David Satcher, M.D. On Oct. 8, 2009, Kaiser Permanente of Georgia presented a grant for nearly $500,000 to the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine to support the development and implementation of a workforce leadership program that will reduce health disparities by creating an integrated approach to primary care and mental health.

Former Surgeon General David Satcher, MD, Director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute joined Morehouse School of Medicine and Kaiser Permanente of Georgia officials at a check presentation held at the Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care. A tour of Morehouse School of Medicine followed the check presentation.

The grant will be used to train scholars to encourage effective policy and practice in order to remedy the causes of health disparities, to improve access to care and to develop health care leaders who will advance the integration of mental and primary health care. Additionally, this initiative will create partnerships between mental and primary health care to more effectively diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

“Morehouse School of Medicine strives to improve the health and well being of individuals and communities.

“This partnership will help address the findings of our needs assessment and ultimately make better health

reality for all.”Peter Andruszkiewicz, president of Kaiser Permanente of Georgia.

The project will also improve access to care for underserved populations.