Safety Net members shares results. Once a year, all providers submit a set of data to the Evaluation Committee. The annual evaluation compares key metrics across previous years so we can document our progress, measure our successes, better understand new issues and challenges, and get an idea of what key areas that need to be addressed.

Annual Evaluation:
CCSNPC 2017 Evaluation
CCSNPC 2016 Evaluation
CCSNPC 2015 Evaluation
CCSNPC 2014 Baseline Behavioral and Addictive Health Evaluation
CCSNPC 2014 Evaluation
CCSNPC 2013 Evaluation
CCSNPC 2012 Evaluation
CCSNPC 2011 Evaluation
CCSNPC 2010 Evaluation
CCSNPC 2009 Evaluation
CCSNPC 2008 Evaluation

Annual Reports:
2011-2012 Annual Report
2010-2011 Annual Report
2009-2010 Annual Report

Audits:

2022 Audit
2021 Audit
2020 Audit
2019 Audit
2018 Audit
2016-2017 Audit
2015 Audit
2014 Audit
2013 Audit
2012 Audit
2011 Audit
2010 Audit

Form 990:
Form 990 2021
Form 990 2020
Form 990 2019
Form 990 2018
Form 990 2017
Form 990 2016
Form 990 2015

2004 Chatham County Technical Assistance Report

2020 Oral Health Needs Assessment

Copies of governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial documents are available upon request. Contact Executive Director at 912-644-5219 for requests.

Brochures:

Did You Know Brochure English

Did You Know Brochure Spanish

Health Resources Brochure English

Health Resources Brochure Spanish

Please contact us to learn about our mailing lists.

The CCSNPC partners include providers of care to the uninsured and underinsured, including the Health Department, federally qualified health centers, volunteer medicine clinics, and both hospital systems, local businesses, community organizations and representatives from city and county government.

Government

• Chatham County
• City of Savannah
• Chatham County Health Department
• Chatham County Department of Family and Children Services
• Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Gateway Community Service Board

Federally Qualified Health Centers

• Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care, Inc.
• J. C. Lewis Primary Health Care Center, Inc.

Community Health Clinics

• St. Joseph’s/Candler’s St. Mary’s Health Center
• St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Good Samaritan Clinic
• Chatham CARE Center, a Health Department Ryan White Clinic

Hospital Systems

• Memorial Health University Medical Center
• St. Joseph’s/Candler Health Systems

Other Community Partners

• United Way of the Coastal Empire
• Step Up Savannah
• Savannah Business Group
• MedBank

Chatham County Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services Directory (Ages 0-17)

Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council Resource Brochure 2019-2020 (Printable PDF)

Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless Resource Guide

Dental Lifeline Network: Access to affordable dental care and education

Health Effective Resource Organizations (HERO), St.Joseph’s/Candler African-American Health Information & Resource Center

Edel Caregiver Institute (Hospice Savannah Caregiver Support)

Information and Guidelines

• Georgia Department of Public Health/Coastal Health District – Georgia COVID-19 Information & Hotline.
  
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – National guidelines for Coronavirus prevention and care.

Financial Assistance

• Coronavirus Tax Relief – The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.
• U.S. Department of Treasury: Coronavirus: Resources, Updates, and What You Should Know – Information and resources for supporting American workers and businesses who are impacted by the coronavirus.

National Mental Health Resources

• National Institute of Mental Health – Coronavirus Disease 2019 news, updates and resources.
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center -Resources to support mental health and coping with the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Managing Anxiety and Stress – This web page contains basic guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on managing mental health stressors during COVID-19.
• Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation during an Infectious Disease Outbreak – This tip sheet from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides information on typical reactions to social distancing, quarantine, and isolation, and ways to take care of oneself. The sheet also provides a list of hotlines and other resources for obtaining help.
• Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak – This information sheet from the World Health Organization (WHO) contains suggestions for coping with COVID-19 for the general population and specific groups including health care workers, caretakers of children and older adults, and people living in isolation.
• Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty – This blog post from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) provides five suggestions for coping with the uncertainty due to COVID-19.
• Coronavirus Anxiety: Helpful Expert Tips and Resources – This web page, updated daily by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), contains links to a wide variety of resources for coping with general anxiety and some specific anxiety disorders during COVID-19, including articles, information sheets, blog posts, and videos.

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Resources for Emotional Wellbeing 

• Mindful Self-Compassion in the Media – Chatham-Savannah media releases about coping with fear and anxiety in the time of COVID-19
• Self-Compassion Check-ins – Video-based brief practices for coping with difficult emotions during COVID-19
• 10 Self-Compassion Practices for COVID-19 – Practices from the Mindful Self-Compassion program developed by Chris Germer and Kristin neff. All these practices can be found in The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.
• Pandemic Care Resources – Mediation Teacher, Tara Brach, offers a care package that includes talks and guided meditations to support you through these difficult times.

What is a Medical Home?

It is a place where the healthcare provider knows you. You can go there to get advice about how you can be well. Your healthcare provider will help you reach your health goals like losing weight, getting your blood pressure under control, learning how to eat right, taking your medications correctly or giving you support with any other health goal you may have. You will find people who care about your overall well-being.

Does the Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council (Planning Council) provide care?

Not directly, but our family of providers does.

Does the Planning Council provide insurance?

No. Our providers do not require that you have health insurance. Depending on the provider you choose there is staff available to assist you with enrolling into Medicaid, Peachcare for Kids and/or a plan offered through the Marketplace.

How do I find a Medical Home?

Visit our Healthcare page. You will find information about each of our providers. There is also important information about who qualifies for health care at each location and what to bring with you when you visit for the first time.

Remember, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should immediately dial “911” for emergency services.

What if I don’t have insurance?

Our providers do not require that you have health insurance coverage. Depending on which provider you choose, you will need to bring information with you to confirm that you qualify for care. Typically, this includes documents that verify your income, family size and confirmation of identification.

Each provider has staff that will assist you with applying for Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids and/or ACA coverage.

What if I have no income or I am homeless?

There is a medical home in Chatham County which specializes in providing care to the homeless population.  J.C. Lewis Health Center is the Federally Qualified Health Center designated to care for the homeless. If you have no income, you may choose to visit the J. C. Lewis Health Center, Curtis V. Cooper Primary HealthCare, Inc., St. Joseph’s /Candler Mission Services clinics, St. Mary’s or Good Samaritan. Your visit may be at no or very low cost.

Will I have to pay before I am seen?

At some of the providers, federal regulations require that fees are collected at the time of service. Others have a policy that you must contribute a small donation for your care. Do not be concerned. These fees are extremely reasonable and are not meant to keep you from getting the care you need. You should ask this question when you make your first appointment with the provider you choose so that you will come prepared.

How do I decide which place is best for me?

Each one of our providers is a bit different. First decide who in your family needs care. If you have children or an elderly family member, you may want to explore the Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care or the J.C. Lewis Health Center. Both are Federally Qualified Health Centers and offer a broad range of health care services.

If you are pregnant, you will find prenatal care at Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care.

If you are an adult who needs a check up, needs health screening or has chronic disease needing ongoing care, you can choose any of our providers. You may want to find the one with a location and hours which work best with your mode of transportation and schedule.

What are the clinic hours?

These vary by provider, but often include evening hours for your convenience. Please refer to the Healthcare section of this website.

How do I make an appointment?

Appointments are made directly with each provider. The contact numbers are in the Healthcare section. All appointments are made by telephone during business hours.

Some providers accept walk-in patients. This is not recommended! You will have to wait until the people with scheduled appointments are seen. The staff will not be prepared for your visit in advance. It is best that you call for an appointment in advance. If you are sick, call ahead and ask for the best time to arrive.   Unfortunately, you may have to wait, but you will be seen. ??Remember, if you are experiencing symptoms that you feel are life-threatening, call “911” for emergency care immediately.

How long do I have to wait to get an appointment?

This depends on the provider and the care you need. Please call and speak with the providers for information about appointment availability.

What do I need to bring with me?

Each provider has listed their requirements in the Healthcare section of this website, but the best thing to do is to ask when you make an appointment.

How do I get help with prescriptions?

The best thing to do is to tell your health care provider that you need help. You may be referred to a MedBank representative who can help you find the program that is right for you. Click here for more information on prescription assistance.

How do I find dental care?

In the Healthcare section, you will find information about dental care providers for adults and for children. Call the provider directly for information and/or an appointment during the office hours provided.

Is there help with vision or eyeglasses?

Call your provider. Some providers have on-site vision assistance and some have an agreement with an eye doctor who will see you at his or her office.

What kind of health screening is available?

Most providers offer:

• Blood Pressure Checks
• Screening for Diabetes
• Pap Smears
• Mammograms
• HIV/AIDS testing
• Testing and Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Pregnancy Tests
• Oral Health Screenings

Check the Healthcare section to find which provider has the services you need.

Are there services for HIV/AIDS or STDs?

Yes, through almost all of our providers. Check the information in the Healthcare section and call the provider to verify that the service you need is something they offer.

What about help with mental illness or addiction?

The Georgia Department of Human Resources has set up a 24/7 telephone service which provides information about all services available for help with mental illness or addiction, for all ages. Counselors are also available to talk to you if you need advice. Call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 1-800-715-4225 or visit www.mygcal.com.

What Women’s Health services are available?

Most providers offer:

• Pregnancy Testing
• Pap Smears
• Annual Gynecologic Visits
• Mammograms
• Women’s Health Education
• Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections
• HIV/AIDS Testing

Prenatal care is available at Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care.

Are there services for adults?

Yes, all of our providers are ready to care for adults who need check-ups, screening, ongoing care for a chronic disease or advice to address a short-term health issue.

Are there services for children?

Yes, at the Federally Qualified Health Centers, Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Center and J.C. Lewis Primary Health Care. The Chatham County Health Department has a Children’s Services department offering special programs for children as well as immunizations for all ages.

What if I need to see a medical specialist?

Some providers have specialists who come to the clinic site or hold specialty clinics at regularly scheduled times. Please contact a provider listed in the Healthcare section for an appointment. If you require specialty care at an office outside of the clinic, your primary care provider will make every effort to arrange an appointment for you.

How can the Care Navigator help me?

If you are unsure which provider to contact after looking at the Health Care Resources Page, the Care Navigator can help direct you to a provider. She can explain what paperwork you need to bring to your appointment. The Care Navigator can answer your questions about your healthcare options. You can reach the Care Navigator at (912)356-2887.

How about Health Education and Wellness?

Absolutely, yes! Talk to your health caregiver. There are all types of programs within each location and available in the Chatham County community. Depending on your health education needs, you will be matched with the program that is right for you.

How can I volunteer?

You may contact the agencies directly for information on volunteering.

Can I complete my internship/preceptor at your clinic?

You may contact the agencies directly for information on internships and/or preceptors.

How can I donate?

Many of our partner agencies accept donations. You may contact the provider or agency you are interested in donating to directly.   United Way of the Coastal Empire receives donations on behalf of some of our member agencies. Please contact the local office for additional information.

Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. CCSNPC does not accept funds or donations of any kind which are intended for a partner or member organization. However, you may donate directly to CCSNPC administrative fund by contacting the Executive Director’s office.

Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council is a county-wide planning body of key stakeholders, including providers, government representatives, advocates, funders, academics and consumers. Our goal is to strengthen the health care infrastructure for primary and behavioral health care and build capacity within our community’s safety net system, improving access to affordable care and the quality of that care for the uninsured and underinsured. Ultimately, we strive to improve health outcomes in Chatham County by working together on common problems.

Our Mission

Our History

In 2004, the Chatham County Safety Net Planning (Planning Council) was created to assist the Chatham County Commission in better meeting the health care needs of uninsured and underinsured residents. Under the organizational leadership of the Chatham County Health Department, the group was asked to gain a better understanding of the health care needs of low income uninsured citizens in Chatham County, explore existing resources to meet their needs and to find opportunities to maximize the use of these resources.

Program development has been funded by Chatham County, National League of Cities, United Way, Healthcare Georgia Foundation, Georgia Department of Community Health, Southeast Georgia Cancer Alliance, Health Resources and Services Administration, Georgia Department of Behaviorial Health and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and partner donations. This funding has helped support projects including the Campaign for Healthy Kids, Prevent Suicide Today, community Care Navigator program, expanded prescription assistance, a community-approach to adopting Electronic Health Records (EHR), building a county/regional Health Information Exchange (HIE), ad hoc street medicine clinics for the homeless and behavioral health work for children and youth. Today the Planning Council has grown to be a free-standing non-profit organization and a trusted leader in finding effective and efficient ways to address health care challenges in Chatham County.

What we do

Connect People to Health Insurance

Health Information Exchange (HIE)

Annual Evaluation: The Planning Council members share results. Once a year, all providers submit a set of data to the Evaluation Committee. The annual evaluation compares key metrics across previous years so we can document our progress, measure our successes, better understand new issues and challenges, and get an idea of what key areas that need to be addressed. Click here to view past Evaluations

Council Meetings: The partners and members meet every other month to improve the entire range of health care for the uninsured and underinsured. We believe that working together will lead to a better system of prevention, health education, care and treatment. To us, working together means communicating and sharing ideas to find better ways to provide health care to more people for less money. Click here to view upcoming meetings.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is made up of the following representatives:

• Albert Grandy, CEO, Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care, Chair
• Dr. Rena M. Douse, CEO, J.C. Lewis Primary Health Care Center, Vice Chair
• Michael O’Neal, Executive Director, Parent University, Treasurer
• Lydia McCrary, Deputy Chief, Chatham County Emergency Management System, Secretary
• Ella Williamson, Director, St. Joseph’s/Candler African American Health Information & Resource Center
• Dr. Mark Johnson, CEO, Gateway Behavioral Health Services
• Dr. Chris Rustin, Administrator, Chatham County Health Department
• Lori Conaway, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, Memorial Health University Medical Center

Our Staff

• Reginald C. Lee, Executive Director: reginaldlee@chlink.org
• Vira Salzburn, Program Director: virasalzburn@chlink.org
• Dan Gilbert, Program Outreach and AmeriCorps VISTA: dangilbert@chlink.org
• Tara Jones, Wellness Programming & Administration: tarajones@chlink.org