Wellstar Community Health Programs
We support the health of our communities. At Wellstar, we are more than healthcare, PeopleCare.
- Community Health Programs
Community Health Programs at Wellstar
As one of the leading healthcare systems in Georgia and one of the top ten charity care systems in the nation, we embrace the responsibility of supporting our communities throughout the state. Our community health efforts exist to coordinate connections between people who experience poor health outcomes and a lack of resources in order to help improve their chances for sustainable health and well-being. We do this by providing access to care through our community clinic network and community transformation programs, and by providing access to COVID-19 vaccinations and colorectal cancer and prostate cancer screenings, to name just a few examples. In fact, we have facilitated over 10,000 community vaccinations in collaboration with local public health, and we’ve distributed 1,300 Colorectal Cancer Screening Kits through our partnership with BLKHLTH. Across Wellstar, our caregivers and team members from many disciplines work to focus their talents toward service. Because access to healthy foods is a key component of healthy living, we endeavor to offer this support in our community efforts, including our food resource initiatives. When Wellstar’s Community Health Needs Assessments identified food insecurity as a key social determinant of health impacting the well-being of the communities we serve across the state, Wellstar joined the Goodr partner network and launched Wellstar Mobile Markets, a uniquely branded variation of pop-up grocery markets. These Mobile Markets have reached communities in metro Atlanta and beyond. Since its inception in 2020, the “Wellstar on Wheels” Mobile Market has served over 25,000 individuals. Wellstar's Spiritual Health staff support and give care during moments when people most need it. Their primary goal is to provide a compassionate and supportive environment that allows patients, families and other caregivers to feel safe and respected. These efforts include nondenominational spiritual support for patients and family members through our congregational health network, as well as the compassionate attention of social work students on rotation in our medical centers. The efforts of our Wellstar Women's Health caregivers support positive maternal health and wellness by providing vital resources and education to pregnant and postpartum birth givers. Wellstar has partnered with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia (HMHBGA) to provide maternal health resources in support of new mothers and birth givers in Georgia. Part of these efforts include distributing free care packages, including practical tools and educational information. Wellstar is also part of a pilot program, Operation MIST, which is studying the maternal mortality and morbidity crisis that is impacting birth givers and the health of their babies. All this important work, and more, to support the health of our communities highlights our Wellstar motto that we are more than healthcare, PeopleCare.2026 Wellstar Mobile Markets
Jackson/Butts CountyLocation: Jackson United Methodist Church
Time: 5 PM - 6 PM
Dates: March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, September 15, October 20 Douglasville/Douglas County
Location: Saint James AME Church
Time: 10 AM - 11 AM
Dates: March 25, April 29, May 27, June 24, September 23, October 28
Roswell/North Fulton County
Location: Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Time: 5 PM - 6 PM
Dates: March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, September 10, October 8 Atlanta/South Fulton County
Location: Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
Time: 10 AM - 11 AM
Dates: March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, September 8, October 13 Dallas/Paulding County
Location: PB Ritch Middle School
Time: 10 AM - 11 AM
Dates: March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, September 26, October 24 Griffin/Spalding County
Location: The Gathering International
Time: 5 PM - 6 PM
Dates: March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, September 3, October 1 LaGrange/Troup County
Location: LaGrange AMC Classic 10
Time: 10 AM - 11 AM
Dates: March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, September 5, October 3
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Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center Expected to Open in Late August
Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center is nearing completion and is scheduled to open Aug. 26. The six-story, 100-bed hospital is located at 5000 Gateway Blvd. in Grovetown.
“It’s phenomenal to get to this level of substantial completion with construction because it means we’re that much closer to increasing access to care across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA),” said Ralph Turner, president of Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center.
The new medical center expands healthcare services already offered in Augusta for more rural counties like McDuffie and provides additional learning opportunities for students at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Students will train using the latest technologies in healthcare.
Highlights
Exercise to Enhance Your Stroke Recovery
The road to recovery after a stroke can be long and difficult. By following exercise recommendations from Wellstar’s rehabilitation care team, you can take an active role in the process and help shorten your journey.
According to the National Institutes of Health, falling can lead to delays in recovery for stroke survivors. Muscle stiffness and loss of balance are two common issues that contribute to increased fall risks. The expert providers at Wellstar work with patients and family members to develop individualized care plans that improve steadiness and flexibility. For added benefit, they also recommend you do the following exercises on your own.
Standing up and sitting down
Begin by sitting on a chair with a firm seat. Stand up fully and then slowly take a seat. Repeat as many times as you can tolerate initially. If necessary, use your hands to push into the standing position. Gradually progress to standing without the added assistance and completing more repetitions.
Step-ups
Begin by holding on to a stair rail. Step up onto the first step and then back down to the floor. Repeat as many times as you can tolerate initially. Step up with your stronger leg and lead with the weaker leg going down. Gradually progress to not holding on to the rail and increasing the number of repetitions.
Calf raises
Using a chair or countertop for balance, raise up onto your toes, lifting your heels completely off the floor. Slowly lower your heels back to the floor. Repeat as many times as you can tolerate initially. Gradually progress to not holding on and completing more repetitions.
Marching in place
Begin using a chair or countertop for balance and march in place for as many seconds as you can tolerate initially. Gradually progress to not holding on and marching in place for longer periods of time.
Shoulder flexion
Start with your arms at your side. With your palms facing each other, raise your arms in front of you as far as you can. Return to the starting position, then repeat.
Shoulder extension
Start with your arms at your side. With your palms facing each other, raise your arms behind you as far as you can. Return to the starting position, then repeat.
Shoulder abduction/adduction (lateral shoulder arm raises)
Extend your arms out to the side. Slowly raise your arms above your head. Return to the starting position, then repeat.
Elbow extension and flexion
Start with your arms at your sides, with your palms facing forward. Bend at your elbow so that your palm touches your shoulder. Return to the starting position, then repeat.
Wrist extension and flexion
Place your arms on a supported surface such as a table or desk, leaving your wrists free to move. Turn your palms up toward the ceiling and bend your wrists up and down.
Finger flexing and extending
Place your forearms on a surface such as a table or your lap with your palms facing up. Make a tight fist then open your hand and extend your fingers out until they are straight.
Get the most out of your exercise regimen
Establishing a regular exercise routine outside of your scheduled therapy appointments is important for your recovery. Perhaps equally important is completing the routine in a safe manner to avoid falling and to maximize your results. The experts at Wellstar suggest following these tips to maintain your safety.
- Dress comfortably. Your clothes should not limit your movements. Wear a hospital gown, pajamas or athletic clothing.
- Move slowly through all the movements.
- Do not hold your breath while doing any of these exercises. Breathe deeply. Count out loud during the exercises to keep your breaths evenly paced and remind you to breathe.
- Try to do the exercises while standing or sitting at the edge of your bed. If you do them this way, make sure another adult is around. This will help to make sure you are safe and reduce your risk of falling.
- Stop any exercise that causes you pain or discomfort and tell your doctor, occupational or physical therapist. Continue to do the other exercises that do not cause pain.
If you have any questions, talk with your doctor, physical therapist or occupational therapist. Learn more about the expert care from Wellstar’s inpatient rehabilitation program.
Learn more about Wellstar Roosevelt’s specialty rehabilitation services.
Highlights
5 Habits to Become the Healthiest You
Small changes add up to big results. By incorporating simple habits into your life, you can kickstart your wellness journey and stay on track for the long run.
Setting healthy, realistic goals
Use the SMART goal-setting system to help define your goal and develop attainable resolutions.
- Specific—Be clear about exactly what you want to accomplish. Include as many details as necessary, such as potential obstacles or extra requirements.
- Measurable—Measure your progress and determine how to meet the goal. If you have a big goal, you may need to set smaller milestones to stay on track.
- Achievable—Attainability is an important factor to consider when it comes to goal setting. It’s not fair to yourself to set an impossible goal.
- Relevant—Align your resolutions with your overall life goals and think about what you hope to accomplish by reaching that goal.
- Time bound—Set a realistic, target deadline to reach your goal with checkpoints at intervals along the way. Markers provide an opportunity to measure progress and reassess any changes needed to stay on track.
Keep in mind, you may encounter some bumps in the road along the way. Recognizing all the small accomplishments can help you stay motivated and win in the long run, so focus on what you’ve achieved so far.
Build new habits into your regular routine by beginning small and adding on over time. With this “habit stacking” technique, you pair your new habit with something you’re already doing. For example, if your goal is to drink more water, drink a glass of water while making your morning coffee or tea.
Schedule a wellness exam
Seeing your primary care clinician at least once a year is the single most important thing you can do for your health.
At your annual exam, your care team will help keep you healthy and reach your wellness goals. They screen for diseases to stay ahead of medical issues and check in on your overall well-being.
Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to prompt you to book an appointment. You can also use an important date, such as your birthday, anniversary or a holiday, as a marker to remind you to schedule a visit.
Get moving to stay well
If you’re focused on improving your fitness routine, put a plan in place to be more active.
“Begin to incorporate a little more exercise into your daily routine,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Jeremy Boyd. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a suggestion of 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week. I like to break that down to a good 40 minutes four times a week.”
Set a sleep routine
Having a bedtime routine is essential to catch more Zs throughout the year. When you wake up feeling rested, you often feel more productive and energized throughout the day.
Get started by setting a specific time to go to sleep—and stick to it. Make sure you reserve at least seven to nine hours per night for sleep.
Limit your screen time before getting in bed. Bright screens from a phone, computer or TV can keep your brain awake and make it harder to fall asleep.
If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, have a decaffeinated cup of tea or take a warm bath to help you relax.
Eat a balanced diet
When it comes to losing weight, many people look for a quick fix, which can often create unhealthy ways of eating. Creating a healthy eating plan from the start can help avoid any fad diet pitfalls.
Nutrition plans that restrict or eliminate food groups and those with extreme calorie deficits are difficult to maintain and can often produce more weight gain or undesired results, according to Wellstar Registered Dietitian Kelly Prian.
Diet trends can also create a negative relationship with food, which can make it harder to achieve your goals. Prian shared that those with long-term success focus on maintaining a plan that enables steady weight loss over time.
A healthy nutrition plan is balanced and emphasizes whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low fat dairy, nuts and seeds, and whole grains.
Try not to overcomplicate healthy eating. You can start by filling half your plate with vegetables or having fun trying new recipes.
Also, be mindful of the connection between your emotions and what you’re eating.
“To lead a more healthy lifestyle, we need to learn to manage triggers that can work against us. Triggers are things in life that we tend to react to in a certain way—without even thinking about it,” said Wellstar Psychologist Dr. Amanda Perkins. “When we respond to a trigger in the same way over and over again, we build a habit. Feelings, thoughts, the sight or smell of food, and other people’s actions can all serve as triggers for unhealthy eating.”
Managing stress and knowing what triggers unhealthy habits can help you make healthy lifestyle changes.
“There are several ways we can change problematic triggers. First, avoid the trigger or keep it out of sight. This might include limiting unhealthy food options in the home,” Dr. Perkins said. “Next, we can change how we respond to the trigger. For example, find an alternative behavior to replace eating when bored. Finally, we can add new cues to help us make healthier choices. This could include placing our walking shoes within sight.”
Take care of your mental health
Self-care is an important aspect of your mental well-being and should be made a consistent part of each day.
If you feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, Wellstar behavioral health specialists are here for you.
“After identifying our sources of stress, we can directly address what is within our control. For stressors that we cannot control, we can cope using stress management techniques such as deep breathing, distraction, valued activities or engaging in social support,” Dr. Perkins said.
Need support? Connect with a Wellstar behavioral health specialist.