Navicent Health Foundation and its board of directors have approved a $150,000 grant to First Choice Primary Care, continuing the health system’s commitment to Bibb County’s Federally Qualified Health Center.
 
Grant funds will be used to assist First Choice Primary Care as they transition to a larger medical office space, allowing the clinic to maintain and expand services, financing both renovations and medical equipment for First Choice Primary Care’s new clinic location at 400 Poplar Street.
 
“Access to primary care has been identified as a major issue in Macon-Bibb County. Access to a primary care provider is particularly important for patients that have been hospitalized and need a medical home after a hospital stay. Through our continued partnership with Navicent Health, we’ve been able to significantly reduce emergency visits and readmissions to the hospital. We’re excited about the possibilities for expanding our partnership in our new medical office,” said Katherine McLeod, Chief Executive Officer of First Choice Primary Care.
 
Navicent Health and First Choice Primary Care have partnered since 2017 to improve access to care for local residents, providing a medical home and service coordination to patients who do not have a primary care provider. Together, the two organizations have supported primary care offices in Macon neighborhoods, working to ensure that care is close to home for residents.
 
“Navicent Health Foundation’s mission is to maximize donor resources to improve the health of our region through community and hospital partnerships. Funds given locally remain within the community to support local needs. We’re pleased to support First Choice Primary Care, an organization that is doing tremendous work for Bibb County and central Georgians,” said Tom Gibbons, Chair of Navicent Health Foundation’s Board of Directors.