Healthcare Georgia Foundation launched the Two Georgias Initiative with a bold vision: To create a durable model to address the vast health inequities that plague rural communities.
Now, with the release of a comprehensive primer and video series, the Foundation is offering an inside look at the pioneering initiative that serves as a roadmap for philanthropy, government, and public health organizations to help improve health equity, healthcare access, and quality of life in rural communities.
Launched in 2017, the Two Georgias Initiative was designed to address the deep divide between urban centers and rural communities when it comes to health-focused resources such as access to health providers, nutritious foods, transportation options, and emerging tele-health tools.
The Initiative responded to these gaps by focusing on improving health and healthcare systems; addressing health disparities; providing equity training; and building community, organizational, and individual leadership capacity across 11 rural communities. Each community’s efforts were led by local coalitions that brought together community organizations to set priorities and carry out work on the ground.
“The Two Georgias Initiative empowered rural communities to identify their most pressing needs and then provided robust support and resources to help them develop sustainable solutions,” said Kristy Klein Davis, Healthcare Georgia Foundation President. “The innovation and collaboration that emerged in these communities was remarkable.”
The flexibility of the funding led to a range of projects. The coalitions launched mobile health units, built playgrounds, established walking trails and exercise paths, planted community gardens, and expanded mental health and addiction services. One community created “little libraries” in three local hair salons. Another formed a local chapter of Prevent T2, a free diabetes prevention program focused on nutrition and lifestyle change. A third supported…
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