Innovations in Cross Sector Funding of New and Renovated Facilities in a Georgia Public Health District
Abstract
Background:
Georgia law requires county governments to provide public health facilities and adequately equip them. Access to care for those most in need is often hampered by location and design of facilities. Boards of health are challenged to improve access to care because they do not have the resources, generally to maintain and/or build facilities. Nor do they have the power to oversee their own facility expansion and development.
Method:
The presentation will demonstrate how District 5-2 successfully collaborated to replace thirteen public health facilities in its thirteen-county district in seven years. Using data from its Special Projects office and before and after photos, they have shown that client perception of the facility is often linked to increased revenue, expansion of programs, and clinical staff. Improved facilities is a major component of client satisfaction and ultimately a positive impression of public health services. Creating that positive impact results in more return visits and improved access.
Result:
Making facilities modern and easily accessible has allowed for upwards of twenty-five to forty-eight percent increases in program revenue in multiple clinics in District 5-2.. Increases in program revenue allow for additional improvements to and ongoing maintenance of facilities and expansion of staff.
Conclusion:
Investment in staff at the district level for facility and resource management reaps rewards at the local level and allows for facility and program growth. Creative partnerships between local, state, federal and private sources are more likely to be funded by grantor agencies that those who utilize one source of funding. The public we serve, regardless of income is entitled to the use of a modern clean and inviting environment similar to what the private sector provides.
Keywords
Infrastructure, collaboration, facilties, grants, investment, modern, accessible
Innovations in Cross Sector Funding of New and Renovated Facilities in a Georgia Public Health District
Background:
Georgia law requires county governments to provide public health facilities and adequately equip them. Access to care for those most in need is often hampered by location and design of facilities. Boards of health are challenged to improve access to care because they do not have the resources, generally to maintain and/or build facilities. Nor do they have the power to oversee their own facility expansion and development.
Method:
The presentation will demonstrate how District 5-2 successfully collaborated to replace thirteen public health facilities in its thirteen-county district in seven years. Using data from its Special Projects office and before and after photos, they have shown that client perception of the facility is often linked to increased revenue, expansion of programs, and clinical staff. Improved facilities is a major component of client satisfaction and ultimately a positive impression of public health services. Creating that positive impact results in more return visits and improved access.
Result:
Making facilities modern and easily accessible has allowed for upwards of twenty-five to forty-eight percent increases in program revenue in multiple clinics in District 5-2.. Increases in program revenue allow for additional improvements to and ongoing maintenance of facilities and expansion of staff.
Conclusion:
Investment in staff at the district level for facility and resource management reaps rewards at the local level and allows for facility and program growth. Creative partnerships between local, state, federal and private sources are more likely to be funded by grantor agencies that those who utilize one source of funding. The public we serve, regardless of income is entitled to the use of a modern clean and inviting environment similar to what the private sector provides.
