Jennifer Barkin, Ph.D., professor at Mercer University School of Medicine, will serve as the Principal Investigator on a $2 million grant partnership from United Health Foundation (UHF) as part of Project Elevate. This funding builds on a $5.5 million award received from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in April 2024, which provided five years of renewal funding for South Georgia Healthy Start (SGHS).
SGHS was funded initially in 2019 and is housed within the Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities (CRHHD) at Mercer School of Medicine. The program delivers critical maternal and child health services, including case management, prenatal care, care coordination, material and social support and health education. SGHS serves families in Appling, Bulloch, Candler, Emanuel, Evans, Jefferson, Jenkins, Screven, Tattnall and Toombs counties.
In 2024, SGHS served 1,168 participants, reflecting an increase of 208 from the previous year, surpassing HRSA’s target enrollment goal of 700 participants annually. In addition, the program’s 10-county service area has seen a 2.6% decline in infant mortality since its inception, according to the program’s 2023 Impact Report.
“These outcomes are a testament to the effectiveness of the Healthy Start initiative and the dedication of our staff,” said Dr. Barkin. “Every single team member is deeply committed to maternal and child health, and we execute with determination.”
Project Elevate will “Serve More, Serve Better” by expanding SGHS’s reach and enhancing maternal health outcomes. Specifically, the program will strengthen workforce development, track maternal functioning over time and introduce new support services.
“The funding from UHF will allow us to integrate doula care into the program and significantly expand health promotion efforts in the field,” said Dr. Barkin. “Both of these enhancements will promote improved maternal functioning and key mental health indicators.”
With this continued investment, SGHS is poised to make a real difference in maternal and child health outcomes in rural Georgia. Click here to find out more about South Georgia Health Start.
