Officials at Augusta University Medical Center opened a new Center for Rural Health Support and Study this month following a recommendation from a task force convened last year by President Brooks A. Keel to study the state’s rural health system and provide recommendations for its sustainability.

According to Catherine Clary, director of the Center for Rural Health Support and Study at AUMC, the center will serve as a resource for education and training for rural hospital providers and CEOs across the state.

“There are major issues surrounding the provision of health services to our rural population which require a multidisciplinary solution – one we are uniquely qualified to provide as the state’s public academic medical center,” she said. “The center will provide a platform for dialogue with our rural communities, where we can exchange ideas, offer educational opportunities and share best practices.”

In addition to providing specialized health expertise to rural hospitals, the center also will be a resource for local and state government agencies.

“It’s our responsibility to equip our elected officials and state leaders with the information and tools they need to advocate for better health outcomes for our rural patient population,” Clary said. “As a leader in interdisciplinary research, education and clinical care, we can be that voice for our rural communities. Our physicians, whether seeing patients in satellite outpatient clinics or working full-time in rural hospitals, have an intimate knowledge of these patients’ needs.”

Augusta University received a $300,000 grant from the Healthcare Georgia Foundation in December to hire personnel and to help offset start-up costs for the center, located on the ninth floor of the medical center.

According to Clary, there are plans to add more personnel over the next 18 months, including a telemedicine coordinator.

“We need individuals who not only understand health care, but know how to apply advanced practices and technologies in rural communities to effect change,” she said.

The center will report to medical center CEO Lee Ann Liska, who also will serve as chair of a rural health advisory board.