2021 Silver National Quality Awards
The GHCA recently announced a list of 10 long-term care communities across Georgia being recognized with a 2021 Silver–Achievement in Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).
The award is the second of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which spotlights providers across the nation that have demonstrated their dedication to improving quality of care for residents and patients in long-term and post-acute care. Congratulations to the following Ethica client centers on achieving this elite status.
A ‘New Day’ for Ethica
Ethica Administrators and Directors of Nursing recently joined together for their first in-person meeting since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Left) Vice President of Inpatient Services, Brandon Poole, greets the crowd.
The room was abuzz with conversation and laughter as Administrators and DONs relished in the opportunity to catch up face to face. The meeting theme, "A New Day," set the tone for the day's agenda, which included the official transition of the Health Service's leader.
George Hunt welcomed Brandon Poole to the role of Senior VP of Inpatient Services. After this symbolic passing of the Ethica torch, George will now officially assume his new role as Executive Director for the Community Health Foundation. (Pictured Right: George Hunt welcomes Brandon Poole to the role of Senior VP of Inpatient Services)
The meeting was also attended by guest speakers from various teams and departments including Financial Services, Outreach, Recruiting and the Communications Office. The day's discussion focused not only around lessons learned from the pandemic and best practices in our new, post-pandemic world, but also around celebrating the tenacity and dedication of those on the front lines over the course of the past year.
Gordon Honored by GHCA
The Georgia Health Care Association also honored outgoing 2019-2021 GCAL Board Chair and Executive Director for Stone Brooke Suites, Kathyjo Gordon, during the convention. Gordon has been a leader during a challenging time for the assisted living profession. She continues to dedicate herself to her community and residents during COVID-19 and supported the Georgia Center for Assisted Living (GCAL) membership as they experienced many changes impacting Georgia’s assisted living communities and personal care homes.
Thank you, Kathyjo, for your leadership and dedication to those you serve!
AHCA Announces 2021 Bronze-Commitment to Quality Awards
The Bronze award is the first of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which honors long term and post-acute care providers that have demonstrated their commitment to improving the quality of care for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Congratulations to the following Ethica client centers on this outstanding achievement!
- Autumn Lane Health & Rehab
- Brentwood Terrace Health & Rehab
- Brown Health & Rehabilitation
- Camellia Health & Rehab
- Cherry Blossom Health & Rehabilitation
- Dawson Manor
- Eatonton Health Care
- Heritage Inn of Sandersville
- Zebulon Park Health & Rehab
Leadership Spotlight
Lynis Howell started his career as a CNA 32 years ago at Treutlen Health & Rehabilitation. Since then, Howell has served in nearly every position and department of skilled nursing, from a Restorative Aide, to the Maintenance department. Needless to say-Lynis has witnessed a great deal over the last three decades. His journey has led him to serve at several Ethica client centers, from Treutlen in his hometown of Soperton, to Camellia Health & Rehab, Orchard Health & Rehab, Heritage Inn of Statesboro and to Azalea Health & Rehab, where he currently serves as Administrator.
While Lynis says that the pandemic has undoubtedly been the toughest challenge he’s faced so far, he is encouraged and optimistic about the days ahead. “I wouldn’t say things have gotten back to normal, but spirits are upbeat. We have weathered the storm and are coming out on the other side. It is very uplifting,” he says.
Lynis’s people-first approach to his work has made him not only an excellent caregiver, but a beloved role model and leader. He describes his early career in a way that those of us who grew up in a small town can easily relate to, saying “Having grown up in Soperton and starting my career at Treutlen, I was taking care of my neighborhood. From the baseball coach, to the lady around the corner who made the best cakes… I knew them as people, before they were patients. That experience stuck with me through all of it and is what drew me to this work.”
Lynis commends the staff at Azalea for their dedication and fortitude through the storm that has been COVID-19, crediting their diligence in adhering to safety guidelines for the center’s ability to contain the virus’ spread in the building.
When asked what advice he would like to offer for future leaders and professionals in long-term care, Lynis speaks straight form the heart, saying “Have an open mind and an open heart and you will continue to be blessed. You have to have an open mind and a willingness to do this work. It is challenging what we do... but it’s challenging with a purpose. It makes you want to do the job even more.”