April 3, 2019 – Southeast Georgia Health System has always provided
health care services for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.
As such, in alignment with its mission, in 2011 the Health System assumed
responsibility for Coastal Medical Access Project (CMAP).
CMAP was originally formed in 1999 by Henri C. Woodman, county commissioner
and local philanthropist, when there was no access to health care for
patients that were uninsured.
In upcoming months, the Health System will wind down services currently
offered at CMAP and transition patients to
Coastal Community Health Services, Inc., a federally qualified health center located in Brunswick. Coastal receives
federal funding to treat uninsured and underinsured individuals.
“Patients are able to access health care services at
Coastal Community Health Services on a sliding fee scale based on their income level,” said
Michael D. Scherneck, president and CEO, Southeast Georgia Health System. “Essentially,
they are filling the need that was the initial vision of CMAP.”
Scherneck added that Coastal will offer patients access to health care
resources, including primary care, dental, vision and behavioral health
services, and expanded services hours to better meet their needs.
“Coastal Community Health Services has offered health care services to uninsured and low income patients
in Glynn County for more than five years,” said Barbara Meyers, CEO,
Coastal Community Health. “Transitioning CMAP patients to Coastal will reduce duplicate efforts
and help to ensure that patients are able to access the services they
need. It will also decrease unnecessary emergency room visits for services
that we can provide.”
The Health System will work collaboratively with Coastal to transition
patients and ensure they continue to receive the referrals they need for
specialty practices operated by the Health System.