What Brings You In Today Ep. 65 | Britt Eben and Kristin Patten, Lowndes County Care Compass

Britt Eben, Director of Development at Partnership Health Center, and Kristin Patten, Director of Communications for the Georgia Department of Public Health's South Health District, join the podcast to discuss a new community initiative designed to make healthcare easier to navigate. Together, they introduce the Lowndes County Care Compass, a resource that helps residents understand where to go for the right care at the right time. Throughout the conversation, Britt and Kristin explain the differences between primary care, urgent care, and emergency care, while highlighting the importance of preventive healthcare and establishing a relationship with a primary care provider. They also discuss how delays in care can lead to more serious health issues and why knowing your healthcare options before an emergency occurs can lead to better outcomes. The episode explores valuable community resources available through Partnership Health Center and the Department of Public Health, including services for uninsured and underinsured patients, prenatal care, chronic disease management, mental health resources, developmental services for children, and financial assistance programs. Listeners will also learn about the power of collaboration among local healthcare organizations and how working together can improve health outcomes across South Georgia. Whether you're new to the area, unsure where to seek care, or simply looking to better understand the healthcare resources available in your community, this episode offers practical guidance to help you become a more informed and empowered healthcare consumer. What Brings You In Today? is a podcast from SGMC Health featuring conversations with physicians, healthcare professionals, and community leaders focused on improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve across South Georgia and North Florida. Submit questions and follow us at: health.sgmc.org/podcast More info on Partnership Health Center: https://phcvaldosta.org More info on South Health District: https://southhealthdistrict.com The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content presented reflects the opinions of the hosts and guests, and it may not necessarily represent the views of the health system. 00:00 Introduction to the Lowndes County Care Compass 01:09 Meet Britt Eubank and Kristin Patton 02:21 Why They Chose Careers in Community Health 03:48 What Partnership Health Center Does 05:05 The Role of Public Health and Prevention 06:27 Why Preventive Care Matters 07:10 The Impact of Not Having a Primary Care Provider 08:17 Introducing the Care Compass Initiative 09:24 Primary Care vs. Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care 11:04 Common Misconceptions About Emergency Rooms 12:13 Healthcare Options for Uninsured Patients 13:00 Know Where to Go Before You Need Care 15:25 Mental Health Resources and Support 17:49 What Happens When People Delay Care 18:39 Why Community Collaboration Matters 20:32 Healthcare Access in South Georgia 21:20 How to Become a Partnership Health Center Patient 22:51 Services Available Through the Health Department 24:21 Stories of Lives Impacted by Community Care 27:06 Financial Assistance and Affordable Care Options 28:02 Closing Thoughts