On Tuesday, January 14, 2020, St. Joseph’s African-American Health Information & Resource Center proudly announced the launch of the H.E.R.O (Health Effective Resource Organizations) Database. This online health and social services database for Savannah-Chatham county residents boasts 883 agency contacts across 57 categories with the aim of closing the referral loop and empowering low income residents to be their own health heroes with access to a one stop, all-inclusive resource.
 
The HERO Database can be accessed at any time and allows users to search both by agency name and by service provided so residents can easily find resources for childcare, substance abuse, food access and clinics, to name a few. In addition to detailed service provider listings, the HERO Database focuses on health literacy by using complimentary imagery to illustrate the content and aid in the site’s navigation.
 
Following the launch, the AAHRIC will be hosting HERO Database education for the community to provide detailed instruction on how to use the site to its full potential.
Agencies included in the database can log in to update their profiles, edit information and ensure data is current and accurate. New agencies are welcome to submit their information to be included directly on the site, keeping lines of communication open and accessible for all parties.

“The work has only just begun,” shared Ty McClendon, Assistant Program Manager of Community-Clinical Linkages, REACH Savannah. “This database is an inspiring start to providing our community with tools and resources that will empower our neighbors to take action for their own health as we strive to make Savannah healthier for all of its residents.”
 
The HERO Database is funded by the YMCA of Coastal Georgia and Healthy Savannah through grant funding awarded by the Centers for Disease Control’s REACH program to eliminate disparities in health outcomes based on race and income in Savannah and Chatham County.