Community leaders looking at health needs of Coastal Ga.

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Community leaders met with health experts and medical professionals Friday to look at the health needs of Coastal Georgia.

The St. Joseph’s Candler Health System prepares the report every three years to help leaders identify gaps that residents need filled in order to live a healthy life.

They joined partners in the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition and Medical students at the Medical College of Georgia campus to reach members of the community for input.

The group’s director says the students will be helping with the assessment as part of their training and in learning about the needs in our community.

The assessment documents issues related to health and well-being in Chatham County, including health insurance, affordable housing, internet access, mental health, substance use, transportation, poverty, and more.

“We have first year medical students who are here who are being introduced to our community, and we want them to understand the social determinants of health that have an impact on people’s health outcomes here in Chatham County,” said Lizann Roberts, Executive Director, Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition.

They’re asking for your help by filling out a survey on what you think is important locally.