The Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) was alarmed by the prediction that 40 percent of all hospitals in the state were not profitable and many expected additional cutbacks.

Statewide hospitals realized that strategic steps needed to be in place to educate consumers, lawmakers and the media about the state of health care in Georgia. GHA recruited Duffey to evaluate the public's perception of health care issues, specifically Georgians' understanding of federal and state funding, priorities for funding needed programs and attitudes about health care and delivery.

Duffey conducted a telephone survey, developed a comprehensive mobilization handbook for each hospital and held mobilization conferences throughout the state to rally hospitals to participate. In addition, news releases were distributed to 500 media outlets.

Results led to the General Assembly approving $32 million for Medicaid funding, as opposed to the anticipated cutback. Satisfaction among Georgians with services of local hospitals increased by nearly 70 percent.