(SAVANNAH) Savannah's doctors and lawyers raised $3400 for Community Health Mission with their Sawbones v. Jawbones basketball tournament April 5.
The Sawbones v. Jawbones basketball tournament benefited Community Health Mission (formerly Community Healthcare Center/Savannah Health Mission), which gives medical help to the uninsured. CHM serves a diverse population of patients who are unable to afford health insurance and don't qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. The majority of patients are women working in small businesses or in jobs that don't pay benefits. It provides nearly 10,000 patient visits annually on a combined basis.
The tournament had been a longtime favorite fundraiser and this year's was the first time it had been played in more than a decade, organizer Dr. Chip Goldsmith said. The doctors won, in a break from tradition.
Sponsors included Memorial Health University Medical Center and St. Joseph's/Candler. Cazzie Russell, Savannah College of Art and Design basketball coach and retired NBA player, coached the Sawbones. AASU basketball coach Jeff Burkhamer oversaw the Jawbones.
The former Community Healthcare Center is part of the Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) initiative with the model of a free health clinic/center that utilizes retired health care professionals. Currently, the Community Healthcare Center is funded by community donations, grants and Memorial Health University Medical Center (MHUMC), and it receives support for specific programs from St. Joseph’s/Candler. The center is located at 310 Eisenhower Drive, #5. Community Healthcare Center serves a diverse population of patients who are unable to afford health insurance and don't qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. The majority of patients are women working in small businesses or in jobs that don't pay benefits.
A clinic for the uninsured founded 10 years ago by Dr. Chip Goldsmith, the former Savannah Health Mission treats about 150 people a month. More than 50 volunteer physicians, nurses and other health professionals donate their time on Thursday nights at the Georgia Ear Institute located on the campus of MHUMC. Savannah Health Mission operates on donations from churches, individuals, small foundations and Memorial Health University Medical Center.
The generous financial contributions together with time contributed by retired and volunteer physicians, other medical and technical professionals and daily volunteer office support make it possible to provide quality medical care, education and lifestyle changes for people in need in Chatham County and nearby communities. If you would like to receive more information, volunteer your services or make a tax-deductible donation, call: (912) 398-4810, Dr. Miriam Rittmeyer, Executive Director of Community Health Mission, or visit the website at www.chcsavannah.org.
For more information: (912) 398-4810 Dr. Miriam Rittmeyer, Executive Director of Community Health Mission www.chcsavannah.org