We are excited to share the results of an insightful evaluation of Wellstar’s Community Transformation Program (CTP), completed by our partner, WE Public Health. This evaluation marks an important milestone as we continue to drive meaningful community-level change through the work of the Wellstar Center for Health Equity (WCHE) and our dedicated grantees.
Each year, CTP invites local organizations in Metro Atlanta to request support for a new or existing tech-based initiative that addresses health disparities in our communities. Nineteen organizations have received grants through the program, including eight in the most recent group. To measure the impact of this program and study how Wellstar’s support has helped these organizations further their reach, we partnered with WE Public Health for an evaluation of CTP.
About WE Public Health
WE Public Health is a consulting firm focused on advancing health equity through strategic partnerships, capacity building and community engagement. Their work empowers organizations and communities to address health and social challenges with a specific focus on justice and equity.
Why Wellstar chose WE Public Health
WCHE partnered with WE Public Health to develop a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation strategy because we recognized the importance of a thorough evaluation to help understand the impact and sustainability of our CTP. The evaluation reviewed the first three groups of Community Transformation Program (CTP) grantees (2020 to 2023) to assess how effectively they improved access to medical care and social services through technology. Findings guide program improvements, support communication with stakeholders and help achieve industry recognition.
Key evaluation domains included:- Program reach (partners served, demographics and counties)
- Financial investment (technology and total funding)
- Improved access to care and support services
- Program sustainability post-grant
- Impact on clients and grantee organizations
- Uniqueness of Wellstar’s investment
- Social return on investment
Key evaluation findings and impact
Health equity and social determinants of health
The evaluation highlighted the alignment of the CTP with Wellstar’s commitment to addressing social determinants of health, or factors that can affect a person’s well-being, including access to food, housing and transportation. Our CTP focused on six key areas identified through Wellstar's 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). WCHE launched the CTP in response to a technology equity gap identified in the assessment. The program addresses the need to improve access to medical care and social support services for vulnerable, marginalized and underserved communities.
Impressive cost avoidance and health outcomes
The evaluation also demonstrated that CTP grantees are having a significant impact on health outcomes. While the estimated reach from our program’s services exceeds 13,000 people, of those nearly 2,250 people benefited specifically from either mental and/or physical health interventions. The estimated cost avoidance from emergency department visits for these patients ranged from $225,000 to over $1 million. This not only underscores the financial impact of the program, but also reflects its success in preventing the need for emergency care.
Sustained use of technology solutions
A key aspect of the CTP was its emphasis on integrating technology solutions to enhance health services. According to the evaluation, six out of seven grantee organizations interviewed reported continuing use of the technology solutions funded through the CTP, indicating strong buy-in and long-term benefits. These positive findings reflect the success of the program in providing grantees with the resources and support to test and scale innovative solutions in a low-risk environment.
Positive experiences and strong partnerships
Grantees and partners reported positive experiences working with Wellstar team members, highlighting our emphasis on collaboration, capacity building and fostering strong relationships. The evaluation emphasized the effectiveness of Wellstar's supportive approach, which allowed grantees to explore new solutions while minimizing risks.
Guiding our growth
One of the most valuable outcomes of this evaluation was the expert guidance provided on how to strengthen and scale the program. WE Public Health offered strategic recommendations focused on deepening community partnerships, supporting long-term sustainability and enhancing evaluation practices. These insights will serve as a roadmap as we continue refining the CTP to maximize impact and equity.
Why this matters
The findings from this evaluation affirm the transformative impact the CTP has had on both the health outcomes of individuals and the broader community. By fostering partnerships, addressing key social determinants of health and investing in sustainable technology solutions, the CTP is helping to create lasting change in the communities we serve.
As we continue to work with WE Public Health, we are excited to build upon these results and expand our efforts to address health inequities across Georgia. The partnership between Wellstar, WE Public Health and our grantees continues to serve as a model for how community-driven programs can drive sustainable improvements in health and well-being.
