Offering of the Episcopal Church Women, United Way, WebMD Health Foundation and the Kresge Foundation.