3D Mammography Center Opens at JMH
The Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting last week for the new 3D Mammography Center that has opened at Jasper Memorial Hospital (JMH).
Jan Gaston, hospital administrator, welcomed everyone and gave some background on how the mammography center came to be.
“Today is a very special day for JMH, Monticello, and Jasper County, said Mrs. Gaston. She went on to give some background:
“Why are we here today: In 2016 the Ga. General Assembly passed and Governor Nathan Deal signed into law effective January 1, 2017 that awards Georgia income tax credits to individuals and corporate taxpayers who contribute to qualified rural hospitals. State taxes come to the hospital instead of the state of Georgia. We have received over $1.14 million and if all money approved is received by the end of the year we will surpass $1.2 million with the possibility to receive more. We recently received $600 K from the L.O. Benton Banking Foundation. We have renovated two private patient rooms for Swing Bed, invested in an Electronic Health Record, renovated our therapy services and purchased new equipment, and developed our Women’s Health Service Line. Our first patient was screened on October 10.
“I want to take just a few minutes to recognize a few people who help JMH shine bright.
•Our therapy department – I have never heard an unkind word about a therapist ever. I cannot go anywhere without someone telling me how wonderful our therapists are.
•I want to introduce Rick Blaiz, Vice President of Hospital Operations with Enduracare. Their expertise and resources bring a wealth of information and resources to us.
•Our director, Marlena Waddell, who manages the department and provides patient care. Marlena is an Occupational Therapist certified in Lymphedema therapy and is also a Physical Therapy Assistant providing support to PT.
•Dr. Laurence Steinfield, Senior Partner, Oconee Radiology Associates – Their group has been with us since 1966. We also welcome Dr. Tony Willoughby also with Oconee Radiology.
•Chase Adams, Legacy Consulting – He walked us through step by step with the project from performa, equipment purchase, building design, state application, temporary licensure, marketing frustrations, calming nerves, etc.
•Patrick Jenkins, GE Sales Representative who we purchased the equipment from.
She bragged on the local community partners including Paul Campbell – Southern Oak Contractors who worked on room renovation / therapy / mammography; David Holman, JASCO Plumbing; Rick Witcher, I & I Electrical; Marshall Diaz, MD HVAC Heating and Air, Bobby Wood, Woods Concrete Construction; Wendell Yoder, Trezz Group; Robert Jordan, Jordan Engineering – Site Surveying for the Building; Charles Green, Building Sight Plans; Brett McDaniel, Atlanta Cabinet and Furniture, LLC Covington; Gerald Benton, Benton Welding; Ashley Hill, APC Signs Newborn; Billy Loyd, Loyd’s Glass Covington; Brent Strite, Brent’s Locksmith, and Tony Price, All of Ga. Gutters.
She went on to say, last but not least, our staff:
“Tirelessly they have worked – hours and hours – up front and behind the scenes to make this happen today.” She recognized:
•Ricky Haizlip – he works with an old building and makes it shine
•Craig McCall – talks a language none of us speak
•Mitzi Chambers Manager, Radiology, Bone Density,CT,Ultrasound 10 years
•Sara Riley -Radiology, Bone Density, CT, Mammography 9 yrs 3 yrs exp
After the ribbon was cut, Mrs. Gaston invited everyone to walk through therapy and our CT, Mammography, and Bone Density Suites.
Anyone who would like to have more information on the Rural Hospital Tax Credit may call Mrs. Gaston or Stuart Abney at the hospital.
