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NORTHRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER COMMERCE, GEORGIA
COMMUNITY HEALTH
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
MAY 2015
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................... 2
II. THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESS ............................................................. 4
III. NORTHRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER OVERVIEW .................................................................................. 5
IV. NORTHRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER SERVICE AREA: JACKSON AND BANKS COUNTY ........................ 7
V. BASIC DEMOGRAPHICS .................................................................................................................... 9
VI. ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................ 10
VII. HEALTH SERVICES AND PROVIDERS ............................................................................................. 12
VIII. HEALTH OUTCOMES AND HEALTH FACTORS ................................................................................ 13
IX. AGING NEEDS – JACKSON COUNTY............................................................................................... 29
X. PRIORITIZED NEEDS....................................................................................................................... 30
XI. COMMUNITY ASSETS ..................................................................................................................... 33
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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Purpose
The purpose of this Community Health Needs Assessment for Northridge Medical Center is to
identify for the facility the major health needs and barriers to care for the targeted service area, in
compliance with IRS guidelines. Northridge Medical Center became a non-profit entity of a
multi-service Georgia non-profit healthcare organization on January 1, 2014. The document will
additionally provide guidance in strategic planning for Northridge internally and for
collaborative initiatives with other organizations, with the goal of developing effective and
feasible solutions that will impact community health in a positive manner over time. The
leadership of Northridge Medical Center will continue to assess and address community needs as
identified in this ongoing process and will periodically update this report with progress reports
and new initiatives.
Community Served
Jackson and Banks counties (population 61,044 and 18,415 respectively) in northeast Georgia
constitute the primary service area of Northridge Medical Center, based on current inpatient and
outpatient hospital data. The region is to the east of Atlanta’s major metropolitan area and is
north of Athens/Clarke County (home to the University of Georgia, total student enrollment over
35,000). The 90-bed acute care hospital is located in Commerce, Georgia, and is the only
hospital in Jackson or Banks counties.
The combined population of the two counties is 79,459. There are several incorporated cities in
the larger Jackson County, with the most populous being Jefferson (population 9,342 in 2010)
while Banks County, bordered on the north by the Chattahoochee National Forrest, has one
municipality (Homer, Georgia).
There are notable differences between the two counties served. Jackson outpaces the smaller
Banks County in terms of median household income, educational levels, rate of uninsured and
projected population growth. Jackson County is geographically closer than Banks to the larger
metropolitan areas of Atlanta and Athens.
Community Health Data
Many factors influence the health outcomes of communities, from health behaviors of residents
to clinical care to social and economic issues. Kaiser Permanente has identified three Key Driver
Indicators as among the most predictive indicators of poor health outcomes:
Persons in poverty: Jackson (with 16%) and Banks (17.6%) counties have lower
percentages of persons in poverty than the state as a whole (19%).
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High school graduates: The two counties have lower rates of high school graduates than
the state average (84.7% for Georgia, 75.5% for Banks County and 81.1% for Jackson
County).
Health insurance coverage: Jackson County (20.4%) has a rate of persons without
insurance (under 65) lower than the state average of 21.2%; Banks has a higher rate at
23.3%.
Other indicators:
Both counties are designated as Federally Underserved Areas.
Leading causes of age-adjusted death for both counties include ischemic heart disease,
lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cerebrovascular disease.
The service area has a greater than average number of persons aged 65 and older
compared to the state.
Medicare enrollees in Banks County suffer disproportionately from chronic illnesses
including COPD, diabetes, heart failure, and depression.
Residents of both counties are less physically active than other Georgians on average. In
addition, Banks County in particular reports limited access to exercise opportunities.
Local resources beyond the hospital and physician base include health care (nursing facility,
public health department, behavioral health/substance abuse, senior center, etc.), non-
profit/charitable organizations (financial assistance, food pantry, prescription medication
assistance program, etc.) and information and referral (Area Agency on Aging).
Community Needs Identified
Northridge Medical Center interviewed as primary data sources community representatives with
special knowledge of public health, low-income individuals and high-need groups. Information
gathered from key community representative interviews, discussions with selected hospital staff
and secondary data sources indicated the following as priority areas of community need:
Access to specialists
Preventive care
Geriatric psychiatry
In the one and a half years of its operation as a non-profit community hospital, Northridge
Medical Center has initiated a number of programs and services to address these needs.
Convenient and nearby access to specialists has been addressed in the development of 24/7
inpatient and outpatient pulmonary services in particular response to the high incidence of
pulmonary disease in the community, inpatient and outpatient orthopedic services have been
expanded and enhanced in particular response to the aging population with hip fractures and
other injuries and the advent of full time general surgery allows residents of Jackson and Banks
Counties to receive routine surgery near home. Each of these new services concretely addresses
needs detailed in health need analysis of the area and community input.
The geriatric psychiatric program delivered via the expanding and improving Willow Brook
Senior Wellness services addresses multi-county need as illustrated by a continued increase in
admissions.
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The high rate of diabetes, COPD, cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions in the
service area have also been addressed via the renovation and expansion of the Northridge
Wellness Center in January 2015. This important community service has programs for
employees of city and county government, community businesses, Medicare Silver Sneakers
enrollees and individuals.
This report provides details on the assessment of these needs and the evolving services to address
them.
II. THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESS
The assessment process incorporated three distinct approaches:
1. Community Input:
Hospital staff sought feedback and input from a wide variety of community constituents. Tricia
Massey, Director of Outreach for Northridge Medical Center received input from the following
individuals during April 2015:
Jackson County Health Department - Community Health Nurse (via telephone)
Banks County Health Department - Office Manager (via telephone)
Jackson County Boys and Girls Club - Commerce Unit Director (via telephone)
Medlink Georgia (Federally Qualified Health Center), Banks County - Physician
Assistant, Homer Clinic (via e-mail).
Jackson County Family Connection - Executive Director (via telephone)
These community representatives noted the following unmet needs in Jackson and Banks
Counties:
Diabetes
Hypertension
Obesity
Mental health
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Tobacco use
Pediatric care: general, vision, dental, special needs (physical and mental)
Hospital personnel also participated in the needs assessment process via face to face meetings:
President, Acute Care Division, Community Health Services of Georgia
Chief Administrative Officer
Chief Nursing Officer
Case Manager
Patient Financial Services Director
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Health Information Manager
Hospital personnel noted the following unmet patient needs:
Lack of payer source. Patients may not have insurance. Some payers do not cover the
costs for rehabilitation, home health, etc. which may have a negative impact on patients’
health status if they are unable to afford needed care.
Patient may be unwilling or reluctant to receive the next level of care after
hospitalization.
Difficulty in placing patients due to complex conditions. Certain disease processes,
conditions, etc. make referral sources unwilling to take patient.
Access to specialist care such as pulmonary or orthopedic services.
Appropriate placement for geriatric patients in need of behavioral or psychiatric
assessment and care.
Community-wide access to basic preventive care such as proper nutrition and exercise.
2. Secondary Data Analysis
In addition to interviews with community partners and hospital staff, a wide array of secondary
data sources were consulted in order to provide a more comprehensive picture of health needs in
Jackson and Banks Counties. Online data for the two service counties was gathered from
authoritative entities such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the Georgia Department of Public Health
(GDPH), the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation. This data was then analyzed to help determine community health priorities.
3. Community Asset Inventory
Community-based assets for Jackson and Banks Counties were identified based on feedback
from hospital staff and online searches for local organizations and groups. The goal of asset
identification was to create a list of groups and organizations in the service area that could
potentially have an influence on community health. The inventory includes children and family
support agencies and organizations, disability services, eye care, primary healthcare, medical
equipment, mental health resources, recreation, senior services, and more. Descriptions and
contact information are provided for each identified asset.
III. NORTHRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER OVERVIEW
Northridge Medical Center is a 90-bed acute care hospital located in Commerce, Georgia. It is
the only hospital in Jackson County. It includes a 167-bed Skilled Nursing Facility on site as
well as a 12-bed geriatric psychiatric unit.
Hospital services include emergency medicine, cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery,
gynecology, mammography, occupational therapy, orthopedic surgery, outpatient diagnostic
services, outpatient surgery, pain management, physical therapy, podiatry, pulmonary function
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testing, radiology, rehabilitation services, respiratory therapy, speech therapy, swing bed/short
term rehabilitation, ultrasound, and urological surgery.
The majority of inpatient, outpatient, emergency room, and swing bed patients served by
Northridge Medical Center in 2014 reside in Jackson or Banks Counties, as illustrated by the
chart below.
Northridge Patient Origin, 2014
INPATIENT OUTPATIENT EMERGENCY
ROOM SWING BEDS
Jackson County 57% 60% 56% 67%
Banks County 22% 19% 23% 23%
Madison County 6% 5% 7% 7%
Franklin County 4% 3% 4% 3%
Other Counties (20 counties) 11% (46 counties) 11% (64 counties) 10% 0%
The most common diagnoses in 2014 for Northridge patients as reflected by DRG code are
below:
Most Common Diagnoses, 2014
INPATIENT EMERGENCY ROOM WILLOW BROOK
SENIOR MENTAL HEALTH 1 Simple pneumonia and pleurisy Urinary tract infection Dementia, unspecified w/
behavioral disorder
2 Heart failure Acute upper respiratory infection Alzheimer's disease
3 Esophagitis, gastroenteritis and misc. digestive disorders
Abdominal pain, unspecified site Recurring depression psychosis, moderate
4 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Acute bronchitis Bipolar disorder, unspecified
5 Cellulitis Otitis media Recurring depression psychosis, severe
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IV. NORTHRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER SERVICE AREA: JACKSON AND BANKS
COUNTY
The primary service area for Northridge Medical Center is Jackson and Banks Counties and their
residents accounted for almost 80% of inpatient, outpatient, and ER visits in 2014. Banks and
Jackson Counties are located in the northeast part of the state, just east of the major Atlanta
metropolitan area which is comprised of over two dozen counties. These two counties have
poorer health than the adjoining metro Atlanta counties and those immediately to the south as
well.
Jackson County
Jackson County was created in 1796 from part of Franklin County. It is named for Revolutionary
War General, Congressman, and Senator James Jackson. The county seat and most populous city
is Jefferson. Incorporated cities include Arcade, Braselton, Commerce, Hoschton, Jefferson,
Maysville, Nicholson, Pendergrass and Talmo. Jackson County comprises the Jefferson,
GA Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Atlanta-Athens-Clarke County-Sandy
Springs, GA Combined Statistical Area.
The county is home to Tanger Outlets, comprising almost 100 stores, as well as the Peach State
Motorspeedway. The county encompasses 342.4 square miles.
Jackson County has moved to the forefront in poultry farming, continually ranking in the top five
counties in broiler and egg production. The county also ranks near the top in beef cattle numbers
and livestock income in the state.
Banks County
Banks County was created in 1858 from parts of Franklin and Habersham counties. It was named
for Dr. Richard E. Banks, a circuit-riding physician who treated the settlers and Native
Americans of northern Georgia and South Carolina.
Homer, the county's only municipality, was incorporated in 1859 and was named after Homer
Jackson, a prominent settler. The northern boundary of Banks County is the Chattahoochee
National Forest and much of the county is woodlands. The county encompasses 233.7 square
miles.
Commercial forestry has given way to small poultry farms in recent decades, although much of
the workforce is employed in the manufacturing sector, mostly in textiles and apparel
production.
The location of Jackson and Banks Counties is highlighted on the following map.
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V. BASIC DEMOGRAPHICS
The table below shows basic demographic information for both counties as well as the combined
service area totals. Jackson County is far more populous than Banks; its population is more
educated and more likely to own a home. Jackson County also has a much higher median
household income (2009 -2013) at $53,179 compared to Banks County ($41,141). The median
income in Banks County is also significantly lower than the Georgia national average ($49,179).
Data from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget show that the population of Jackson
and Banks Counties will continue to grow at a rate outpacing the Georgia average through 2030.
Georgia is one of the faster growing states in the country but population growth is expected to be
even more pronounced in Banks County (26.2% increase) and especially in Jackson County
whose population will jump 33% in the next fifteen years.
In addition, seniors will make up an increasing percentage of the population. Jackson and Banks
Counties have a greater than average number of individuals aged 65 and older compared to the
rest of the state and this trend is expected to continue. 13.8% of Georgians in 2020 will be aged
65 and older; in Jackson County this increases to 14.8% and 16.4% in Banks, for a total of
almost 100,000 residents in this age range by 2020.
2013 U.S. Census Bureau Estimates
Georgia Banks Co. Jackson Co. Combined
Service Area
Population 9,992,167 18,415 61,044 79,459
Persons under 5 years 6.7% 5.4% 6.8% 5,145
Persons under 18 years 24.9% 23.6% 25.9% 20,156
Persons 65 years and over 12.0% 15.2% 13.0% 10,735
Females 51.1% 49.4% 50.4% 39,863
Males 48.9% 50.6% 49.6% 39,596
White persons 62.5% 94.1% 89.1% 71,719
Black persons 31.4% 2.8% 7.1% 4,850
Hispanic or Latino persons 9.2% 6.2% 6.7% 5,232
Persons w/out health insurance < age 65 21.2% 23.3% 20.4% 16,744
Persons in poverty 19.0% 17.6% 16.0% 13,008
Homeownership rate (2009 -2013) 65.1% 77.3% 77.1% 61,300
High school graduates (2009-2013) 84.7% 75.5% 81.1% 63,410
Bachelor's degree or higher (2009-2013) 28.0% 11.6% 19.5% 14,039
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VI. ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
Unemployment rates in both counties have consistently dropped over the past five years. As
illustrated by the map below, Banks and Jackson Counties are in a region of the state with
relatively low unemployment rates. In February 2015 Banks County had a slightly higher
unemployment rate of 6.0 compared to 5.4 for Jackson County; however, Jackson County has
had a higher rate over much of the past five years.
Banks and Jackson Counties have similar rankings by the Georgia Department of Community
Affairs (DCA) in terms of their overall economic health. Counties are ranked and placed in one
of four tiers based on highest unemployment rate; lowest per capita income; and highest
percentage of residents whose incomes are below the poverty level. Both are categorized as Tier
3 in the 2015 DCA rankings, with those in Tier 4 having the most favorable economic
conditions.
Jackson and Banks are ranked higher than approximately 75% of Georgia’s other 159 counties.
According to the rankings, Banks County is not as economically prosperous as it once was. From
2007-2011 it was among the Tier 4 (highest performing) counties but has dropped to Tier 3 in
subsequent years. The map on the following page shows the 2015 Tax Credit Tier Rankings.
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A recent report in Georgia Trend magazine (April 2015) noted that new industry is increasingly
attracted to the Northeast Georgia region that includes Jackson and Banks Counties. Several new
companies such as Toyota and Kubato Industrial Equipment arrived in the area in 2014, bringing
hundreds of new jobs to both counties. In fact, CBRE’s Atlanta Industrial Report noted that
Jackson County placed ahead of all Metro Atlanta counties in 4th
quarter 2014 in new industrial
speculative construction, accounting for approximately 30%
of total business.
Another indicator of economic wellbeing is the number of children who are eligible for free or
reduced cost lunches provided by the National School Lunch Program. Eligibility guidelines are
based on the Federal income poverty guidelines and household size. Children from families with
incomes at or below 130% of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. Children from families
with incomes between 130% and 180% of the poverty level are eligible for reduced price meals.
For the 2012-2013 school year, a family of four’s income eligibility for reduced price lunches
was at or below $42,643 and for free meal eligibility at or below $29,965.
According to data from the Annie B. Casey KidsCount initiative, an average of 59.70% of
students across Georgia were eligible for free or reduced meals during the 2012-2013 school
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year. Banks County had a significantly higher number of students eligible at 64.00%. Jackson
County had 53.40% of students who were eligible, less than the statewide average.
VII. HEALTH SERVICES AND PROVIDERS
Jackson County is located in Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) District 10
(Northeast) which consists of 10 counties and is headquartered in Athens. GDPH has two clinics
in Jackson County, located in Commerce and Jefferson.
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Banks County is in GDPH District 2 (North) which is based in Gainesville and comprises 13
counties. The county health department and accompanying clinic are located in Homer. The
GPDH districts are shown in the map below.
Jackson County is recognized by the federal government as a Health Professional Shortage Area
(HPSA) in mental health but is not considered to have shortages in primary healthcare or dental
health. It is however a federal Medically Underserved Area (MUA). Banks County is recognized
as a HPSA in primary health care, mental health, and dental health. Like Jackson, it is a federal
Medically Underserved Area.
There is one Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Banks County, a clinic operated by
Medlink Georgia, which is located in Homer. The clinic provides basic primary care services and
offers extended hours. Occupational health services and health education are also available.
Jackson County does not have a FQHC.
Census estimates of the uninsured population indicate that 23.4% of all Banks County residents
lack insurance, a total of 3,655 individuals. Jackson County has an estimated 10,676 individuals
who are uninsured, 20.3% of the population. These totals have likely decreased since the
individual insurance mandate of the Affordable Care Act went into effect in 2013.
VIII. HEALTH OUTCOMES AND HEALTH FACTORS
Highlights from the 2015 County Health Rankings
The annual Robert Wood Johnson County Health Rankings measure vital health factors,
including high school graduation rates, obesity, smoking, unemployment, access to healthy
foods, the quality of air and water, income, and teen births in nearly every county in America. It
provides two different set of rankings: Health Outcomes (length and quality of life) and Health
Factors (determinants of health).
According to the 2015 County Health Rankings, Banks and Jackson Counties are surrounded on
three sides by healthier counties. Jackson is healthier than Banks County and is ranked 55 out of
159 counties in “Overall Health” and 19 out of 159 in “Health Factors.” Banks ranked 70 out of
159 counties in “Overall Health” and 66 out of 159 in “Health Factors.”
The maps on the following page show the Robert Wood Johnson County 2015 Health Outcomes
and Health Factors rankings for Georgia.
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Selected indicators from the 2015 Robert Wood Johnson County Health Rankings for Banks and
Jackson Counties are summarized below:
Smoking
Smoking is a major health concern in this region. Banks has one of the highest rates of adult
smoking in the state, 28%, compared to the Georgia average of 18%. Jackson is also much
higher than state average at 24% (BRFSS 2006-2012).
Physical Activity
This population is also less physically active than the average Georgian. 30% of the Banks
County population and 26% of Jackson County residents report physical inactivity, compared to
the Georgia average of 24%.
Access to Exercise Opportunities
Banks County in particular reports limited access to exercise opportunities, defined as living
“reasonably close to a location for physical activity” such as a park, YMCA, gym, etc. Only 42%
of Banks County residents report access to these types of fitness locations as opposed to 75% of
Georgians. Jackson County, however, does not share this need; 74% of residents there report
adequate access to exercise opportunities.
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Obesity
Obesity is a problem across Georgia, and this area is no exception. A significant percentage of
the state population, 29%, is obese. This is mirrored in Banks (28%) and Jackson (29%) Counties
as well.
Chronic Disease
A significant portion of residents in Banks and Jackson Counties have been diagnosed with
chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),
and stroke. The CMS Chronic Conditions Dashboard, which documents chronic disease among
Medicare enrollees, shows that Banks County in particular had above average rates of COPD,
diabetes, and heart failure in 2012. Both Jackson and Banks Counties had higher than average
rates of depression.
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Mortality in Jackson County
Data from the Georgia Department of Public Health identifies the most prevalent causes of death
for Jackson County as shown below.
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20
Top Causes of Death by selected age groups, Jackson County, 2009 – 2013 (continued)
The table below shows how the top causes of death in Jackson County compare to the state as a
whole.
21
Based on mortality data, the Georgia Division of Public Health has flagged the following as top
priorities in Jackson County:
1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (excluding asthma)
2. Alzheimer’s Disease
3. Accidental Poisoning and Exposure to Noxious Substance
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All COPD Except Asthma for Jackson County, 2009 – 2013
The Georgia Age-Adjusted Death Rate is 44.4. The Age-Adjusted Death Rate for Jackson
County is 57.1
Alzheimer’s Disease for Jackson County, 2009 - 2013
The Georgia Age-Adjusted Death Rate is 26.6. The Age-Adjusted Death Rate for Jackson
County is 55.1.
23
Accidental Poisoning and Exposure to Noxious Substances for Jackson County, 2009 –
2013
The Georgia Age-Adjusted Death Rate is 9.5. The Age-Adjusted Death Rate for Jackson County
is 17.7
.
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Mortality in Banks County
Data from the Georgia Department of Public Health identifies the most prevalent causes of death
for Banks County as shown below.
25
26
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The table below shows how the top causes of death in Banks County compare to the state as a
whole.
Based on mortality data, the Georgia Division of Public Health has flagged the following as top
priorities in Banks County:
1. Ischemic Heart and Vascular Disease
2. Motor Vehicle Crashes
3. All Other Diseases of the Nervous System
Ischemic Heart and Vascular Disease for Banks County, 2009 - 2013
The Georgia Age-Adjusted Death Rate is 91.2. The Age-Adjusted Death Rate for Banks County
is 137.4.
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Motor Vehicle Crashes for Banks County, 2009 – 2013
The Georgia Age-Adjusted Death Rate is 12.6. The Age-Adjusted Death Rate for Banks County
is 27.8.
All Other Diseases of the Nervous System for Banks County, 2009 - 2013
The Georgia Age-Adjusted Death Rate is 11.1. The Age-Adjusted Death Rate for Banks County
is 22.8. The rate for the previous 5 year aggregate (2004 - 2008) was 6.3. This difference is
statistically significant.
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IX. AGING NEEDS – JACKSON COUNTY
The Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging (AAA), which includes Jackson County in its
service area, conducts an annual needs assessment. The identification and prioritization of needs
for older persons in the planning and service area are principal functions of the Northeast
Georgia AAA and its Advisory Council. An integrated area-wide needs assessment process
guides the needs determination and priority setting activities. The process includes analysis of
data collected by ADRC staff persons through the Aging Information Management System,
Georgia Statistical Abstract, United States Census Bureau, Gateway/ADRC, survey summary,
advertisement in 12 county newspapers and public hearings held throughout the region.
The AAA facilitated public hearings at the Oconee County Senior Center on December 8, 2014
and Jasper County Senior Center on December 15, 2014. A total of 59 persons attended the two
hearings. At these hearings, attendees had an opportunity to gather information on available
services, ask questions, voice concerns, give testimonials, evaluate current services, and
complete needs assessments. Needs assessment and questionnaires are published in all local
county newspapers in the twelve county planning and service area and on the Regional
Commission website at http://www.negrc.org and were distributed to public hearing attendees.
Results of the data collected are reflected in the table above. The AAA will concentrate on the
four most needed services in the planning and service area based on data collected from the
aforementioned sources. The needs assessment revealed the four most needed services are as
follows:
Homemaker Services
Home Delivered Meals
Personal Care
Respite Care
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AGING NEEDS – BANKS COUNTY
Data specific to the senior population in Banks County was solicited but not received from
Legacy Link Area Agency on Aging, the agency responsible for providing aging services to
Banks County. Northridge Medical Center will continue to solicit relevant data in order to better
inform our community needs assessment.
X. PRIORITIZED NEEDS
Based on community and staff input and secondary data analysis, Northridge Medical Center has
identified the following needs among residents of Jackson and Banks Counties. These identified
priorities confirm the hospital’s earlier internal analysis of the local healthcare environment and
corresponding community health needs. Northridge will continue to address the priorities below
as part of a sustained and formal strategy to meet identified health needs of the community, using
the CHNA process as the framework that drives future community benefit initiatives.
1. Increasing Access to Specialists
Like many rural Georgians, residents in the Northridge service area have had difficulty accessing
specialist care that did not require numerous trips to a more urban setting. Northridge staff has
already identified a need for more specialists in three key areas: pulmonology, orthopedics, and
surgery. Services in all three of these specialties are now available 24/7. This ensures healthcare
for all residents is timely and convenient, enabling patients to save time and money by accessing
care close to home whenever possible rather than traveling to Atlanta, Athens, or other metro
centers.
A. Pulmonology
County public health data show that COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a top
cause of death in Jackson County; it is also one of the most frequent conditions seen in patients
admitted to the hospital. The hospital contracted with Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists of
Northeast Georgia in fall 2014 to provide round the clock 24/7 coverage to patients. As a result,
Northridge is now able to care for patients with more acute illness in the local community instead
of transferring them to tertiary centers further from home. In addition, respiratory therapy is now
available 24/7. As a result, patients on ventilators are now able to receive care at the hospital;
previously Northridge had to transfer any vent patients to other hospitals.
Lung cancer has also been identified as a top concern for area residents by Northridge Medical
Center and is a leading cause of death in both Jackson and Banks Counties. To help address this
need, Northridge will be establishing a new lung cancer screening program for long-term
smokers in conjunction with the American College of Radiology (ACR). Hospital designation as
a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the ACR ensures that all protocols, equipment and personnel
meet rigorous national standards. The majority of lung cancer cases in the U.S. are still
diagnosed at a late stage with a low five year relative survival rate; this screening program will
offer annual low-dose CT screening to long-term smokers as recommended by the United States
Preventive Services Task Force in order to reduce lung cancer mortality.
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B. Orthopedics
Northridge staff recently identified a need for quality local orthopedic coverage due to the
substantial geriatric population in the area and the prevalence of hip fractures and other injuries.
Hospital facilities include a 167 bed local Skilled Nursing Facility, Northridge Health &
Rehabilitation Northridge, whose residents often need orthopedic care. In addition, Census data
show that Jackson and Banks Counties have a greater than average number of individuals aged
65 and older compared to the rest of the state; this population is more likely to need skilled
orthopedic care. Projections from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget show the aging
trend to continue at least through 2020 for Jackson and Banks Counties, making the availability
of geriatric and senior services critical for this community. In response, Northridge has
implemented full-time orthopedic coverage from physicians at Athens Orthopedic Clinic so that
hospital staff can meet orthopedic needs in-house, avoiding unnecessary transfers and ensuring
that community residents are able to receive comprehensive care without undue travel or
expense.
C. Surgery
In the past, local residents often had to travel to tertiary centers in Athens or Atlanta for surgical
procedures. Northridge now has five general surgeons available for full-time surgical coverage,
eliminating the need for patients to travel to more distant hospitals for appendectomies and other
routine surgeries. This is an increase from .5 FTE surgical coverage previously. An outpatient
surgical wing also offers colonoscopy, endoscopy, and other same day procedures.
2. Geriatric Psychiatry - Willow Brook Senior Wellness
Northridge responded to a need for local behavioral healthcare dedicated to senior adults by
creating Willow Brook Senior Wellness in November 2011. The hospital documented an average
of 676 senior patients with a mental health diagnosis from 2007-2009. In addition, 40% of the
residents of the 167 bed Northridge Health & Rehabilitation Center, a Skilled Nursing Facility,
have a mental health related diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s. These needs are not adequately met
by the existing mental health delivery system; in fact, there is only one other inpatient psychiatric
care unit in State Service Delivery Region 5, which covers twelve counties and is home to half a
million Georgians.
In addition, behavioral health conditions place an added burden on senior patients and healthcare
systems. The Advisory Board Company’s Care Transformation Center notes that patients with
diabetes and comorbid depression have healthcare costs that are 65% higher than patients with
only diabetes.
The 12-bed Willow Brook geriatric psychiatric unit is dedicated to taking care of senior adults
who suffer from depression, anxiety, unresolved grief, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of
dementia. Northridge invested $1.2 million in this unit as a new service for senior adults in
Jackson and Banks counties as well as outlying areas. The unit improves access to mental health
services for families who lack the resources to travel to Atlanta, which previously was the closest
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location with a senior mental health treatment center. Willow Brook programmatic and clinic
staff meet with the hospital’s Director of Outreach each month to assess needs identified by both
staff and community partners.
Northridge continues to seek ways to meet the needs of Willow Brook patients upon discharge,
as they may return to communities with no local psychiatrist, making follow-up care difficult.
The two local Community Service Boards (Advantage Behavioral Health and Avita Community
Partners) offer mental health services in Jackson and Banks Counties; however, this is not
sufficient to meet the mental health needs of residents.
3. Preventive Care
Preventive care is increasingly a focus of hospital activities due to the high rate of diabetes,
COPD, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions in the service area. In addition to
regular participation in health fairs, Northridge renovated its Wellness Center in January 2015,
making cosmetic and aesthetic improvements while installing a new key card system which
enables easy tracking of attendance.
Membership is open to the public and discounts are offered to area businesses as well as first
responders. Northridge also anticipates offering reduced membership fees to city and county
employees in a partnership with local government. The Wellness Center is also now a participant
in the Silver Sneakers Fitness program which provides a free membership to seniors via
Medicare and other insurance.
33
XI. COMMUNITY ASSETS
Jackson County Community Assets
Children and Family Support
Jackson County Family
Connection
456 Athens Street
Jefferson, GA 30549-1408
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 883
Jefferson, GA 30549-0883
706-367-3021
http://www.jcfamilyconnection.com/
Family Connection is a
partnership of several
organizations working
with families to research the
needs of children and families
in Jackson County, and to work
together to address those needs.
Crisis/Financial Assistance
Action, Inc. 67 Athens Street
Jefferson, GA 30549
706-367-9599 or
706-387-7655
Purpose is to alleviate poverty
through crisis intervention
services such as referral and
payments for food, utility,
rent/mortgage. Also job search,
life skills, getting people ready
for work force training.
The Ark of Jackson
County
Jefferson Presbyterian Church
243 Washington St.
Jefferson, GA
706-367-8365
The Ark’s mission is to help
Jackson County residents who
have had a verifiable
emergency loss of income with
(limited) financial assistance to
help meet basic household
expenses.
Christian Outreach
Ministry
2183 N. Elm St.
Commerce, GA 30529
706-335-6084
The overall purpose of
Christian Outreach Ministry is
to provide various services to
aid and assist the less fortunate
and disadvantaged in the
community, particularly the
children, the elderly, homeless,
jobless, sick and infirm.
Community Connection
of NEGA
1865 West Broad Street Suite C
Athens GA 30606
706-353-1313 www.communityconnection211.org
Community Connection of
Northeast Georgia provides
referrals for any need,
including financial assistance,
34
food, child care, clothing,
shelter, and health care to
individuals throughout fourteen
Northeast Georgia counties.
Jackson County
Community Resource
Center
(Ninth District
Community Action Ctr)
Jackson Administrative Building
67 Athens Street
Jefferson, Ga 30549
706-677-0028
http://www.ndo.org
Provides low income
heating/cooling assistance,
weatherization of homes to
reduce utility bills, emergency
food and shelter program, crisis
utility bill payment. By
appointment only in Jackson
County.
Jackson Co. Dept. of
Family & Children
Services
456 Athens Street
P. O. Box 526
Jefferson, Georgia 30549-0526
706-367-3000
May provide assistance with
utility bills with proof of
imminent disconnection.
The Salvation Army
711 Dorsey St.
30501
770-531-0135
Offers limited emergency
financial assistance in the forms
of rental and utilities assistance,
help paying for prescriptions,
providing food and clothing,
and giving replacement
furniture as needed.
Disability Services
Friends of Disabled
Adults and Children
(FODAC)
4900 Lewis Road
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
770-491-9014
www.fodac.org
Statewide provider of gently
used durable medical
equipment that includes
wheelchairs, walkers, canes,
hospital beds and much more.
FODAC's mission is focused
on helping people with
disabilities and the elderly
maintain their independence
through low cost or free
services.
Tools for Life
(Georgia's Assistive
Technology Act
Program)
512 Means Street | Suite 250
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-894-8000
www.gatfl.org
Provides access to and
acquisition of assistive
technology devices and
services to individuals of all
ages and all disabilities living
in GA. Tools for Life is a
statewide program focused on
all areas of life including living,
35
learning, working, and playing.
Core activities include AT
assessments, access to AT
lending libraries, AT & durable
medical equipment reuse, and
training for individuals and
groups.
Eye Care
EyeCare America 1-877-887-6327
http://www.eyecareamerica.org
A service of the American
Academy of Ophthalmology,
provides eye exams and up to
one year of care to U.S. citizens
and legal residents through
volunteer ophthalmologists
often at no out-of-pocket cost
to those who qualify.
Georgia Lions
Lighthouse
5582 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30341
Toll free 800-718-7483
www.lionslighthouse.org
The Lions Lighthouse has a
mobile clinic that visits 26 sites
throughout Georgia. At each
clinic, qualifying individuals
can receive a fully dilated eye
exam and eyeglasses. Also
arranges eye surgeries as
necessary.
Vision USA http://www.aoafoundation.org/visi
on-usa/
A program of the American
Optometric Association,
provides free eye exams for
low-income Americans without
insurance.
Food/Hunger Assistance
Banks-Jackson
Emergency Food Bank
111 Atlanta Ave.
Commerce, GA 30529
706-335-5143
Operates a food pantry for
families and individuals in
need. Clients must have a
DFCS referral.
Jackson Co. Dept. of
Family & Children
Services
456 Athens Street
P. O. Box 526
Jefferson, GA 30549-0526
706-367-3000
Assists with food stamp
applications.
Jackson County Food
Pantry
Jefferson First Baptist Church
246 Washington St.
Jefferson, GA
706-367-8332
The church operates a food
bank for citizens of Jackson
County. It is open Monday,
Wednesday and Friday 1:00
until 3:00 except for holidays.
Food Bank of Northeast
Georgia
861 Newton Bridge Road
P.O. Box 48857
See their website for a list of
agencies that distribute food in
36
Athens, GA 30604
706.354.8191
www.foodbanknega.org
the area.
Northeast Georgia Area
Agency on Aging
305 Research Drive
Athens, GA 30605-2725
706.583.2546
Toll free 1.800.474.7540
Congregate meals, Meals on
Wheels, nutrition counseling.
Includes Jackson County in
service area.
Senior SNAP (Food
Stamps)
Georgia Senior SNAP
P.O. Box 537
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
404-370-6236
http://dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/food-
stamps
Simplified application project
designed to make it easier for
seniors to receive food stamp
benefits if everyone in the
household is age 60 or older, no
one is working, and household
is under the income limit.
Health Insurance Navigators
InsureGA
Toll free 866- 988-8246
http://www.insurega.org
An initiative of Community
Health Works, a team of highly
skilled individuals acts as
educators and navigators
throughout Georgia with
regional offices in Macon,
Rome, Athens, Columbus,
Albany, Vidalia, and Waycross
as well as a call center in
Macon to handle inquiries from
throughout the state.
Seedco - Connecting
Georgians to Coverage
Toll free 855-899-6092
http://www.seedco.org/healthcare-
access/georgia/
Provides navigator assistance
for federal health insurance
marketplace. Seedco is a
national nonprofit that seeks to
advance economic opportunity
for people, businesses, and
communities in need. Seedco
received a federal grant to
provide navigator services in
Georgia. Translation services
available for all languages upon
request.
Also see
https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/
Healthcare
Jackson County Health Jefferson Health Clinic The Health Department offers
37
Department
341 General Jackson Dr.
Jefferson, GA 30549
706-367-5204
Commerce Health Clinic
623 South Elm St.
Commerce, GA 30529
706-335-3895
Toll free 1-800-4PD-HELP
immunizations, blood pressure
checks, tuberculosis clinics,
birth control information, lab
work, vaccine program,
venereal disease treatment and
well-baby care services.
Referral and information about
health issues is available also.
Housing/Shelter
Jackson County
Community Resource
Center
(Ninth District
Community Action Ctr)
Jackson Administrative Building
67 Athens Street
Jefferson, Ga 30549
706-677-0028
http://www.ndo.org
Designed to assist households
that are currently homeless or
in imminent danger of
becoming homeless with the
establishment of long-term
housing stability through
limited financial assistance and
intense case management
services.
Legal Services
Georgia Legal Services
Program
Gainesville Regional Office
705 Washington Street, NW
Suite B-1
Gainesville, Georgia 30501
770-535-5717 or
Toll free 1-800-745-5717
GLSP provides free language
interpretation to non-English-
speaking callers.
Non-profit law firm serving
rural and small town Georgia
with 11 offices around the state.
Offers free legal services in
civil cases to people who
cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
Medical Equipment
Foundation for Sight
and Sound
631-366-3461
info@foundationforsightandsound
.org
http://www.foundationforsightand
sound.org/help_america_hear_pro
gram1.php
Provides hearing aids for men,
women, and children with
limited financial resources.
Friends of Disabled
Adults and Children
(FODAC)
4900 Lewis Road
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
770-491-9014
www.fodac.org
Statewide provider of gently
used durable medical
equipment that includes
wheelchairs, walkers, canes,
hospital beds and much more.
FODAC's mission is focused
on helping people with
disabilities and the elderly
38
maintain their independence
through services that are low in
cost or free.
Georgia Lions
Lighthouse
5582 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30341
Toll free 800-718-7483
Provides eyeglasses and
hearing aids for low-income
individuals.
Mental Health
Advantage Behavioral
Health Systems
(Community Service
Board)
250 North Avenue
Athens, GA 30601
706-389-6789
www.advantagebhs.org
Mental health, addictive
diseases, crisis stabilization,
and developmental disability
services for Jackson County.
Jackson County
Outpatient Mental
Health Clinic (Community Service
Board)
383 General Jackson Drive
P. O. Box 356
Jefferson, GA 30549
Adult Mental Health,
Outpatient Addictive Diseases,
Adult Mental Health Day
Program
Jackson County
Creative Center and
Jackson County Service
Center
(Community Service
Board)
106 Industrial Parkway
P. O. Box 316
Commerce, GA 30529
Developmental Disabilities
Nursing Homes/Skilled Nursing Facilities
Northridge Health &
Rehabilitation Center
100 Medical Center Drive
Commerce, GA 30529
706-335-1300
167 bed skilled nursing facility
offering long term care and
short term rehabilitation.
Recreation
Boys and Girls Clubs of
Jackson County
412 Gordon St.
Jefferson, GA 30549
706-621-0834
Works to help youth of
all backgrounds develop the
qualities needed to become
responsible citizens
and leaders. Offers healthy
lifestyle classes, tutoring,
alcohol and drug awareness,
and more.
39
Senior Services
Jackson County Senior
Center
151 General Jackson Drive
Jefferson, GA 30549
A multipurpose center offering
meals, outreach, visitation,
transportation to the center,
education, social/rec activities
for seniors.
Northeast Georgia
Agency on Aging
305 Research Drive
Athens, GA 30605-2725
706.583.2546
Toll free 1.800.474.7540
Provides information on and
access to home and
community-based services for
elderly and/or disabled, their
families, and other caregivers.
Services include adult day
health, Alzheimer’s respite
care, counseling, legal
assistance, home delivered
meals, nutrition counseling,
caregiver services,
pharmaceutical program for
seniors. Medicare information
counselors. Region includes
Jackson Co.
Substance Abuse
Advantage Behavioral
Health Systems
(Community Service
Board)
250 North Avenue
Athens, GA 30601
706-389-6789
www.advantagebhs.org
Mental health, addictive
diseases, crisis stabilization,
and developmental disability
services for Jackson County.
Jackson County
Outpatient Mental
Health Clinic (Community Service
Board)
383 General Jackson Drive
P. O. Box 356
Jefferson, GA 30549
Adult Mental Health,
Outpatient Addictive Diseases,
Adult Mental Health Day
Program
The Potter’s House
(Atlanta Mission)
655 Potter's House Road
Jefferson, GA 30549
706-543-8338 x5103
Christ-centered residential
discipleship program for
chemically addicted men.
Transportation
Jackson County Transit 12 Hendrix Dr.
Jefferson, GA 30549
706-367-7433
Offers three 10-passenger
vans equipped with wheelchair
accessibility. Provides
convenient, dependable,
accessible transportation for
Jackson County residents who,
due to financial and/or physical
40
burdens, do not have access to
other means of transportation. Banks County Community Assets
Children and Family Support
Banks County Family
Connection
712 Thompson St.
Homer, GA 60547
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 264
Homer, GA 30547
706-716-0620
Family Connection is a
partnership of several
organizations working
with families to research the
needs of children and families
in Banks County, and to work
together to address those needs.
Crisis/Financial Assistance
Banks County
Community Resource
Center
(Ninth District
Community Action Ctr)
110 Shortest Street
P.O. Box 144
Homer, Georgia 30547
706-677-3921
http://www.ndo.org
Provides low income
heating/cooling assistance,
weatherization of homes to
reduce utility bills, emergency
food and shelter program, crisis
utility bill payment.
Banks Co. Dept. of
Family & Children
Services
423 Evans Street
P. O. Box 159
Homer, Georgia 30547-0159
706- 677-2213
May provide assistance with
utility bills with proof of
imminent disconnection.
The Salvation Army
711 Dorsey St.
30501
770-531-0135
Offers limited emergency
financial assistance in the forms
of rental and utilities assistance,
help paying for prescriptions,
providing food and clothing,
and giving replacement
furniture as needed.
Disability Services
Friends of Disabled
Adults and Children
(FODAC)
4900 Lewis Road
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
770-491-9014
www.fodac.org
Statewide provider of gently
used durable medical
equipment that includes
wheelchairs, walkers, canes,
hospital beds and much more.
FODAC helps people with
disabilities and the elderly
maintain their independence
through services that are low in
cost or free.
Tools for Life
(Georgia's Assistive
Technology Act
512 Means Street | Suite 250
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-894-8000
Provides access to and
acquisition of assistive
technology devices and
41
Program) www.gatfl.org services to individuals of all
ages and all disabilities living
in GA. Tools for Life is a
statewide program focused on
all areas of life including living,
learning, working, and playing.
Core activities include AT
assessments, access to AT
lending libraries, AT & durable
medical equipment reuse, and
training for individuals and
groups.
Eye Care
EyeCare America 1-877-887-6327
http://www.eyecareamerica.org
A service of the American
Academy of Ophthalmology,
provides eye exams and up to
one year of care to U.S. citizens
and legal residents through
volunteer ophthalmologists
often at no out-of-pocket cost
to those who qualify.
Georgia Lions
Lighthouse
5582 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30341
Toll free 800-718-7483
www.lionslighthouse.org
The Lions Lighthouse has a
mobile clinic that visits 26 sites
throughout Georgia. At each
clinic, qualifying individuals
can receive a fully dilated eye
exam and eyeglasses. Also
arranges eye surgeries as
necessary.
Vision USA http://www.aoafoundation.org/visi
on-usa/
A program of the American
Optometric Association,
provides free eye exams for
low-income Americans without
insurance.
Food/Hunger Assistance
Banks-Jackson
Emergency Food Bank
111 Atlanta Ave.
Commerce, GA 30529
706-335-5143
Operates a food pantry for
families and individuals in
need. Clients must have a
DFCS referral.
Banks Co. Dept. of
Family & Children
Services
423 Evans Street
P. O. Box 159
Homer, Georgia 30547-0159
706-677-2213
Assist with food stamp
applications.
Food Bank of Northeast
Georgia
861 Newton Bridge Road
P.O. Box 48857
See their website for a list of
agencies that distribute food in
42
Athens, GA 30604
706.354.8191
www.foodbanknega.org
the area.
Legacy Link Area
Agency on Aging
P.O. Box 2534
508 Oak Street. Suite 1, 30501
Gainesville, GA 30503-2534
770.538.2650
800.845.5465
http://www.legacylink.org
Congregate meals, Meals on
Wheels, nutrition counseling
Foodbank of Northeast
Georgia
861 Newton Bridge Rd.
P.O. Box 48857
Athens, GA 30604
706-354-8191
https://www.foodbanknega.org
See their website for a list of
agencies that provide food
assistance.
Senior SNAP (Food
Stamps)
Georgia Senior SNAP
P.O. Box 537
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
404-370-6236
http://dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/food-
stamps
Simplified application project
designed to make it easier for
seniors to receive food stamp
benefits if everyone in the
household is age 60 or older, no
one is working, and household
is under the income limit.
Health Insurance Navigators
InsureGA
Toll free 866- 988-8246
http://www.insurega.org
An initiative of Community
Health Works, a team of highly
skilled individuals acts as
educators and navigators
throughout Georgia with
regional offices in Macon,
Rome, Athens, Columbus,
Albany, Vidalia, and Waycross
as well as a call center in
Macon to handle inquiries from
throughout the state.
Seedco - Connecting
Georgians to Coverage
Toll free 855-899-6092
http://www.seedco.org/healthcare-
access/georgia/
Provides navigator assistance
for federal health insurance
marketplace. Seedco is a
national nonprofit that seeks to
advance economic opportunity
for people, businesses, and
communities in need. Seedco
received a federal grant to
provide navigator services in
Georgia. Translation services
available for all languages upon
43
request.
Also see
https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/
Healthcare
Banks County Health
Department
667 Thompson Street
Homer, Georgia 30547
706-677-2296
The Health Department offers
immunizations, blood pressure
checks, tuberculosis clinics,
birth control information, lab
work, vaccine program,
venereal disease treatment and
well-baby care services.
Medlink Georgia
(Banks)
1244 Historic Homer Hwy
Homer, GA 30547
706-677-4568
http://www.medlinkga.org
Nonprofit Community Health
Center offering family
medicine services.
Housing/Shelter
Banks County
Community Resource
Center
(Ninth District
Opportunity Community
Action Center)
110 Shortest Street
P.O. Box 144
Homer, Georgia 30547
706-677-3921
http://www.ndo.org
Designed to assist households
that are currently homeless or
in imminent danger of
becoming homeless with the
establishment of long-term
housing stability through
limited financial assistance and
intense case management
services.
Legal Services
Georgia Legal Services
Program
Gainesville Regional Office
705 Washington Street, NW
Suite B-1
Gainesville, Georgia 30501
770-535-5717 or
Toll free 1-800-745-5717
Free language interpretation for
non-English-speaking callers.
Non-profit law firm serving
rural and small town Georgia
with 11 offices around the state.
Offers free legal services in
civil cases to people who
cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
Medical Equipment
Foundation for Sight
and Sound
631-366-3461
info@foundationforsightandsound
.org
http://www.foundationforsightand
sound.org/help_america_hear_pro
gram1.php
Provides hearing aids for men,
women, and children with
limited financial resources.
Friends of Disabled
Adults and Children
4900 Lewis Road,
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Statewide provider of gently
used durable medical
44
(FODAC)
770-491-9014
www.fodac.org
equipment that includes
wheelchairs, walkers, canes,
hospital beds and much more.
FODAC's mission is focused
on helping people with
disabilities and the elderly
maintain their independence
through services that are low in
cost or free.
Georgia Lions
Lighthouse
5582 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30341
Toll free 800-718-7483
Provides eyeglasses and
hearing aids for low-income
individuals.
Mental Health
Avita Community
Partners
(Community Service
Board)
4331 Thurmon Tanner Parkway
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
678-513-5700
Toll free 800- 525-8751
Mental health, addictive
diseases, crisis stabilization,
and developmental disability
services for Banks County.
Senior Services
Banks County Senior
Center
700 Thompson Street
Homer, GA 30547
706-677-3275
Offers activities and meals.
Legacy Link Area
Agency on Aging
P.O. Box 2534
508 Oak Street. Suite 1, 30501
Gainesville, GA 30503-2534
770.538.2650
800.845.5465
http://www.legacylink.org
Provides information on and
access to home and
community-based services for
elderly and/or disabled
Georgians and caregivers.
Services include adult day
health, Alzheimer’s respite
care, counseling, legal
assistance, elder abuse
prevention, home delivered
meals, nutrition counseling,
caregiver services, nutrition
counseling, pharmaceutical
program for seniors. Medicare
information counselors. Region
includes Banks Co.
Substance Abuse
Avita Community
Partners
(Community Service
Board)
4331 Thurmon Tanner Parkway
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
678-513-5700
Toll free 800- 525-8751
Mental health, addictive
diseases, crisis stabilization,
and developmental disability
45
services for Banks County.
Transportation
Banks County Transit P.O. Box 187
Homer, GA 30547
706-677-1835
http://www.co.banks.ga.us/transit
Provides transportation services
to county residents. Offers
wheelchair accessibility.