Washington County Regional Medical Center is one of eight hospitals chosen to participate in a Pilot Pediatric Program through a partnership with Mercer University School of Medicine (Mercer) and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Children’s) which aims to improve pediatric health in rural Georgia.
On February 22nd, Governor Brian Kemp announced the initiative, which is funded by a dedicated $200 million long-term sustainable fund allocated by the Children’s Board of Trustees in 2022. “On behalf of all Georgians, especially those who live in rural parts of our state, I want to thank Mercer University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for partnering to tackle this critical need,” stated Kemp. “Since day one on the job, my administration has worked to bring more healthcare options and better health outcomes to all parts of our state, and this partnership will help us make an important step toward that goal. I’m grateful for their efforts and look forward to the impact this program will have.”
Mercer and Children’s proposed pilot projects will help rural hospital emergency rooms be “Kid Ready,” support rural pediatricians with telehealth specialty consults and work with schools, pediatricians, and hospitals to create a comprehensive approach to pediatric mental health through virtual services and a focus on suicide awareness and prevention.
“As a pediatrician practicing in a rural area, I am thrilled about the collaboration between Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Mercer School of Medicine,” said Dr. Jennifer Tarbutton, Mercer School of Medicine Board of Governors Chair. Children’s is recognized as a premier provider of pediatric care in the nation, and as a graduate of their pediatric residency program, I know firsthand the value of this program. This collaboration and Mercer’s planned pilots are the first step to creating access to educational opportunities and top-quality specialists for pediatricians in rural Georgia.”
“I am also a proud graduate of the School of Medicine and also know firsthand how committed Mercer is to educate physicians who work in rural areas to provide high quality medical care to all ages. In addition, Mercer continues to work in areas of research to understand the disparities in health and to find the best solutions to correct these differences. The state of Georgia is fortunate to have both Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Mercer School of Medicine working together to strengthen pediatric care across our state.”
“The past few years have impacted kids and healthcare providers across the state. Children’s is very excited to work with Mercer University School of Medicine and the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center (GRHIC), as a trusted community partner suited to guide us in addressing the current and future needs of Georgia’s rural pediatric population. We believe that together we can make an impact on kids in Georgia’s rural communities now and for generations to come,” said Donna Hyland, CEO at Children’s.
WCRMC’s Interim CEO, Kerry Trapnell, stated, “We are honored to be selected as one of the eight hospitals in the state to participate in the program. Children in Washington County should have the same access to excellent pediatric care right here, close to home. We are extremely blessed to have Dr. Tarbutton be an integral part of this program as well.”
For more information about the services offered at Washington County Regional Medical Center, call 478-240-2000, or visit online at www.wcrmc.com.
Original source can be found here.
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