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Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines^® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“Hamilton is committed to providing excellent patient care,” said Meagan Darnell, neurosciences manager. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to continue providing quality healthcare, ensuring more people in this area can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Hamilton Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, MD, volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

HMC also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll awards. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

A national nursing group now says people can trust they’re receiving the highest quality emergency care at any Northeast Georgia Health System hospital.

Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Habersham recently received the Emergency Nurses Association’s Lantern Award, which recognizes emergency departments that demonstrate exceptional and innovative performance in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research. With this recognition, NGMC Habersham joins NGMC Barrow, Braselton, Gainesville, and Lumpkin as Lantern Award recipients – making NGHS the first healthcare system in Georgia to have five hospitals honored with this distinction.

“This award means people across our region can rest easy knowing their local hospital provides outstanding emergency care,” said Walt Wiley, NGHS executive director for Emergency, Trauma, Observation and EMS Services. “It also reflects the outstanding dedication of our physicians, nurses, and staff who work tirelessly every day to provide life-saving care in all the communities we serve.”

People can also now see actual wait times for each hospital’s emergency room on the health system’s website.

“No one wants to be in an emergency, but if it happens, our goal is to make the experience as smooth and efficient as possible,” said Wiley. “By providing wait times online, we’re giving patients the information they need to make the best decision for their care.”

Just visit nghs.com/emergency to view how long it will take from arriving at NGMC Gainesville, Braselton, Barrow, Habersham or Lumpkin emergency departments to when your care begins with a qualified medical professional. The wait times are estimations, as patients with life-threatening conditions are prioritized over those with less urgent needs. Actual wait times may vary depending on patient needs and emergency severity.

SGMC Health has been named the recipient of the prestigious Georgia HEART Impact Award by the Georgia HEART Hospital Program, recognizing the system’s extraordinary commitment to rural healthcare through its SGMC Health Berrien Expansion Project. This honor celebrates hospitals that demonstrate the transformative power of Georgia HEART tax credit contributions to improve access to healthcare and patient outcomes.

The award specifically highlights SGMC Health’s use of HEART funding to help build a state-of-the-art, 26,000-square-foot Emergency Department on its Berrien campus. The facility, which officially opened in December 2024, marks a new era of care for Berrien County and the surrounding rural communities.

The new Emergency Department replaced the former four-room facility with nine advanced treatment rooms, including larger trauma and specialty care rooms, enhanced monitoring systems, and upgraded support spaces, all designed to better meet the increasing demand for emergency services in the region.

“This recognition is a testament to the collective effort of our healthcare professionals, community leaders, donors, and supporters who made this vision a reality,” said Hilary Gibbs, Vice President of Support Services and Chief Development Officer. “The Georgia HEART Program allowed us to convert tax dollars into life-saving infrastructure that will serve generations of South Georgians.”

Since its inception, the Georgia HEART Hospital Program has provided a critical lifeline to rural hospitals across the state. For SGMC Health Berrien, contributions made through HEART were vital in funding the expansion, illustrating the profound impact of community-supported healthcare investments.

“Every gift has helped transform rural healthcare,” said Gibbs. “This award reflects the heart and soul of a community that came together for a common good.”

Since opening in 1965, SGMC Health Berrien has served as a cornerstone of its community, providing a full spectrum of medical care, including emergency services, inpatient and outpatient care, 3-D mammography, geriatric psychiatric care, and more.

Georgia HEART is a dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit that allows Georgians to choose where their tax dollars go, directly supporting rural hospitals like SGMC Health’s Berrien and Lanier campuses. Georgia HEART is currently accepting applications for 2025 tax credits. Completing the HEART tax credit application takes less than a minute. Credits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so reserve your spot today by visiting www.georgiaheart.org.

SGMC Health is excited to share its fiscal year 2024 Annual Report, a heartfelt reflection of a year filled with historic impact, meaningful milestones, and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care across South Georgia. Among the report’s most remarkable highlights is SGMC Health’s economic impact surpassing $1 billion, underscoring the system’s vital role as a driving force of regional growth, innovation, and stability.

Now available at sgmc.org/report, the online report offers an in-depth look at the initiatives, achievements, and powerful stories that continue to shape the healthcare experience for thousands of individuals and families in the region.

With more than 3,200 dedicated team members and support for over 10,000 jobs across the area, SGMC Health remains not only one of the largest employers in South Georgia, but also a pillar of strength, compassion, and connection within the communities it serves. This year’s report celebrates more than just numbers. It honors the real people and real lives touched by the organization’s mission to improve the lives of all it serves.

“Our FY2024 Annual Report tells the story of a healthcare system that is thriving, growing, and innovating like never before,” said Erika Bennett, Vice President of Marketing and Brand Experience. “Every number, every achievement, and every patient story is a reflection of the remarkable care our teams deliver every day. SGMC Health is not just keeping pace with change. We’re leading it with heart.”

Guided by five strategic priorities, providing an unsurpassed patient experience, offering unequaled access to care, maintaining unimpeachable system credentials, striving for unmatched efficiencies, and being an unparalleled place to work, SGMC Health continues to build a future that is bold, compassionate, and centered around people.

The report also shares exciting advancements across the health system, including new facility openings that bring specialty care closer to home, significant technology investments that enhance diagnostics and treatment, new strategic partnerships, like becoming a clinical campus site for Mercer University School of Medicine, and the adoption of innovative care models designed to elevate quality and outcomes for every patient.

Woven throughout the report are powerful, personal stories from patients whose lives have been changed by SGMC Health’s services, from heart and cancer care to trauma recovery and hospice. These moving testimonials put a face to the work and remind readers of the deeper purpose behind every effort.

“This year’s report is not just about where we’ve been, it’s about where we’re going,” said Kara Hope Hanson, Marketing Manager. “Our goal was to create something that resonates with our patients, partners, and community, plus something that showcases the heart, the hard work, and the hope behind every milestone. This is truly a celebration of impact.”

Since its first publication in 2021, SGMC Health’s Annual Report has consistently earned national recognition from leading healthcare marketing and digital communications organizations, an acknowledgment of the team’s dedication to excellence in storytelling and transparency.

To explore the full FY2024 Annual Report and learn more about SGMC Health’s mission, impact, and future, visit sgmc.org/report.

Hamilton Home Health recently received top marks for its patient services.

It received 5-star ratings for Quality of Care and Patient Experience at the Care Compare website at Medicare.gov. The site is an assessment tool from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for consumers to evaluate providers.

The Quality of Patient Care Star Rating measures patient improvements in mobility, bed transferring, bathing, shortness of breath, medication management, potentially preventable hospitalization and how quickly care is initiated. A 5-star rating is the mark of a high-performing organization.

“At Hamilton Home Health, we strive to offer personalized care in the familiarity of the patient’s own home,” said Blake Nelson, executive director of Post-Acute Care Services. “Our dedicated team will tailor the plan of care to promote recovery and enhance the patient’s quality of life. In the case of Hamilton Home Health, a patient is not only receiving medical assistance but gaining a partner in the journey toward better health.”

Home health care requires a doctor’s order and is typically issued for individuals who are unable to easily leave home. It brings medical care to patients’ homes to help them recover from acute injury or illness and provides services like medication management, wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy and others provided by licensed individuals.

“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team,” Nelson said. “We take great pride in providing compassionate, high-quality care that helps our patients recover safely at home while maintaining their independence. This five-star rating reaffirms our mission to serve our community with excellence — every person, every time.”

SGMC Health is pleased to announce that its Sleep Center has achieved full accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), recognizing its commitment to excellence in sleep medicine. This recognition ensures that SGMC Health meets or exceeds the highest national standards for quality, safety, and patient-centered care in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.

Led by Medical Director Mahmood Eisa, MD, Neurologist, the Sleep Center specializes in evaluating and treating a range of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, chronic insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. The facility features state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated team of specialists committed to improving patients’ sleep health.

“AASM accreditation reflects our unwavering dedication to providing top-tier sleep medicine services,” said Travis Grasley, Director of Pulmonary & Neurodiagnostic Services. “With this achievement, our patients have access to high-quality, evidence-based sleep diagnostics and treatment right here in South Georgia.”

To achieve and maintain accreditation, sleep centers must meet rigorous AASM standards across multiple core areas, including personnel, facility operations, patient care, data acquisition, and quality assurance.

At SGMC Health Sleep Center, patients have access to comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services. The facility offers in-lab sleep studies conducted in its comfortable, 9-bed center, which allows for close monitoring and detailed insights into sleep patterns and disorders. For patients seeking a more convenient option, the center also provides home sleep testing using WatchPAT HST devices, enabling effective evaluation from the comfort of home. SGMC Health’s specialists conduct thorough evaluations to diagnose sleep conditions and create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Sleep disorders can significantly impact overall health, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health challenges. Common signs of sleep disorders include chronic snoring, choking or gasping episodes during sleep, excessive daytime fatigue, restless sensations in the legs, and difficulty staying asleep. Additional symptoms such as morning headaches, mood changes, and trouble concentrating may also indicate a sleep disorder. If you experience two or more of these symptoms, your doctor may recommend a sleep study to assess your condition.

With its newly earned accreditation, SGMC Health Sleep Center continues to provide trusted care for patients in the region. By offering expert evaluations, advanced diagnostics, and effective treatment plans, the center is dedicated to helping individuals achieve better sleep and improved overall health without the need to travel far from home.

For more information about SGMC Health’s Sleep Center and its services, visit sgmc.org.

Peeples Cancer Institute (PCI) at Hamilton Medical Center has expanded access to the latest in cancer research for patients in north Georgia and the surrounding area by opening National Cancer Institute (NCI) supported Phase 3 clinical trials at PCI.

In collaboration with Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, the latest clinical trial to open at PCI evaluates the addition of high-dose targeted radiation to the usual treatment for locally advanced, inoperable, non-small cell lung cancer.

“Clinical trials are an opportunity to advance science and provide new and better ways to treat patients,” said Jayme Carrico, PCI executive director. “They offer hope beyond what might be possible with only standard of care.”

Because this trial is an approved Phase 3 clinical trial, insurance typically covers it, offering patients greater access to these breakthrough treatments.

Clinical trials are categorized into three phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2 scope out the safety and side effects of new treatments and are performed at one or two sites with a relatively small number of participants. If the new treatment is shown to be promising in Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials — from both an effectiveness and safety standpoint — it is expanded into a Phase 3 trial. Phase 3 trials pull in multiple sites, highly trained providers and potentially thousands of patients across the nation or globe. They are typically offered only at larger universities and hospitals.

PCI is opening Phase 3 trials only. Through highly regulated protocols, patients who meet the specific qualifications of each trial are allowed to enroll. Phase 3 trials further explore the effectiveness of emerging treatments, enabling patients to access what Carrico describes as “the absolute forefront of technology for treating cancer.” Usually, those patients may also receive the proven standard of care treatment.

Cancer treatments are continuously evolving. Becoming a designated site for NCI supported Phase 3 clinical trials is typically reserved for larger universities and hospitals, but it is important to stay up to date and offer the best in care, according to Carrico. It also speaks to PCI’s level of commitment.

“The way an oncologist would treat lung cancer six months ago is different from the way they would treat it today,” Carrico said. “The field is evolving — and not just in chemotherapy drug regimens but genetic and genomic testing and immunotherapy regimens.”

Each trial is strictly monitored, not only by local staff but also by Winship and the clinical trial’s national leadership team. Arif Ali, M, PCI medical director, completed additional training to administer the trials. Strict criteria and quality assurance measures ensure the program meets NCI clinical trial standards.

In many cases, clinical trial sites can be difficult to reach. The next closest site to access this trial is Emory in Atlanta, making PCI’s location a valuable resource for local patients in the region.

Ali was previously on the faculty at Emory, where he was the site principal investigator for multiple research trials and grants. He said he is excited to offer the lung cancer trial to patients, but he also expects to soon open clinical trials for breast, prostate, brain, rectal, gynecologic, and head and neck cancers.

“This is a key differentiator between us and surrounding hospitals,” Ali said. “We are excited to be able to offer these treatment options not only for patients in Whitfield County but the surrounding region.”

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Tanner Health announced that Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica has achieved accolades for clinical excellence from Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital. Among the hospital’s distinctions are: two Five Star 2025 Awards, one for Coronary Interventional Procedures and one for Treatment of Heart Attack; and a Coronary Intervention Excellence Award for 2025.

“We are proud to accept these awards, which reflect the quality of care we provide to our coronary patients,” said Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner Health. “These awards place Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica in the upper echelon of hospitals for coronary care nationwide and reflect Tanner Health’s system-wide commitment to exceptional cardiovascular care.”

Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica’s achievements are based solely on what matters most: patient outcomes. As part of its 2025 hospital assessment, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for over 30 of the most common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to determine the top performers in specialty care. By offering easy access to objective performance measures, Healthgrades helps consumers find and select a hospital that excels in providing the care they need.

“These awards validate our approach to interventional cardiovascular care at Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica,” said Shazib Khawaja, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and endovascular specialist with Tanner Heart & Vascular Specialists, chief of interventional cardiology, and medical operations leader for Tanner Heart Care. “It also acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our cardiovascular team members in delivering exceptional care to every patient.”

Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica is a 53-bed acute care hospital located in Villa Rica, Georgia, serving the residents of Carroll, Douglas and Paulding counties and beyond. Tanner Heart Center, located inside the hospital, is an accredited chest pain center and certified primary stroke center, offering interventional cardiology, and a wide variety of cardiac tests and procedures. Learn more at tanner.org/heart-care.

“Healthgrades commends Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica for their clear commitment to delivering consistently superior patient outcomes in critical service areas, including Five Star 2025 Awards for Coronary Interventional Procedures, and Treatment of Heart Attack; and a Coronary Intervention Excellence Award for 2025,” said Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer and head of data science at Healthgrades. “Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica’s leadership, expertise, and unwavering dedication to clinical excellence set a high mark for specialty care in Georgia and nationwide.”

Consumers can visit healthgrades.com to learn more about how Healthgrades measures hospital quality and access a patient-friendly overview of how we rate and why hospital quality matters here.

Tanner Health has had cardiologists on its hospital staff for most of its 75-year history, but the system first launched its interventional cardiology program at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton in 2006, offering a nonsurgical angioplasty and stenting procedure to clear blocked arteries. This same procedure expanded to Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica in 2015, providing Villa Rica residents with the procedure, closer to home, to save hearts and lives. In January 2023, Tanner Health began offering open-heart surgery in the new Adams Heart Center in Carrollton, providing a local option for the many open-heart cases in the region. Tanner Health continues to add cardiac services, which will include structural heart in Carrollton in the near future. Both Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton and Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica are accredited chest pain centers.

Healthgrades is dedicated to empowering meaningful connections between patients, doctors, and hospitals. As the #1 platform for finding a doctor and a leader in healthcare transparency, we help millions of consumers each month find and schedule appointments with their healthcare professional of choice and prepare for their appointments with best-in-class, treatment-focused content.

For over 20 years, our health system, group practice, and life sciences marketing solutions have helped our partners reach and engage consumers on their way to the doctor.

Healthgrades is part of RVO Health, a partnership between Red Ventures and Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group. RVO Health has the largest consumer health and wellness audience online across its brand portfolio, including Healthgrades, Healthline, Medical News Today, Greatist, Psych Central and Bezzy, which touch every part of the health and wellness journey. RVO Health helps more than 100 million unique visitors live their strongest and healthiest lives each month.

Northside Hospital’s Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program has again ranked among the best in the United States for bone marrow transplant survival outcomes.

For the 16th consecutive year (2009-24), Northside’s program exceeded predicted one-year survival outcomes for U.S. transplant centers, according to the 2024 Transplant Center Survival Report by the Centers for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR).

The big picture: Every three or four minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia, according to NMDP^SM (formerly Be The Match®). For many patients, their only hope for a cure is a blood or marrow transplant.

By the numbers: Each year, CIBMTR analyzes survival data for U.S. transplant centers performing allogeneic transplants, providing an overall risk-adjusted analysis indicating whether one-year survival is as expected, above expected or below expected for each specific transplant center compared to an average transplant center.

SGMC Health nursing leadership and High Reliability Organization Champions celebrate receiving national recognition in patient safety from Press Ganey

SGMC Health is proud to announce its recognition as a 2024 Press Ganey Human Experience Award winner, a distinction honoring healthcare organizations for excellence in safety and human-centered care. SGMC Health was recognized for outstanding achievements in safety, including:

Press Ganey, the nation’s leading provider of healthcare experience measurement and analytics, highlights organizations that demonstrate unwavering dedication to safety, quality, and the overall human experience. SGMC Health was one of only 23 healthcare facilities nationwide awarded for setting new benchmarks in safety and care excellence.

“This recognition reflects SGMC Health’s steadfast commitment to prioritizing the well-being of every patient, every day,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Randy Smith. “Achieving these milestones required a commitment to the goal of zero harm with a laser focus on building a culture of safety, actively promoting safety as a core value, empowering our teams, and improving reliability through better process design to ensure the best outcomes for those we serve.”

SGMC Health’s remarkable progress in reducing Serious Safety Events (SSEs) its two Valdosta campuses and achieving Zero Harm at both SGMC Health Lanier and SGMC Health Berrien is the result of proactive initiatives on its journey to becoming a High Reliability Organization (HRO). This ongoing safety and quality journey includes enhanced communication, rigorous safety protocols, and advanced training programs for staff. These efforts have fostered a robust culture of safety that ensures patients receive high-quality, harm-free care every time.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our exceptional healthcare professionals,” added Smith. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come and understand safety and high reliability is a journey, not a single destination, that will require an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement to maintain a culture focused on preventing errors.” Looking ahead, SGMC Health continues to innovate with initiatives focused on safety, quality, and community health, ensuring a brighter future for the region.