St. Joseph's/Candler community outreach
Rooted in God's love, we treat illness and promote wellness for all people.
At St. Joseph’s/Candler, providing medical treatment is only one dimension of our commitment to the communities we serve. Our outreach initiatives are a dynamic extension of our mission—designed to promote health equity, accessibility and the overall well-being of individuals and families across the region.
We embrace a holistic model of care that acknowledges how vital external factors—such as safe and stable housing, access to accurate information and meaningful employment—are to long-term health. True healing requires more than a prescription; it requires partnership and proactive engagement with the structural conditions that affect people’s lives. Our unwavering commitment to wellness for all is reflected in the breadth and depth of our community-based programming.
Beyond traditional healthcare: Addressing root causes
More than two decades ago, our community outreach began with the creation of the African-American Health Information & Resource Center, followed shortly by the establishment of the St. Mary’s Community Center. Since then, our footprint has expanded significantly—reaching across the greater Savannah area and into South Carolina—because the need continues to grow.
In 2020 alone, St. Joseph’s/Candler provided more than $46 million in charity care. But these numbers only scratch the surface. What truly matters is the human impact, like ensuring an uninsured man with a chronic cough finds answers and care at the Good Samaritan Clinic or St. Mary’s Health Center. These are the moments when our mission meets real life, and we meet our patients where they’re at to help them take control of their health and wellbeing.
Empathy in Action: Programs That Empower and Uplift
Our outreach also includes programs that break barriers to care, improve health outcomes and strengthen communities:
Mercy Volunteer Corps (MVC): For over 20 years, we’ve partnered with the Sisters of Mercy to host up to four full-time volunteers annually. These recent college graduates commit to a year of service, living simply and working directly in underserved communities to address critical needs. Their presence supports our ministries to the poor and deepens our culture of justice-driven care.
ED Medical Home Program: This initiative connects uninsured patients from our emergency departments to primary care medical homes throughout Chatham County. By evaluating both medical and social needs, the program helps patients access sustainable, coordinated care and reduce dependence on emergency services. Call 912-819-2409 for more information.
SOURCE Program: Standing for Service Options Using Resources in Community Environments, SOURCE serves Medicaid and Medicare patients, many of whom are older adults with chronic conditions and limited incomes. The program works to stabilize health, enhance independence, and improve quality of life for vulnerable community members.
Across every initiative, our coworkers and partners are driven not by accolades, but by the shared belief that health is a human right—and advancing that right is our moral and corporate responsibility.
Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) Survey
As part of our commitment to health equity and continuous improvement, we invite you to share your perspective. Your feedback is vital to our Community Health Needs Assessment process. By completing our short online survey, you’ll help us identify key health challenges and priorities within our region, allowing us to tailor our services more effectively and equitably.
Join Us in Building a Healthier Community
Community health is a shared responsibility—and your voice matters. Whether by volunteering your time or simply spreading awareness about our programs, you can play a vital role in advancing health equity across our region. Together, we can continue to uplift our neighbors and build a stronger, healthier future for all.