Dec. 9, 2024,  In 2014, a strategic plan was conceived for the Chatham County of the future that would include a thriving regional economy, excellence in academia, improved health of its citizens and a safe and active community. The Chatham Community Blueprint was completed in 2015, with a 20-year vision that would also include Bryan and Effingham counties. 

The Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition (CGIC), established in 2008 and incorporated in 2014, was commissioned to oversee the Blueprint and plot a course for the community’s future that would lead to the desired outcomes. 

Since that time, CGIC has grown its network of partnerships with numerous organizations representing government, education and community working together to achieve the goals of the Blueprint. CGIC also produces an annual status report of the progress of those collaborative efforts. 

“CGIC’s impact is far-reaching, and in concert with our partner agencies, we are focused on the mandates of the Chatham County Blueprint in addressing the critical needs of our larger community,” said Lizann Roberts, executive director. “The 2023 report shows we are making strides in areas such as income, health and graduation rates, but we still need to work on quality of life issues.” 

The 2023 Status Report, issued on December 4, 2024, reports on 29 key indicators. Some of those indicators:

• Economy: Per Capita Income rose 7.9%. New employment opportunities and job training programs with partner agencies help fuel better pay for local workers.
• Education: The Graduation rate increased 1.5% from the prior school year. SCCPSS also reports that 53.3% of students in grades 9-12 show content mastery, meaning they are at the level necessary for next grade, college, or career.
• Health: The age-adjusted death rate due to suicide decreased by 2.1 deaths per 100,000. Prevention efforts in the community include promotion of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, suicide prevention classes for all ages in the community, and the newly formed Suicide Prevention Task Force.
• Quality of Life: Recidivism rates, which is the tendency of a convicted criminal to re-offend, rose both for juveniles and adults, indicating this is an area for increased focus. For adults, the rate was up 8.2% and for juveniles, the rate increased 2% from the last reporting period.

The report additionally cites CGIC’s far-reaching impact to address critical needs in Chatham County, and encourages ongoing community and partner support of these initiatives: 

1. Community Data Platform Development – In partnership with the Chatham County government, CGIC is working with law enforcement, a mental health provider and multiple agencies to implement a robust, HIPAA-compliant system that will allow data to be shared seamlessly across multiple systems, ensuring that stakeholders have the information they need to make informed decisions.
2. Early Care and Learning Initiatives – By increasing access to quality-rated childcare and focusing on Early Literacy and Language Development, CGIC is ensuring that the region’s youngest learners have the foundation they need to thrive.
3. Handle with Care is a nationally recognized systems-change initiative designed to improve the way the community responds to children who have experienced trauma.
4. Homeless Court – CGIC is assisting with the formation of this new type of court where participants can have their legal issues addressed that hinder their ability to secure employment or housing.
5. Resilient Coastal Georgia – This collective impact initiative brings together over 100 partners committed to building a trauma-informed and resilient community.
6. The Behavioral Health Units in both Savannah and Chatham County provide a coordinated response to mental health crises, ensuring that individuals receive appropriate care from first responders and behavioral health professionals.

“The vital work CGIC is doing to create a healthier, more equitable, and resilient community depends on the collaboration and support of our partners,” said Melanie Wilson, CGIC Board chair. “As we look to the future, we are grateful for their continued commitment to help drive positive change in our community. Together, we can expand the reach of these initiatives, ensuring that more individuals and families benefit from the services and resources available.”

The complete report is available at https://www.coastalgaindicators.org/resourcelibrary/index/view?id=344625010858156822