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Greetings!
As we work with individuals, businesses and foundations, we have received great feedback that has helped us re-evaluate our campaign case statement. During this "quiet phase" of the campaign, we can step back and clarify many issues that may look clear to us but obviously are not clear to the community we serve. We want to thank many of you who have offered suggestions in this process. Hopefully, you will see your suggestions articulated in the following article where we ask the basic of all fundraising questions: Why Should I Invest in Valley Healthcare?
With excitement for the future of health care in Columbus,
Phillip
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Valley Healthcare System, Inc.
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Why Should I Invest in Valley Healthcare?
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Celebrating 20 Years of
Health Care Service
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Valley Healthcare is a nonprofit corporation based in Columbus, GA with medical and dental offices in Talbotton and Fortson, GA. Incorporated in 2004, our mission is to provide comprehensive primary health care...to the population of the Chattahoochee Valley area regardless of individual circumstances. In 2012, Valley served 8,877 patients and provided 26,000 patient visits with board certified and eligible physicians on staff.
Columbus is fortunate to have Valley Healthcare. They are the only Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in the region and as a result, cannot turn anyone away for services. Without this designation, Columbus would have lost over $2,000,000 of federal health care funds in 2012. This covered 67% of our costs leaving $1,379,221 to be made up from other sources. We take the Columbus patients others turn away.
 In an effort to better serve our community, and after careful study, Valley Healthcare constructed a 30,000 square foot medical facility located on 13 acres at 1600 Fort Benning Road that opened in June 2012. This headquarters hosts the patient centered medical services of education, outreach, family medicine, general internal medicine, general dentistry, children's health, vision care, behavioral health, diagnostic laboratory services and pharmacy services. All this under one roof!
The most current figures indicate that 1.9 million...that is one in four Georgians between the ages of 19 and 64 are without insurance. Black and white Georgians lack health coverage at similar rates. In 2012, Valley Healthcare served 45.5 % Black Georgians and 46.3 % White Georgians. The remainders were Hispanic and Native American. Our service is not limited to one demographic and is complemented by three service locations and bus transportation provided for patients.
Valley Healthcare's audience includes an  At-Risk Population of "Working Poor" in the Columbus Community. These are classified by the government as working members of our community with an annual income of $27,000 or less and include an average family of four with two adults working in one or more of the following industries: food service, construction, landscape and household services along with child care and social workers.
Health Centers nationally save the health care system over $24 billion annually including $6 billion in savings to the Medicaid Program. Valley eases the burden on financially stressed Columbus hospitals and emergency rooms by providing services that are lower in cost than average hospital visits of $17,089. In 2012 alone, Valley Healthcare saved the community an estimated $5,002,165 in health care dollars.
 Just like any other business, Valley Healthcare employs people and purchases goods and services. In 2012 this "ripple effect" caused an overall economic impact of 123 jobs and an estimated $7,873,845 worth of commerce in Columbus Metro Statistical Area. In addition, Valley Healthcare recorded over $300,000 in state and local taxes.
As a business and nonprofit corporation Valley Healthcare has an A+ Rating with the Columbus Better Business Bureau. In addition, Valley is the only health care corporation in the region to achieve Gold Level Membership with GuideStar, a national organization tracking financial transparency of nonprofits working with corporations, foundations, and individual investors.
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Sarah Lang wins Administrator of the Year.
Mrs. Sarah Lang, Chief Executive Officer of Valley Healthcare System, received the Dale S. Chapman "Administrator of the Year" Award at the 2013 Georgia Association for Primary Health Care Annual Conference in October. The award was presented by Phillip Aldridge, Chairman, Board of Directors of Valley Healthcare System. - See more
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About Us:
- Valley Healthcare System, 1600 Fort Benning Road, Columbus, GA 31903 Main Office: 706.322.9599 Campaign Office: 706.221.2284
- Valley Health Fortson - Medical/Dental, 94 McCray Road, Fortson, GA 31808 Main Office: 706.987.8216
- Valley Health Talbotton - Medical/Dental, 341 North Washington Avenue, Talbotton, GA 31827 Medical: 706.665.2585; Dental: 706.665.2139
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 To whom it may concern, |
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I've been a patient at Valley since 2003. I was referred to them by a doctor at the Medical Center on one of my stays, because of my financial situation and no insurance. I suffer from severe COPD, chronic bronchitis ... depression and high blood pressure.
Valley provides me access to doctors and medications that otherwise I could not afford. I greatly appreciate the kind and caring people that I have grown to depend on many of whom go above and beyond the call of duty.
I pray that Jesus will acknowledge their many acts of kindness by continuing His works through them for they are truly some of God's angels!
So Very Blessed,
(Name withheld)
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Dear Mrs. Lang,
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This note is to let you know how much Valley Healthcare System is appreciated.
My husband came into the optician's office for glasses, as it turned out, glasses would not help him, according to Dr. Story his problem was due to diabetes, which was undiagnosed and untreated at the time. She insisted on him getting into the medical doctor there not only that day but immediately to get checked.
He was hesitant to do so, but due to her help, she got him in to see Dr. Gullatt. ( By the way we were financially strapped and the bill was an issue with us, but that was far from everyone's mind )
Dr. Gullatt did indeed diagnose him with diabetes and high blood pressure, prescribed medicine for him and has got him on track with his health. Dr. Gullatt made an appointment for him to have diabetes nutrition classes with Ms. Culpepper [a certified diabetic educator] and she has been such a great help on his diet and meds.
Everyone we have came incontact with, at that facility, have been nothing but nice as can be and the most helpful in every way. I failed to mention, my husband is petrified of doctors and doctor's offices so they have made him extremely comfortable in a high stress situation for him.
Keep up the good work and please tell all staff that they are appreciated if no-one has told them lately.
Thank you,
(name withheld)
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