UNG to use federal $$$ to expand clinical training capacity

The University of North Georgia (UNG) is the recipient of one of several federal grants awarded Georgia in a bi-partisan agreement designed to deliver health care upgrades for metro Atlanta and other places in north Georgia.

Sens. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga) recently announced funding for the projects which is the result of legislation that became law February 3.

A news release from the senators includes a summary of projects to be funded with the grants:

• RINGGOLD: CommonSpirit – Memorial Hospital ($964,000): CommonSpirit – Memorial Hospital will use the Federal funding to upgrade technology in their hospital in Ringgold, including smart technology that will enable real-time telehealth consultations with patients and support tracking of patient needs for higher levels of care.
• DAHLONEGA: University of North Georgia ($700,000): The University of North Georgia will use the Federal funding to expand clinical training capacity through new patient simulators and clinical education supplies at its Dahlonega and Blue Ridge campuses. This investment strengthens UNG’s role in preparing practice-ready healthcare professionals and helps address critical workforce needs across North Georgia.
• ATLANTA: Emory University ($476,000): Emory University will use the Federal funding to purchase equipment for the NICU at Emory Decatur Hospital, including advanced temperature management systems to help prevent brain injury for babies who suffer traumatic births, two full-feature incubators and radiant warmers.
• COBB COUNTY: Cobb & Douglas Public Health ($3,000,000): Cobb & Douglas Public Health will use the Federal funding to build a new integrated S. Cobb Public Health Campus to offer affordable services and provide public health, primary care, behavioral health, and community support services.
• ATHENS: Athens Area Diaper Bank, Inc. ($200,000): Athens Area Diaper Bank, Inc. will use the Federal funding to provide free diapers for kids and families in the Athens area.

“Improving healthcare workforce readiness in rural North Georgia is not just an academic goal. It is an economic and community imperative,” said UNG Dean Carolyn DeSandre. “This investment will expand hands-on training and increase the number of healthcare professionals prepared to serve in high-need communities across our region. We are grateful to Senator Ossoff and Senator Warnock for their partnership in strengthening Georgia’s rural healthcare system.”