Uninsured patients in Newton County have increased access to health education classes to assist with diabetes management and smoking cessation, thanks to a $5,000 community benefit grant funded by Piedmont Newton Hospital.

A recipient of Piedmont’s new grant program, which extends financial support to organizations providing specific health-related services and programs for at-risk and underserved populations, Willing Helpers Medical Clinic uses the funds to support educational programs for the community.

“We want to provide services that teach and encourage positive health habits among our patients,” Edward Jenkins, executive director of Willing Helpers Medical Clinic, said. “These educational programs provide additional tools and recourses to our patients to help them to maintain good health.” 

Open one day a week, Willing Helpers Medical Clinic is open exclusively to Newton County residents, serving more than 3,000 patients in the community, none of whom have any form of health insurance. The education programs will take place at the clinic and aim to educate patients on ways to control their diabetes. Patients learn about proper nutrition, insulin training, the effects of smoking and tips to help smokers quit.

“At Piedmont, our purpose is to make a positive difference in the lives we touch and that’s why we work tirelessly to increase access to appropriate and affordable care for low- and no-income patients,” Ginna Goode, community benefits specialist at Piedmont Healthcare, said. “Working together with Willing Helpers Medical Clinic will strengthen our collective ability to ensure patients have access to care they need.”

Community benefit grants are limited to not-for-profit, community-based organizations that are exempt from federal tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information on the grant program or Piedmont’s community health needs assessments, visit piedmont.org.

For more information on services offered at Willing Helpers Medical Clinic, call 678-625-8317.