Navicent Health Foundation Approves $150,000 Grant for First Choice Primary Care
Health System Continues Support for Local FQHC
Navicent Health Foundation and its board of directors have approved a $150,000 grant to First Choice Primary Care, continuing the health system's commitment to Bibb County's Federally Qualified Health Center.
Grant funds will be used to assist First Choice Primary Care as they transition to a larger medical office space, allowing the clinic to maintain and expand services, financing both renovations and medical equipment for First Choice Primary Care's new clinic location at 400 Poplar Street.
"Access to primary care has been identified as a major issue in Macon-Bibb County. Access to a primary care provider is particularly important for patients that have been hospitalized and need a medical home after a hospital stay. Through our continued partnership with Atrium Health Navicent, we've been able to significantly reduce emergency visits and readmissions to the hospital. We're excited about the possibilities for expanding our partnership in our new medical office," said Katherine McLeod, Chief Executive Officer of First Choice Primary Care.
Atrium Health Navicent and First Choice Primary Care have partnered since 2017 to improve access to care for local residents, providing a medical home and service coordination to patients who do not have a primary care provider. Together, the two organizations have supported primary care offices in Macon neighborhoods, working to ensure that care is close to home for residents.
"Navicent Health Foundation's mission is to maximize donor resources to improve the health of our region through community and hospital partnerships. Funds given locally remain within the community to support local needs. We're pleased to support First Choice Primary Care, an organization that is doing tremendous work for Bibb County and central Georgians," said Tom Gibbons, Chair of Navicent Health Foundation's Board of Directors.
About First Choice Primary Care
First Choice Primary Care (FCPC) is a private non-profit health center offering primary care to anyone, regardless of their residence, insurance or employment status. FCPC is governed by a local board of directors and receives a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration that allows us to discount charges based on family income. In 2018, doctors and nurse practitioners employed at FCPC provided care to over 10,000 patients at six locations in Macon and Warner Robins.
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent, the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Atrium Health Navicent provides care for healthcare consumers' through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Atrium Health Navicent is dedicated enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally-recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.navicenthealth.org.