CREATING CHANGE IN HEALTHCARE BEGINS WITH YOU

Written By: Michelle A. Nelson, PhD, MS, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN & Shelli-Ann McKenzie, MS, RN, PMP, CPHIMS

Georgia is an awesome place to live, work, and play. With the influx of major businesses and corporations with headquarters located here, Georgia gets top marks as the state to do business. People migrate here for better opportunities and a chance for a better life balance. Unfortunately, our healthcare outcomes do not reflect the same reality. Herein lies a tale of two cities. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2022, Georgia consistently boasts some of the worst healthcare outcomes in the nation.

The Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce reports that nine counties are without any doctors, 18 without primary care physicians, 69 without pediatricians, and 76 have no obstetrician or gynecologist. Of the approximately 25,000 physicians in Georgia, only a small percentage is Black, further compounding and exacerbating an environment steeped in cultural distrust of the medical establishment. Research shows that patients and clients have the best outcomes when treated by providers that look and sound like them.

Underserved populations and rural communities need better access to quality healthcare and medical specialists. Limited access to quality care increases the maternal and infant mortality rate in these minority and underserved groups. Issues with access to intensive care units, cancer care, and behavioral health support also exist.

Utilizing technology, like Mobile Apps (mHealth) and Telehealth are one solution to help our patients. Telehealth drives additional revenue and lowers the cost of care. It can be used for preventative, inpatient care, and post-discharge care and monitoring, significantly improving outcomes in health conditions.

How can you create change?

To drive impactful change, adopt these 7 key principles

Continuously educate yourself in your personal and professional lives.

Stay current on the latest clinical, social, political, academic aspects of your life and career, as well as society.

Make sure you have a mentor for guidance in your personal and career development, as well as, collaborate on how to address the issues you are dedicated to.

Remember, self-fulfillment and satisfaction are steeped in pouring into yourself before others. Invest in your growth from the beginning and follow through while on your commitment journey to change the world around you. Know that others are watching and many will model their journey after yours when they see your dedication to making good on reaching your promises for self-actualization.

Get involved!! Everyone is stretched thin with little time for the various aspects of work, life, school, and parenting balance to name a few. However, it is imperative that you show up in any way possible to lift your voice and support the issues that you are passionate about. Whether it is healthcare, education, social justice, housing, DEI matters, economics, or civic engagement, you can serve in various capacities to advance progress in positive change.

Many healthcare organizations are represented and engaged with Help for Healthcare Professionals. Choose one and get started. Join an organization or two or three. Show up for their meetings. Introduce yourself to other members or allies and let them know you are ready, willing, and able to serve in whichever ways are needed.

Mobilize people and respond to calls to action that address your cause.

Be an informed voter and never miss an opportunity to vote.

Interact with your legislators. Hold them accountable for what they say they will or will not do on behalf of their constituents. Remember you are the employer, and they are the employee. Legislators will respond to individuals who reach out to them, particularly their constituents. The majority of the legislators are there to meet your needs and deliver what market forces dictate. Meet your legislators and offer to educate them on your causes so they can effectively serve you. Ultimately, find the courage to run for office yourself and be prepared to win. You can do it!

Change begins with you.

Once you identify the cause or initiative that fuels your passion, lean in, exercise “mustard seed faith” and execute your plan to effectively drive change in your community. Engage others by sharing your thoughts. Don’t forget to include your ideas on how to ensure better healthcare outcomes in Georgia for everyone, or at least for a particular population about which you are most knowledgeable.

TOGETHER, we can change Georgia, and change the world!