REVITALIZING RURAL HEALTHCARE: A LANDMARK ER PROJECT One of the most transformative developments in the county’s history has been establishing Georgia’s first rural freestanding emergency room. For years, residents faced significant challenges accessing critical healthcare, with lengthy trips to neighboring areas being the norm for emergencies. This new facility has eliminated those barriers and set a new standard for rural healthcare in the region. Since opening its doors in October, the freestanding ER has averaged 55 patient visits daily, serving over 16,500 individuals within its first few months. Equipped with a stroke center, CT scans, x-ray capabilities, a full lab, and outpatient services, the facility addresses a wide range of healthcare needs. Its impact has extended beyond the county’s borders, drawing patients from neighboring areas and even Alabama. Blake Elsberry, County Sole Commissioner, reflects on the overwhelming demand for the facility: “I told them when they first built it, ‘You’re not ready for the volume.’” The success of the ER highlights the pressing need for accessible healthcare in rural areas. Remarkably, the project was funded entirely through external partnerships, without financial burden on the county. Elsberry shares the behind-the-scenes efforts, noting, “I personally cold-called healthcare organizations until I found a partner willing to invest.This was a need we couldn’t afford to ignore.” The project’s success has not gone unnoticed, earning the county the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) County of Excellence Award for 2024 and recognition in publications like Georgia Trend. Beyond its immediate healthcare benefits, the ER symbolizes what strategic planning and communityfocused leadership can achieve. Looking ahead, county leaders envision the facility expanding its range of services and continuing to serve as a vital resource for surrounding regions. ENHANCING EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) Building on the ER’s success momentum, the county has drastically improved its emergency medical 87 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12 CHATTOOGA COUNTY, GA
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