Tar Wars is back in a big way for 2024! We had a very successful Fall implementation, and already have several school districts locked in for the Spring semester.

If you are looking for a way to give back in your community, Tar Wars is a perfect opportunity to help educate students about the dangers of smoking and vaping. Simply attend a short training session and you will be eligible to present Tar Wars in local schools. All materials will be provided for you and travel will be compensated.

Being a Tar Wars Champion is another great way to help! Contact your local school boards, superintendent, or principals and encourage them to bring Tar Wars into their schools.

To schedule your Tar Wars training please visit https://calendly.com/tarwars. If none of the available times work for your schedule (or you just want more information), reach out to Lauren Shamblin at lshamblin@gafp.org for additional availability.

The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) is currently seeking applications for the first cycle of the 2024 Community Health Grant Awards program. Grant awards of up to $5,000 are made to GAFP member-affiliated community organizations that support program priorities including underserved populations and community projects that promote healthy practices. Current GAFP members including medical students, residents and active/ life members are eligible to apply. The application deadline for the first cycle 2024 awards is February 1. First-cycle grant awards will be announced in March 2024.

Over the last 12 years, the Community Health Grant Program has given more than $720,000 in grants back to GAFP members, residency programs, FMIG groups, and their communities including Adult Disability Medical Healthcare’s (ADMH) “Get Fit and Be Healthy” project and led by GAFP member Dr. Andrea Videlefsky.    

Visit www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/grants/ to download the 2024 grant application or view a list of previously funded grant projects.

Even if you do not have a community project that could benefit from a grant, please consider contributing so that the Alliance can continue to support these vital projects. All donations are tax-deductible. Alliance contributions can be made easily online at www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/donate/  or via the QR code below.

First and foremost, THANK YOU. Your dedication as family physicians is the heartbeat of our communities. As we approach the end of the year, the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) wants to express its deepest gratitude for your tireless work and unwavering commitment to the well-being of Georgians.

Reflecting on Impactful Contributions: Your support has played a crucial role in shaping the health landscape of Georgia, and for that, we are truly thankful. Together, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones, and your continued involvement is key to our shared success.

A Humble Request: Consider a Year-End Gift: Understanding the demands on your time and resources, we humbly ask you to consider making a difference with a tax-deductible donation to the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance. Your contribution, no matter the size, will enable us to continue the vital work that GAFP members make possible in local communities across the state.

Your Impact in Action:

• Grants, Education, and Community Initiatives: Since the inception of our grants programs, GAFP member-sponsored healthcare grants have totaled an impressive $720,000, supporting initiatives that enhance the overall health of Georgians.
• Tar Wars: Over the last 18 months, GHFA funding has allowed us to reach more than 65,000 Georgia students through Tar Wars, our tobacco and vape-use prevention program.

Your Support in Action: Local Initiatives: We rely on the leadership, support, and generosity of family physicians like you to continue championing local initiatives such as the Diaper Drive and Baby Supply Bank Project, Soccer in the Streets Youth Food Scarcity Project, and Tar Wars. Together, we are working towards a healthier Georgia, but this journey is only possible with your support.

How to Make a Difference: Donate Today: Your contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to ensure that our collective efforts continue to make a positive difference. Visit https://georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/donate/ or use the QR code at the bottom of this page.

Wishing You a Joyful Holiday Season: Thank you for being a vital part of our mission. We appreciate all that you do for the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians and the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a healthy start to the new year.

In gratitude,

Mitzi Rubin, MD – Atlanta                                                         
President – Georgia Healthy Family Alliance          
Alliance Caduceus Donor       

Eddie Richardson, MD – Atlanta   
Past President – Georgia Healthy Family Alliance
Alliance Diamond Caduceus Donor

P.S. – Your Last Chance to Make a Difference: Please use this QR code or click here to make your gift today. You can also donate online at www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org – click the donate button at the top of the page for your tax-deductible support.

As the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance begins 2024, we would like to take a moment to look back and thank those who supported the foundation over the past year. We are grateful for your generous support allowing us to complete the initial phase of the Your Giving is Great Medicine Capital Campaign, award more than $100,000 in community grants around the state, and reach more than 50,000 youth with the Tar Wars tobacco and vape-free message! Your Giving truly is Great Medicine!

AEC Trust
Aetna Better Health
Alliant Health Solutions
American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation
Amerigroup
Aylo Health
CareSource
Fairview Park Hospital
Floyd Healthcare Foundation
Floyd Medical Center
Fort Valley Community Foundation Fund
Georgia Academy of Family Physicians
Georgia Health Foundation
Humana Healthy Horizons
H.E.A.T. Trust Fund
Houston Healthcare
International Paper, Inc.
Jackson EMC
Memorial Health-Savannah
Molina Cares
Navicent Health Foundation
North Georgia Community Foundation
Northeast Georgia Health System
Otter Tail Corporation
Peach State Health Plan
RRF Foundation for Aging
Statesboro Urgent Care
Savannah Community Foundation
Sterling Seacrest Partners of Savannah Fund
SunMark Community Bank
Toles, Temple & Wright, Inc.
W. G. Raoul Foundation

$25,000-$49,999 Caduceus Diamond Donors

$5,000-$9,999 Donors

Dr. Karla Booker
Dr. Carmen Echols
Dr. Daniel Grizzle
Dr. Emily J. Herndon
Dr. Audrey and William Hodge
Dr. Bruce LeClair
Dr. Leonard Reeves and Terri Brown
Dr. Priya Shah
Dr. Susan Schayes
Dr. Beverly Townsend
Dr. Maria Clarissa Visitacion
Dr. Jonathan David Wade
Dr. Richard E. Wheeler

$1000 -$4,999 Donors

Dr. Rami Arfoosh
Mr. Peter Bechtel
Dr. Thomas Bevill
Dr. Allen Butts
Dr. Lyndsay Claroni
Dr. Michelle Cooke
Dr. Julie Dahl-Smith
Dr. Leslie David
Dr. David Fieseler
Drs. John and Angela Gerguis
Mary Helen and Andrew Heaner
Dr. Loretta Hicks
Dr. Fred Kennard Hood
Dr. Landon Irvin
Dr. Andre Kallab
Dr. Ambar Kulshreshtha
Dr. Anthony Nazione
Dr, Nhi-Kieu Nguyen
Dr. George Nixon
Dr. Alexandria Poitier
Dr. Sharon Rabinovitz
Dr. Thad and Susan Riley
Dr. Dean Seehusen
Ms. Shawn Smith
Dr. Katherine Taylor
Dr. Angeline Ti
Drs. Jan and Tom Whitesell
Dr. Walter Steven Wilson

Family physicians are on the front lines of public health issues affecting our communities, so the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance launched an Immediate Needs Grants program to help address some of the unique health challenges Georgia’s communities face. The grants are disbursed, typically within 3-5 business days, and are up to $1,000.

Some examples of recent grant projects include urgent housing, transportation, food, and medicine for individuals who are in a fragile or unstable environment. A downloadable application can be found on the GHFA website: www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org. Contact Kara Sinkule – ksinkule@gafp.org or call 404-321-7445 with any questions. Immediate Needs Grants awarded in 2023:

2023 Immediate Need Grant Recipients:

Dr. Thomas Fausett, Adel, Adel-Cook County Boys & Girls Club After School Support

Dr. Harry Strothers, Macon, Backpack Buddies Food Project for Vulnerable Youth

Dr. Casey Henritz, Atlanta, Food Scarcity Program for Underserved Youth

Dr. Todd Deavens, Morrow, Good Shepherd Free Clinic EKG Support Project

Dr. Beulette Hooks, Columbus, Micah’s Promise Exploited Children Project

Mercer Medical Student Meenal Joshi, Columbus, Safehouse Homeless Outreach

Dr. Rose Anzele, Macon, Support for Girls STEM Programming in Middle Georgia

Dr. Alexis Bateman, Macon, Vegetable Garden for Food Insecure Patients in Middle Georgia

Dr. Shikha Shah, Columbus, Home Accessibility Project for Jamaris “Jelly” Snipes

Dr. Beverly Ann Townsend, Columbus, Mercer Medical Student Teddy Bear Clinic

Dr. Antonio Williams, Clayton County, Homeless Assistance and Emergency Outreach Project

Dr. John Vu, Griffin, Grocery Assistance for Employees of Displaced Small Business

The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) awarded Community Health Grant applicants $100,000 in 2023. Grant awards were made to GAFP member-affiliated community organizations that support GHFA program priorities including underserved populations and projects that promote healthy practices.

2023 GAFP Member Community Health Grant Recipients include:

Thien-Kim Le, MD, Emory Farmworker Health Clinic Project, South Georgia

Allison Turk, MD, Healthy Hearts Project, Lumpkin County

Adrienne Mims, MD, CBWW Chronic Disease Management, Dekalb County

Kait Meixner, MD, Interventions For Smoking Cessation and Barriers To Care, Athens

Hannah Huang, MCG Student, Asian Clinic Transitioning Back to In-Person, Augusta

Zita Magloire, MD, Stargazer Academy Clean Air and Hands Project, Cairo

Ron Alleyne, MD, Weight Management for A Healthier You Project, Marietta

Sarah Barr, MD, Expanding Access to Affordable Primary Healthcare, Columbus

Susana Alfonso, MD, Portal de Salud Wellness Program, Lilburn

Angeline Ti, MD, Behavioral Health Workforce Diversity in FM Residency, Morrow

Jasbir Kaur, MD, Walk With A Doc Project, Gainesville

Richard Sams, MD, Student Clinic Supplies & Patient Outreach Expansion, Augusta

Andrea Videlefsky, MD, ADMH Get Fit & Be Healthy In My Community, Marietta

Patrice Shongo, MD, Clarkston Health Center Breast Health Initiative, Clarkston

Lyndsay Claroni, DO, Cancer Counseling, Transportation & Nutrition Project, Rome

Hima Nesbit, Medical Student, Musculoskeletal Student Clinic Supplies, Augusta

Jose Villalon, MD, Healthcare Workforce in Vulnerable Communities, Atlanta                                                                                                                                           

Brian DeLoach, MD, Hearts and Hands Medical Clinic Lab Tests, Statesboro

Antonio Williams, MD, Ujima Way Homeless Assistance Project, Clayton County

Donald Fordham, MD, Healthy Life Skills for Families in North GA, Habersham County

Even if you do not have a community project that could benefit from a grant, please consider contributing so that the Alliance can continue to support these vital community projects. All donations are tax-deductible. Alliance contributions can be made easily online at www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/donate/ or by contacting Kara Sinkule at ksinkule@gafp.org.

Thanks to more than 100 generous donors, GHFA reached the initial goal of the Your Giving is Great Medicine Capital Campaign in early June funding four Tar Wars Strike Force initiatives across the state and expanding our nationally recognized grant programs! A Luau-themed campaign celebration was held at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, SC on June 10, 2023, in conjunction with the GAFP Summer CME Meeting.

GHFA President Dr. Mitzi Rubin recognized three GHFA Past- Presidents who have expertly guided the capital campaign over the last five years including Dr. Chip Cowart, Dr. Patrick “PJ” Lynn, and Dr. Eddie Richardson.

Dr. Rubin also recognized the industry partners and dozens of GAFP member top donors and their families in attendance to celebrate this accomplishment including Dr. Susana Alfonso, Dr. Michael Busman, Dr. Le Church, Dr. Mitch Cook, Dr. Chip Cowart, Dr. Ellie Daniels, Dr. Monique Davis-Smith, Dr. Sreevalli Dega, Dr. Donald Fordham, Ms. Fay Fulton, Dr. Jaye George, Dr. Wayne Hoffman, Dr. Gene Jackson, Dr. Theresa Jacobs, Dr. Christina Kelly, Dr. Bruce LeClair, Dr. Patrick “PJ” Lynn, Dr. Thaddeus Lynn, Ms. Patti Lyons, Ms. Alesa McArthur, Dr. Macy McNair, Dr. Howard McMahan, Dr. Sherma Peter, Dr. Sharon Rabinovitz, and Dr. Eddie Richardson.

To learn how you can help your foundation continue to grow, email ksinkule@gafp.org

.

First and foremost, THANK YOU. Your dedication as a family physician is the heartbeat of our communities. As the philanthropic arm of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) extends its deepest gratitude for your tireless work and your ongoing commitment to the well-being of Georgians.

As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the impactful contributions of family physicians like you. Your support has been instrumental in shaping the health landscape of Georgia, and for that, we are truly thankful.

A Humble Request: Consider a $500 Tax-Deductible Donation

Understanding the demands on your time and resources, we humbly ask you to consider a tax-deductible donation of $500 to the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance. Your contribution will enable us to continue the vital work that GAFP members make possible in local communities across the state.

Your Impact: Grants, Education, and Community Initiatives

Since the inception of our grants programs, GAFP member-sponsored healthcare grants have totaled an impressive $720,000, supporting initiatives that enhance the overall health of Georgians. Over the last 18 months, GHFA funding has allowed us to reach more than 65,000 Georgia students through Tar Wars, our tobacco and vape-use prevention program.

Featured Impact: Ethnē Health Grant

One shining example of the impact of your support is the recent $5,000 grant to Ethnē Health, a Non-Profit medical clinic in Clarkston, GA. This grant has played a crucial role in improving access to healthcare for refugees and immigrants new to Georgia. Ethnē Health, under the leadership of GAFP member Esther Kim, MD, ensures that Clarkston-area children and adults receive quality healthcare with culturally sensitive and language-appropriate services. Your support has facilitated 2,741 medical interpretation calls in forty-seven languages over the past year, breaking down language barriers and providing essential care.

Your Support in Action: Local Initiatives

We rely on the leadership, support, and generosity of family physicians like you to continue supporting organizations such as Ethnē Health. Your contributions also enable us to champion local initiatives like the Diaper Drive and Baby Supply Bank Project, Soccer in the Streets Youth Food Scarcity Project, and Tar Wars.

Together, we are working towards a healthier Georgia, but this journey is only possible with your support.

How to Make a Difference: Donate Today

As a GAFP member, you are part of an active movement striving to improve the health and well-being of Georgians. Your contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to ensure that our collective efforts continue to make a positive difference.

Visit www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org to make your contribution and support a healthier Georgia.  Or the QR code at the bottom of this page.

Thank you for being a vital part of our mission. We appreciate all that you do for the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians and the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a healthy start to the new year.

In gratitude,

Mitzi Rubin, MD – Atlanta
President – Georgia Healthy Family Alliance
Alliance Caduceus Donor

Eddie Richardson, MD – Atlanta
Past President – Georgia Healthy Family Alliance
Alliance Diamond Caduceus Donor

P.S. – Use this QR code to make your gift today. You can also donate online at www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org – and click the donate button at the top of the page for your tax-deductible support!

The GHFA Board of Trustees gave top donors VIP treatment in the inaugural GHFA Donor Hospitality Room in conjunction with the GAFP Annual Meeting November 10-11 at The Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta.

Pledges of a minimum of $500 not only gave GAFP members exclusive access to complimentary refreshments on Friday and Saturday but also contributed to better health for youth and families in communities across Georgia through our Community Health and Immediate Needs grant programs.

Special thanks to Dr. Casey Henritz, Dr. Jack Liao, Dr. Beverly Hyacinth, and Dr. Bruce LeClair for making their year-end donations on-site.

The VIP Donor Hospitality Room was just one way GHFA is reaching out to GAFP members for year-end support of our Grant Programs as well as the Tar Wars tobacco and vaping prevention program presented to more than 50,000 Georgia youth last school year.

There’s still time to  join your colleagues and make a difference in the lives of Georgia families this year! Please use the QR code below to make your year-end gift today. You can also donate online at www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org – and click the donate button at the top of the page for your tax-deductible support!

Deadline for 2023 Applicants is December 15

Because many Georgia Academy members continue to be aware of those struggling in their communities, especially in rural areas*, applications for the 2023 Georgia Healthy Family Alliance Immediate Needs Community Grants will be accepted until December 15th.  Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to Georgia Academy member-identified immediate needs in their communities with a focus on rural areas across the state. Some examples of recent grants were the support of local small businesses devastated by the tornado that ripped through Griffin, and diapers for a domestic violence shelter in Habersham County.  

To date, GHFA has awarded more than $58,000 in Immediate Needs Grants since 2020. The Immediate Needs Grant application and review process has been streamlined to allow staff to transmit funds within 3-5 days.   

Visit https://form.jotform.com/232705001403135 to complete and submit your grant application online. Questions? Contact Kara Sinkule – ksinkule@gafp.org or call 404-321-7445. Grant applications are also available on the GHFA website.

GHFA Immediate Needs Grants in Rural Communities are funded by a grant from Molina Healthcare and the Molina Cares Accord.