Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM – Brunswick , Georgia
Seafarers Health and Wellness Project

What is it?
Southeast Georgia Health System (SGHS) collaborates with the International Seafarers Center and the nursing program at the College of Coastal Georgia on the Seafarers Health and Wellness Project, which provides health care for mariners. The two primary components of the program include expedited emergency care for ill and injured mariners and free, preventive health screenings. 

Who is it for? Merchant seamen who come into the Brunswick Port.

Why do they do it?
The goal of the program is to give seafarers access to much-needed basic health care. As migrant workers who are at sea months and weeks at a time, merchant seafarers work in ships with poor sanitary conditions, poor nutrition, and no access to medical care. The opportunity to receive adequate care is limited as they are at port for a short amount of time. Quickly addressing any health problems helps prevent the spread of disease and reduces the need for quarantine at other ports. The program also offers local nursing students hands-on experience with a diverse population. 

Impact: The program has seen marked success as a health resource for seafarers, especially with the assurance that they can receive quality medical attention within the short time their vessels are docked at port. Through this innovative health care and wellness program, the medical needs of approximately 15,000 international merchant seafarers are met each year.

Contact: Jacqueline J. Weder
Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations
Telephone: 912-466-7027
E-mail: jweder@sghs.org