Efficient and effective utilization of available resources and communication trafficking between health care providers and patients have been a consistent source of problems and gaps in the system, where detrimental results have been observed in the past.  To meet these challenges, we have proposed the establishment of a state or federal program where we could develop partnership between the business, community and academia in order to provide a health care program that offers affordable health care cost for insured individuals focused towards preventive health, oversights for effective and cost-efficient health care service for all, and service to the uninsured, with equivalent quality care.

The major objective of this state/federal program is to build infrastructure for communication between the different stakeholders and sustainable programs that feed on this synergistic interaction.  This effort will translate to service to the community through quality health care (preventive health management) and education for underserved groups. For instance, workplace wellness programs have been validated as good economic sense, not just a boon to public relations. 

In the case of type 2 diabetes patients who improved their glycemic (blood sugar) control showed more productivity at work (99% vs. 87%) and lost of fewer earnings to absenteeism ($24/month vs. $115/month).  Similarly, a study conducted at the First Chicago NBD Corporation showed that after 3 months of attending a workplace diabetes education program, participants had reduced their mean fasting blood sugar from 198 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL, a jump that significantly decreases the risk of costly complications.

However, workplace wellness programs are but one aspect of the envisioned health care reform/program.  In addition, specific interactions will result in a self-sustaining model that ultimately increases profits.   The benefits to businesses large and small as a result of such a program are manifold. 

 

Benefits to Employers and Business Community:

v    Reduced absenteeism and increased productivity yield net profit gains;

v    Monthly wellness-themed networking incorporated into existing business meetings, promote more collaborations between small and large businesses;

v    Collective bargaining efforts of member businesses result in lower expenditures for health care premiums;

v    Promote high morale and quality healthcare for employees resulting in higher retention;

v    Routine screening programs with corresponding education and support designed for risk reduction and early prevention of diseases.

 Benefits to the Community:

v    Will draw new businesses to Georgia as added benefit to support healthcare burden for new companies and also ensure healthy workforce ;

v     Provide affordable healthcare insurance to  low income and underserved family;

v     Provide an innovative personalized medical care for all;

v     Provide an oversight to ensure cost-effective treatment, patient compliance, efficient communication through education and overall savings for all stakeholders.

Benefits to the State and the Nation:

v         Decrease if not eliminate current burden of health care costs for the poor and underserved groups;

v     Improve health education and implementation programs in the school system;

v     Efficient utilization of state resources to benefit a wider range of the population through strategic partnerships with academia and business communities;

v    Paradigm for efforts to improve overall health for all people;