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With summer starting and Georgia’s temperatures soaring, Atrium Health Navicent encourages the community to take care when cooling down in pools and natural bodies of water such as rivers, lakes and the ocean to reduce drowning risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is a leading cause of injury and death for young children aged 1 to 14. Three children die every day as a result of drowning.

“When it comes to children and water, flotation devices, and even coast guard approved life jackets are helpful but neither replace the need for constant adult supervision,” said Dr. Christy Peterson, a pediatrician at Atrium Health Navicent. “Children should be taught to swim early. But even for strong swimmers, when it comes to children, the need for constant adult supervision still applies.”

Atrium Health Navicent, the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Atrium Health Navicent provides care for health care consumers through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Atrium Health Navicent is dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.

The community is invited to join Atrium Health Navicent in raising awareness for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, during ALS Awareness Month this May.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As neurons controlling voluntary movement are attacked, ALS patients gradually lose the ability to speak, swallow, move their muscles, and eventually they can no longer breathe.

“Rehabilitation Hospital, Navicent Health is the only ALS recognized clinic in central Georgia and one of three in the state,” said Dr. Michael H. Rivner, Director of ALS and Neuromuscular Clinics at Rehabilitation Hospital, Navicent Health. “When a patient comes to our clinic, they receive care from a multidisciplinary team who work to meet their needs all in one appointment and at one location.”

The monthly ALS clinic at Rehabilitation Hospital, Navicent Health offers patients an opportunity to meet with their physician, therapists, a dietician, social worker and others involved in their care.

South Georgia Medical Center was recently awarded the Georgia Emergency Medical Service of the Year award for 2020 by the Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association (GEMSA).

This award is given to a Georgia licensed emergency medical service (EMS) team that has gone above and beyond in delivering the best patient care and maintaining the best professionalism to communities locally, regionally and within the state of Georgia.

The finalists for the award included Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services, DeKalb County Fire Rescue/EMS, Gold Cross EMS, Henry County Fire Department, SGMC EMS, and West Point Fire Department.

David Bauch, Director of EMS, explained that the team is excited and humbled to have received this award for the past year.

“When I found out who the finalists were I knew all of them are excellent Fire and Emergency Services teams. To be told that SGMC EMS was the recipient of this award was truly an honor,” said Bauch.

SGMC EMS was recognized for continuing to efficiently respond to emergencies within the region during the pandemic and transport COVID-19 patients when other hospitals around the region were at capacity.

SGMC EMS was also recognized as the only service in the region to have a Regional Training Center that prides itself in continuing to develop staff through advanced training and programs that are focused on mental health, such as the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program.

Ronald E. Dean, SGMC President and Chief Executive Officer stated, “We’ve witnessed extraordinary efforts from our front-line EMS team as they continuously give back to the region of South Georgia selflessly, while on duty and off. We are grateful for their service and proud to seem them honored for all their hard work.”

SGMC EMS has been responding to calls since 1972 and currently responds to an average of 2,010 calls for service each month. SGMC staffs six Advance Life Support (ALS) ambulances strategically located throughout Lowndes County, two ALS ambulances in Lanier County and two Non-Emergency Ambulances.

As part of an ongoing commitment to help slow the spread of COVID-19, Atrium Health Navicent has begun vaccinating children aged 12 to 15.

“We are excited that children and teens aged 12 and up will be able to receive a COVID vaccine. Children are able to contract COVID-19 and we have seen some children with long-term problems related to the infection,” said Dr. Edward Clark, Medical Director for Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital. “The vaccine has been proven safe in all ages tested and the efficacy rates have been extraordinarily high. We encourage you to have your child vaccinated as soon as you can.”

Public vaccination services are available by appointment at the following locations:

A parent or guardian must accompany minors to vaccination appointments. To make an appointment, visit www.CovidsafeGA.org or call 478-633-SAFE (7233). Appointments are based on vaccine availability, which is allocated and managed by the state.

“Atrium Health Navicent is proud to continue to provide public vaccination services, now making this vital COVID-19 protection available to children 12 and older in the communities we serve,” said Atrium Health Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley. “This deadly pandemic isn’t over and we’re doing our part as a health system to make the vaccine accessible both at our designated facilities and using pop-up clinics in the community so anyone who wants to be vaccinated can be afforded that opportunity.”

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.

Atrium Health Navicent invites the community to observe National Stroke Month during May by learning to recognize and react to the signs of stroke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Every four minutes, someone dies of stroke. On average, 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

Central Georgians are at an increased risk for stroke due to the prevalence of common risk factors that include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and tobacco use. Georgia is in the “Stroke Belt,” an area in the Southeastern United States where stroke deaths are approximately 30 percent higher than the rest of the country. In 2019, Georgia held the 8^th highest stroke death rate in the country.

Clinicians at Atrium Health Navicent remind the public to act FAST if they experience any of these signs or symptoms.

Atrium Health Navicent is a 10-time recipient of the American Heart Association’s “Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Gold” Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the health system’s commitment to quality care for stroke patients, and success in implementing an exemplary standard of care for stroke patients, according to evidence-based guidelines. In addition, Atrium Health Navicent has achieved the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to the latest scientific treatment guidelines.

“Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Some risk factors like age and race may be out of your control, but lifestyle changes or medical treatment can lessen other risks such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity and sleep apnea,” said Dr. Matthew Smith, Stroke Medical Director for Atrium Health Navicent. In addition to working to reduce risk, it’s important that everyone is aware of the signs or symptoms of stroke and seek medical attention FAST if they suspect a stroke has occurred.”

Atrium Health Navicent, the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Atrium Health Navicent provides care for health care consumers’ through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Atrium Health Navicent is dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.

The community is invited to join Atrium Health Navicent in recognizing May 9 thru 15 as National Women’s Health Week. Beginning on Mother’s Day each year, this week serves as a reminder for women to take care of themselves and to make their health a priority.

“Many times, as women, we tend to put others’ needs in front of own because we don’t want to let our family and friends down. We know they are depending on us,” said Dr. Patrice Walker, Chief Medical Officer for Atrium Health Navicent. “In order for us to take the best care of our loved ones, we have to be in our best mental and physical health. Women’s Health Week is a great time to schedule your annual well-woman visit and preventative screenings, and to consider how you can take steps to improve, or maintain your health.”

Atrium Health Navicent, the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Atrium Health Navicent provides care for health care consumers’ through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Atrium Health Navicent is dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.

As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year, Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is reminding people it’s safe to go to the doctor and encouraging you to not delay care. In addition to traditional physician visits, urgent care and emergency care, patients can now receive care from trusted physicians on your cell phone or tablet.

“We are still seeing patients delay their care, and that’s causing unnecessary complications,” said Mohak Davé, medical director of Emergency Services at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC). “Regardless of how many COVID-19 patients are in the hospital, the Emergency Department is the best place to be if you’re experiencing anything that you think might be life-threatening. The worst thing you can do is stay home and hope it goes away.”

Even if you don’t need emergency care, there’s no need to put off routine check-ups or care for minor illnesses. To help patients get care no matter where they are, Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) continues to offer three ways of digitally connecting with a care provider:

“Some patients are still uncomfortable entering a healthcare facility,” said Sakib Maya, MD, medical director for Urgent Care services for NGPG. “The good news is, we now have a variety of ways for everyone to get the care they need from wherever they are.”

For more information about these services and to schedule an appointment, visit ngpg.org/care.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Tanner Women’s Care and several community partners are launching a new effort to keep moms and their babies safe and healthy.

The new public awareness campaign, “Better Birth Days,” will provide education on the potential life-threatening health risks and complications for moms during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum — especially among Black and Latina women.

Tanner is partnering with the Carroll County Health Department, the Pregnancy Resource Center, first responders and the faith-based Black and Latina communities — among other organizations — to reach more at-risk moms and their loved ones to build awareness of these risks and the importance of immediate medical intervention to save lives.

The outreach leverages Tanner’s extensive care footprint in the region, the expertise and passion of its medical team for caring for moms and their babies, and an extensive network of existing community relationships established through Tanner’s Get Healthy, Live Well to improve health outcomes in the communities Tanner serves.

“Pregnancy, birth and postpartum complications, like pre-eclampsia, blood clots and strokes, can occur in any woman — including those under a doctor’s care — and we know Black and Latina moms face a higher risk. The death of one mom is one too many,” said Megan Grilliot, MD, a board-certified obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Tanner Healthcare for Women. “A woman who is aware of her risks and understands the importance of prompt medical attention is better prepared and likely to have a better outcome.”

National, state and local statistics indicate a growing maternal health concern, according to Dr. Grilliot:

Dr. Grilliot advises pregnant or new moms — and those who love them — to be alert to the symptoms that signal potentially life-threatening complications and seek immediate medical attention at their closest emergency department. These symptoms include:

“Women are vulnerable to potential complications during pregnancy and the 12 months that follow,” said Dr. Grilliot. “New moms are often so focused on their newborns and the demands of feeding, diapering and perhaps caring for older siblings, too, that they may overlook symptoms they are experiencing that can signal trouble and require immediate attention. These serious, life-threatening conditions do not go away if ignored. Prompt intervention saves lives. Mothers need the support of their partners, other mothers, grandmothers and friends to make sure they recognize when they might be in trouble.”

Information for Better Birth Days will be available in both English and Spanish, provided to community partners like the Carroll County Health Department, the Pregnancy Resource Centers in Carrollton and Haralson counties, and Baby Braves in Heard County. Materials will also be available at Tanner locations to facilitate outreach.

The Carroll County Health Department will provide Better Birth Days materials in information bundles for women with newly confirmed pregnancies as they identify their healthcare providers for their prenatal, delivery and postpartum care and sign-up for maternity and children’s benefits.

“Information is power for these women who are just beginning their pregnancy journey and are anxious to make the right choices to keep themselves and their unborn babies safe and healthy,” said nurse manager Cindy Moore, RN, with the Carroll County Health Department. “Better Birth Days is consistent with our mission.”

The Pregnancy Resource Center also believes the program will help more women achieve healthy pregnancies, deliveries and post-partum recoveries.

“Reaching pregnant moms early in their pregnancy is critical to helping them understand how to care for themselves throughout their pregnancy and beyond,” said Karmen Stamps, executive director of the Pregnancy Resource Center. “We will leverage Better Birth Days materials in our interactions with expecting and new moms to make them aware of potential risks and what they need to do, so they can enjoy many happy birthdays with their babies.”

Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has received initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for its OB/GYN residency program.

This is NGMC’s sixth Graduate Medical Education (GME) program to receive initial accreditation, following the announcement in April that the Emergency Medicine and Psychiatry residency programs have been accredited.

“The OB/GYN residency program is an integral part of state-wide efforts to improve the quality and access of women’s care in Georgia,” said John E. Delzell, Jr., MD, MSPH, FAAFP, vice president of Medical Education for Northeast Georgia Health System and Designated Institutional Official for NGMC. “Now, as our sixth residency program is accredited, we can’t wait to get started with the recruitment of excellent physicians so we can care for women for generations to come.”

NGMC anticipates interviewing approximately 200 OB/GYN residency candidates from October 2021 through January 2022. Six residents will match with NGMC through the National Residency Matching Program in March 2022, and they will begin their first day of residency on July 1, 2022. Residents will train for four years at NGMC.

“This accreditation comes after months of hard work from our entire team,” said Francis Nuthalapaty, MD, OB/GYN program director. “Our mission is to educate and support a diverse group of residents by creating a learning environment centered on developing exemplary professional character, exercising intellectual curiosity, and engaging with the community in which our residents live, learn and serve. I’m very excited to be a part of this important work.”

The OB/GYN residency program at NGMC received ACGME accreditation by successfully completing surveys that include evaluations of program personnel, faculty, institutional safety and quality metrics, curriculum, the learning and working environment and more.

By 2024, all six specialties; internal medicine, general surgery, family medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry and OB/GYN, could host more than 200 residents—which would make the program one of the largest in the state of Georgia.

For more information about NGMC’s OB/GYN residency program, visit www.NGMCgme.org/programs/ob-gyn.

St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital was awarded an ‘A’ in the spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Gradea national distinction recognizing Sacred Heart’s achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care – the hospital’s second consecutive ‘A’ safety grade

“To receive a Leapfrog safety grade of ‘A’ for one grading period is excellent, but to maintain that level of safety for two consecutive grading periods – a full year – is truly exceptional,” said Sacred Heart Hospital President Jeff English. “I could not be prouder of our colleagues and providers and the dedication they demonstrate day-in and day-out to the safety of our patients.”

“An ‘A’ safety grade is an elite designation that your community should be proud of,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “The past year has been extraordinarily difficult for hospitals, but St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital shows us it is possible to keep a laser focus on patients and their safety, no matter what it takes.”

Developed under the guidance of a national Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,700 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

To see Sacred Heart Hospital’s full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter and Facebook.

About The Leapfrog Group

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information, they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

About St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital

St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital is a not-for-profit community hospital serving the greater Franklin County area. Located in Lavonia, Ga., just off I-85, Sacred Heart is part of St. Mary’s Health Care System, a member of Trinity Health. It is accredited by The Joint Commission and guided by the Mission of Trinity Health to be a compassionate and transforming healing presence within the community. Sacred Heart Hospital provides emergency care, inpatient care, critical care, surgical services, a mother/baby unit, numerous outpatient services and a wellness center. St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital is designated by the State of Georgia as a Remote Treatment Stroke Center. www.stmaryshealthcaresystem.org.

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