In this first phase of the campaign, Valley Healthcare is targeting the needs of children ages birth through 19 who lack access to heath care because of funding, transportation, and language barriers. These children are considered "at risk youth" due to socio-economic disparities. Last month the Georgia Board for Physicians Workforce reported a physician shortage in many primary care specialties including pediatrics. Meanwhile, the overall physician population is aging with more than half of Georgia's physicians being 50 or older.

 

Strategic Goal Three in our Building Bridges Strategic Plan calls for enhancing operational effectiveness and financial viability by increasing the diagnostic areas of Children Health Services... while addressing increased needs and generating new revenues. Children Health Services include increasing diagnostics in medical, dental and behavioral health.  

 

Valley will address these needs by enhancing our services by adding two additional child health clinicians, one behavioral health specialist and two clinical support staff.  When funded, this project will serve an additional 3,131 children in years two and three of the five year strategic plan.  This more that doubles the 2,100 children currently being served at Valley Healthcare's facilities.  

 

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.