After 24 years of providing Labor and Delivery services at Donalsonville Hospital Women's and Children's Center, the board of directors and administration regretfully announce the closing of the unit as of 6/30/2023.
We have collaborated with Bainbridge Memorial Hospital & Manor to ensure that our patients receive continuous care. We will continue to communicate updates on the unit as days pass.
We have delivered over 7,500 babies since starting up the new Women's & Children's Center back in the year 2000. Our patients and employees are our first concern in moving forward with this process.
It has been a great pleasure to serve the Southwest Georgia area with Labor and Delivery services for the past 24 years. We've enjoyed seeing all of the families that the Women's and Children's Center has reached over the years.
We appreciate your continued support as we navigate through this process.
We Gave Cancer The Boot
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and it serves as a chance to raise awareness about the importance of screening and early detection of breast cancer. About one in eight women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point during their life.
This year, Donalsonville Hospital's lead Mammographer, Amy Allen created the first annual "Give Cancer the Boot" Survivors Luncheon, an afternoon empowering gathering of fighters, survivors and supporters.
James Moody, Hospital Administrator said, "This event provides community, support, and inspiration for our guests. Give Cancer the Boot is dedicated to those who've experienced a diagnoses of breast cancer at Donalsonville Hospital and the family and friends who've helped along the way. We hope to continue this tradition annually."
More than 30 ladies were invited to attend with a guest and were treated to lunch and prizes provided by local businesses while listening to speakers from Hologic, Myriad Genetic, Southeast Health Rehabilitation, Rejoice Run, and Donalsonville Hospital breast surgeon, Dr. Breckenridge.
Dr. Homer Breckenridge, Breast Surgeon,
spoke to survivors about early detection.
The featured testimonial was breast cancer survivor, Monteen Moody, Mr. Moody's mother, who shared her journey so beautifully and thanked the doctors and caregivers of Donalsonville Hospital.
The event ended with a powerful and lively survivors walk where the guests danced their way around the room signed the survivors wall.
A Racing Success!
The Annual Rejoice Run 5K was held over the weekend and it was a racing success! Beautiful weather and a wonderful turn out brought the community together for a day celebrating life.
In a wonderful long-standing tradition, Steffey Vines, Rejoice Run &; Mom's Mile race founder presented Donalsonville Hospital with a generous donation to help sponsor Free Screening Mammograms for the month of October.
Steffey said, "I hope that every year, this donation to our local hospital reminds women in our community to take care of themselves. Whether by getting a mammogram if they are over 40 or scheduling their annual skin check, even just having an annual visit with their doctor. Rejoice Run is a about celebrating the lives and health of women and the people that love them."
April Massey, Assistant Administrator at Donalsonville Hospital said, "We are so thankful to the Rejoice Run. Steffey continues to help bring awareness of early detection and prevention in our community through this annual race. Donalsonville Hospital is proud to offer the best in 3D mammography diagnostic testing and the earlier screening we can do, the better outcomes there are for patients."
The hospital was well represented by members of our Radiology Department, Women's Center and even the administration!
Donalsonville Hospital's own Administrators James Moody and Chuck Orrick took on the 5K and crossed the finish line together!
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL CHILDHOOD OBESITY AWARENESS MONTH
About 1 in 5 (19 percent) children in the United States are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and provides a chance to learn more about this serious condition. Obesity puts children at a higher risk for developing a variety of chronic health conditions and diseases. While there is no simple solution, there are many ways communities can support children with their journey to good health.
Donalsonville Hospital is recognizing National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month by reminding the community of the 5-1-1-0 Raising Healthy Kids Campaign.
A rule for healthy living, the 5-1-1-0 promotes:
5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day; 1 hour or less of screen time per day; 1 hour or more of physical activity per day; 0 sugar-sweetened beverages per day.
There are lots of things parents can do to help prevent childhood obesity and promote overall good health in kids. Some tips include:
Cut up and keep fruits and veggies within reach. Be a good role model and eat fruits and veggies in front of your children. Add veggies to foods you are comfortable making like pizza, pasta, soup, etc. Offer alternatives to screens (books, magazines, board games, etc.). Establish screen-free zones at home by removing televisions, phones, and other devices from children's bedrooms and by turning off screens during dinner. Choose toys and games that promote physical activity (e.g. balls, hula hoops, jump ropes, etc.). Track the level of your physical activity using a pedometer, fitness band, or online tracker. Keep water easily accessible by keeping water bottles or a pitcher in the fridge. Be a good role model and choose water or milk over sugar-sweetened beverages at mealtimes. Read labels and monitor the sugar content in your child's beverages.
SAVE THE DATE for REJOICE RUN 5K!
DHI and SWGHC Help Kick-Off The School Year!
Donalsonville Hospital and SWGHC are proud sponsors of the Seminole County Family Connection School Supply Scramble. This annual event helps supply 400 area elementary aged school children with the school supplies they need to have a successful school year.
Donna Williams, CEO of SWGHC and Erin Lenz, Communications Director of Donalsonville Hospital enjoyed passing out Pop-its and Pens to the school children as they came through the gymnasium to see all the local resources available in our area.
Welcome New Providers!
Hospital Administrator Set To Retire After 30 Years of Service
Pictured: Mr. Chuck Orrick, Mr. Herman Brookins,
and Mr. James Moody
The board of directors of Donalsonville Hospital would like to announce the retirement of Hospital Administrator, Chuck Orrick, after 30 plus years of loyal service and leadership.
Mr. Orrick plans to retire at the end of 2022 and over the next month will transfer the administration of the hospital to current CFO, James Moody, effective May 1, 2022.
President & Chairman of the Board, Herman Brookins said of Orrick's retirement, "On behalf of the board of directors and the nearly 400 employees of Donalsonville Hospital, we thank Chuck Orrick for the more than three decades he has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to lead and grow this great hospital. He will be greatly missed."
A UGA graduate, Mr. Orrick has seen this 65-bed rural hospital through expansion, construction, changing economies, a Category 4 Hurricane and most recently a global pandemic and international healthcare crisis.
Under Mr. Orrick's methodical and inspired leadership, the Donalsonville Hospital's team has come through these trials and tribulations with strong staff, fiscally sound and a bright future in healthcare.
When announcing his retirement to staff, Mr. Orrick said, "I will never be able to put into words the appreciation for the opportunities this hospital has given me and for the incredible employees that I have worked with over the years. Donalsonville Hospital and Seminole Manor Nursing Home will always be very special to me and my family."
Mr. Orrick will remain on the board of directors and help guide the new administration towards maintaining Donalsonville Hospital's status of the number one medium sized primary care hospital in rural Georgia.
He plans to spend his retirement with his lovely wife Kim, his son Kerry and daughter-in-law Betsy and his grandson Charlie.
Centennial Egg Hunt
Donalsonville Hospital is proud to collaborate with Seminole County Family Connection to be part of a citywide Centennial Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. Eleven eggs are hidden in plain site at historic locations throughout Donalsonville.
The staff and residents of Seminole Manor Nursing Home painted our egg and it is located on hospital property.
We encourage our community members to download the Scavenger Hunt sheet and find the eggs.
All completed and correct forms dropped off at the Donalsonville News will be entered into a drawing for a Prize Package!
Ameris Bank makes $50,000 HEART gift to Donalsonville Hospital
Ameris Bank has pledged $50,000 to Donalsonville Hospital through the Georgia HEART Rural Hospital program.
"Ameris Bank recognizes Donalsonville Hospital's value to our community. Providing our residents access to quality care close to home allows us to attract and retain businesses in Seminole County and the hospital itself is a significant employer of more than 300 quality jobs," stated Tracy Pickle, President of Ameris Bank
Pickle added, "As a company with strong roots to the community, we understand the importance of neighbors serving neighbors. No matter the industry, personal connections and compassion makes all the difference, especially in local healthcare. That's why we are so pleased to support Donalsonville Hospital. "
Ameris Bank participates in Georgia HEART, the statewide rural hospital organization expense tax credit program.
The State of Georgia uniquely empowers its citizens with the opportunity pay their state income taxes - an expenditure that they are required to make anyway - through contributing to qualifying rural hospitals to improve healthcare access and services for thousands of Georgians. Through HEART, individuals and business can make 100% tax credit-eligible contributions, up to specified limits, to qualified rural hospitals of their choice. "C Corporations" and Pass-Through Entity business owners who participate may also qualify for an additional federal business expense deduction.
"The generous contribution of $50,000 from Ameris Bank will go a long way in supporting our mission of providing high quality, cost-effective healthcare, and promote wellness throughout our community," stated Chuck Orrick, Donalsonville Hospital Administrator. Orrick added, "Ameris Bank's generous contributions over the past 4 years have allowed us to make important and necessary investments in people, technology and programs for positive health outcomes in Seminole County and our surrounding area."
"Access to outstanding healthcare is essential to the quality of life for Georgia residents," said Ameris Bank's Tracy Pickle. We are fortunate to have rural hospitals throughout the state with dedicated and compassionate providers offering high quality medical services." Pickle added, "We are pleased the contributions from Ameris will allow for additional investments to enhance the services provided by Donalsonville Hospital."
Currently, 56 rural hospitals are eligible to receive these tax credit-eligible contributions from individuals and businesses across the state.
Georgia income taxpayers who are interested in participating in the HEART program are encouraged to visit Georgia HEART to learn more and submit a 2022 HEART tax credit application.
2021 Rejoice Run a Running Success!
Pictured: Steffey Vines, Rejoice Run Founder, Dainyell Long, SWGHC LPN, Radiology department, Susan Copeland, Keri Greene, Shannon Smith and Copeland's granddaughter Emma Earp.
Members of Donalsonville Hospital's Radiology Department, Keri Greene, Shannon Smith, Susan Copeland, and granddaughter Emma Earp formed the team "TaTa Trotters" for the Rejoice Run on October 16, 2021.
Dedicated to getting the message out to the community about early detection, the Trotters won the "Team Spirit" award and completed "Mom's Mile" in honor of their work and patients.
Radiology Department Director, Keri Greene said "This race is important to us because it helps sponsor FREE mammograms at our hospital in the month of October. The extra attention helps increase how many women come in for their scan and early detection really does save lives." There are still spaces available in October. Please call your physician so they can make your appointment!
Free Mammogram Screenings In October
The Radiology Department at Donalsonville Hospital makes screening patients for Breast Cancer during the month of October a special event. Our staff works hard every month of the year, but Breast Cancer Awareness month is especially important as technicians work hard to communicate the importance of early detection with annual mammograms.
In a wonderful long-standing tradition, Steffey Vines, Rejoice Run & Mom's Mile race organizer recently presented Donalsonville Hospital with a generous donation to help sponsor Free Mammogram Screenings for the month of October.
To schedule a FREE Mammogram Screening, patients need to call their primary care physician or OB/GYN and have the office schedule their appointment with DHI Radiology.
James Moody, Chief Financial Officer at Donalsonville Hospital said, "We are so thankful to the Rejoice Run year after year. Steffey continues to help bring awareness of early detection and prevention in our community through this annual race. Donalsonville Hospital is proud to offer the best in 3D mammography diagnostic testing and the earlier screening we can do, the better outcomes there are for patients."
While the pandemic changed the way last year was organized, this year the race is scheduled to be run in person. "Nothing can match the feeling of lining up together the morning of the Harvest Festival for the Rejoice Run. We really hope our community comes out and supports the race this year and enjoys a day of giving back, fitness and fun," said Steffey about the 2021 Race.
Participants do not have to RUN the 5K to register! ALL fitness levels are welcome, and many will walk the 3.1 miles instead of run.
Currently, we are experiencing a surge of critically ill patients at our Emergency Department.
Please bear with us during this difficult time and keep in mind there will be extended wait periods as we evaluate and treat the most critical patients first.
Please contact your primary care physician for an outpatient covid testing order or information about home treatment.
SWGHC Awarded $889,375 Grant
Southwest Georgia Healthcare Clinics, Inc. in Donalsonville, GA has been awarded $889,375 in funding to aid COVID-19 response and overall healthcare access in rural Seminole County. This grant is the only one awarded in the state of Georgia and will enable the clinic to expand healthcare resources and improve COVID-19 response in the community.
The funding will come from American Rescue Plan and is being administered through a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) program that supports "community-based health care providers that provide essential primary health care services to underserved communities and vulnerable populations" who do not otherwise have access to federal funding via HHS agencies.
SWGHC CEO, Donna Williams said "We are so pleased to be able to expand healthcare resources in our community. The grant will enable our clinic to expand our telehealth services, purchase portable healthcare kits (including digital stethoscope, intraoral camera and otoscope), administer the COVID-19 vaccine, purchase new vaccine storage units, enhance communication with our patients and expand our community outreach efforts."
James Moody, CFO of Donalsonville Hospital stated, "I am excited about this grant opportunity for SWGHC because it enables the clinic to have the staff and resources that are much-needed in our community. The clinic will be able to add new equipment and technology that will bring the most advanced services to our patients."
Southwest Georgia Healthcare Clinics, Inc offers family, pediatrics and obstetrics & gynecology health care, patient education and self-management support for children, adults, and geriatrics. Southwest Georgia Healthcare Clinics is committed to providing quality healthcare to the patients we serve regardless of their ability to pay. Any patient may apply for a sliding scale fee adjustments based on their income and the size of their family.
For more information visit: https://www.swgahealthcareclinics.org
Sign Up for the August 10th Blood Drive
Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Health Fair
Donalsonville Hospital was honored to help Southwest Georgia Farm Credit last week by kicking off a healthy living campaign for their employees. Our DHI phlebotomists and nurse tracked participants blood pressure, weight, BMI, Cholesterol and blood sugar. The company will recheck these numbers in 6 months while working together to commit to healthy habits and improving their numbers.
If your company is interested in holding a health fair for your employees please let us know how we can help.
March 30th, Doctor's Day
We seldom forget the doctors who care for us during the important moments of our lives.
The physician attending the birth of your child, the orthopedist who set your first broken bone, the emergency room physician who saved your father's life, your daughter's pediatrician answering your early morning call.
The men and women who are there with us during our hour of need do so because they have taken an oath to heal others and do no harm. They care for all of us like they do their own families.
It's less about what we do--and everything about who we're doing it for--our neighbors, friends and families. And providing compassionate care to you, and the people you love, is so much more than a job. Our providers remain devoted to delivering safe, compassionate healthcare you can believe in when--and where--you need it most. If you've been putting off care, know that healthcare you can believe in is always here at Donalsonville Hospital.
5 Surprising Facts About High Blood Pressure
1. High blood pressure may be linked to dementia.
Recent studies show that high blood pressure is linked to a higher risk for dementia, a loss of cognitive function. Timing seems to matter. Evidence suggests that having uncontrolled high blood pressure during midlife (ages 44 to 66) creates a higher risk for dementia later in life.
The takeaway? It's never too early to start thinking about your blood pressure and taking steps to manage your high blood pressure.
2. Young people can have high blood pressure, too.
High blood pressure doesn't just happen to older adults. Nearly 1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 44 have high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, a condition that is on the rise among younger people. Experts think the increased risk for stroke in this age group is a direct result of the rising rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes--conditions that are preventable and treatable.
Ask your health care team how often you should check your blood pressure. You can get your blood pressure checked at a doctor's office or pharmacy, and you can check it at home if you have a home blood pressure monitor.
Many people with high blood pressure don't even know they have it. The only way to know is to check your blood pressure regularly.
3. High blood pressure usually doesn't have any symptoms.
High blood pressure is sometimes called the "silent killer." Most people with high blood pressure don't have any symptoms. Because many people feel fine, they don't think they need to get their blood pressure checked.
Even if you feel normal, your health may be at risk. Talk to your doctor about your risk for high blood pressure.
4. Many people who have high blood pressure don't know it.
About 1 in 3 U.S. adults with high blood pressure aren't even aware they have it and are not being treated to control their blood pressure.
Even though most people with uncontrolled high blood pressure have health insurance and visit a health care team member at least twice a year, the condition is often not diagnosed.
Ask your health care team what your blood pressure numbers mean and if they are too high. Stick to your treatment plan and follow your provider's advice if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure.
5. Women and African Americans face unique risks when it comes to high blood pressure.
Women with high blood pressure who become pregnant are more likely to have complications during pregnancy than those with normal blood pressure. High blood pressure during pregnancy can harm a mother's kidneys and other organs, and it can lead to premature delivery and low birth weight babies.
Some types of birth control can also raise a woman's risk for high blood pressure. Women with high blood pressure who want to become pregnant should work with their health care team to lower their blood pressure before becoming pregnant.
African American men and women have higher rates of high blood pressure than any other racial or ethnic group. These individuals are also more likely to be hospitalized for high blood pressure. Experts think these health disparities are tied to higher rates of obesity and diabetes.
By living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range and lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
A healthy lifestyle includes:
• Eating a healthy diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting enough physical activity
• Not smoking
• Limiting alcohol use
DHI Named #3 Top Medium Sized Hospital in Georgia
Donalsonville Hospital has been ranked by Georgia Trend as the #3 medium-sized hospital in the state of Georgia.
Georgia Trend evaluates each hospital based on information obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services including:
Clinical process Patient experience Outcome Efficiency
This article appears in the December 2020 issue of Georgia Trend.
Although 2020 has been a challenging year our staff has continued providing the best patient care possible.
None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of each person at Donalsonville Hospital.
We Are Prepared for COVID-19
Donalsonville Hospital administration and healthcare professionals are continuing to monitor and adjust to the information and guidelines the CDC has disseminated concerning the COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus.
At the hospital, there are long-standing plans in place to deal with these kinds of infectious diseases, especially respiratory diseases. Donalsonville Hospital's infectious disease expert, Brenda Turner, RN, Infection Control said "the coronavirus is very similar to other respiratory viruses like influenza, in both its symptoms and the way the disease is spread."
If a patient tested positive for the virus, staff would use the same precautions as treating any other highly infectious disease, such as making sure the patient had their own room and using a mask if outside of the room. Staff would also use PPEs or Personal Protection Equipment such as masks, gloves, and other protective gear when caring for that patient.
Doctors could quarantine the patient, if need be, in one of 3 negative pressure rooms available at Donalsonville Hospital.
The hospital's infectious disease team meets regularly, listening to updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Georgia State Department of Public Department of Health, and monitoring the path of the disease.
"As we learn more about it, we do realize a majority of identified COVID 19 patients will have a relatively mild disease, and we understand how respiratory diseases can be spread person to person, and we know how to protect ourselves against that," Ms. Turner said.
We advise our patients and community to do the following:
Wash your hands often
Avoid touching the mouth, nose and eyes.
Stay home if sick.
If you do experience mild symptoms, call your primary care physician by phone FIRST before visiting the facility.
Currently, Seminole Manor Nursing Home is under NO VISITATION until further notice. Our main hospital has a Healthy Visitation Policy and we are enforcing.
PeoplesSouth Bank Takes Heart in Support of Donalsonville Hospital
PeoplesSouth Bank has committed ,000 to Donalsonville Hospital through the Georgia HEART Rural Tax credit program.
The State of Georgia uniquely empowers its citizens and businesses to make 100% tax credit-eligible contributions to qualified rural hospitals of their choice and help enhance rural healthcare for thousands of Georgians, including those served by Donalsonville Hospital.
"This program has had a tremendous impact on our hospital! In 2018, Donalsonville Hospital raised 0,675 in HEART contributions, which we spent on fire-safety upgrades, technology and communication improvements, and new physician recruitment and startup costs. Georgia HEART contributors like PeoplesSouth Bank have directly enhanced the healthcare services we offer our patients and we thank you." said James Moody, CFO.
About their participation, Bradley Grantham, Branch Manager and Vice President of PeoplesSouth Bank said, "We take pride in our bank and in the locations that we serve. We contribute our time, effort, and money to the communities that we love. We are proud to benefit our community hospital through this program."
There are less than million in remaining HEART credits for 2019. During the last half of the year, until the million cap is reached, contribution limits for individual taxpayer are lifted. Don't delay, claim your HEART credits today! It takes just 20 seconds to complete the online application on HEART's website. Nothing further is required until payment is due within 180 days of approval or by December 31, whichever comes first; HEART will complete the reporting of your contribution to the Georgia DOR on your behalf.
Walter Scott Foundation Donates 0,000
On behalf of the Donalsonville Hospital Board of Directors, administration and staff we would like to thank and acknowledge the Walter Scott Foundation's generous contribution of 0,000 to the Donalsonville Hospital Endowment Fund.
Investing in the future of healthcare in rural southwest Georgia is an investment in the well-being and health of all of our women, men and children. It is our earnest hope that the endowment fund that the Walter Scott Foundation founded will grow and strengthen for many years to come.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.
The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it's found and treated early.
A mammogram - the screening test for breast cancer - can help find breast cancer early when it's easier to treat.
Thanks to a generous donation by Joyce's Jog, Donalsonville Hospital is able to offer free mammograms for the month of October. You must have a doctors order to schedule your mammogram.
Get Your Flu Shot NOW
Suicide Prevention Week is September 8-14
National Suicide Prevention Week (NSPW) is an annual week-long campaign in the United States to inform and engage health professionals and the general public about suicide prevention and warning signs of suicide. By drawing attention to the problem of suicide in the United States, the campaign also strives to reduce the stigma surrounding the topic, as well as encourage the pursuit of mental health assistance and support people who have attempted suicide.
Donalsonville Hospital Behavioral Health Unit treats a full scope of psychiatric symptoms in a safe caring environment. Help is available 24/7.
Services Include:
24-hour Behavioral Health Monitoring and Supervision Medication Stabilization and Management Individual and Group Therapy Family Therapy Activity Therapy Patient and Family Education Discharge and Aftercare Planning
Admission
Donalsonville Hospital Behavioral Health Unit accepts patients 24-hours a day. Referrals may be made by physicians, counselors, psychologists, social workers, mental health agencies, family members, or friends. The decision to admit is made by a psychiatrist.
Donalsonville Hospital Behavioral Health Unit is a 24-bed unit staffed with specially-trained nurses and psychiatrists to ensure the safety and well- being of each patient. Inpatient stays are typically 7-14 days, and the tailored, intensive therapies are designed to help patients return home and resume their lives as quickly as possible. We will work with you and your family to coordinate care following hospitalization.
Criteria
Adolescent Unit - Ages 12-18 or child that fits the milieu Geriatrics Unit - 65 and Up or individual that fits the milieu Voluntary/Involuntary Admissions
Donalsonville Hospital Behavioral Health Unit offers specialized assistance for adolescents and older adults struggling with mental health issues. A person may benefit from treatment if they are experiencing:
Suicidal Behavior and/or Threats Violent Behavior Sleep or Eating Disorders Severe Agitation Medication Noncompliance Severe Mood Swings Excessive and Uncontrolled Anger Hearing Voices
Chuck Orrick Presents at Healthcare Conference
Chuck Orrick, Hospital Administrator, recently presented at the Draffin Tucker Healthcare Conference in Albany on the topic of "Disaster Recovery." Mr. Orrick spoke about the process of preparing for Hurricane Micheal and the challenges of recovery for our rural community.
Stock the Nurses Office!
School is almost back in session, which means loading up on school supplies for teachers, parents and kids. But Donalsonville Hospital and Southwest Georgia Healthcare Clinics made it their mission to make sure our local public school nurses had their "Back to School" supplies this year too.
We stocked the nurse's office of Seminole County Elementary School, Seminole County Middle/High and Spring Creek Charter Academy.
Seminole County Elementary School's School Nurse Ryan Blackburn, Principal Dr. Renee Pierce
Spring Creek Charter Academy's Principal, Dr. Yoli Curry
Boxes were filled to the brim with everything they need to take care of our communities children at school.
We usually think of sunburn as something that happens at the beach, but did you know more people get sunburned during day-to-day activities? Learn how you can prevent UV damage and cut your risk of skin cancer: Prevent Skin Cancer
Father's Day Health Check
One of the most important parts of being a good dad is staying healthy and active for your family. Take the time to make sure you are hitting this checklist annually.
Donalsonville Hospital recommends men undergo the following screening tests, based on guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and other expert bodies:
Body Mass Index
This is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. A BMI under 18.5 is underweight. Normal is 18.5 to 24.9. Overweight is 25 to 29.9 and obese is over 30. BMI should be checked yearly.
Colorectal cancer
Men should be screened beginning at age 50. The gold standard is a colonoscopy. Other screening exams include a yearly fecal occult blood test (which can find blood in the stool) or, every five years, a fecal blood test combined with an exam called a sigmoidoscopy, which examines the lower part of the colon.
Diabetes
Men with risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, being overweight, or experiencing diabetic symptoms should be screened with a fasting blood test that measures the amount of blood sugar.
Hearing
If a patient or his spouse reports a hearing problem, or if the patient works in a job with excessive noise, your provider will order a hearing test.
High blood pressure
Every man over age 18 should have his blood pressure checked at least once a year.
Cholesterol
Men ages 20 to 35 who have cardiovascular disease risk factors such as diabetes should be screened. After age 35, men should be screened once every five years if normal, or more often if levels are borderline.
Prostate cancer
Beginning at age 55, men should discuss with their physicians the pros and cons of the PSA prostate cancer screening test and jointly decide whether the test is appropriate for them.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
This is a bulge in the large blood vessel that supplies the abdomen and lower body. If it ruptures, it will cause severe bleeding that often is fatal. Men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should be screened with an ultrasound.
Other conditions
Our providers also screen men for depression, smoking and alcohol abuse and talks to men about controlling their weight, getting enough physical activity and avoiding risky sexual behavior.
Congratulations to all of our employees celebrating milestone service anniversaries this year. Each person receives a commemorative pin they can wear on their badge signifying their dedication and service.
2019 Honorees
40 years
Dale Whittaker
27 years
Herman Brookins
25 years
Jonnie Temples
Brian Brookins
20 Years
Brenda Turner
Erica Harris
Teresa Jackson
Calvin Murphy
Rebecca Lewis
Clarice Holman
15 years
Shawn Rogers
Gloria Smith
Robert Bell
Vincent Kelley
April Phillips
Linda King
10 Years
Rebekah Crawford
Renee Johnson
Rachelle Andreu
Elizabeth Kelley
Wanda Ristow
Alexinia Williams
Katina Groomes
5 Years
Linda Murkerson
Joleen Smith
Brett Sexton
Lee Jordan
Kathleen Clapper
Annual Education Update
Donalsonville Hospital employees are constantly learning and growing in their respective roles. Whether it's traveling to conferences or workshops, experiencing in-hospital training or the Donalsonville Hospital Annual Update, we want our employees to be able to offer the most up-to-date quality healthcare.
Each May around National Hospital Week EVERY employee comes through our Poster Board Education center to refresh their skills and learn updates on rules and regulations.
Media Inquiries
Erin Lenz
Communications Director
Donalsonville Hospital
Email: erinelenz@gmail.com
Phone: 229-220-7130
5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day;