Counties collaborate at Georgia Southern to address rural health challenges

Georgia Southern University’s Institute for Health Logistics and Analytics (IHLA) Community Health Resource Project (CHRP) hosted a regional community meeting to share insights, exchange ideas and strengthen communication networks that support community health across southeast Georgia.

Held on the Statesboro Campus, the meeting welcomed representatives from the 18 participating rural counties focused on improving community health through a One Health approach.

Over the past two years, CHRP has collaborated with local stakeholders in each county to map county-specific assets and develop workforce development strategies. By emphasizing collaboration, connection and community-led solutions, the initiative aims to create sustainable pathways to health improvement.

“As we reach the conclusion of this project, bringing all county partners together was always a top priority,” said Tanya Jules, DrPH, IHLA community outreach coordinator and CHRP project lead. “Despite ongoing challenges such as limited transportation, geographic isolation and environmental barriers, these counties continue to deliver innovative, local solutions to improve health outcomes and build stronger, more resilient communities. We wanted to create a space where they could exchange ideas and information.”

Attendees, including residents, county officials and community partners, provided feedback on CHRP findings and workforce strategies. Focus groups explored the feasibility of locally driven solutions and encouraged open dialogue, reinforcing CHRP’s goal of empowering communities to create sustainable improvements in community health.

Participants highlighted the value of shared learning and connection.

“It was great to connect with other communities and hear how they are approaching the same or similar challenges that my community is dealing with,” said one attendee.

Another added, “It was inspiring to be in a room with so many like-minded individuals. The work CHRP is doing is vital for rural communities. It was exciting to learn about.”

The event embodied the project’s guiding theme: Building Connections, Strengthening Communities. In addition to reviewing project outcomes, the meeting served as a launchpad for future collaboration, encouraging participants to stay engaged in IHLA’s broader One Health network.

To learn more about the Community Health Resource Project and explore county asset maps, visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu/chrp.

CHRP was made possible through a generous contribution from the Centene Foundation.

Participating counties: Appling, Bryan, Burke, Candler, Emanuel, Evans, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, Long, McIntosh, Montgomery, Screven, Tattnall, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne and Wheeler.