Southwest Georgia Network

Press Release courtesy of Phoebe Putney Health System

Albany, Ga. – The President & CEO of Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals visited the CMN hospital in southwest Georgia for the first time Tuesday.  John Lauck has served as CMN’s top executive since 2011.  CMN Hospitals has raised record-breaking funds each year under his direction.  Lauck toured Phoebe’s neonatal intensive care, pediatrics, and labor & delivery units.  He also met with hospital leaders and frontline staff and saw technology and equipment purchased with CMN Hospitals donor dollars.

“This is an amazing facility, and the people of southwest Georgia are lucky to be able to depend on Phoebe to offer tremendous care to the children of the region.  It’s also clear to me the people at Phoebe are the health system’s strongest asset.  There are some incredibly talented people who are part of this hospital, and it’s great to see the support they get from this community,” Lauck said.

Since it was founded in 1983, CMN Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion dollars to support the care of children in not-for-profit hospitals and to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.  “Many people don’t realize insurance doesn’t pay for everything.  There is a huge need to make sure every sick or injured child gets the care they need.  It is rewarding for me to visit our CMN hospitals and see how the generosity of local donors is paying off,” Lauck said.

Phoebe is one of 170 CMN hospitals throughout North America.  Since partnering with CMN in 1997, Phoebe has raised more than $5 million through CMN to help care for its youngest patients.  “What’s great about the CMN model is that all the money raised in our region stays right here in southwest Georgia to support our patients.  When folks in our area give to CMN, we want them to know they are helping their friends, neighbors or maybe even a member of their own family who could need care in our NICU, pediatrics unit or emergency room,” said Becca Miller, Phoebe CMN Coordinator.

While visiting Albany, Lauck also spent time with area families who have benefited from CMN donations through healthcare at Phoebe.  During a gathering at Merry Acres Event Center Tuesday afternoon, Lauck thanked CMN partners for their fundraising over the last year and helped kick off their upcoming efforts.  Partners in attendance who support families served by Phoebe through their contributions to CMN included representatives from southwest Georgia Walmart stores, Remax of Albany, Publix and Georgia Drug Card.

During the upcoming May is for Miracles campaign, donors will have the opportunity to purchase miracle balloons for $1 each at locations throughout southwest Georgia.  You can donate anytime to CMN Hospitals at www.supportphoebe.org.

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Press Release courtesy of Phoebe Putney Health System

Albany, Ga. – More people in southwest Georgia are contracting the flu.  During the week ending Feb. 10, the lab at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital confirmed 38 flu cases, by far the highest weekly total so far this flu season.  In fact, the number of positive tests over the last three weeks exceeds the combined total of the previous 17 weeks of the 2018-2019 flu season.

“It is not uncommon to see an increase in flu activity in February.  While flu season can extend well into spring, it often peaks in February.  It is especially important right now for southwest Georgians to try to minimize the spread of the illness by practicing proper hand hygiene, coughing and sneezing into their elbows, seeking treatment at the onset of flu symptoms and avoiding contact with others as much as possible until they are free of fever for at least 24 hours,” said Steven Kitchen, MD, Phoebe Chief Medical Officer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity remains high in Georgia, and cases are increasing throughout our region.  “We have already confirmed 80 flu cases at Phoebe Sumter in February, compared to 60 during the entire month of January,” said Brandi Lunneborg, Phoebe Sumter CEO.  “We want people to know it’s not too late to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their families, and the vaccine remains the best prevention method.”

So far, this flu season has not been as severe as last season.  Last year, flu cases in Georgia spiked throughout the month of January before peaking in early February.  “It’s too early to predict when this flu season will peak.  We simply want people to be aware that flu activity has increased significantly in the last few weeks, and we encourage them to do all they can to avoid the illness,” said Dr. Kitchen.

Flu season visitation restrictions remain in effect at all Phoebe hospitals.  Children under age 18 should not visit the hospital, and patient visitors should be limited to those assisting with the care of the patient.  Learn more about Phoebe’s visitation policy and ways to prevent the flu at www.phoebeflu.com.

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Press Release courtesy of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission

Albany, Ga.– This week, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted its 31^st annual Georgia Quail Hunt in Albany as 22 business leaders representing state recruitment and expansion prospects joined economic development officials to learn about the benefits of doing business in Georgia.

The hunt, sponsored by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Allies, the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and Locate South Georgia, provides an opportunity for relationship development among statewide leaders and guests whose companies or clients are looking to move to or expand in Georgia. 

Newly-elected Georgia Governor Brian Kemp was on hand for the event in his first appearance at the hunt. 

The recruitment event utilizes various hunting preserves throughout Southwest Georgia and is based out of Albany. 

“In Albany-Dougherty County, we believe collaboration is key. The Georgia Quail Hunt, hosted in Albany for more than 30 years, is a testament to that principle as an incredible collaboration between local, regional, state and corporate partners,” said Justin Strickland, president of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission. “Having the opportunity to host this broad range of partners in Albany each year gives us the chance, not only to connect and network with one another, but to show off our skilled work force, infrastructure, low costs of doing business and other assets that make this an attractive location for industry locations and expansions.”

Such collaboration is largely to credit for Georgia’s consistent recognition by industry experts as the nation’s top state for business.  

“This event allows our guests to learn firsthand about the assets we have to offer in Georgia and the practices that have lead us to be known as the No.1 state for business,” said 2019 Georgia Quail Hunt Chairman Daryl Ingram, chief external officer and senior vice president of Electric Cities of Georgia. “Georgia has the infrastructure in place to meet and exceed the needs of a company at any stage in its growth. The Georgia Quail Hunt provides us an opportunity to leverage our capabilities for the economic advancement of our state at all levels.” 

Event organizers say the hunt has been successful in recruiting businesses to Georgia.

“We are honored to continue the annual Georgia Quail Hunt. For over three decades, this event has created thousands of jobs and tens of billions in investment in Georgia’s economy,”said Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber. “Our focus is to offer more opportunities to showcase the incredible quality of life and impressive talent pool of Albany and Southwest Georgia to businesses all over the world.”

In addition to the Georgia Allies, the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and Locate South Georgia, corporate sponsors include Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, MillerCoors, PowerSports Plus, Glock,Trulock Choke Tubes and Taurus Holdings.

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About the Georgia Chamber of Commerce

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the state’s largest business advocacy organization that focuses on state and federal issues. The Chamber has worked to keep, grow and create jobs to make Georgia a better state for business. The advocacy, policy and thought leadership help ensure Georgia’s economic competitiveness, attract new investments as well as promote growth and prosperity for all businesses.

About the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission    

The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission is a public-private partnership whose mission is to foster new investment and job creation through the recruitment, retention and expansion of industry for Albany-Dougherty County.

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Press Release courtesy of Phoebe Putney Health System

Albany, Ga. – The Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Board of Directors voted Wednesday to pursue Level II trauma center designation from the Georgia Office of Emergency Medical Services/Trauma (OEMS/T).  The vote comes as Phoebe is planning a capital project to build a new helipad adjacent to the current main hospital emergency department, an important step toward creating a trauma center.

“Currently, we have the equipment, training and staff to properly handle many trauma cases.  This vote, however, shows our commitment to expanding our capabilities to provide lifesaving emergency care to the vast majority of patients who suffer traumatic injuries in our area,” said James E. Black, MD, Phoebe Medical Director of Emergency Medical Services.

Phoebe is working closely with the leadership of the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission, includingChairman Dennis Ashley, MD, who is also Director of Trauma and Critical Care at The Medical Center (Navicent Health) and Chair of the Department of Surgery at Mercer University School of Medicine, both in Macon.  As part of the process, Phoebe will soon appoint a Trauma Coordinator, Trauma Medical Director and Trauma Registrars.  They will lead development of Phoebe’s trauma program based on recommendations established by the American College of Surgeons and to collect data, as required by OEMS/T. 

Currently, there are only 10 Level II and 5 Level I designated trauma centers in Georgia (in addition to several centers specializing in burn and pediatric patients) and only one Level II center in the region served by Phoebe.  “There really isn’t a difference in the sophistication of clinical care provided by Level I and Level II centers.  The main distinction is Level I centers conduct research and education and participate in the training of residents.  We are confident a Level II designation for Phoebe would greatly benefit southwest Georgians and would keep more trauma patients closer to home for care,” Dr. Black said.

Trauma is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 – 44, and death rates increase as a patient’s distance from a trauma center increases.  Currently, the only Level II centers in Georgia south of Macon and west of Savannah are in Columbus and Thomasville.  “Studies prove a patient’s probability of survival improves dramatically when he or she is treated at a trauma center.  Right now, there is a gap in service in our part of the state.  We hope to close that gap by earning Level II trauma center designation,” said Dr. Black.

Once OEMS/T accepts Phoebe’s registry and after approximately a year and a half of preparation, a team of experts will review Phoebe’s submitted documents and conduct a site visit before making a recommendation to OEMS/T which, in turn, will submit a recommendation to the Medical Director for the Department of Public Health, OEMS/T who will decide whether to accept Phoebe into the statewide trauma network. 

“This journey represents a major commitment by Phoebe to the people of southwest Georgia and involves an anticipated investment of more than $5.8M over the next five years.  We strongly believe a designated trauma center is needed in Albany, and it has long been a goal of Phoebe to join Georgia’s trauma care network.  After a great deal of long-term planning and preparation, we are convinced now is the right time to pursue this designation,” said Joel Wernick, Phoebe President & CEO.

Phoebe is already actively recruiting trauma surgeons who will play an integral role in achieving the state designation.  The new helipad is also an important part of Phoebe’s planned trauma program and will greatly enhance the care for trauma patients.  It will be built on top of the parking garage next to the emergency department, eliminating a number of parking spaces. 

Wednesday morning, the Albany-Dougherty Historic Preservation Commission approved a plan to raze several structures adjacent to Phoebe’s main campus that sustained major storm damage two years ago.  That work will make room for additional parking and will relieve overcrowding in the small parking lots designated for emergency room and Community Care Clinic patients, thus making it easier for the public to access the main ER and the clinic.

“The helipad project alone is an investment of more than a million dollars in our patients.  We believe it will bolster our efforts to achieve trauma center designation by easing congestion and improving the transport of emergency patients.  Currently, helicopters transporting patients must land in a field a block away.  The new helipad will increase speed and efficiency in cases where seconds truly can make a difference,” said Jeff Flowers, Phoebe Senior Vice President for Operations.

Phoebe hopes to complete the helipad in the upcoming fiscal year and plans official notification soon to the Georgia Region VIII EMS Council and OEMS/T of its plans to seek trauma center designation.  The entire designation process should take 18 – 24 months.  “We are confident in our ability to meet the requirements set forth by the state.  We hope to earn official state designation as a trauma center and look forward to becoming the next member of the Georgia Trauma Care Network,” Wernick said.

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Georgia Pacific broke ground on its new $150 million state-of-the-art lumber production facility at the former Albany-Dougherty Industrial Park site in eastern Dougherty County on Tuesday.

GP Public Affairs Manager Rick Kimble and Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission President and CEO Justin Strickland both gave their thoughts on the new facility, and the impact it could have not only on Albany/Dougherty County, but also other surrounding areas in Southwest Georgia.

Rick Kimble

Justin Strickland

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Press Release courtesy of Phoebe Putney Health System

Albany, Ga. – Phoebe hosted its annual volunteer appreciation banquet Thursday night at Sherwood Baptist Church to recognize the hundreds of dedicated southwest Georgians who generously donate their time and talents to support Phoebe’s mission.  In the last fiscal year, 527 volunteers gave 52,545 hours of service at Phoebe locations in Albany and Sylvester.

“Our wonderful volunteers are so committed to our community and they have such compassion and concern for our patients.  They perform vital services in clinical and non-clinical departments throughout Phoebe that help us operate more effectively and efficiently.  Every day, our volunteers help us provide outstanding service to our patients, and we want them to know how important they are to Phoebe and how much we appreciate them,” said Suzanne Perrine, Director of Volunteer Services.

Longtime volunteer Harold Harden was named Phoebe Volunteer of the Year.  He has volunteered more than 9,000 hours over 10 years.  He volunteers Monday – Friday in Phoebe Surgicare and the Digestive Disease Center (DDC) where he arrives every morning even before the first staff member.  Sixty-nine members of the Surgicare and DDC teams signed a letter nominating Harden for the honor.

They wrote, in part, “Mr. Harold is always cheerful and willing to perform any task asked of him.  The services and support he provides are astonishing.  His dedication and work ethic are impeccable.  He is punctual and dependable.  He actually considers the needs of the departments before planning his own vacations and time off.  Mr. Harold improves our efficiencies.  He pre-assembles various packets that are needed for patients.  He ensures that the blanket warmer stays full and ready to provide that extra comfort for our patients.  Also, under his watch, the nourishment area’s refrigerator is stocked and fresh coffee is always available for patients, visitors and staff.”

The Volunteer Services Department also honored retiring Phoebe CEO Joel Wernick.  On behalf of the volunteers, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Board of Directors Chairman Dr. John Culbreath presented Wernick with a commemorative pocket watch.

“Joel loves our volunteers and has been so supportive of them over the years.  He appreciates the valuable time our volunteers dedicate to Phoebe, and he has given so much of himself and his time to Phoebe and to our community, we felt this timepiece was a small but appropriate token of our appreciation,” Culbreath said.

Wernick is retiring this year after 30 years at Phoebe’s top executive.

Anyone interested in volunteering at Phoebe can learn more about opportunities and can get a volunteer application by visiting www.phoebehealth.com/volunteers.

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Press Release courtesy of the Southwest Georgia Public Health District

           ALBANY-Recent rainy weather has caused septic systems of some property owners to experience seasonal failure, but local Public Health officials have recommendations that can help.
            “There are a number of things a homeowner can do to alleviate the symptoms,” said Southwest Health District Environmental Health Director Justin Smith. “One is to reduce water usage. Another is to install a curtain or French drain to divert subsurface water.”
            Other tips include landscape alterations to divert surface water and pumping the tank to provide relief.
            For more information, contact environmental health specialists at your local health department.

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Editor’s Note: In this final installment of “Four-Down Territory” for the 2018 high school football season, we’ll have a brief preview of each of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) state championship games involving teams in the Southwest Georgia Network coverage area. All of the games will be played at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday, December 11 and Wednesday, December 12, 2018. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, any and all historical information is courtesy of the Georgia High School Football Historians Association at ghsfha.org.

FIRST DOWN: Class 1A Public Championship-Clinch County (12-1) vs. Irwin County (13-0)-Tuesday 10 a.m.

This year’s Class 1A Public state championship game between Clinch County and Irwin County will mark the eighth overall meeting between the two Region 2 teams dating back to 2014, with Irwin winning four of the previous seven contests. However, in the two state championship games that these two teams have played in, it was Clinch that held the upper hand, winning it all in 2015 and 2017. In 2018, though, Irwin downed Clinch 21-3 in the regular season meeting on September 14. That leaves just one question for the Irwin faithful: After losing three state title games in their last four appearances, will the fourth time be the charm for the squad from Ocilla? The answer will come bright and early on Tuesday morning. A win over Clinch would clinch the first state crown for Irwin since 1975, when they finished 13-0 overall.

SECOND DOWN: Class 5A Championship-Bainbridge (9-5) vs. Warner Robins (12-2)-Tuesday 4:30 p.m.

The Cinderella Bearcats from Southwest Georgia will square off against the Demons from Middle Georgia in the first of two games involving Region 1 teams. Despite struggling to a 5-5 regular-season record, Bainbridge has managed to pull off one upset after another during postseason play, knocking off the likes of Jones County, Wayne County, Buford, and Stockbridge, among others, to earn the right to play for their first state championship since 1982, when they finished 14-1 
overall under former head coach Ralph Jones. On the other hand, the Demons avenged their loss to Rome in last year’s title game to return to the title game this year, ending the Wolves 40-game winning streak in the process. Stopping the brother-to-brother combination of quarterback Dylan Fromm to tight end Tyler Fromm (yes, they’re the younger twin siblings of University of Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm) just might be the key to the Bearcats taking home their first state crown in 36 years.

THIRD DOWN: Class 6A Championship-Lee County (14-0) vs. Northside-Warner Robins (9-5)-Tuesday 8 p.m.

Throughout the 2018 season, no team has been as dominant as the defending Class 6A champion Lee County Trojans. Why? It all comes down to the total points allowed, with the Trojans from Leesburg outscoring their opponents to the tune of 610-77. Additionally, Lee County has pitched five shutouts, four of those during the regular season. Head Coach Dean Fabrizio and his charges will face a Northside squad that has been on a Cinderella journey of its own during these playoffs, finishing 2-2 in Region 1-6A action en route to a 5-5 overall record. While the Trojans trounced Mundy’s Mill, Effingham County, Creekview, and Lanier en route to advancing to their second straight state title game, the Eagles earned their ticket to the “Benz” in wins over Tucker,  Bradwell Institute, Sequoyah, and Dacula, with three of those four wins coming on the road. Having said that, the Trojans hope to follow up their first-ever state title with their first-ever 15-0 season with a win over the Eagles.

FOURTH DOWN: Class 7A Championship-Colquitt County (14-0) vs. Milton (12-2)-Wednesday 8 p.m.

The Packers hope to win their fourth state championship in five years in taking on the upstart Eagles from north Fulton County in the metro Atlanta area. Up until their dramatic 22-21 win over Archer in overtime last week, Colquitt County had been crushing its opponents with stunning precision, outscoring its opponents 555-121 in the 13 prior to that meeting on November 30. Along the way, though, the Packers avenged last year’s loss to North Gwinnett in the 7A championship game in convincing fashion, crushing the Bulldogs 45-0 in the quarterfinals. As for the Eagles, they advanced to their first-ever state title game with three of their four wins coming by 11 points or less, including a 28-17 win over Lowndes in the semifinals. A win next week could put Colquitt County in select company, as one of the few programs in Georgia to win at least three state championships in a five-year span.

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