Community Health Mission (formerly known as Community HealthCare Center/Savannah Health Mission) was awarded a grant from the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation's Healthy Communities/Healthy America program.  Launched this year, the new program provides grants to outstanding free clinics across the country.

Community Health Mission in Chatham County was one of only ten organizations that received funding in an effort to address the growing problem of the uninsured and to recognize physician and community volunteerism.  The grant was very competitive - about 130 organizations requested it.

"We are pleased to honor Community Health Mission and their dedication to improving the health of those who are most in need," said AMA Foundation President Peter Carmel, MD.  "The AMA Foundation is committed to recognizing the extraordinary physicians and volunteers who have taken it upon themselves to provide critical health care services."

 The funds will pay for medical care for 431 patients for a full year, including a full medical exam, wellness programs such as nutrition classes, diagnostic screening tests such as Pap smears and mammograms, and access to medication.

"It is a great honor that we were selected," said Dr. Miriam Rittmeyer, Executive Director of CHM. "The   AMA is the most prestigious organization in the medical world." 

Community Health Mission (formerly Community HealthCare Center/Savannah Health Mission) gives medical help to the uninsured. CHM serves a diverse population of patients who are unable to afford health insurance and don't qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. The majority of patients are women working in small businesses or in jobs that don't pay benefits.  It provides nearly 10,000 patient visits annually on a combined basis.

The health care offered by CHM is valuable to the community as well as patients.

"It's important because you can diagnose at an early stage," Dr. Rittmeyer said. Early diagnosis means a better chance of success and avoiding emergency room visits. When the community doesn't invest in primary healthcare and diagnostic tests, it pays in more expensive treatment later. "It's more costly to the hospital and the patient," she said.