CareSource and Evans Memorial Hospital improve health outcomes in Evans County with innovative Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic

Collaboration expands access to life-saving cardiac and pulmonary care and delivers measurable health improvements in rural Georgia

CLAXTON, Ga. (CareSource) – The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic at Evans Memorial is improving the health and quality of life for patients with heart and lung conditions in Evans County. Supported by a financial donation from CareSource, a nonprofit, mission-driven managed care plan, the program has delivered significant, measurable health benefits since its launch:

• Enhanced quality of life: 70% of participants improved their cardiovascular fitness, leading to increased physical activity and better symptom management.
• Reduced medical dependence: 40% of patients who previously required supplemental oxygen no longer need this therapy.
• Successful program completion: More than 75% of patients experienced notable health benefits, including reduced resting and post-exercise blood pressure.

"Access to health care in rural communities is not just a necessity; it is a vital lifeline,” said Dr. Nguyen, market chief medical officer, CareSource Georgia. “Every person, regardless of where they live, deserves the opportunity to receive quality medical care. When we support local hospitals that offer life-saving care we bridge gaps in health care access, we empower individuals, strengthen families and uplift entire communities."

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Georgia, responsible for more than 28,000 deaths annually–approximately one in three deaths statewide. Rural communities often face significant barriers to care, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic is bridging this gap by providing comprehensive, accessible care to those with heart and lung conditions. The clinic provides cardiovascular rehabilitation to strengthen heart and lung health, nutrition education to support long-term wellness and advanced diagnostics for early detection and intervention.

“Providing high-quality cardiac care at Evans Memorial is essential to improving patient outcomes in our community,” said Bill Lee, CEO of Evans Memorial Hospital. “With CareSource’s support, we are expanding access to critical heart and lung care, ensuring more patients receive the treatment they need to lead healthier lives.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to improving health care access in rural communities, CareSource provided funding to help establish the state-of-the-art Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic.

About CareSource Georgia

CareSource is a nonprofit, managed care organization making health care accessible to 430,000 Georgians. The organization offers comprehensive health insurance plans including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare to improve its members' health and well-being. As a mission-driven organization, CareSource is transforming health care with innovative programs that address social determinants of health, prevention and access to care.  

For more, visit us at www.caresource.com/ga/plans/, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.  

About Evans Memorial Hospital

Evans Memorial Hospital is a 49-licensed bed not-for-profit acute care hospital located in Claxton, Georgia. EMH offers an exceptional range of medical services and is fully accredited by the DNV Healthcare Inc./NIAHO. We have full medical capabilities, with an outstanding active medical staff, including a 24-hour, physician-staffed Emergency Department. Active medical staff specializing in family practice, internal medicine, and general surgery are available. The family practice providers also see pediatrics.