Irwin County Hospital Enhances Pediatric Care Through KidsABC Partnership
Ocilla, GA – Irwin County hospital is the latest healthcare facility too join the KidsABC program, a statewide initiative dedicated to improving pediatric care access across Georgia. The partnership will bring specialized training and pediatric equipment to the hospital,bolstering its ability to serve the region’s children and families.
This expansion of the KidsABC network is particularly vital as rural hospitals often face challenges in providing comprehensive pediatric services. The program aims to bridge this gap by offering crucial support – including telehealth, clinical guidance, and workforce growth – to hospitals like Irwin County, ensuring children receive high-quality care closer to home. The collaboration represents a notable step toward addressing healthcare disparities and strengthening the pediatric healthcare landscape throughout rural Georgia.
KidsABC creates a collaborative network linking rural hospital emergency departments, pediatric and family medicine physicians, regional pediatric hospitals, and school systems. Through this network, Irwin County Hospital will receive support in several key areas, including pediatric training for staff, access to clinical guidance, and opportunities for regional network building.
“We’re seeing these hospitals strengthen their ability to deliver high-quality pediatric care in their facilities,” according to a recent press release.
The program also focuses on expanding access to behavioral and mental health services, offering virtual counseling for students and school-based mental health assessments and training. Recognizing the critical need for a enduring pediatric workforce, KidsABC, in partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, offers scholarships to Mercer medical students committed to practicing in rural georgia, and also supporting students training to provide mental health services in rural communities.
“It is so exciting to see how much progress has been made in a short amount of time toward improving access to quality pediatric health care for all of Georgia’s kids,” said Donna Hyland, Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “we are thrilled that these adult hospital systems are working with KidsABC to better support their physicians and local patient families seeking care close to home.”
KidsABC plans to continue its expansion over the next seven years, with the ultimate goal of strengthening pediatric care throughout all of rural Georgia.
