Southwest Georgia Network

Posted on August 24, 2019 by walterljohnsonii@yahoo.com

Editor’s Note: Welcome to the debut of the “Weekly High School Football Scoreboard for the 2019 season”, a quick look at the final scores of various high school football games throughout the Southwest Georgia Network coverage area. So, without further ado, here are the scores for Week 1, in alphabetical order, with the winning team marked in BOLD type.

Last updated at 3:17 p.m. EDT on Monday, August 26, 2019.

GHSA Scores–Week of August 23, 2019

Thursday, August 22

*Baconton Charter 40, Pataula Charter 6

*-(Game completed on Saturday, August 24, 2019, after a 48-hour weather delay.)

Friday, August 23

Bainbridge 47, Seminole County 7

Brooks County 63, Mitchell County 50

Cairo 45, Thomasville 21

(Syrupmakers avenge last year’s 15-14 loss to the Bulldogs to go to 1-0.)

Crisp County 29, Americus-Sumter 14

Fitzgerald 46, Bacon County 3

Irwin County 43, Berrien 7

Lowndes 69, Drew 6

Monroe 45, Jordan 13

Pelham 32, Macon County 6

Terrell County 12, Chattahoochee County 6

Thomas County Central 45, Early County 20

Turner County 42, Worth County 21

Valdosta 55, Maynard Jackson (Atlanta) 7

Warner Robins 24, Tift County 10

Westover 47, Cook 16

(Patriots score 33 unanswered points after trailing 9-0 en route to a season-opening win.)

Saturday, August 24

Colquitt County 17, North Gwinnett 6

(Justin Rogers wins his debut as the Packers head coach.)

Lee County 28, Dougherty 0

(Hamp Smith Classic at Albany State University. The remainder of the game was called with 8:43 to play in the 2nd quarter due to inclement weather.)

GISA/GAPPS Scores–Week of August 23, 2019

Brookwood (Thomasville) 14, Westwood 7

Sherwood Christian 38, Fullington 0

Southwest Georgia Academy 50, Abbeville Christian (Ala.) 20

Terrell Academy 34, Westfield 7

Tiftarea 43, Creekside Christian 7

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Posted on August 21, 2019 by walterljohnsonii@yahoo.com

In the 2019 debut episode of the High School Football Round-Up Podcast, host Walter Johnson previews the upcoming high school football season, from coaching changes to team outlooks, and everywhere in between.

Offseason Coaching Changes

-How the Dougherty Trojans are looking to re-build under their third (new) head coach in three years under Johnny Gilbert.

-Colquitt County Packers: The impact that the firing of veteran Rush Propst and the hiring of Justin Rogers will have on the perennial South Georgia powerhouse.

-Other coaching changes.

Team Previews

-Lee County Trojans (Back-to-Back GHSA Class 6A State Champions)

-Dougherty County (Albany) Teams

-Dougherty Trojans

-Monroe Tornadoes

-Westover Patriots

-Albany Area Private School Teams

-Deerfield-Windsor Knights (GISA)

-Sherwood Christian Eagles (GICAA)

Other Southwest Georgia Teams

-Bainbridge Bearcats (Defending GHSA Class 5A State Champions)

-Pelham Hornets

-Worth County Rams

-Cairo, Crisp County, Early County, et. al. 

Opening Week Games

-Cook at Westover

-Lee County vs. Dougherty (at Albany State University)

-Monroe at Terrell County

-Turner County at Worth County

-Other Games of Interest

Conclusion

-Follow the Southwest Georgia Network at southwestgeorgianetwork.com

-On Twitter @swganetwork.

-Also available at anchor.fm and other “podcatchers”. 

Follow the Southwest Georgia Network on Twitter @swganetwork.

Posted on August 17, 2019 by walterljohnsonii@yahoo.com

Press Release courtesy of the Southwest Georgia Public Health District

CAMILLA—The first human case of the season of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in a Mitchell County resident, according to officials with Southwest Health District.

“The resident is an elderly adult male with underlying health conditions who is currently hospitalized,” said District Epidemiologist Jacqueline Jenkins.

Georgia typically sees six to 10 cases of the infection each year. August is peak season for West Nile Virus in the state.

Jenkins said the area where the resident resides has been assessed by an environmental health team for mosquito breeding sites and a vector control specialist is sampling the area for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

The best protection against West Nile Virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitos that carry the potentially dangerous infection, said Southwest Health District Health Director Dr. Charles Ruis.
Ruis offered tips for protection against mosquitoes:

*  Apply insect repellent. DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

*  When possible, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks, particularly at dawn and dusk and in mosquito-prone areas.

*  Eliminate standing water in gutters, planters, toys, wheelbarrows and old tires.  A mosquito needs only a few drops of water in order to breed and lay eggs.

 *  Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines to discourage mosquitoes.

*  Ensure window and door screens fit tightly to keep mosquitoes out of the home.

Ruis added that 80 percent of the people infected with West Nile Virus experience no symptoms. “It has no noticeable effect on them,” he said.

“About 20 percent of infected people will experience symptoms such as headache, fever, fatigue, joint pain and weakness,” he said. “The majority of those will make a complete recovery within a few days.”

But about one percent of people infected with West Nile Virus will develop severe symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches and mental status changes. Ruis added, “Uncommonly, the outcome is death.”

West Nile Virus cannot be transmitted from person to person. “Further, humans are considered dead-end hosts where West Nile is concerned,” Ruis said. “This means that even a mosquito cannot bite an infected human and transmit the virus to another human, in contrast to the Zika virus.”

Those most at risk of severe illness from West Nile Virus include those with pre-existing medical conditions and older adults.

For more information about West Nile Virus, visit www.cdc.gov or contact your county health department.

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Related Post: Southwest District taking early action against West Nile Virus

Posted on August 9, 2019 by walterljohnsonii@yahoo.com

Press Release courtesy of Phoebe Putney Health System

Albany, Ga. – The Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (PPMH) Board of Directors on Wednesday approved a $570 million budget for fiscal year 2020 that includes key investments in Phoebe’s workforce and paves the way for major enhancements that will improve service for patients in southwest Georgia.

“Despite continued financial pressure resulting from the lack of Medicaid expansion in Georgia, growing labor expenses and continued increases in drug costs, our hospital has improved quality of care while adding and growing services for all of southwest Georgia.  Our board approved a comprehensive FY2020 budget that will allow us to implement new strategic priorities as we continue to grow and work to better meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said Brian Church, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.

The budget includes an overall 3% increase for merit and market adjustments.  “Healthcare employees have many options in today’s job market.  We have to offer outstanding benefits and competitive pay to ensure we are attracting and retaining the best people for our organization.  This budget puts particular focus on increasing wages for market sensitive positions to help us maintain a high-quality workforce,” Church said.

The budget also funds $41 million in capital improvements.  Of that, $9 million is set aside for strategic projects that will be announced in the coming months, following the completion of an ongoing strategic planning process designed to set new priorities for Phoebe Putney Health System.  Other major expenditures in the capital budget include $3 million for operating room upgrades, $3 million for a new simulation lab for training and education, and $1.25 million for a new helipad that is part of an effort to earn level II trauma center designation from the state.

Phoebe will remain one of Dougherty County’s largest property taxpayers, expecting to pay taxes and voluntary payments in lieu of taxes totaling more than $950,000 in the new fiscal year.  The budget also includes funding to expand specialty services including orthopaedics, cardiology, rheumatology, dermatology, plastic surgery and trauma surgery.

“We believe this budget strikes the right balance between fiscal responsibility and the need to invest in people and facilities,” said PPMH Board Chairman Dr. John Culbreath.  “We are committed to providing Phoebe employees the benefits they deserve and the tools they need to perform at their best, and we are committed to making sure we offer the best possible care to our patients.  This budget will help us achieve those goals.”

Under the new budget, the hospital’s estimated employment will be 2,931, an increase of 27 full-time equivalents (FTEs) over last fiscal year.  Annual payroll and benefits total $265 million.  The Georgia Hospital Association estimates Phoebe’s annual economic impact at $1.27 billion dollars.

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Posted on June 26, 2019 by walterljohnsonii@yahoo.com

Press Release courtesy of Phoebe Putney Health System

Americus, Ga. – Phoebe Sumter recently earned state certification as a Remote Treatment Stroke Center (RTSC).  All Phoebe hospitals are now certified in stroke treatment, highlighting Phoebe’s efforts to improve stroke care across its system, benefiting patients throughout southwest Georgia.  “We are proud to join this network of stroke centers across Georgia as we continually work to improve and expand services available to our patients.  This certification reinforces our commitment to reducing the incidence and the impact of strokes on people in and around Sumter County,” said Brandi Lunneborg, Phoebe Sumter CEO. 

Phoebe Sumter earned the certification through the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Office of EMS and Trauma.  Certification requirements include having immediate tele-health access to neurology specialists, as well as developing stroke treatment protocols with physicians and local EMS and aligning those protocols with Phoebe’s main campus in Albany.

“Our system-wide goal is to provide care as quickly as possible to all patients who may be having a stroke,” said Faryn Hackett, RN, Phoebe Stroke Coordinator.  “The immediate delivery of clot-busting drugs can minimize damage from a stroke and potentially save lives.  The teams in all our emergency centers are trained to administer that medication.  With Phoebe Sumter’s new certification, EMS will transport stroke patients near Americus to Phoebe Sumter for immediate treatment and stabilization.  Those patients may then be transferred to our main hospital for closer neurologic monitoring and follow-up care,” Hackett added.

Phoebe Sumter is the 17^th Georgia hospital to earn certification as a RTSC.  In a letter announcing the designation, DPH Commissioner Kathleen Toomey wrote, “We believe that improving stroke care throughout Georgia can best be achieved by adopting a ‘system approach’ to care.  You have become an integral part of a comprehensive and growing stroke care system throughout the state.  The Department applauds Phoebe Sumter for this achievement and appreciates the contributions that you make to the health and well-being of Georgians, as well as to those visiting our state.”

Phoebe Worth in Sylvester earned RTSC certification earlier this year.  Phoebe’s main hospital in Albany is certified as a Primary Stroke Center (PSC) by DNV GL, an international accredited registrar and classification society which is the global leader in certifying management systems across all types of industries, including healthcare.  Phoebe is the only health system in southwest Georgia providing this level of care to stroke patients. 

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Posted on June 21, 2019 by walterljohnsonii@yahoo.com

Press Release courtesy of Phoebe Putney Health System

Albany, Ga. – Phoebe Putney Health System has been recognized as a Pinnacle level practice in the Transforming Clinical Practice initiative (TCPi) through Compass PTN (Practice Transformation Network). PTNs are peer-based learning networks set up through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to coach, mentor and assist clinicians in developing core competencies that are specific to practice transformation.

“The American healthcare system is transforming from a reimbursement model based on volume to one based on the value and quality of care provided.  CMS is working to make sure clinicians are providing quality care with improved patient outcomes.  At Phoebe Physicians, we are committed to that goal, and this recognition proves that we are making great progress and doing what is best for our patients,” said Suresh Lakhanpal, MD, President of Phoebe Physicians.

Compass PTN identified the top 5% of enrolled practices based on reporting and phase progression as TCPi enters its fourth and final year.  The recognition indicates that Phoebe has implemented effective changes and identified best practices which have allowed them to excel to the top level of enrolled practices.

TCPi is one of the largest federal investments designed to support clinical practices through nationwide, collaborative and peer-based learning networks.  The Transforming Clinical Practice initiative is designed to help clinicians achieve large-scale health transformation.  Phoebe Putney Health System has successfully adapted and developed their comprehensive quality improvement strategies to meet these transformation goals.

Phoebe has merged person and family engagement (PFE) into their practice which encourages the patient and their family to partner with the medical staff in their care.  Phoebe has also incorporated additional quality metrics and utilization metrics for national comparison and evaluation. 

The Compass PTN is a clinician-led, patient-focused partnership of over 7,000 clinicians across Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wisconsin, committed to transforming primary and specialty care practices in order to achieve better care, smarter spending and healthier people.

Tina Halverson, RN, Director of Physician Operations for Phoebe Physicians accepted the award on Phoebe’s behalf during a recent Compass PTN symposium in Atlanta.  The award comes with a small grant.  CMS recognizes the significant investment organizations must make in technology and resources to continue to improve patients’ quality of care while decreasing costs.  This grant is to help offset some of the costs associated with Phoebe’s participation in the TCPi program.

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Posted on June 15, 2019 by walterljohnsonii@yahoo.com

Press Release courtesy of the Southwest Georgia Public Health District

ALBANY – Usually West Nile virus is a seasonal epidemic that flares up in the summer – peaking in South Georgia in August – and continuing into the fall. But this year an unusually warm winter and unseasonably warm spring may be behind higher than average mosquito activity across the region.

“More mosquitoes mean the potential for more mosquito-borne illnesses,” says Southwest Health District Health Director Dr. Charles Ruis. “For that reason, we’re asking people to take precautions against getting bitten earlier than we usually do.”

So far, no cases of the area’s most common mosquito-borne illnesses, West Nile virus or Eastern Equine encephalitis, have been reported in Southwest Health District. Since there are no human vaccines for either disease, the best protection against them is to avoid being bitten.

Around 80% of those infected with West Nile show no symptoms, while up to 20% have symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a rash, said Ruis.

“Those at risk of experiencing complications and severe illness from a West Nile infection include older adults, people who have received an organ transplant, young children and people with a compromised immune system,” he said. “One out of roughly 150 infected with West Nile virus develop serious symptoms.”

Eastern equine encephalitis often causes inflammation or swelling of the brain. The EEE virus commonly circulates between birds and mosquitoes in swampy areas. Most people who are bitten by a mosquito carrying the EEE virus will not become sick. However, EEE is one of the most serious types of viral encephalitis. Death occurs in approximately 30% of persons who develop encephalitis.

There is no specific treatment available for the viruses. “People with severe cases are hospitalized and receive supportive care such as intravenous fluids and respiratory treatment,” Ruis said.
Ruis listed “Five Ds of mosquito-borne illness prevention”:

*  Dusk/Dawn – Mosquitoes usually bite at dusk and dawn, so avoid or limit outdoor activity at these times

 *  Dress – Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin

*  DEET – Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites

*  Drain – Empty containers holding standing water because they can be excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes

*  Doors – Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly, and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house
For more information about mosquito-borne illnesses, go online to www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org. Additional information is available at www.cdc.gov.

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Posted on June 12, 2019 by walterljohnsonii@yahoo.com

Press Release courtesy of the Southwest Georgia Public Health District

Dougherty County Health Department is urging parents to avoid the back-to-school rush by getting their children immunized with state-required vaccines during early Saturday clinics.

“We are making it convenient for parents and caregivers by holding Saturday clinics,” said Dougherty County Health Department Immunization Coordinator Beverly Reid, RN. “Vaccines will be available to all during the clinics, but our focus will be on children who need vaccines prior to going to school and youths entering seventh grade who need adolescent vaccines.”

The clinics will be from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. During the clinics, staff will also provide hearing, vision, dental and nutrition screenings.

She said the State of Georgia has specific immunization requirements for children entering schools and daycare facilities. “The vaccinations are for the protection of your children, other family members, classmates, staff and the community,” Reid said.

As of July 1, 2014, all children born on or after Jan. 1, 2002 who are attending seventh grade, and students who are newly enrolled in Georgia schools in grades eight through 12, must have received one dose of Tdap vaccine and one dose of adolescent meningococcal (meningitis) disease vaccine.

The health department accepts most insurance; low-pay and no-pay options are also available for qualified applicants.
For more information about the clinics, call 229-638-6424.

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Posted on June 12, 2019 by walterljohnsonii@yahoo.com

Press Release courtesy of Phoebe Putney Health System

Albany, Ga. – Phoebe Putney Health System appears on the prestigious list of the best employers in Georgia, as compiled by Forbes.  “Phoebe is undoubtedly an outstanding place to work, and we are proud the experts at Forbes recognized our continual efforts to create a rewarding and nurturing work environment for members of the Phoebe Family,” said Scott Steiner, Phoebe President & CEO.  “Patient safety is our top priority, and we know engaged and fulfilled healthcare workers provide safe, quality care,” Steiner added.

Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to survey 50,000 American workers and pinpoint the organizations liked best by employees.  It is the magazine’s first-ever ranking of America’s best employers by state.  The final list ranks 1,430 employers that received the greatest number of recommendations in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Phoebe is number 31 on Georgia’s list of best employers which includes 56 employers in the state.  “We work hard to recruit and retain outstanding employees at every level of our organization, and we are committed to providing a comprehensive package of benefits for our employees that equals or exceeds what workers will find at many of the best, large employers in this country,” said Tony Welch, Phoebe Chief Human Resources Officer.

Many of the employers on Georgia’s list are not based in Georgia but simply employ workers in the state.  For example, the company at the top of Georgia’s ranking is California-based Google.  In addition to Phoebe, Georgia-based organizations on the list include Home Depot, Chick-fil-A and Georgia Pacific.

“It is an honor for Phoebe to be mentioned alongside those large employers that are well-known for providing outstanding customer service and for treating their employees well,” Steiner said.  “For more than a century, Phoebe has not only provided cutting-edge, compassionate healthcare, but we have been a vital part of the economy of southwest Georgia.  We pledge to continue to serve our patients well, grow our role as a good corporate citizen and provide an outstanding workplace for every member the Phoebe Family.”

Phoebe is a not-for-profit health system that serves a population of a half-million residents in southwest Georgia.  The system includes three hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and more than 40 family medicine clinics and specialty physician offices in 9 counties.  The system’s flagship hospital in Albany was founded in 1911 and is one of Georgia’s largest comprehensive, regional medical centers.

Anyone interested in career opportunities at Phoebe can learn more about the organization and find out about open positions by going to www.phoebehealth.com/careers.   

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Posted on May 10, 2019 by walterljohnsonii@yahoo.com

Press Release courtesy of Phoebe Putney Health System

Albany, Ga. – In addition to enhancing the health and well-being of the communities it serves, Phoebe Putney Health System (PPHS) continues to have a positive economic impact. In 2017, PPHS generated more than $1.27 billion in revenue for the local and state economy according to a recently-released report by the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA), the state’s largest hospital trade association. During the same period, the health system supported 8,132 full-time jobs in addition to the more than 4,300 people employed by Phoebe.

“Our top priority every day at Phoebe is to offer outstanding care and service to every patient we have the privilege of serving.  We are proud that we offer the region’s most comprehensive, quality healthcare services.  We are also proud that we are the region’s largest employer.  Phoebe is southwest Georgia’s most vital economic engine and will continue to be so,” said Scott Steiner, President & Chief Executive Officer, Phoebe Putney Health System.

Phoebe also had direct expenditures of more than $546 million in 2017. When combined with the economic multiplier developed by the United States Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, the total economic impact of those expenditures was more than $1.27 billion.

This output multiplier considers the “ripple” effect of direct hospital expenditures on other sectors of the economy, such as medical supplies, durable medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. Economic multipliers are used to model the resulting impact of a change in one industry on the “circular flow” of spending within an economy as a whole.

Phoebe is a major contributor to the area’s economic strength and keeping families healthy by providing needed healthcare services. However, like the rest of the Georgia hospital community, Phoebe is concerned about economic challenges that affect the hospital’s ability to deliver timely and efficient care. A fast-growing uninsured population and inadequate payments from government insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid have made it increasingly difficult to meet the community’s health care needs. In 2017, 44 percent of all hospitals in Georgia operated with negative total margins.

“For 108 years, Phoebe has served all those in need of healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay.  Despite growing challenges that continue to put pressure on community hospitals like Phoebe, we will continue that proud tradition.  Phoebe will also maintain our commitment to expanding access to quality primary and specialty care through well-planned, responsible growth that benefits the people of southwest Georgia,” Steiner said.  

The PPHS hospitals included in the report are Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center and Phoebe Worth Medical Center. Below is the economic impact each of the hospitals generated in 2017 according to GHA:

·         Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, located in Albany, generated a total economic impact of more than $1.1 billion on $483 million in direct expenditures. The hospital supported 6,947 full-time jobs in the Dougherty County area and across the state.

·         Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus generated a total economic impact of more than $129 million on $55 million in direct expenditures. The hospital supported 902 full-time jobs in Sumter County and across the state.

·         Phoebe Worth Medical Center in Sylvester generated a total economic impact of $17.8 million on $7 million in direct expenditures. The hospital supported 284 full-time jobs in Worth County area and across the state.

Statewide, GHA said Georgia hospitals in 2017 generated over $54 billion for the state’s economy and created more than 150,000 full time jobs.

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