Miller

News

 

Miller Pharmacy Grand Opening

Miller Pharmacy is now open and would like to invite the community to the Ribbon Cutting and Open House on Wednesday, January 20th at 10 a.m. Mark your calendars and join us at 213 Delores Street in Colquitt!

The ribbon cutting will begin at 10 a.m. This will be a socially-distanced event and masks are required. Goodie bags will be handed to the first 50 attendees and our pharmacists and pharmacy techs will be available for questions.

Be sure to follow Miller Pharmacy on Facebook (Facebook.com/MillerPharmacyRX) to see pharmacy specials during the week of January 18th – 22nd.

Miller Pharmacy is a full-service retail pharmacy brought to you by the Hospital Authority of Miller County. The pharmacy offers automated refills, medication therapy management, immunizations, home delivery, and drive-thru services. All commercial insurances and all types of Medicaid are accepted. Learn more and download the easy-to-use app at MillerPharmacyRX.com

COVID-19 Vaccinations Underway

Thankfully, COVID-19 vaccinations for staff at all Hospital Authority of Miller County facilities are underway! Robin Rau, our CEO, is shown receiving the first of her two shots. Vaccines are also now available for our long term care residents. Please know we are following CDC parameters regarding the order of when healthcare workers, long term care residents, and the general public are eligible to receive vaccinations. We will let you know when COVID vaccines are available and how to receive yours!

Celebrate Thanksgiving Safely

Stay Home to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission | A Notice from the Georgia Department of Public Health

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing families to make difficult decisions about their 2020 Thanksgiving celebrations. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) urges all Georgians to plan ahead and take steps to reduce risk of exposure to COVID-19 and the flu as they celebrate.

COVID-19 spreads easily whether gatherings are large or small, putting families and friends at risk – especially individuals who are elderly or have underlying medical conditions. The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to stay home and celebrate with people in your own household. Travel increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.

“The surge of COVID-19 infections in Georgia and across the country mean we must rethink our idea of a traditional Thanksgiving this year,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., DPH commissioner. “Each family must assess the risk of exposure to COVID-19, especially among elderly or medically fragile individuals, as they weigh the decision to host or attend a holiday gathering. Everyone needs to follow the guidance of wearing a face mask, social distancing and washing your hands frequently. And get a flu shot.”

If you do plan to spend Thanksgiving with people you don’t live with, take steps to reduce the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends individuals who have not lived in the household during the two weeks ahead of the holiday (members of the military or college students home for the holiday) stay in a separate area of the house with a designated bathroom, if possible. Other recommendations include:

Wear a mask

  • Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19.
  • Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
  • Make sure the mask fits snugly against the sides of your face.

Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you

Wash your hands

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Keep hand sanitizer with you and use it when you are unable to wash your hands.
  • Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Attending a Gathering

  • Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups and utensils.
  • Wear a mask, and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
  • Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen.
  • Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates and utensils.

Hosting a Thanksgiving Gathering

  • Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community.
  • Limit the number of guests.
  • Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.
  • If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.
  • Limit the number of people in food preparation areas.
  • Have guests bring their own food and drink.
  • If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.

Thanksgiving Travel

  • Check travel restrictions before you go.
  • Get your flu shot before you travel.
  • Always wear a mask in public settings and on public transportation.
  • Stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone who is not in your household.
  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.

For more information about safely celebrating Thanksgiving log on to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html.

For updates on COVID-19, follow @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook.

Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D.,M.PH., Commissioner

Brian Kemp, Governor

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 19, 2020

CONTACT: Nancy Nydam 404-657-2462

To see full release, click here.

Cancer Care Alliance with CTCA Atlanta

Recognizing an ongoing lack of specialized care in rural communities, particularly cancer care, Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) Atlanta and Miller County Hospital are partnering to offer coordinated, advanced oncology care to residents of Southwest Georgia.

Through the cancer care alliance, the healthcare providers will collaborate to more effectively meet the needs of rural Georgia communities. Specifically, Miller County Hospital patients will gain access to CTCA® expert oncology care, including clinical telemedicine services that connect patients via real-time videoconferencing to CTCA providers for regular visits close to home.

“Our partnership with CTCA is about patients-first healthcare – serving the oncology needs of our community first,” said Robin Rau, Miller County Hospital CEO. “As our relationship evolves, we will look for opportunities to offer other services that make sense for the people of Colquitt and Southwest Georgia.” “We know that patients in rural areas too often experience barriers in accessing comprehensive cancer care and treatment options,” said Dr. Eyal Meiri, interim chief of medical oncology at CTCA Atlanta. “Collaborating with Miller County Hospital will meaningfully extend our care to rural communities, with telemedicine enabling the patient-doctor relationship closer to home.”

For more information about this new coordinated care program, contact Miller County Hospital nurse navigator Angie Simmons at 229-758-3304.

About Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) is a national oncology network of hospitals and outpatient care centers offering an integrated approach that combines surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and advancements in precision medicine with supportive therapies to manage side effects and enhance quality of life during treatment and into survivorship. CTCA® publishes treatment results annually including patient experience, length of life, quality of life, patient safety and quality of care. CTCA also offers qualified patients a range of clinical trials that may reveal new treatment options supported by scientific and investigational research. CTCA patient satisfaction scores consistently rank among the highest for all cancer care providers in the country. Visit cancercenter.com for more information.

Miller Pharmacy Opening Soon

The Hospital Authority of Miller County announces Miller Pharmacy, a full-service retail pharmacy conveniently located near the hospital and physician offices at 213 Delores Street, will open soon to serve Colquitt and surrounding communities.

Miller Pharmacy customers will enjoy features such as automatic prescription refills, drive-thru services, an easy-to-use app and website, immunizations, medication therapy management, home delivery and more.

An important part of any pharmacy is outstanding pharmacists and pharmacy techs. At Miller Pharmacy, you will find professionals you know and trust, including our two pharmacists Tracy Odom, R.Ph, and Brandi Woods, PharmD along with our pharmacy techs Jolanda Moore and Lindsay Cone.

Tracy Odom received his Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy.  He is originally from Seminole County, Georgia but has made Colquitt his home for the past 20 years.  Tracy is married to Stephanie Odom and they have two sons, Lane and Carson. Tracy has worked most of his career in Miller County and says he “is looking forward to continuing to serve the community at the new Miller Pharmacy.”

A native of Colquitt, Brandi Woods received her Doctor of Pharmacy from NOVA Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She worked in pharmacy for 3 years before returning to Colquitt in 2010 and has worked as a pharmacist locally since that time. Brandi says she “is very excited to serve the community that helped raise her and is looking forward to seeing everyone at Miller Pharmacy.” She is married to Matt Woods and they have 1 son, Myron.

Jolanda Moore is a native of Newton, Georgia. She has 14 years of pharmacy tech experience in both retail and hospital atmospheres. Jolanda is married to Ralph Moore and they have one daughter, Khloe. 

Lindsay Cone, a Bainbridge native, has 10 years of pharmacy tech experience and has been a certified lead pharmacy technician at Miller County Hospital Pharmacy for the past 4 years. Lindsay is married to Russell Cone and they have a 4 year old son, Grady. 

All of the Miller Pharmacy team members look forward to meeting your pharmacy needs! More information about the opening will be available at MillerCountyHospital.com once the opening date, set to open later this year, is announced.

Time to Schedule Your Mammogram?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we’re here to remind you to schedule your mammogram! Our Muffins & Mammo event is through the end of the month; every woman who comes in for a mammogram during this time can enjoy a free muffin and juice.

Extended Hours!

Need a mammogram before or after work? We have you covered! For the month of October, mammography hours have been adjusted to the following:

  • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Mammogram appointments can be scheduled as early as 7:00 a.m.
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays: Mammography hours are extended until 9 p.m.

Please call your provider to get your mammogram order and then schedule your appointment by calling 229.758.5955!

Confused about the types of mammograms and when you should have one Here’s the basics:

Types of Mammograms

There are two basic types of mammograms:  a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram. The primary difference is the screening is to make sure everything is okay and detect an issue is there is one that is undetected. A diagnostic mammogram means there is evidence of symptoms indicating there could be a problem and the physician wants to take a closer and very specific look at the breast tissue to determine if the concern is cancer, a benign cyst or something type of problem.

When Should I Have a Mammogram?

American Cancer Society breast cancer screening guidelines are developed to save lives by finding breast cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful. The Society regularly reviews the science and updates screening recommendations when new evidence suggests that a change may be needed.

The latest guideline applies to women at average risk for breast cancer. Among other recommendations, it says all women should begin having yearly mammograms by age 45; however, women should have the choice to start screening with yearly mammograms as early as age 40 if they want to. Most women schedule mammograms every other year beginning at age 55. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your physician may recommend a different mammography schedule for you. As always, please consult your physician for recommendations that apply to your specific health situation.

If you have any questions or need help with scheduling a patient do not hesitate to call Shannon Burch, RT(R)(M) at (229)758-4254 or Eboni Fudge at (229) 758-5955.​

Mask Up Miller!

COVID-19 is a force to be reckoned with, there’s no doubt.  From weddings, sporting events, and funerals to education, healthcare and even a trip to the grocery store, it seems nothing has escaped the wrath of Coronavirus.  But the real impact is felt in the lives of people hospitalized by the virus and their families. While many people contract the virus and have mild to moderate symptoms, others require acute hospital care or intensive care with ventilator support. And, unfortunately, some people die from this virus, those who are older or those with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

Another very real and difficult consequence the spread of COVID-19 brings is the heavy burden our hospitals face taking care of people extremely sick from the virus who need intensive care. Delivering a direct hit to hospitals, there’s a shortage of critical care beds due to the perfect storm of critically ill COVID-19 patients; ongoing life events such as heart attacks, strokes and accidents, and post-surgical patients requiring intensive care.

Hospitals in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and across the country have implemented diversion status several times, meaning they could not take any additional patients requiring intensive care. “People think it can’t happen here, but it can,” said Shawn Whittaker, CNO at the Hospital Authority of Miller County. “In one recent example, two nurses at our hospital spent eight hours calling 47 different hospitals in Georgia, Florida and Alabama trying to find an intensive care bed open for a severely sick COVID-positive patient.” 

Whittaker continued, saying “The medical professionals at HAMC are all but begging people to wear a mask inside public places, wash their hands frequently, and watch their distance. These are simple and effective ways to help slow the spread of Coronavirus. Next time, it could be your mom having a heart attack, your brother in car accident, or your grandfather with COVID. When we can’t find a hospital with an opening in intensive care, it gets real serious, real quick.”

“We know wearing a mask can be inconvenient, hot, and feel little odd. Washing your hands frequently can be a pain. Choosing to avoid crowds is different for sure, and if you are out, not shaking hands or hugging can feel downright rude!” Dr. Nakeisha Otto-Stewart with Miller County Hospital said.  “But, even with these inconveniences, I hope the people of Miller County, and everywhere, will feel empowered knowing their actions could spare someone from being very sick, help stop the virus from spreading, prevent our hospitals from being overburdened, and save a life. Mask up Miller, so we can all get back to the life we love!”

COVID-19 Cases: Update

While the number of COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths slightly increased since last week, there was slight decrease in the number of cases in our area, so there’s some good news! The HAMC strongly encourages everyone to practice physical distancing, use a mask when inside public places, avoid social gatherings, and wash your hands frequently. Please continue to do your part in the fight against COVID!

COVID-19 Cases: Update

It’s important for everyone to know there has been an increase in COVID-19 positive cases; the graph gives additional information about the new cases and locations. The HAMC strongly encourages everyone to practice physical distancing, use a mask when in public places, avoid social gatherings, and wash your hands frequently. Everyone needs to do their part in the fight against COVID!

A Key Player in Combatting COVID-19

Hospital Authority of Miller County (HAMC) invested in LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robot, a product of Xenex Disinfection Services, about three years ago. HAMC initially used this Germ-Zapping Robot, better known as “Douglas,” in our Operating Room / Surgery Department. Recently, however, this machine has become an essential component in our infectious disease prevention plan, and specifically to thoroughly disinfect rooms and other high traffic areas due to COVID.

Research, testing and other scientific evidence from the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, show this machine is the first and only ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technology proven to deactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

According to Xenex Disinfection Services, “Xenex Germ-Zapping Robots™ use a xenon lamp to generate bursts of high intensity, full germicidal spectrum (200-315nm) UVC light that’s more intense than sunlight. Different pathogens are susceptible to UVC light at different wavelengths; with full germicidal spectrum light, Xenex LightStrike robots quickly deactivate viruses, bacteria and spores where they are most vulnerable without damaging hospital materials or equipment.”

While HAMC facilities always adhere to strict infection control and disinfection standards, we are grateful to have this technology during the COVID-19 pandemic when the need for quick and effective disinfection is a priority.

Need More Information?

If you have any more questions about the services at Miller County Hospital, please, contact us here.