By Ebony Perkins, on June 28, 2012

When Palmetto Health Hospital’s neighboring communities are plagued by numerous health problems at higher rates than most areas within the state and county, the hospital must take action to eradicate the problem.  Because residents of the 29203 zip code are underserved and dying at alarming rates from preventable and controllable diseases, Palmetto Health Hospital has taken a role in educating residents, maintaining a community presence, and working closely with local nonprofit organizations.

To combat the growing health problems in this area, Palmetto Health Hospital is collaborating with Healthy Columbia to identify community leaders, improve their health literacy, and encourage them to teach and influence members of their neighborhoods and communities.  Together, we use community organizing to offer the following:

• access to care
• improve the health of the entire community
• reduce the cost of care
• support healthier lifestyles
• increase knowledge and understanding of health issues

To achieve these goals, Palmetto Health and Healthy Columbia will participate in a community Back to School Bash and offer free health screenings for students and parents.  I represented the hospital by developing the event’s budget and creating and executing the marketing and media plan.

Through the budget development and marketing processes, I learned much about the operations of a nonprofit organization.  In a short time, I’ve learned how to maintain effectiveness on a limited budget, fundraising techniques, and powerful but inexpensive marketing practices.  I also learned much about community organizing and how to improve a community by teaching its leadership and encouraging them to spread the message to other residents.

This week was an exceptional experience and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Healthy Columbia as we move forward to help surrounding communities.

 Learn more about Healthy Columbia!