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Hamilton Medical Center, not-for-profit hospital and flagship of Hamilton Health Care System, announced plans today for a record-setting facility expansion, approximately 175,000 square feet, to serve the growing cardiovascular needs of the region.

The Robert E. Shaw family has provided a gift of support for the cardiovascular pavilion, which will house cardiovascular surgery and an array of cardiovascular specialty services, such as electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, and structural cardiology.

Robert E. Shaw, flooring entrepreneur and longtime Hamilton supporter, stated, “Our family has been greatly affected by heart disease and we are committed to improving the lives of others in our community and in the surrounding region for generations to come. By providing this gift for Hamilton’s facility expansion, we are supporting the continued growth of the first-class cardiovascular program at Hamilton so that everyone has access to the very best care.”

Jeff Myers, president and chief executive officer for Hamilton Health Care System expressed his gratitude and outlined the Hamilton vision for cardiovascular care at Hamilton, “Hamilton is extremely grateful to Mr. Shaw and the Shaw family for their gift of support.” Myers continued, “From Hamilton’s very beginning in 1921, the hospital, and subsequently, the health system, has been known for bringing healthcare innovation to this region, including open heart surgery and advanced cardiovascular care.”

The cardiovascular program has seen high growth in the last few years, especially with the development of the cardiovascular surgery program. Myers explained, “For far too long, cardiovascular disease has taken a tremendous toll and we have felt the loss of too many of our friends, families and neighbors in this region. Hamilton has recruited best-in-class teams of surgeons, physicians, nursing, clinical and support staff because excellence in cardiovascular care is what everyone deserves and it is what Hamilton demands of itself and for those it serves. Our pledge to our patients and to each other is Excellence. Every Person. Every Time. This facility construction project represents our commitment to our pledge, physician-led and patient-centered care, and our continued commitment to revolutionize the future of healthcare.”

With news of hospital and health system mergers across the country, including the north Georgia/southern Tennessee region, Hamilton is one of the few remaining independent health systems with its leadership and Boards of Trustees local to the region it serves so that when planning for, consulting with, and deciding on future developments, it is done with the unique needs of the region front and center at all times.

Scott Sellers, Whitfield Healthcare Foundation Board of Trustees chair, remarked, “The philanthropic support from this community is not often seen in other communities and it has provided healthcare opportunities which might not otherwise be available at hospitals similar to the size of Hamilton Medical Center. The Shaw family gift is a significant level of support for continuing Hamilton’s vision and commitment to innovation and excellence in cardiovascular care.”

As with past construction projects, such as Peeples Cancer Institute and Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, Hamilton places patient-centered care as the top priority in this new construction endeavor. To that end, Hamilton has sought input from physicians, providers, clinicians, and operational and support staff in developing the plans and project scope for the cardiovascular facility construction project.

Ateet Patel, M.D., Hamilton’s chief of cardiology, commented, “The cardiovascular team is dedicated to heart care excellence, the continued development of new treatment modalities, and integrating the latest technological advancements as we revolutionize heart care in this region. This state-of-the-art cardiovascular construction project and the philanthropic support from the Shaw family will provide even more opportunities to meet the growing heart care needs of those we serve.”

Richard Morrison, M.D., Hamilton’s medical director of cardiac surgery, stated, “This has the potential to change lives. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death, and many of our patients possess heart disease risk factors that are prevalent across the region. We are very grateful to Mr. Shaw and the Shaw family for their gift and for their commitment to Hamilton and to healthcare in our region.”

Michael Hartley, M.D., Hamilton’s medical director of vascular services, commented, “With the high occurrence of vascular disease in the region, and the often co-occurrence with heart disease, the cardiovascular pavilion construction will make a significant difference for those we serve. We offer our sincere gratitude to Mr. Shaw and the Shaw family.”

For more information about the cardiovascular services at Hamilton, including cardiovascular surgery, visit HamiltonHealth.com.

Hamilton will continue to provide updates throughout the construction project, to which Myers stated, “Hamilton has begun the construction process, which starts with state review and approval.” He continued, “A project this important for the people of this region, and with the support and commitment of the Shaw family, will be state-of-the-art in both design, construction, and patient experience. We look forward to welcoming in our friends, family and neighbors to celebrate the completion of the cardiovascular pavilion and to celebrate the future of healthcare excellence.”

The community is invited to join Atrium Health Navicent in recognizing May 14-20 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.

Doctors at Atrium Health Navicent encourage women to use this week to reflect on their individual health needs and take steps to improve their overall health. Whether you continue current activities or find new ones, now is a great time to focus on better health, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Women are urged to ensure they’re current on well-woman visits and recommended screenings such as mammograms.

For middle-aged women in particular, Atrium Health Navicent offers the following eight tips to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, obesity and more.

Know your numbers. Knowledge is power. That’s why knowing your numbers – blood pressure, BMI, triglycerides and cholesterol, just to name a few – is a valuable insight into the current state of your health. If it’s been a while since you’ve had these tests, reach out to your doctor to get started.
Brush up on family health history. Family health history is important in helping your doctor to determine your own health needs, especially as you enter midlife. If a first-degree relative has battled breast cancer, for example, your risk doubles. Other health problems including cardiovascular disease, thyroid problems and issues with the colon may be genetic, so now is a good time to reassess your family history and share it with your doctor.
Kick bad habits to the curb. If you haven’t already, take steps to let go of poor habits that can be detrimental to your health as you age. This includes smoking, excessive alcohol use, recreational drug use and a sedentary lifestyle. Drinking even small amounts of alcohol is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women. Stuck in a habit of a nightly glass of wine to unwind? Try replacing it with a cup of herbal tea.
Fine-tune your diet. While the right diet for you may depend on your specific restrictions or health needs, most people benefit from a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables, plant-based or lean animal protein, heart- healthy fats and fiber-rich grains. Moderation is key when it comes to a balanced diet. Your doctor will be able to recommend a plan that is right for you based on your current health status.
Take a vitamin. Nothing replaces a healthy, well-balanced diet. But a daily multivitamin can help fill in the gaps in the areas where your diet may be lacking. Note that many supplements you see advertised today with seemingly magical health claims are simply passing trends. Talk to your doctor about vitamins or supplements that may be right for you and ask for blood work if you have specific concerns about deficiencies.
Get moving. A body in motion stays in motion. If you’ve led a fairly sedentary lifestyle, now is a great time to find an activity that you enjoy. Taking small steps toward a more active lifestyle, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking further from an entrance to get in more steps in the parking lot will benefit your body. Aim for at least 30 minutes per day and work your way up. Even those who have health- or age-related limitations, such as arthritis or osteoporosis, can benefit from modified, low-impact exercise—so talk to your doctor about activities that are appropriate for you.
Have regular checkups and get screened. Prior to midlife, you should attend annual checkups during which routine blood work and a pelvic exam are standard procedure. As you enter midlife, additional health screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies and bone density screenings might be on your radar. Your doctor can recommend when and how often you’ll need them based on your personal medical and family history.
Manage stress levels. Chronic stress wreaks havoc on a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Take time for yourself to relax and unwind, whether that means indulging in a good book, enjoying a workout or meditating.

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Atrium Health Navicent Offers Tips to Help Improve Women’s Health

National Women’s Health Week is observed May 14-20

A good night’s rest is important for stress management, and sleep disturbances are a common complaint in midlife, so be sure to mention this to your doctor to discuss management options. If you are experiencing stress not managed with lifestyle changes don’t be afraid to reach out for professional help if you need it.

“Prioritizing your health should be at the top of every woman’s to-do list. Many women are the hearts of their families, and taking preventative care steps can ensure not only that they’re able to live their best lives, but also serve as an example for the next generation,” said Dr. Siping “Sherry” He, an Atrium Health Navicent OB-GYN.

In addition to Atrium Health Navicent’s primary care physicians, Atrium Health Navicent Women’s Care OB/GYN provides services in Forsyth and Macon. To schedule an appointment, call 478-633-1821. To find a doctor, visit www.NavicentHealth.org and click “Find A Doctor.”

About Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well- being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. 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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Atrium Health Navicent is helping Georgians who want to start their health care careers through its new Bridge to Success program. This program helps selected applicants earn an associate degree by offering up to three years of up-front tuition and book assistance, with a maximum $5,250 tuition cost.

To be eligible, applicants must have a high school degree, but not completed a college degree. While enrolled in the Bridge to Success program and working on an associate degree, participants will be hired by Atrium Health Navicent to work in a part-time position. Participants must be able to manage both a work and school schedule, and be willing to work while participating in the program.

The goals of the Bridge to Success program are to help create a pipeline of trained workers to fill critical job roles in the health care field, while also investing in the financial well-being of community residents.

“There’s a growing need for health care workers across the country, including here at Atrium Health Navicent, and we want to empower members of our local community to seek these careers while receiving education and work experience close to home,” said Akilah Griffin, an Atrium Health Navicent assistant vice president for Human Resources talent acquisition. “By providing opportunities such as Bridge to Success, we’re making an investment in the future of health care in our community and in our region’s economy.”

Bridge to Success applications are being accepted through May 19. Applicants must submit an essay and professional recommendation.

Eligibility criteria includes:

Interest in pursuing a health care career.
Must have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent within the last 1-5 years.
Must work for Atrium Health Navicent for at least one year after earning an associate degree through the
program.
Must not have an existing college degree.
To apply, visit https://redcap.link/bridgetosuccessnav.

About Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well- being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. 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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The Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership Internal Medicine Residency Program (IMRP) at St. Mary’s has announced another successful Match Day. The program filled all residency positions to welcome its eighth class of internal medicine residents in Athens.

“We are honored once again to have received so many truly exceptional applicants to our program,” said Dr. Lela Ward, program director for the IMRP. “The supportive medical community, dedicated volunteer faculty, exceptional staff, and commitment of St. Mary’s Health Care System to quality care truly make this an excellent program to learn and to train physicians in Northeast Georgia.”

The IMRP, which received full accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education in October 2016, is a joint effort by the AU/UGA Medical Partnership and St. Mary’s. Residents are medical school graduates who are entering the final stage of their medical education: a three-year, hands-on program with progressive levels of responsibility that ends in certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

“While we have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of COVID hospitalizations and deaths, the Class of 2026 will be facing new and unprecedented challenges in the healthcare world,” said Dr. Jason Smith, St. Mary’s chief medical officer. “Continued pandemic-related health challenges, along with the need to continue to provide ever-higher levels of quality and satisfaction for patients with more and more chronic illnesses, will be a significant challenge for these new physicians. I have no doubt that this outstanding class of physicians is up to the task.”

The IMRP Class of 2026 and the schools at which they completed their medical education are:

In addition, the program matched a preliminary year intern, Nolan Mattingly, MD. He earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.

The new residents will begin practicing at St. Mary’s Health Care System on July 1.

“This is another exciting year in the history of the Internal Medicine Residency Program,” said David Spivey, St. Mary’s interim president and CEO. “We are confident this next class will continue the tradition of compassion and excellence demonstrated by their predecessors. St. Mary’s is proud to be an integral part of the IMRP and its success in bringing more medical doctors to Georgia and to the Athens region.”

“I am so excited to have this group of residents join us. Their experiences, diversity, and talent will continue to strengthen the Internal Medicine program,” said Medical Partnership campus dean Dr. Shelley Nuss. “I look forward to seeing what these young physicians will do in our community over the next three years.”

Each year the American College of Cardiology (ACC) recognizes hospitals for their participation in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR). South Georgia Medical Center received the Chest Pain- MI Registry Award (Gold) for the care of cardiac patients for the second consecutive year.

This accomplishment demonstrates sustained, top-level performance in quality of care and adherence to guideline recommendations for cardiac care.

According to SGMC’s Chief of Cardiology Dr. Doug Luke, “Maintaining this high level of performance requires daily effort from multiple departments across the organization. We would like to congratulate the team and thank them for their dedication, resilience, and attention to detail.”

The NCDR participation and award landed SGMC a spot in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” edition. The annual report ratings are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.

According to the NCDR, for 25 years it has delivered a suite of data registries to help hospitals, centers, and health systems measure and improve the quality of cardiovascular care they provide. The NCDR utilizes real-world evidence to improve patient outcomes and achieve quality heart care.

SGMC has the region’s only open-heart program, structural heart and valve center, and cardiac electrophysiology program. To learn more about SGMC’s heart and vascular programs, visit sgmc.org.

Patients in north Georgia have yet another reason to trust Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) in their fight against cancer. NGMC’s Cancer Centers in Braselton, Gainesville and Toccoa are now the only accredited radiation oncology locations north of Atlanta.

“It is an honor to be recognized for the high-quality radiation oncology care we provide,” said Geoffrey Weidner, MD, a radiation oncologist with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group and medical director of radiation oncology at NGMC. “No one wants to undergo cancer treatment, but knowing that your radiation oncology team meets such high standards provides reassurance that you couldn’t be in better hands.”

NGMC received this national accreditation from the American Society for Radiation Oncology, which evaluated the radiation oncology service’s safety and quality processes. The service must adhere to patient-centered care by promoting effective communication, coordinated treatments and strong patient engagement.

NGMC offers a full range of cancer services including cancer prevention and screening; early diagnosis; cancer staging; advanced treatment through medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgery; patient navigation; rehabilitation; and more.

NGMC’s expert physicians and clinical staff care for approximately 3,000 newly-diagnosed cancer patients each year at locations in Braselton, Gainesville, Toccoa and Winder.

For more information about NGMC’s nationally-recognized cancer services and physicians, visit nghs.com/cancer or call 770-219-8815.

Patients north of Atlanta can now rest assured that they will receive the highest level of trauma care as soon as they need it, as Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville was recently verified as a Level I trauma center. This makes NGMC Gainesville one of five state-designated Level I trauma centers in Georgia and only the fourth nationally-verified Level I trauma center in the state.

“We are thrilled to announce this exciting news for our community and beyond,” said Carol Burrell, president and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System. “Since NGMC Gainesville’s Level II trauma center designation in 2013, our amazing trauma team has cared for nearly 20,000 trauma patients that would have had to travel outside our region for care.”

According to the American College of Surgeons, verified Level I trauma centers must be capable of providing system leadership and comprehensive trauma care for all injuries.

“We have been operating like a Level I trauma center for a while, as we prepared to apply for this highest level of designation and verification,” said Matthew Vassy, MD, trauma medical director for NGMC. “The big differences between a Level II and a Level I include a robust academic research component and having the range of surgical subspecialists to be able to care for the most complex of injuries.”

Verified Level I centers also have an important role working with first responders and other agencies to develop a local trauma system and regional disaster planning.

“Verified Level I trauma centers are considered the ‘gold standard’ across the nation,” said Jesse Gibson, trauma program director at NGMC Gainesville. “We hope that people never need to use our trauma services, but they can rest assured that if they are brought to NGMC Gainesville they will receive the best care available.”

Graduating high school seniors are eligible to apply for entrance into Atrium Health Navicent’s new Rise to Success Program which will provide part-time employment and financial support for students pursing health care careers. Participants have the opportunity to earn an associate degree at a local community college while gaining valuable on-the-job experience, and with Atrium Health Navicent helping to pay for tuition, books and fees.

“There’s a growing need for health care workers across the country, including here at Atrium Health Navicent, and we want to empower young people to seek these careers while receiving education and work experience close to home,” said Atrium Health Navicent Chief Human Resources Officer and Atrium Health Chief Experience Officer Vishal Bhalla. “By providing opportunities to these students, we’re making an investment in the future of health care in our community and in our region’s economy.”

Eligible fields of study for the Rise to Success program include medical assistant, nurse, certified nursing assistant, occupational or physical therapy, phlebotomy, pharmacy technology, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, sonography and ultrasound, radiology and imaging.

While earning an associate degree in one of these fields, participants will work part-time in areas such as guest services, patient services, registration, patient transport, nutrition, or in clerical or administrative positions. The program is set to begin July 1, 2023.

Students wishing to continue their education after earning an associate degree may transfer to a four-year college or university while still working at Atrium Health Navicent and using funds available through the health system’s education assistance allowance program.

Rise to Success program requirements include:

Interest in pursuing a health care career
Minimum 3.0 GPA (unweighted)
Must be a graduating high school senior in central Georgia
Must be 18 years old by Aug. 1, 2023
Must be willing to start their education at a community college
Ability to manage work and school schedules.
Must be willing to work while in college
Work for Atrium Health Navicent for at least one year after graduating with an associate degree
Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or willing to receive the vaccine.
Rise to Success applications are being accepted through March 1. The application includes essay questions and a teacher recommendation, as well as interviews with Atrium Health Navicent teammates.

To apply, visit https://redcap.link/RiseToSuccessNavicent

About Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well- being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. 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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In observance of Birth Defects Awareness Month, physicians at Atrium Health Navicent encourage expectant mothers and women of child-bearing age to become educated about steps they can take to prevent and detect birth defects.

Birth defects — structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part of the body — affect 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States each year and are the leading cause of infant deaths, accounting for 20 percent of all infant deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Of the 130,000 babies born each year in Georgia, 3,940 have birth defects, and 1 in 6 infant deaths in Georgia is due to birth defects, according to The March of Dimes.

Advancements in medicine and surgery have led to better survival, and more children born with birth defects grow up to lead full lives. The most common birth defects are congenital heart defects, cleft lip and cleft palate, and spina bifida. Awareness of birth defects helps families get the information they need to seek proper care before, during, and after pregnancy.

Birth defects can happen for many reasons. Although not all birth defects can be prevented, women can increase their chances of having a healthy baby by managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant.

“Prenatal care that begins early and continues throughout a pregnancy is critical in preventing and detecting birth defects,” said Dr. Misti Patel, director of Atrium Health Navicent Women’s Care Maternal Fetal Medicine. “It’s recommended that pregnant women schedule their first prenatal visit early in the first trimester allowing an OB-GYN to review their medical history, medications and lifestyle to make modifications that may lower the chance of birth defects. Testing may also be recommended to determine if a patient is at high risk for birth defects or genetic disorders.”

Here are seven steps women can take to get ready for pregnancy, stay healthy during pregnancy, and give babies a healthy start in life:

Get 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Folic acid is a B vitamin. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body at least one month before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of the developing baby’s brain and spine. Women can get folic acid from fortified foods or supplements, in addition to a varied diet rich in folate.
Prevent infections. Some infections that a woman might get during pregnancy can be harmful to the developing baby. Vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine and Tdap (adult tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine), are specifically recommended during pregnancy.
See a health care professional regularly. Be sure to see a doctor when planning a pregnancy and start prenatal care as soon as possible. Talk to your doctor about your current medications, as certain medications can cause serious birth defects when taken during pregnancy.
Keep diabetes under control. Unmanaged diabetes can increase the chance for birth defects and other problems during pregnancy. Monitor your blood sugar levels, follow a healthy eating plan developed with your health care provider, be physically active, and take insulin as directed.

Contact:

Amy Leigh Womack:

amy.mccord@atriumhealth.org

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Join Atrium Health Navicent in Raising Awareness About Birth Defects,

Prevention and Early Detection

January is Birth Defects Awareness Month

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol in a woman’s bloodstream passes to the developing baby through the umbilical cord. Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of disabilities. All types of alcohol are equally harmful, including wines and beer.
Avoid smoking cigarettes and marijuana. The dangers of smoking during pregnancy include preterm birth, certain birth defects, and infant death. Quitting smoking before becoming pregnant is best. For a woman who is already pregnant, quitting as early as possible can still help protect against some health problems for the baby, such as low birth weight. Marijuana use during pregnancy also may be linked to lower birth weight. Women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant should not use marijuana.
Avoid overheating and treat fever promptly. During pregnancy, a woman should avoid overheating and treat fever promptly. Overheating can be caused by a fever or exposure to high temperatures (such as getting in a hot tub) that increases a woman’s core temperature. Overheating can increase a woman’s chance of having a baby with certain birth defects.
As part of Atrium Health Navicent’s ongoing effort to improve maternal health, the health system has raised awareness for racial disparities affecting care through community forums and recently received a Healthcare Georgia Foundation grant to support high risk obstetrics patients with the aid of a care coordinator to help patients who may face barriers to accessing health care. The care coordinator will educate patients about the importance of prenatal visits and provide support to assist patients in keeping their appointments.

Atrium Health Navient has also expanded access to OB/GYN care by providing services in Forsyth at Atrium Health Navicent Women’s Care OBGYN.

Physicians at Atrium Health Navicent Women’s Care Maternal Fetal Medicine and the Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital play a critical role in identifying birth defects during pregnancy, which allows for early recognition and intervention following delivery.

To find a doctor, visit www.NavicentHealth.org and click “Find A Doctor.”

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 is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. 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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“Birth Defect Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about early identification of birth defects, spread the word about advances in medical and surgical interventions and allow families to have an opportunity to seek proper care that’s leading to more babies surviving and leading fuller, healthier lives,” said Dr. Mitch Rodriguez, a neonatologist and medical director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and business development officer for Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital.

People living in and around Habersham County can look forward to healthier tomorrows and continued access to local hospital care for years to come, thanks to a decision reached Tuesday night for Habersham Medical Center (HMC) to officially join Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) in 2023.

“This is the best possible scenario for the future of Habersham Medical Center and the health of everyone in our community,” said Dolly Ritchie, chair of the Hospital Authority of Habersham County. “It’s a little earlier than originally planned, but it’s the right thing to do for all the right reasons.”

The Hospital Authority of Hall County & the City of Gainesville, the Hospital Authority of Habersham County and Habersham County Government entered a five-year agreement to secure the future of HMC back in 2019. That agreement called for the Hospital Authority of Hall County & the City of Gainesville to invest $3 million per year – for a total of $15 million over five years – in capital improvements to enhance and expand HMC’s services. The first $3 million investment helped establish HMC’s Rehabilitation and Orthopedics Center. The second and third investments funded renovation of Habersham Home (HMC’s senior living facility). The fourth $3 million investment was just issued in November. The five-year agreement also included options for the Hospital Authority of Hall County & the City of Gainesville to assume ownership of HMC, in exchange for the total $15 million investment, at the end of the agreement in 2024 or earlier.

Tuesday, all three parties involved in the original agreement agreed to execute an early transition. The Hospital Authority of Hall County and the City of Gainesville will also provide the fifth and final $3 million investment on or before July 1, 2023. At that time, the Hospital Authority of Hall County & the City of Gainesville will immediately lease the hospital to NGHS or its affiliate.

Also, on Tuesday, HMC and NGHS agreed to enter into a Management Services Agreement until the early acquisition date of July 1, 2023. Under this agreement, NGHS management will provide day-to-day oversight and review of critical functions and services as well as financial services and information technology (IT) services support, with regular updates to the Habersham Hospital Authority and Habersham County representatives.

The Habersham County Commission and the Hospital Authority of Habersham County also both voted Tuesday to increase an existing line of credit from $1.5 million to a new maximum of $6 million to help cover HMC’s necessary operating costs until the ownership transfer on July 1. The original $1.5 million line of credit the Commission approved last month has already been used to help HMC pay down a portion of outstanding debts. The additional $4.5 million added to the line of credit will be funded by local American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds originally intended to fund renovation of the Habersham County Airport’s hangar. Increasing the line of credit will not place any tax burden on the citizens of Habersham County.

“Stabilizing the long-term future for HMC and putting the hospital on a better financial path to grow is currently the most pressing need in our community, and this agreement accomplishes that – positioning HMC to become a vital hub for healthcare in this part of the state,” said Bruce Palmer, chair of the Habersham County Commission. “It’s a big win for our county and an increasingly rare positive outcome for a rural hospital at a time when at least eight rural hospitals have closed in Georgia during the past decade.”

“The challenges HMC has experienced in recent years mirror those of so many other independent, rural hospitals across the state and nation,” said Tyler Williams, president and CEO of HMC. “These challenges are only increasing, so the time to act is now. Our hospital joining NGHS – a well-respected organization, with a strong financial track record, who many people in our county already trust for their care – is going to stabilize and improve healthcare across the entire region.”

The latest reports from the Georgia Hospital Association estimate HMC’s local and state economic impact at $117 million, as compared to NGHS’ four hospitals having a combined impact of more than $3.5 billion. NGHS has also received “A” grades for its current finances, as well as “positive” outlooks for its financial future, from the national ratings agencies S&P and Fitch.

“There is clear data that shows a direct link between the economic health of a community and having a vibrant, local hospital and healthcare providers,” said Charlie Fiveash, executive director of the Habersham Economic Development Council. “Being connected to a rock-solid organization like NGHS will help beyond the bedside by attracting more strong economic development in Habersham, which in turn brings in more tax revenue from businesses and lessens the tax burden on people who live in our communities.”

“NGHS is committed to make more long-term, multimillion dollar reinvestments in infrastructure improvements for HMC in the coming years – at no cost to the county or taxpayers,” said John Kueven, who is president of Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville and has oversight of NGHS’ other hospitals in Lumpkin and Barrow counties. “Those reinvestments, like installing the same electronic health record we use at all other NGHS hospitals, are necessary to accomplish our shared vision to better coordinate care – so people can get most of their routine, specialty, and hospital care without leaving Habersham County.”

Both NGHS and HMC plan to work together with local physicians and the larger medical community across the region to seek input about how to align services to ensure long-term sustainability.

“Our goal throughout these discussions, over many years, has always been to best serve the people of Habersham County by providing high-quality, local care they can trust,” says Carol Burrell, president and CEO of NGHS. “We should all be thankful for the Habersham County leaders and community supporters who worked diligently together to help save their local hospital, which will be the key to physical and economic wellbeing for generations to come.”

Habersham Medical Center (HMC), a 53-licensed-bed acute care hospital, serves approximately 80,000 residents in Habersham and adjoining counties. HMC operates Habersham Home, an 84-licensed-bed skilled nursing facility, and HCMC Home Care, the service area’s sole agency for hospital-based home health providers. Our care shows we care. Learn more at www.habershammedical.com.

Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is a non-profit on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. Our team cares for more than 1 million people across the region through four hospitals and a variety of outpatient locations. Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has campuses in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder and Dahlonega – with a total of more than 750 beds and more than 1,200 medical staff members representing more than 60 specialties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.