Our Lake Hartwell region is blessed in many ways .
The first is obvious : the lake itself, providing both relaxation and recreation. And it has brought new life to an old area with its retirees and its summer residents
But Franklin and Hart counties are lucky, too , with beautiful farmlands, good people, honest elected officials, schools that care, church bells that ring out the good news, responsible law enforcement and emergency personnel , and others too numerous to name.
But one blessing stands out : St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital, a rare and positive addition to a rural area ———-and a safe place for us all.
In order to fully appreciate our hospital , it is critical to understand those small towns and rural counties that cannot claim their very own hospital, who cannot access medical care as quickly as 30 minutes or less ….. as most of us can. Some , in parts of our fine state , must travel 50-60 miles for medical help. No safe place for them !
Much has gone into the making and realization of a first-class hospital in our community , a community that is far removed from the amenities that cities offer. It is critical to understand and appreciate that as things changed , so did the reality of small independent rural hospitals’ survival . Hence , the need to adjust to the forward-moving times with one hospital , serving all and enjoying the support and resources of both St. Mary’s and Trinity , its mother corporation.
I have been privileged and honored to serve as a hospital board member at different levels and different times. Some 20+ years ago I was appointed a member of the Board of Trustees at the original Ty Cobb Hospital. When the Ty Cobb Regional Hospital was birthed ( bringing together the best of Royston’s and Hartwell’s hospitals ) , I was asked to chair the new hospital board.
And when St. Mary’s of Athens purchased our regional hospital , I again was asked to serve and chair our very own Sacred Heart. It has been an uplifting and humbling experience for me as I continue as a board member.
And I have learned this , and , for what it’s worth , I pass it on . St. Mary’s Sacred Heart ‘s mission is to serve its patients and its community with compassion and caring , whatever the cost. It is not perfect , does not claim to be perfect , but it provides quality medical attention all the way from emergency response to in-house surgery and many specialties in between.
It is my heartfelt desire that my beloved community looks at Sacred Heart as its very own gift , its very own anchor………..its very own safe place.
Transfers to other facilities happen when necessary and that’s part of the plan. But the reality of a quality hospital within a short driving distance is powerful.
A safe place ? You bet…………………….
( ALWAYS APPRECIATE COMMENTS AND SHARES . SCROLL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO SHARE ) .
Well said Diane.
Thank you, Scott. Our hospital has been on my mind and in my heart.
Sacred Heart Hospital is a potential treasure for the Lake Hartwell region. Like the former Ty Cobb Hospital and the former Hart County Hospital, our communities must support their hospital for it to grow and provide the services we all want and need.
AMEN !
Well said…we are blessed for sure!
SMSH is a huge asset to families in our area.
Thank you, David. I greatly appreciate your support as do all of our board members, I am sure…….
Thank you, Chris. You are a valued asset on the Board.
I certainly treasure the years I spent as a volunteer there as well as my years at Hart County hospital it is definitely a great addition to this community.
AMEN !!!! And thank you for your time volunteering all those years. What a valuable contribution ! And Byron loved his Wednesdays there, too.
Amen. Your words are inspiring. Thank you for all that you have contributed to the hospital and our community.
Thank you. I hoped this would give you a little insight into the value of Sacred Heart and the compassion and caring that St. Mary’s Healthcare encourages. I have found it to be uplifting.
Diane, as always, your thoughts come from your heart! We cannot take St. Mary’s Sacred Heart for granted. We are so blessed to have our hospital that serves the Lake Hartwell communities.
Thank you —–and AMEN !
love you!
Love you more…….
We appreciated St Mary’s hospital when Bob spent a few days there several years ago. He received outstanding attention.
And how well I remember ! Thinking about our fun times through the years as we both celebrate another year in the making. Love you and Bob.