An innovative program that provides home health visits to chronically ill, underserved patients in Habersham County is again being recognized for its positive impact on the community.
Habersham received a 2023 Georgia County Excellence Award for its Community Paramedicine Program during the statewide county commissioners’ conference this past weekend in Savannah. The Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) and Georgia Trend magazine sponsor the annual award, recognizing counties that have taken innovative and cost-effective approaches to solving local issues.
Launched in 2017, the paramedicine program provides in-home health for county residents who might not otherwise receive healthcare or who frequent the local hospital emergency room. The program aims to improve health outcomes while also reducing unpaid ER visits. It also has succeeded in reducing non-urgent E-911 call volumes.
The paramedicine program also serves as a lifeline beyond healthcare. It provides valuable social interaction for shut-ins and helps patients connect with the social services they need.
Paramedics Hope Adams and Jim Wood have been with the program since it began. In 2022 the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference honored them with its award for excellence. The Georgia County Excellence Award recognizes the county commissioners, staff, and community partners who are involved with and support the program.
Habersham County Emergency Services Director and Fire Chief Jeff Adams accepted the award on behalf of the county during the ACCG’s annual conference on Saturday, April 29. He was joined by Habersham County Commission Chair Ty Akins.
During the conference, Akins and Habersham County Commission Vice Chair Bruce Harkness were also recognized for completing their county commission training. They attended the conference along with fellow commissioner Bruce Palmer, Habersham County Manager Alicia Vaughn, and county attorney Donnie Hunt.
