CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit managed care organization serving more than 430,000 Georgians, awarded $300,000 to support community-based organizations working to address some of the most pressing health issues facing Georgians. This year’s awardees include East Georgia Healthcare Center, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, Sowega Council on Aging and Albany Area Primary Health Care.  

In keeping with CareSource’s commitment to whole-person care, each awardee will receive $75,000 to launch initiatives that tackle social drivers of health, strengthen maternal and integrated care and improve quality of life for people who are aged, blind or disabled. 

“Community organizations are essential partners in helping us close gaps in care,” said Jason Bearden, president of CareSource Georgia. “For more than eight years, we’ve worked alongside local nonprofits to tackle Georgia’s toughest health challenges, address social drivers of health and expand access to care. With these grants, we’re investing in community-driven solutions that make a lasting difference for families across the state.” 

With CareSource’s support, the four organizations will expand or launch initiatives to improve health outcomes and access, including:  

• East Georgia Healthcare Center’s Engage, Enrich, Empower a Healthy Community, which is dedicated to caring for, educating and empowering aging and disabled individuals by reducing isolation and promoting skill-building, socialization and access to vital resources. 

• Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center’s Expanding Access, Elevating Health, which is committed to helping fund the Floyd County Clinic for uninsured and underemployed residents, invests in behavioral health and offers financial counseling and indigent prescription programs and invests in behavioral health. 

• Sowega Council on Aging’s The Freedom of Engagement, which delivers targeted programs and resources aimed at reducing social isolation, improving mobility and accessibility and empowering older adults to remain active and engaged in their communities. 

• Albany Area Primary Health Care, Inc.’s Making Sure Moms Matter, which provides unique opportunities to reduce barriers to care and other challenges facing pregnant women living in rural or high-poverty areas of Georgia.