08/18/2026
On August 12–14, 2026, Heart of Georgia Healthy Start Director Latosha Hunter-Elbert and Care Coordinator Bonita Outland attended the Morehouse School of Medicine Project Impact Annual Strategy Session in Atlanta, Georgia.
Project Impact focuses on the importance of preconception health and the critical role it plays in identifying underlying health conditions, social determinants, and environmental factors that may negatively affect women and men of childbearing age. Through this work, Healthy Start is able to help individuals address health concerns and risk factors before pregnancy, ultimately supporting healthier pregnancies, healthier families, and healthier communities.
Heart of Georgia Healthy Start is proud to have three Project Impact implementers providing services in our communities: Shannon Timmons, Angela Battle, and Bonita Outland. During the Annual Strategy Session, all were recognized for their outstanding service and exceptional data quality. Their dedication and attention to detail have contributed valuable information that continues to enhance the implementation, evaluation, and research associated with the Project Impact initiative.
Another highlight of the Strategy Session was the opportunity for Director Latosha Hunter-Elbert to serve as a speaker on a strategy session panel focused on state policies and their impact on community based programs.
Her participation highlighted the important role that community program leaders play in bridging the gap between state policy and the real-world needs of families and communities. It also provided an opportunity to share the experiences and lessons learned through Heart of Georgia Healthy Start's work throughout the South Central Health District.
We are extremely proud of Shannon, Angela, and Bonita for their commitment to excellence and their continued efforts to improve preconception health outcomes in the communities we serve. We are equally proud of Director Latosha Hunter-Elbert for representing Heart of Georgia Healthy Start as a voice for community programs and advocating for strategies that allow programs to successfully navigate policy while remaining focused on the families they serve.
Heart of Georgia Healthy Start is overjoyed to continue our strong partnership with the Morehouse Center for Maternal Health Equity. We look forward to building upon this collaboration and expanding our collective efforts to ensure that women and men have the knowledge, resources, and support they need to achieve optimal health before, during, and after pregnancy.
