Following the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Southeast Georgia Health System is now offering a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to individuals with specific immune conditions at its Brunswick and Camden Campus vaccine clinics.

Currently, the CDC is only recommending moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals receive the third dose. This includes people who have:

• Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
• Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

People should talk to their health care provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.

Those seeking a third dose must provide documentation of their medical condition from their physician. They must receive the same vaccine, Pfizer or Moderna, as received for their first and second dose. The third dose can be received as early as 28 days after the second dose. Those who received their first and second doses earlier this year are eligible now as long as they qualify based on the CDC conditions listed above.

The Health System will offer third dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at both of its vaccine clinics on the Brunswick and Camden campuses. Walk-ins are permitted based on vaccine availability; appointments are strongly encouraged to ensure vaccine availability. To schedule an appointment, visit sghs.org/covid19-vaccine. The schedule is as follows:

• Brunswick Campus: Tuesdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.
• Camden Campus: Mondays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Health System anticipates being able to provide third doses to everyone age 12 and older by September 20, 2021 based on CDC guidelines.

The Georgia Department of Public Health vaccination clinic locations are listed online at gachd.org/vaccine or call 912-230-5506.

About Southeast Georgia Health System
Southeast Georgia Health System is a not-for-profit health system comprised of two acute care hospitals, two long term care facilities, two comprehensive Cancer Care Centers and multiple specialty care centers, including orthopaedic and spine care, joint replacement, breast care, maternity, outpatient rehabilitation, sleep management and wound care. The Brunswick Campus Cancer Care Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and offers the only CyberKnife^® M6 with MLC technology in Georgia. Additionally, the Southeast Georgia Physician Associates medical group includes more than 160 providers working in 20 different medical specialties at more than 50 locations. The Health System is part of Coastal Community Health, a regional affiliation between Baptist Health and Southeast Georgia Health System forming a highly integrated hospital network focused on significant initiatives designed to enhance the quality and value of care provided to our contiguous communities. For more information, visit sghs.org.

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South Georgia Medical Center re-opened its drive thru COVID-19 testing at a new location to provide area residents safe and convenient access to testing. The drive thru is located on the main campus in the parking lot of the Surgery Center Building at 2417 N. Patterson St. in Valdosta, and is available Monday-Friday, from 8:30am-4pm.

SGMC has seen a significant increase in the demand for testing in recent weeks, testing upwards of 500 people daily. Unfortunately, another number is also up, the testing positivity rates.

With the Delta variant being much more contagious, it’s important to revisit easy access to testing that can enable patients infected with COVID-19 to seek early treatment, possibly preventing hospitalization, serious complications and community spread.

“Our drive thru testing service is a valuable tool in the fight against COVID-19. This service is designed to provide on-demand testing that may not be readily available elsewhere and it serves as a much more convenient alternative to the Emergency Room,” shared SGMC President and Chief Executive Officer Ronald E. Dean.

In the last week, SGMC has experienced as high as a 40 percent positivity rate of all ages tested. Unlike the wave of infections before, positive cases are being found in all age groups. More than half of positive cases are in those 19-49 years of age, and nearly 20 percent are 18 and younger.

SGMC reminds everyone that COVID-19 vaccinations are available at the SGMC Smith Northview campus Monday-Friday, from 9am to 3:30pm, and can be scheduled at sgmc.org/vaccine or by calling 229-433-1068.

“Vaccination rates are climbing and that is very good news. Vaccinating against this virus is our way out of the pandemic and back to life as we knew it before the onset of this dreaded contagion,” said Dean.

For more information regarding SGMC’s COVID-19 hospitalizations, testing, vaccinations, or treatment visit SGMC.org or call 229-333-1000.

Southeast Georgia Health System offers free nasal swab PCR (molecular polymerase chain reaction) COVID-19 testing at its Brunswick and Camden campuses for symptomatic and asymptomatic (no symptoms present) individuals. The PCR test detects if an individual is infected with COVID-19. Rapid testing and antigen testing are not available.

The Health System’s outpatient COVID-19 testing sites are available to anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or in need of a COVID-19 test due to a recent exposure. Physician referrals are not required. Individuals experiencing serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, should visit the Emergency Care Center.

The Brunswick Campus drive-through COVID-19 testing site is located in the parking area across from the Emergency Care Center on Kemble Ave. Testing is available Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., pending available testing supplies. Appointments are not necessary.

The Camden Campus COVID-19 walk-in testing site is located at 202 Lakeshore Drive in St. Marys. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Primary Care at 912-882-6767. Testing is available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

In addition, the Georgia Department of Public Health offers Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long and McIntosh County residents access to COVID-19 testing. More information is available by visiting the website at covid19.gachd.org or calling 912-230-5506.

The Health System continues to offer its free COVID-19 screening hotline at 912-466-7222. Operating Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m., the hotline is staffed with Health System nurses and advanced practice providers.

Southeast Georgia Health System also continues to offer free Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to everyone age 12 and older. J&J vaccines are available for individuals age 18 and older upon request. The schedule is as follows:

• Brunswick Campus: Tuesdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.
• Camden Campus: Mondays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Individuals may schedule their COVID-19 vaccine appointment by visiting sghs.org/covid19-vaccine. Walk-ins are also welcome.

The Georgia Department of Public Health vaccination clinic locations are listed online at gachd.org/vaccine or call 912-230-9744.

About Southeast Georgia Health System
Southeast Georgia Health System is a not-for-profit health system comprised of two acute care hospitals, two long term care facilities, two comprehensive Cancer Care Centers and multiple specialty care centers, including orthopaedic and spine care, joint replacement, breast care, maternity, outpatient rehabilitation, sleep management and wound care. The Brunswick Campus Cancer Care Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and offers the only CyberKnife^® M6 with MLC technology in Georgia. Additionally, the Southeast Georgia Physician Associates medical group includes more than 160 providers working in 20 different medical specialties at more than 50 locations. The Health System is part of Coastal Community Health, a regional affiliation between Baptist Health and Southeast Georgia Health System forming a highly integrated hospital network focused on significant initiatives designed to enhance the quality and value of care provided to our contiguous communities. For more information, visit sghs.org.

As temperatures soar this summer, it’s important to be on the lookout for symptoms of heat-related illnesses and to take preventative measures.

Young children, those aged 65 and older, overweight individuals and those who are ill or taking certain medications are most at risk of developing a heat-related illness.

Physicians at Atrium Health Navicent warn the community of the following heat-related illnesses:

• Heat exhaustion is a severe reaction to heat exposure. Signs include weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache and finally, collapse. The skin becomes cold and clammy while pupils dilate, and body temperature and blood pressure become lower.
• Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition, if the body is unable to cool itself. The person may become confused and lethargic, the body ceases to sweat, body temperature will rise rapidly, and seizure may occur.

To lessen your risk of developing heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

• Stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Remain hydrated by drinking water and sports drinks that replace electrolytes.
• Wear proper clothing in the heat.
• Never leave children unattended in a hot car, even for short periods of time.

“We see a significant increase in patients with heat illnesses as the heat and humidity go up during the summer. Heat exhaustion, and particularly heat stroke, can be life-threatening especially in the middle of the day,” said Dr. John Wood, Medical Director of the Emergency Center at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center. “If you have to work outside try to work early in the morning or late in the afternoon and be sure to drink plenty of water. Take breaks often and cool off in the shade or an air-conditioned space. Heat-related illnesses can be dangerous, but can be avoided with proper planning and safety measures.”

Seek medical care if you experience early symptoms including cold, pale or clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, weakness or headache.

For emergency situations, call 911 or seek care at the nearest emergency center. Atrium Health Navicent offers emergency care at the following locations:

• Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, Navicent Health (770 Pine Street, Macon)
• Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital (888 Pine Street, Macon)
• Atrium Health Navicent Peach (1960 Hwy 247 Connector, Byron)
• Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin (821 North Cobb Street, Milledgeville)
• Monroe County Hospital, Atrium Health Navicent Partner (88 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Forsyth)
• Putnam General Hospital, Atrium Health Navicent Partner (101 Greensboro Rd., Eatonton)

About Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well-being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.

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Needlepoint bipolar ionization (NPBI) technology has been installed in every air handler system in Hamilton Medical Center. This improves the air quality in patient rooms, lobby areas, the cafeteria and offices. NPBI complements the already existing air filtration within the hospital.

NPBI technology helps reduce particles in the air by introducing ions into the space via the airflow in the ventilation system – without producing harmful levels of ozone or other byproducts. Contact with ions has microbicidal effects on certain viruses and bacteria, which ultimately disrupts their surface proteins and renders them inactive.

When the ions disperse throughout a space, they seek out and form bonds with particles in the air through a process called agglomeration. This creates a snowball effect in which particles of opposite polarity begin to cluster together. The larger a cluster of particles becomes, the easier it is for the ventilation system to filter it out of the air.

“Particles like dust, dander, smoke, mold, viruses and bacteria all can be suspended in the air we breathe, even though we can’t see them,” said Perri Correll, Infection Prevention director. “This technology significantly reduces those harmful particles and keeps our indoor air clean much like naturally occurring ion clean outdoors.”

Third-party testing has shown the NPBI technology dramatically reduces certain viruses and bacteria in the air. For example, in specialty testing with SARS-CoV-2, there was a 98.33% reduction in the air and 99.98% reduction on surfaces.

HMC continues to practice social distancing (including decals on floors and furniture) to prevent people from getting within 6 feet of each other. There are additional sanitizing stations throughout the facility, and Xenex germ-zapping robots use high-powered UV light to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses on surfaces. Staggered appointments are used to minimize the number of people in a given area. All guests and staff are screened as they enter HMC and other Hamilton facilities.

In addition to HMC, other Hamilton Physician Group and other Hamilton Health Care System locations have added screening, social distancing, additional sanitizing, staggered appointments and face mask requirements for all patients, support people and staff.

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Neuroscience critical care nurse helps young man nearing end of life

As the mother of a son diagnosed with Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy at age 3, Deirdre Gusek always knew every moment with her son was precious. When he developed severe breathing problems in spring 2020 at age 22, she feared he was nearing the end of life.

Sadly, she was right.

To make matters worse, the COVID-19 pandemic had just erupted across the nation. To protect patients and staff against the new virus, hospitals were having to shut down visitation. That meant she could not be with her son, Nixon, as doctors and nurses at St. Mary’s worked to provide the care he needed. As a registered nurse herself – she worked at Children’s Hospital in Atlanta at the time – she understood the need. But as a mother, it was difficult.

That’s why she was so grateful for David Gladys, a nurse on St. Mary’s Neuroscience Critical Care Unit who went above and beyond to build a connection with Nixon.

“David stepped in and provided Nixon with excellent care,” Deirdre says. “He communicated with me, advocated for Nixon, and gained Nixon’s trust – which, after being in so many hospitals for so many years, was something that was very hard to do.”

 A heartfelt honor

Nixon himself wrote this about David: “David was such a good friend to me, which is rare with nurses I meet. He didn’t treat me like a burden but made me feel like he actually enjoyed taking care of me.”

Deirdre included Nixon’s words when she nominated David for St. Mary’s DAISY Award, which is presented to eight extraordinary nurses a year. Her nomination stood out, and St. Mary’s nursing leadership team recently presented the DAISY Award to David. Deirdre was able to be there for part of the ceremony.

“I am a seasoned registered nurse myself,” she says. “I recognize when a nurse has that special quality that can’t be taught but is ingrained within them. David has that very rare calming nature that got Nixon through a truly challenging time and gave my mama heart total peace.”

Making a difference

With COVID-19 raging at the time of Nixon’s admission, all visitation at St. Mary’s was shut down to protect patients and staff against the then-untreatable virus. Meanwhile, Nixon was trying to cope with the severity of his own illness – his Duchene’s had progressed to the point that he had to have a breathing tube inserted. He felt very alone.

As he went through his many tests and treatments, the separation from Deirdre weighed on him. David not only provided top-notch nursing care, he listened, making himself a link between mother and son. As Nixon warmed up to him, he confided that he felt he could cope with being in the hospital if he could just get his Playstation.

Understand, with the breathing tube in place, Nixon struggled to talk. But with his Playstation, he could communicate with his mom through text messages.

David made it happen.

“That really put my mind at ease, and it put Nixon at ease, too,” Deirdre says. “I just can’t say enough.”

A light in dark times

Toward the end of Nixon’s two-week stay, St. Mary’s nursing leadership agreed that Nixon and Deirdre needed a compassionate exemption from the visitation policy. Deirdre credits David with advocating for their need to be together.

“I was there to witness what a truly amazing nurse he is,” she said in David’s DAISY Award nomination. “He was patient and kind. He encouraged Nixon through learning his new trach tube and was so attentive of Nixon’s needs. David also listened to my concerns and advocated with us to make sure our concerns and wishes were heard. All Nixon’s nurses at St. Mary’s were excellent, but David was extraordinary.”

The memory of that compassion stayed with Deirdre and Nixon after his discharge. It provided comfort as his condition continued to worsen. There is no cure for Duchene’s, and nearly everyone diagnosed with it dies in their 20s. Nixon fought to live life to the fullest. His fight ended on July 20, 2020.

‘I just want to do the best I can’

In accepting the award, David echoed what many DAISY Award recipients say. They are all smiles, often in tears, but they are often also a little confused. It’s common to hear them say, “I’m honored, but why me?”

“I just did what I always do,” he said. “I just want to do the best I can to help my patients recover and have a good outcome.”

“David is a stellar member of our Neuro Critical Care team,” says Barbara Kelly, St. Mary’s director of critical care services. “He effortlessly delivers compassionate, quality care to each and every one of his patients.  David not only impacts his patients but, as a charge nurse and preceptor for the unit, he instills this same attitude and expectation unto others. We are delighted to celebrate this recognition with David. Although not surprising as this is his everyday attitude, it is very much appreciated.”

“Receiving the DAISY Award is something that a nurse can take with them for their entire career,” said Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Titus Gambrell. “It’s special for every nurse who receives it, and I think David’s award is especially meaningful because of the circumstances affecting our hospital as the pandemic struck. It was an incredibly stressful time to be a nurse, but David did not let that affect his commitment to Nixon or his other patients.”

David began his career at St. Mary’s as a new graduate nurse on the Neuroscience floor six years ago, and has been a member of the Critical Care team for the last three and a half years. David lives in Athens-Clarke County as a newlywed with his wife, Emily, who is also a member of the St. Mary’s family.

Postscript

As you might guess, Deirdre is proud to talk about her son and his life. He is, and always will be, a huge part of who she is. Her experience with his hospitalization at St. Mary’s – and her previous work with Titus at another hospital – brought her back to St. Mary’s not long ago. Not as the mother of a patient, but as a nurse on St. Mary’s Intermediate Care Unit.

“I love being here, the Mission, the Core Values, the ability to pray,” she says. “The support I have received is phenomenal. I will always remember what St. Mary’s and David did for Nixon and me.”

Congratulations, David Gladys, on earning St. Mary’s DAISY Award.

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South Georgia Medical Center opened a COVID-19 Treatment Center to provide area residents who are positive with COVID-19, with an important treatment option—monoclonal antibody infusions. The clinic will be located on the main campus in the Surgery Center Building at 2417 N. Patterson St. in Valdosta, and be open Monday-Sunday, from 11am-9pm. 

SGMC began offering monoclonal antibody infusions to patients that tested positive for COVID-19 but didn’t require hospitalization back in December of 2020.  The 20-minute infusion has proven to help lessen symptoms of the disease and improve recovery.  

The spike of cases throughout South Georgia presented an increased demand for the treatment, and the COVID-19 Clinic will provide convenient, safe access for patients. To qualify for the treatment, patients must show proof of positive test within 10 days, not require admission to the hospital, and have some additional risk factor such as heart failure, diabetes, cancer history, advanced age over the age of 65 years old, immunosuppression, etc. 

Last week SGMC provided upwards of 40 treatments per day in a designated unit within the hospital. Transitioning to the new outpatient space will allow providers to treat up to 3 times as many patients each day. 

“This is just one tool to help us battle the surge of cases,” said Dr. Gregory Beale, Pulmonologist and Medical Director for Infection Prevention and Control. “Receiving this treatment in the early stages of this disease dramatically reduces risk of hospitalization for the patient.” 

This is extremely important as the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients has increased dramatically over the past weeks.  

Another tool highly encouraged by health system officials is the COVID-19 vaccination. The system launched an awareness video campaign this week featuring physicians throughout the community, all sharing one message- now is the time to get your vaccine. 

SGMC has given more than 36,000 vaccinations to-date, and asks community members to avoid misinformation and get facts from trusted professionals. The system has seen an increase in vaccine appointments over the past week.  

“It is a positive sign that vaccination trends are growing; however, it is horrible that it takes so many people getting sick and unfortunately deaths to be that motivator,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Dawson. 

SGMC is hosting a free drive thru vaccination clinic at its Smith Northview Campus on Saturday, Aug. 7 from 10am-3pm. SGMC continues to offer vaccines daily as well Monday-Friday, from 9am-3:30pm. Appointments are not required but can be made at sgmc.org.   

If you do experience COVID-19 symptoms, call your primary care physician or visit a testing location. SGMC offers two walk-in testing sites in Lowndes County, one at the SGMC Smith Northview Campus and the SGMC Walk-In Lab at main campus. 

For more information regarding SGMC’s COVID-19 hospitalizations, testing, vaccination, or treatment visit SGMC.org or call 229-333-1000.  

Health System Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Hours, Postpones Elective Surgeries and Limits Hospital Visitation

With the number of positive COVID-19 patients increasing every day at its Brunswick and Camden Campus hospitals, Southeast Georgia Health System nurses and physicians are pleading with the community to get vaccinated.

“We’re tired, and we’re at our wits’ end,” says Jan Jones, R.N., BSN, director, Patient Care Services, Southeast Georgia Health System. “As soon as a patient is discharged from our critical care unit, or worse, is deceased, there’s another patient to put in that bed. It’s like a revolving door that we can’t stop.”

Similar to most hospitals across the nation, Southeast Georgia Health System is reporting a sharp rise in COVID-19 hospitalized patients. Health System leadership attributes the increase to the more contagious delta variant, low vaccination rates and relaxed safety measures.

“This summer we were starting to feel some relief with our COVID-19 patient census hovering between four to eight patients in early July,” says Michael D. Scherneck, president and CEO, Southeast Georgia Health System. “People began to relax. They stopped wearing masks and social distancing. Even though the CDC recommended that unvaccinated people continue to wear masks, you rarely saw anyone wearing one. Yet, as of today, our community’s vaccination rate is less than 40%, and we need to reach 70% to achieve herd immunity.”

Due to the increased patient volumes and growing positivity rates in the community, the Health System has reinstated visitor restrictions, limiting patients to one visitor per day.

“We regret having to limit visitors, and we realize the impact it has on our patients and their families. But our primary concern is the health and well-being of our team members and patients. We must protect them from possible exposure,” says Scherneck.

The Health System is also postponing some elective surgeries, particularly those that require an overnight stay.

“With such a high census of COVID-19 patients, we’ve had to convert regular patient rooms into coronavirus rooms,” says Alan K. Brown, M.D., chief medical officer. “More importantly, we need the nursing staff to be available to care for COVID-19 patients.”

Brown adds, “We had hoped the vaccine would bring us the relief we all so desperately need, especially our nurses. It’s very hard and disheartening for our health care teams to be going through this again. People need to get their vaccine. While it’s true that there’s still a chance of contracting the virus after being vaccinated, the vaccine reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill and being hospitalized. The vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective and it’s free. There’s no reason to delay getting a vaccine.”

Jones agrees, “This surge isn’t like the ones we experienced last year. The delta variant is much more contagious and it’s impacting much younger patients, even those who don’t have chronic health issues. It’s so sad when we have to put a 20 or 30 year old on a ventilator. We just need people to realize that this virus doesn’t discriminate. You can be young and healthy and still end up hospitalized in a critical care bed. Please get the vaccine to protect yourself and others.”

The Health System offers free COVID-19 vaccines to everyone age 12 and older at its Brunswick and Camden campuses; dates and addresses are listed on the Health System’s website at sghs.org/covid19-vaccine. Individuals with questions about COVID-19 symptoms can call the Health System’s free screening hotline at 912-466-7222.

About Southeast Georgia Health System
Southeast Georgia Health System is a not-for-profit health system comprised of two acute care hospitals, two long term care facilities, two comprehensive Cancer Care Centers and multiple specialty care centers, including orthopaedic and spine care, joint replacement, breast care, maternity, outpatient rehabilitation, sleep management and wound care. The Brunswick Campus Cancer Care Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and offers the only CyberKnife^® M6 with MLC technology in Georgia. Additionally, the Southeast Georgia Physician Associates medical group includes more than 160 providers working in 20 different medical specialties at more than 50 locations. The Health System is part of Coastal Community Health, a regional affiliation between Baptist Health and Southeast Georgia Health System forming a highly integrated hospital network focused on significant initiatives designed to enhance the quality and value of care provided to our contiguous communities. For more information, visit sghs.org.

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South Georgia Medical Center will host a COVID-19 vaccination drive-thru event at its Smith Northview Campus on Saturday, Aug. 7 from 9am-3pm. All unvaccinated persons 12 and older are encouraged to visit the site to receive their free COVID-19 vaccine.  

SGMC has seen a dramatic increase of COVID-19 positive hospitalizations over the past weeks, with the majority of those patients being unvaccinated.  According to SGMC officials, there have been a small percentage of break through cases, however, those individuals are less likely to require hospitalization and seem to recover more quickly. 

“Although we have already administered more than 36,000 vaccinations since December of 2020, Lowndes county is still only at 27 percent fully vaccinated. The Delta variant is here and more transmissible. With schools starting back, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated before the Fall,” said Director of Infection Prevention Scarlett Rivera. 

“Vaccinations are our best line of defense and we want to encourage all populations to protect themselves and those around them by getting vaccinated,” said Rivera. 

SGMC will be administering the Pfizer vaccine and interested individuals can pre-register online at sgmc.org, call 229-433-1068, or simply visit the SGMC Smith Northview Campus located at 4280 N. Valdosta Road in Valdosta on Saturday, Aug. 7 from 9am-3pm. 

Atrium Health Navicent is partnering with schools in Baldwin and Wilkinson counties to vaccinate eligible students, school staff and their families against COVID-19 during special vaccination events this week.  

Vaccinations will be offered at:

• Wilkinson County High School – Thursday, July 29, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Baldwin County High School – Friday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Vaccines have been approved for use in individuals aged 12 and older. To sign up, contact Wilkinson County High School at (478) 946-2441 or Baldwin County High School at (478) 453-6429.  A parent or guardian must accompany minors to vaccine appointments.

“With students soon returning to in-person classes, Atrium Health Navicent is proud to partner with our schools to provide this critical protection to students, school staff and their families,” said Atrium Health Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley. “With the presence of the Delta variant in Georgia and a recent increase in cases, it’s extremely important that we each do all we can to slow the spread of this deadly pandemic and vaccination has been proven to be safe and effective in preventing severe infection.”

Dr. Aaron Geter Jr., Superintendent of Schools for the Wilkinson County School District, said he is excited to join hands with Atrium Health Navicent to provide vaccinations to the Wilkinson County community.  

“Our focus is to enter this school year in the safest manner possible.  We appreciate their help and support to make sure that our community is as safe as possible,” Geter said.

Atrium Health Navicent is proud to have partnered with the Baldwin County School District to provide public COVID-19 vaccination services at last week’s Back-To-School Bash and for another event on Friday.

“The Baldwin County School District is excited to partner with Atrium Health Navicent, once again, to provide COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines to our students 12 years and older and their families,” said Baldwin County School Superintendent Dr. Noris Price. “This vaccination event is a great opportunity to provide more of our students with the chance to receive an additional layer of protection against the coronavirus.”

Vaccinated individuals and those waiting to be vaccinated are encouraged to continue to practice COVID-safe behaviors including wearing a mask in public, social distancing and frequent hand washing.

About Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well-being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.

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