Health care can be a difficult puzzle. We work as one to put the pieces
together for Chatham County and for you.

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Organizational Reports & Documents

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:

2023 Audit
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

 

Partners

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

Federally Qualified Health Centers

Community Health Clinics

Hospital Systems

Other Community Partners

Resources

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)

The Planning Council FAQs

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.

Who We Are

Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council, Inc. (CCSNPC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Savannah, Georgia. Our goal is to enhance the well-being of individuals in the Chatham-Savannah community, focusing on vulnerable and high-need populations, through the development and execution of public health initiatives and programs.

Aligned with the priorities of both Chatham County and the City of Savannah governments, our projects address emerging needs across various sectors, including health and behavioral health, youth development, education, law enforcement, and first responders. Through collaboration, our initiatives aim to improve access to care, promote sustainable community resource growth, reduce disparities, and elevate overall quality of life.

Our Vision

The vision of the Planning Council is to create a resilient Chatham County through improved health outcomes by working together on common problems.

Our Mission

The mission of the Planning Council is to (1) develop an infrastructure to maximize access and utilization of health and behavioral health services, (2) implement effective population health and public health strategies through collaboration, and (3) leverage available resources and create community-focused solutions to assure improved health status for our residents.

Our History

In 2004, the Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council (CCSNPC) was established by the former medical director of the Chatham County Health Department (CCHD)/Coastal Health District (CHD). Its aim: to enhance the Chatham County Commission’s capacity to meet the healthcare and behavioral health needs of its most vulnerable residents. Through fostering improved collaboration and support among safety net providers, CCSNPC has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving our county and the broader region with a community-based public health approach to population health.

In 2017, CCSNPC expanded its mission to include mental health. Since then, under the umbrella of Safety and Resilience programs, CCSNPC has employed the Prevention-Intervention-Postvention public health framework to design and implement evidence-based programs and best practices. These initiatives target health risk factors and promote well-being across the health and wellness continuum, with a focus on at-risk and high-risk populations.

In 2019, CCSNPC forged partnerships with the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, Gateway Community Service Board, and Loop It Up Savannah to spearhead the Resilient Coastal Georgia (RCG) coalition, in alignment with Resilient Georgia, a statewide collaborative. RCG unites individuals and organizations across Chatham County and the surrounding Coastal Region working together to cultivate trauma-resilient communities. CCSNPC plays a key leadership role in guiding the strategic planning and execution of projects and programs that align with the mission of RCG and the Chatham County community at large.

What we do

  • Development and implementation of educational and skills-building programs
  • Formation of coalitions and collaboratives to tackle community needs
  • Management of projects focused on capacity building and resource development in physical, mental, and social health realms
  • Referral of organizations to the Georgia Regional Academic Community Health Information Exchange (GRAChIE), a third-party HIE provider
  • Creation of resources outlining community services
  • Provision of prosocial activities for youth and adolescents through partnerships with youth-serving organizations
  • Organization and participation in community events such as health and resource fairs, symposia, and back-to-school events
  • Evaluation of safety net providers for the Chatham County Board of Commissioners

What we do NOT do

  • Direct provision of healthcare or behavioral healthcare services
  • Storage of client/patient data
  • Operation of crisis lines or mobile crisis services
  • Management of youth centers or residential facilities

Board of Directors

  • 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
  • Ashley Allen, COO, 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