[Atlanta, GA] – December 4, 2024 – Georgia Health Information Network (GaHIN) and United Way are joining forces to reshape how care is delivered across the state. By bringing United Way of Greater Atlanta and United Way of Central Georgia’s 211 Database into GaHIN’s statewide health information exchange, this partnership creates a seamless bridge between healthcare providers, social care organizations, and public health agencies.
This collaboration, with GaHIN technology partner, Ready Computing, sets a new standard for whole-person care, making it easier than ever to connect Georgians with vital resources. With a focus on building closed-loop referral networks at the community level, GaHIN and the United Way are ensuring no one is left behind. This initiative paves the way for a healthier, more connected Georgia.
Bridging Gaps Through Collaboration
"The United Way of Greater Atlanta 211 Contact Center is thrilled about its partnership with GaHIN,” said Donna Burnham, Vice President of United Way 211. “By sharing our resources directory, we are embracing a holistic approach to "whole-person care," which means treating individuals as complete beings and considering their physical, mental, and social well-being. This collaboration allows healthcare providers to access our 211 data, giving them a deeper understanding of the broader context of a patient’s life, including critical social determinants of health that are essential for effective treatment and support."
George McCanless, President & CEO, United Way of Central Georgia stated “Linking patients with community resources in supportive, intentional ways is a powerful tool to mitigate stressors of everyday life. In the context of whole-person care the elimination or reduction of stress and anxiety can help improve not only individual health but the overall health of the community.
United Way of Central Georgia is particularly interested in individuals and families with limited assets who are working but just one unexpected expense away from a financial crisis. These are people often working in our essential services sector. If this partnership can help improve their trajectory for a stable, healthy life then it’s a successful partnership.”
Transforming Access to Social Care
The integration of the 211 Database into GeorgiaUnify and GeorgiaConnX will provide healthcare and social care organizations with real-time, actionable data to:
- Identify social care resources across Georgia.
- Seamlessly connect individuals to the services they need.
- Ensure closed-loop referrals, where every referral is tracked, managed, and completed.
- Enhance reporting and analytics for better decision-making.
The Power of Whole Person Care
“By integrating United Way’s 211 Database into our platforms, we are not only improving access to critical services but also fostering a more connected, efficient care ecosystem,” said GaHIN Executive Director, Dr. Denise Hines. “This partnership reinforces our commitment to delivering whole-person care and transforming how healthcare and social care intersect in Georgia.”
About GaHIN
The Georgia Health Information Network (GaHIN) is dedicated to creating a connected healthcare ecosystem that improves patient outcomes and supports communities. Through innovative solutions like GeorgiaConnX and GeorgiaUnify, GaHIN bridges gaps between healthcare and social care organizations to deliver whole-person care.
About United Way and 211
United Way’s 211 is a free, confidential referral and information service connecting people to essential health and human services. Available 24/7, 211 helps millions of people annually by providing access to food, housing, childcare, and more.