New Company Brings Together Central Georgias Two Premier Emergency Medical Care Providers
Navicent Health EMS and Mid Georgia Ambulance partner to create ConnectHealth
MACON, GA (Sept. 22, 2015) - Navicent Health Emergency Medical Services (Navicent) and Mid Georgia Ambulance (MGA), a member organization of Community Health Services of Georgia, have formed ConnectHealth, a new, not-for-profit organization aimed at further enhancing the efficiency of emergency care services to Central Georgia. Through the venture, Navicent and MGA are bringing together their respective emergency medical services in Baldwin, Bibb, Jones and Twiggs counties to work jointly on the delivery of quality emergency care services.
Bob Powell, senior vice president of business and strategy development at Navicent Health, will serve as president of ConnectHealth. Powell brings significant experience in medical transportation to the team.
“The formation of the new organization will provide excellent care and the economic fortitude for long-term growth and sustainability in a rapidly changing healthcare environment that is impacting the way in which care is delivered across the spectrum of care, including caring for and transporting patients,” said Powell. “Together, we will continue to deliver exceptional emergency care through a connected community of emergency responders and shared services.”
The name ConnectHealth reflects the new organization's mission to come together to positively contribute to the overall health and wellness of the communities we serve. ConnectHealth will aim to serve our community by providing emergency response coverage, streamlining patient transfers, and exchanging best practices to add value for patients.
“The formation of ConnectHealth is an important action in preserving a local solution to our community's healthcare needs,” said Ronnie Rollins, CEO of Community Health Services of Georgia. “By working together, we will continue to efficiently and safely transport patients to local healthcare providers. Additionally, throughout the creation of ConnectHealth, we will honor and value the dedicated frontline workers in both Navicent Health Emergency Medical Services and Mid Georgia Ambulance who provide great care and service every day. We recognize that those who touch our customers and communities every day are our most valuable assets.”
Dr. Dennis Ashley, medical director of trauma services at Navicent Health, will serve as medical director of the new organization. “The goal of this partnership is to provide a consistent level of high quality care through the collaborative development of protocols and procedures for local emergency response services to enhance the health and wellness of the communities we serve,” said Ashley.
ConnectHealth will be led by a new Board of Directors, with representation from both organizations. Over the coming weeks, leaders from Navicent EMS and MGA will work to integrate the organizations in a variety of ways.
“This exciting effort between Navicent Health EMS and MGA reflects where the future of healthcare is headed,” said Dr. Ninfa Saunders, president and CEO of Navicent Health. “As healthcare continues to evolve, innovative, community-minded providers are exploring how to best meet the needs of populations through partnerships with likeminded organizations. ConnectHealth will positively contribute to emergency care in our community, and by working together, we can do more for the people we serve.”
Between now and the end of the year, Navicent and MGA will work to integrate the two organizations and expect to officially launch as ConnectHealth in early 2016. Additionally, ConnectHealth has engaged Washko & Associates, a nationally recognized expert in EMS, to assist with the transition.
To learn more, visit www.connecthealthems.org.