Healthy Grandparents Program makes back-to-school easier for grandparents

The Healthy Grandparents Program (HGP), a signature project of Augusta University’s College of Nursing, hosted its eighth annual children’s physicals on July 23. In addition, each participant received a backpack and school supplies, an offering of the program since its inception in 1999.

“As one of only two academically based grandparent programs in Georgia, the Healthy Grandparent Program at Augusta University continues to expand its outreach and services to meet the evolving needs of grandparent-led families,” said Pam Cromer, DNP, who is the Costa Layman International Health Fair and Community Engagements Director for the College of Nursing.

Read more: Healthy Grandparents Program: It takes a village to raise a child

HGP was established to serve families throughout the area and support diverse grandparent-led households across both urban and rural communities, where shortages of primary and preventive healthcare disproportionately affect aging caregivers. For the last 27 years, the program has supported grandparents by providing health resources, scholarships and support group meetings, as well as legal assistance from Turner Padget Graham & Laney, P.A. To date, the program has provided services to 726 families, 997 grandparents and 1,467 grandchildren.

“As the number of grandparent caregivers continues to grow, so does the need for trusted community-based safety-net programs that address economic hardship, limited access to healthcare, and legal custody challenges,” Cromer said.

When asked what HGP means to her, grandmother Lucia Rivera said that it’s helped her with understanding everything she and her grandson have gone through.

“It gave me practical tips on what to expect. The support has been amazing, and I just know that I’m not alone.”

The annual children’s physicals not only benefit the grandchildren of the program but provide an opportunity for nursing students to get hands-on experience and engage with the community. Students and faculty work together to provide a variety of services including a developmental assessment, physical exams, sports physicals and health education and referrals as needed.

“We’ve been doing some preventative dental work by applying fluoride varnish to the children’s teeth,” said fourth-year FNP student, Briana Jackson. “This health fair is such a great and valuable experience, seeing a multidisciplinary approach to preventative care. I feel that this clinic is shifting the lens and focus from treating illness to promoting wellness.”

Each child also receives hearing, vision, dental and vital screenings along with an immunization review and documentation of health history. The hope is that by providing these complimentary services, some of the burden is lifted off the grandparents, many of whom care for multiple grandchildren at a time.

“As healthcare systems and social service networks become increasingly complex, this initiative also provides exceptional interdisciplinary learning opportunities for Augusta University students, preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to serve vulnerable populations with compassion and expertise,” said Cromer.

Along with volunteers and students from the College of Nursing, the success of the program is made possible through its strong community partnerships. This includes the American Heart Association, the Georgia Cancer Center Tobacco Cessation Program, the Lions Club, Asociación Latina de Servicios del CSRA, Augusta University Pediatric Residents, Oak Street Medical Practice, the Georgia Prevention Institute, nutrition specialists and the Department of Speech-Language Pathology from the College of Allied Health Sciences and Child Life psychology interns.

These dedicated professionals provide a comprehensive, family-centered clinic that equips grandparents and other relative caregivers with the knowledge, resources and confidence needed to navigate their critical roles as guardians and custodians of their beloved grandchildren.

“They have the opportunity to get here and talk with nurses for as long as they want to,” said Mike Patton, the social worker for the program. “I think the grandparents really like coming here and they have a great experience with the students. They are so focused on taking care of these kids, and any bit of information or resource they can get, they will take it and apply it at home.”

After completing their health assessment, each child was able to select a book bag for the coming school year. Each bag, organized by grade, was filled with the specific school supplies required of that grade. Homemade blankets were also distributed to each child thanks to the Augusta chapter of Project Linus.

“They can talk to the health care professionals about mental health resources, diet, exercise, and get sports physicals here. Then they’re able to get their school supplies. I think a lot of this goes hand in hand and gets these kids off to a good start for the school year,” said Patton.

According to Cromer, the program is a collaborative effort that allows Augusta University to strengthen families, advance health equity and foster healthier futures for both grandparents and the children in their care.