Bridging Health Gaps: A Collaborative Effort to Combat Chronic Disease and Health Inequities in Rural Georgia through FQHC-Academic-Lifestyle Medicine Partnerships

The session, hosted by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, will explore how to integrate Lifestyle Medicine and Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs) into Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) which can transform them into the Partner, Employer, and Provider of Choice—while expanding health access and improving chronic disease outcomes in underserved communities.

Through strategic partnerships between FQHCs, academic institutions, and local farmers, this model addresses multiple barriers to care, including health literacy, time constraints, and access to nutritious food. SMAs create a group-based, billable care model that allows providers to reach multiple patients simultaneously in a supportive, educational environment. The visits foster peer connection and social support—crucial components in sustainable behavior change and chronic disease management.

Academic partners play a pivotal role by involving healthcare students in SMA delivery. Under supervision, students help facilitate group visits, support health literacy initiatives, and provide coaching on lifestyle interventions, such as plant-forward diets, physical activity, and stress reduction. Partnerships with local farmers enhance this effort by supplying fresh, nutrient-rich produce, giving patients access to the tools they need to make healthier choices.

Attendees will gain insight into how this collaborative, scalable model improves patient outcomes, reduces provider burnout, and creates a community-centered approach to chronic disease prevention. Practical guidance will be shared on implementing SMAs, engaging partners, and leveraging resources to make Lifestyle Medicine the foundation of care in FQHCs.