Georgia Models and Innovations

These stories feature model programs and successful rural projects that can serve as a source of ideas. Some of the projects or programs may no longer be active. Read about the criteria and evidence-base for programs included.

Effective Examples

Meadows Diabetes Education Program

Updated/reviewed September 2024

• Need: To provide diabetes care and education services to those in rural southeast Georgia.
• Intervention: Diabetes outreach screening, education, and clinical care services were provided to participants in Toombs, Tattnall, and Montgomery counties. The program is no longer active.
• Results: Patients successfully learned self-management skills to lower their blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Perinatal Health Partnership Southeast Georgia

Updated/reviewed February 2023

• Need: In 12 rural southeast Georgia counties, high-risk pregnant individuals potentially face adverse birth outcomes, including maternal or infant mortality, low birthweight, very low birthweight, or other medical or developmental problems.
• Intervention: An in-home nursing case management program for high-risk pregnant individuals in order to maximize pregnancy outcomes for mothers and their newborns.
• Results: Mothers carry their babies longer and the babies are larger when born, leading to improved health outcomes.

Other Project Examples

Georgia Health Initiative's CDFI Investments

Updated/reviewed October 2023

• Need: Across Georgia, especially in rural areas, poor health outcomes and high poverty rates require strategic investments to reduce disparities and improve health across the state.
• Intervention: Georgia Health Initiative invests in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) working in Georgia to build a strong ecosystem of mission-driven community lenders focused on rural and low-income communities. The capital and capacity building provided by CDFIs support systems change to improve health across the state.
• Results: Since 2017, grants and Program Related Investments (PRIs) in CDFIs working in low-income rural communities have generated impact through stronger and growing Community Health Centers, expanded affordable housing, green energy loans and jobs, and growing small businesses.