News Summary
The Bethel Community Church successfully hosted a health fair aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer, featuring health screenings and resources. Over 70 vendors participated, including medical professionals providing valuable advice. Organizer Michael Jones, inspired by his mother’s battle with breast cancer, highlighted the importance of early detection. The event included an auction of Bob Ross paintings, with proceeds benefiting public television. Future health fairs are planned to continue promoting health awareness. Meanwhile, Augusta Health faces challenges with Cigna over reimbursement rates, impacting rural hospitals in the region.
Bethel, Virginia – The Bethel Community Church held a successful community health fair this past Saturday, designed to support awareness and education regarding breast cancer. The event attracted numerous residents, providing them with vital health screenings and resources aimed at early detection of health issues.
More than 70 vendors participated in the health fair, which included 40 medical professionals offering screenings and advice to attendees. Organizers noted that the fair was the fifth of its kind hosted by the community church, showcasing a growing commitment to health awareness within the local community.
Michael Jones, the organizer of the event, was inspired to host the health fair based on personal experiences within his family. His mother is a 23-year survivor of breast cancer and has also faced challenges including three heart attacks, diabetes, and arthritis. Jones expressed appreciation for the community support for the event, emphasizing the importance of early detection not only for breast cancer but for various health conditions prevalent in the local population.
In addition to health screenings, the event featured an auction of thirty original paintings by artist Bob Ross, with proceeds intended to benefit public television stations. This creative initiative added an engaging element to the fair while supporting a significant cause.
Looking ahead, the organizers announced plans to continue hosting the health fair annually, aiming to maintain and expand awareness about health issues among community members. The commitment is seen as a crucial step in promoting healthier lifestyles and education about preventive healthcare.
In a related but separate issue affecting healthcare in the region, Augusta Health has encountered ongoing challenges with insurance reimbursement rates from Cigna. The hospital’s agreement with Cigna is set to expire on December 31, 2025, as negotiations continue to stall. Augusta Health has voiced concerns that the reimbursement rates provided by Cigna do not sufficiently cover the rising costs of healthcare.
Over the past five years, Augusta Health has experienced a 52% increase in operational costs without a corresponding increase in contracted rates from Cigna. This situation has put significant financial pressure on the hospital, classified as one of the lowest-paid health systems by Cigna within the local market.
In light of these negotiations, Augusta Health is working diligently to maintain its in-network status for Cigna beneficiaries. However, current CEO Mary N. Mannix has warned that sustained lower reimbursement rates threaten financial viability for rural hospitals. If a new agreement with Cigna cannot be reached, patients may face higher out-of-pocket expenses for services received.
Despite these challenges, it is noted that emergency care services at Augusta Health will remain unaffected irrespective of the contract outcome with Cigna. This assurance seeks to provide peace of mind to patients needing immediate medical attention, regardless of the ongoing insurance negotiations.
Community support remains vital as local health initiatives and hospital negotiations play a crucial role in providing accessible healthcare resources and maintaining health standards for the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Collaboration Enhances Healthcare Access in South Augusta
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Augusta Church Hosts Community Health Fair
- Augusta Health: Potential Change for Patients with Cigna Insurance
- WJBF: Free Community Health Fair Returns to Augusta October 11
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in the United States
- WFXG: Augusta University Marks 20 Years of Healthcare for Farmworkers
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
