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OUR PATIENTS

Changing lives

As a United Way of Greater Atlanta partner, Mercy Care helps implement the Choose Health
program, which involves patient education, skills training and connections to services to
change lives. Mercy Care’s vehicles are used by Thommie Mungo, a community health
liaison who works with Atlanta’s safety net hospital, Grady, to reduce use of the emergency
department for preventable issues.

Thommie met J.G. when he was referred to Choose Health through Grady’s emergency
department. At the time, he was unable to walk without a cane due to a leg ulcer and diabetes.
Once J.G. made the decision to participate in Choose Health, he was able to secure temporary
housing through the Homes of Light transitional housing program.

Providing temporary housing allowed J.G. the stability needed for his ulcer to heal and
diabetes to regulate. Thommie was able to provide in-home health education centered on
diabetes management and assisted him in the coordination of his medical appointments with
wound care and diabetes clinic at Grady.

With weekly visits from Thommie, J.G. was able to gain the skills to advocate for himself
during doctor’s visits. He connected with an on-going primary care physician and was
ultimately able to walk without the assistance of a cane. He was discharged successfully from
services and was able to secure part-time employment through a temp agency, which helped
him secure permanent housing.

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