Generosity that Heals

The $15 million project includes a new two-story emergency room addition that will expand the current campus footprint by 26,000 square feet. It will replace the original four-room emergency department with a new, modern nine-room emergency department.

The state-of-the-art facility will feature larger trauma and specialty care patient rooms and enhanced clinical and support space. The emergency department will be equipped with the latest monitoring systems and furnishings. Additionally, the expansion includes a new lobby and entrance to other hospital services.

“We are extremely excited about expanding access to care and other healthcare services in rural Georgia. When completed, our team of healthcare professionals will be equipped with the latest technology in a modern well-designed space to care for our emergency room patients, families, and guests,” said Ronald E. Dean, SGMC Health President and Chief Executive Officer.

Vice President and Chief Development Officer Hilary Gibbs recognized the state legislature for their leadership in launching the Georgia HEART Hospital Tax Credit in 2017 which enables Georgia taxpayers (both individuals and businesses) to receive an income tax credit for 100 percent of the amount they contribute to a qualified rural hospital, such as SGMC Health’s Berrien and Lanier hospitals.

“This project would not be possible without the Georgia HEART program and our generous donors,” said Gibbs.

Gibbs thanked the donors who have made leadership commitments to this project. “The outpouring of support and the time and effort this community has put into making this project a reality is overwhelming,” she said. “I would like to especially thank SGMC’s Berrien Campus Advisory Board members who are true advocates for rural healthcare.”

The latest economic impact calculations for the fiscal year 2022 showed that SGMC Health Berrien had an annual economic impact of nearly $24 million, generating more than $13 million in household earnings and supporting 263 jobs.

In addition to emergency services, the campus provides medical care for inpatient and outpatient services, imaging including 3-D mammography, a 12-bed geriatric psychiatric unit, and a substance abuse center.

SGMC Health provides an array of inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory services across South Georgia including four hospitals: SGMC Health Main, SGMC Health Smith Northview, SGMC Health Berrien, and SGMC Health Lanier. The system also operates a growing network of specialty care centers and services with regional prominence including heart, vascular, stroke, neurosciences, trauma, cancer, orthopedics, surgery, women and infants, long-term care services, and emergency medical services. To learn more, visit sgmc.org.

SGMC Health is poised to revolutionize its main campus with a groundbreaking $150 million investment that promises to transform both the landscape and the very essence of the hospital as we know it. This ambitious project will introduce a state-of-the-art Women and Infants Tower, a cutting-edge Emergency and Trauma Center, and a comprehensive campus redesign, setting a new standard for healthcare excellence.

Leadership began anticipating and planning the healthcare needs of the area several years ago. Population trends, utilization data, and growth trajectories have guided decisions to invest in such a significant endeavor. However, it's the communities support both in spirit and in giving that has propelled the project, receiving $4,725,000 in gifts and pledges to date.

According to Vice President and Chief Development Officer Hilary Gibbs, the health system is beyond grateful to our donors who have come along side us to create a lasting impact on healthcare in the region. "The impact of these donations goes well beyond monetary funding, these acts of kindness inspire and fuel our workforce who feel the community support for our mission to improve the lives of all we serve."

In June of 2022, the Foundation announced a $3.5 million gift from the Harley Langdale, Jr. Foundation. Harley Langdale, Jr., the Foundation’s namesake, was a founding member of the SGMC Foundation Board of Trustees, Treasurer, and member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Hospital Authority for 23 years, and a champion for access to quality healthcare in South Georgia during his extraordinary life.

In early 2024, nearly $700,000 was contributed to the project from the estate of the late Bruce Williams. Williams, a banker at First State Bank & Trust for more than 50 years, was well-known throughout the Valdosta community for his generosity and had been a long-time donor to the health system. SGMC Health is profoundly grateful for the transformative legacy of Bruce Williams, whose thoughtful decision to include the SGMC Health Foundation in his estate plans will forever impact and enhance the health and well-being of our community.

Then in February, SGMC Health received a generous gift of $500,000 from the Stalvey Family, founders of Ace Electric, Inc. For decades, the Stalvey family has demonstrated their commitment to South Georgia and beyond through their leadership in Ace Electric and community involvement.

The new patient tower will expand the main campus by 145,000 sq. ft. and create a new main entrance to inpatient and outpatient services and programs. Two patient floors, a first floor entryway, lobby, and other unique spaces will be committed to women’s health during the birthing experience and infant care, including an expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Another ground level feature of the new tower includes a new emergency and trauma center with an increased number of specialized treatment areas to handle up to fifty percent more patient and family encounters with higher levels of efficiency and comfort. These areas include specially designed spaces for different levels of care, including express care, behavioral healthcare, and trauma services. As the area's Level III Trauma Center, SGMC Health provides care to over 90,000 patients and families that visit SGMC Health Emergency Departments each year.

The new ER is critical to enhancing timely access to emergency and trauma care for a growing population in South Georgia and surrounding areas, especially in the midst of a life-threatening event. Additional SGMC Health Main campus enhancements will include a connector boulevard, additional surface parking, and a wellness park.

According to Gibbs, "This extraordinary project isn’t just about expansion- it’s about innovation and transformation. This strategic planning aims to replace, replenish, and add facilities to house new technologies, programs, and physicians. With the support of our generous donors, SGMC Health continues to bridge healthcare gaps and elevate the quality of care for all South Georgians."

In the wake of their loss, the Morrison family recognized a critical gap in emergency preparedness within rural communities: the absence of AEDs during crucial moments. The first to respond to Mrs. Morrison’s emergency was a sheriff’s deputy, who, at the time, did not have access to an AED. Determined to prevent similar situations, the Morrison family made a generous gift to SGMC Health, specifically earmarked for the purchase of AEDs for the Nashville Sheriff and Police departments. Their contribution acknowledges the reality that in many rural areas, law enforcement officers are often the first on the scene of a medical emergency before ambulance services can arrive.

The Morrison family’s donation has laid the foundation for the “Jump Start a Heart” program. Through this initiative, the SGMC Health Foundation, in partnership with SGMC Health EMS, aims to extend the availability of AEDs and provide comprehensive training on their use to ensure that more lives can be saved in critical moments. The program targets rural communities and organizations that would otherwise lack access to such essential lifesaving equipment.

“We are immensely grateful to the Morrison family for their generosity and for turning their personal tragedy into an opportunity to save lives,” said Hilary Gibbs, Vice President and Chief Development Officer for SGMC Health. “Their gift not only honors the memory of Mrs. Mary Carrell Morrison but also sets a precedent for community-based health initiatives. ‘Jump Start a Heart’ is more than a program; it’s a promise to the communities that we serve that we are here for them, ready to equip and educate their first responders and citizens alike.”

“The ‘Jump Start a Heart’ initiative reflects SGMC Health’s commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of the communities it serves,” said Emily Brown, SGMC Health Director of EMS and Trauma. “By increasing access to AEDs and training, SGMC Health hopes to significantly reduce the number of fatalities and adverse outcomes associated with cardiac episodes in rural areas.”

For more information about the “Jump Start a Heart” program or to make a donation, please visit sgmcfoundation.org or contact the SGMC Health Foundation at 229-433-1071 or philanthropy@sgmc.org.

Over the past decade, more than $600,000 has gone directly to support hospice patients in our local community thanks to the generous work of the Tree House Thrift Shop. With every donation and retail sale, the Tree House supports Hospice of South Georgia (HOSG) and Langdale Hospice House.

As Valdosta’s only not-for-profit hospice, HOSG relies on donations from the community to help provide services to patients regardless of their ability to pay. In 2013, HOSG's Advisory Board opened the donation-based thrift store to help support its cause.

What started as a small operation has grown into a thriving retail outlet offering new and gently used clothing, housewares, books, furniture, holiday decor, and much more.

A mostly volunteer-based program, the Tree House has proven to be a valuable asset, contributing $115,000 to HOSG in 2023.

HOSG Director Amanda Mason shared, "We are extremely grateful for the support of our advisory board, volunteers, and community. The true impact of their efforts can never be measured but is certainly felt by the patients and families who benefit from their kindness."

Established in 1987, HOSG has grown into one of the region's largest providers of home-based palliative care, grief support, and other hospice programs that enhance a person's quality of life.

Donations from the Tree House go to HOSG to benefit patients who are unable to pay for services.

While most people receive palliative and hospice care in the home, HOSG also operates the Langdale Hospice House, a 15-bed inpatient facility that provides hospice care.

The first of its kind in the region, the Langdale Hospice House also offers respite care. A short-term stay option, respite care provides caregivers with a much-needed break while patients receive appropriate medical care.

An affiliate of SGMC Health, HOSG serves Atkinson, Berrien, Brooks, Clinch, Cook, Echols, Lanier, and Lowndes counties.

The Tree House is located at 418 Northside Dr. in Valdosta. For more information, visit hospiceofsouthgeorgia.org.

Free Screenings

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and women’s health, SGMC’s Breast Center provided 50 free 3-D mammogram screenings to women who are uninsured and displayed a demonstrated financial need for their annual screening at the SGMC Health Berrien in Nashville. These no-cost mammograms were made possible thanks to generous donations to the SGMC Health Foundation.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer. About 1 in 8 women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since 1989, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.

SGMC’s Berrien Campus offers Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exams, developed by Hologic, Inc., a worldwide leader in Women’s Health. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, these exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, and decrease the number of women asked to return for additional testing.

Advanced Treatment

For breast cancer patients, the Foundation also supported the purchase of technology to support advanced treatment options. The SCOUT® Wire-Free Radar Localization System uses non-radioactive radar technology to provide real-time surgical guidance during breast surgery.

According to general surgeon Jared Sanders, MD, "Breast cancer surgery can be physically and emotionally distressing for patients, and we strive to find ways to create a better experience—and better outcomes—for our patients."

SCOUT resolves one of the most difficult aspects of breast conservation surgery by eliminating the need to place a wire inside breast tissue to precisely locate a tumor. “As research and technology advances, we’re committed to adopting the safest and most progressive treatment options for women and men with breast cancer,” he shared.

SGMC Health offers a comprehensive breast cancer program that includes imaging, surgery, and cancer treatment. SGMC Health's Pearlman Cancer Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) and offers many of the latest cancer-fighting treatment options to include radiation therapy, advanced chemotherapy and biotherapy, and clinical trials, including precision medicine trial and genetic counseling for cancer-causing genes. To learn more, visit sgmc.org.

The SGMC Foundation proudly invests in the future workforce of healthcare professionals by providing scholarships to deserving students in the region.

The Jay Shaw Scholarship was established in 2016 in memory of the late State Representative Jay Shaw. Mr. Shaw was a champion for rural healthcare, and advocate for the advancement of healthcare in South Georgia during his 18 years of service in the General Assembly. Since its inception, the Jay Shaw Scholarship has provided nearly $40,000 in scholarships to Lakeland High School seniors pursuing a career in the healthcare field.
The SGMC Health Foundation Scholarship was established in 2023 to provide scholarships to Valdosta High School, Valdosta Early College Academy, and Lowndes High School seniors seeking to pursue a career in the field of healthcare. The SGMC Health Scholarship exists to alleviate some of the financial burden of higher education in order to help create a future for healthcare students in South Georgia.
The Copeland Smart Start Scholarship was created in 2022 in partnership with Wiregrass Technical College to award postgraduate scholarships to the recipients of the Ben and LaVonne Copeland, Sr. Wiregrass LPN to RN Scholarship who become employed by SGMC as full-time RNs upon graduation. This scholarship was created out of a desire to assist SGMC in meeting the growing demands of the nursing workforce.

Valdosta native Tanishya Thomas, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), was one of the 2023 recipients of the Copeland Smart Start Scholarship. She has spent 6 years at SGMC Health and currently works on 5W. She is enrolled in the Wiregrass Technical College Bridge Program and on her way to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).

“I am grateful and so appreciative for the opportunity to receive the Copeland Smart Start Scholarship," said Tanishya. "This will help me continue my nursing education and help me make a positive impact in the lives of others and in my community!”

Launched in 2023, the Healing Art Wall is made possible through generous donations to the SGMC Health Foundation. The dedicated gallery space hosts rotating art by local and regional artists in the lobby of SGMC Health Main.

"We hope that the Healing Art Gallery will provide featured artists an opportunity to showcase and sell their visual artwork while offering a creative space for our patients and visitors to promote healing, wellness, and a sense of community," shared Hilary Gibbs, SGMC Health Vice President and Chief Development Officer. "Art humanizes clinical spaces; it brings beauty. Art provides a much-needed distraction in a hospital setting — it inspires!"

The first three featured artists include Mary VanLandingham, Annette Crosby, and Laura McRae Hitchcock.

Mary VanLandingham

Mary VanLandingham is a traditional painter based out of South Georgia. With the use of oil paints, Mary specializes in creating lively and vivid imagery referencing the outside world. Her love and appreciation for the natural world is essential, and she strives to recreate scenes that embody a sense of both comfort and bewilderment. Mary was born and raised in South Georgia, and developed an interest for art at an early age. While pursing a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Valdosta State University, she took an immediate liking to oil paints. She then combined her admiration for nature with her passion of oil painting, and began expressing place and perspectives that provide peace and familiarity. She has participated in exhibitions across to the United States and enjoys showing her work in new places. Mary works full-time in her home studio located in Nashville, Georgia.

Annette Crosby

For Annette Crosby, all roads lead to Valdosta. Her enthusiasm for her life there is evident in her energetic personality, immersing herself fully in home, family, community, and art. She grew up in Valdosta, went through all levels of school there, including college at Valdosta State University, and lives there now in the same home where she and her husband raised their three children. She earned two degrees, a BFA in art education and a MEd in Elementary Education. She has garnered awards in regional and national juried competitions, exhibits in invitational solo and group shows, and her work is held in numerous public and private collections. She has been published in The Palette and Southern Living magazines and other publications around the South Georgia area. See her work on her website (annettecrosbyart.com), Facebook, Instagram, and her gallery, Artists on Ashley in Valdosta. You can also see her at her studio at the Turner Center for the Arts, where she is artist-in-residence and teaches classes. Like her personality, her abstract work is vibrant and lively, full of energy, and sensation.

Laura McRae Hitchcock

Laura McRae Hitchcock is originally from Valdosta where her dad, Tom McRae, was a surgeon at SGMC Health. She graduated with a degree in art from Agnes Scott College. She has received numerous awards and recognition including the international BoldBrush Award Winner for Abstract Art, the nationally recognized ArtPop Billboard, and several international artist residencies. Her work is featured in Hong Yi’s book, #100 Love Notes.

Laura was one of the founding partners of Ciel Fine Art Gallery and Collective in Charlotte, NC. When Ciel closed in 2018, Laura began a new collaboration with mosaic artist, Pam Goode, called Wild Hair Adventures. Together, they teach workshops and hold art retreats around the world. She is a member of the National Association of Women Artists and the South Carolina chapter of NAWA as well.

Donations to the SGMC Health Foundation funded state-of-the-art traffic preemption devices for each of the health system's ambulances in an effort to improve emergency response times and save lives.

The technology takes advantage of the City of Valdosta’s Emergency Vehicle Preemption System, utilizing GPS tracking of responding emergency vehicles to turn a traffic signal green as they approach. This ensures a swift and safe arrival of first responders at their destination.

The top priority of SGMC Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is the safety of its employees and the driving and pedestrian public when responding to 911 calls. However, emergency vehicles face challenges each time they approach a traffic signal, particularly due to distracted drivers.

This next-generation technology makes it safer for ambulances going through intersections by proactively changing the signal before it arrives, eliminating the need to catch drivers’ attention at traffic lights.

In addition to road safety, the devices have the benefit of reducing EMS response times by an average of 11 seconds per traffic light. This critical time saved can significantly impact the outcomes of medical emergencies. A faster arrival on the scene can mean the difference between life and death, particularly in situations such as cardiac arrest, severe trauma, or stroke.

“We are so grateful for the funds from the SGMC Health Foundation to purchase these traffic preemption devices and the partnership with the City of Valdosta to allow us to participate in the program,” shared Emily Brown, SGMC Health Director of EMS and Trauma. “This innovative technology makes ambulance responses safer for everyone.”

Drivers on the road may notice a shorter light at an intersection if an ambulance is approaching with lights and sirens. However, the light will reset to normal operations once the emergency vehicle passes through.

For more information, visit sgmc.org.

Girls Just Wanna Have Brunch, held in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, serves as a beacon of empowerment for women in the community. Beyond the yummy brunch offerings and camaraderie, the event serves a more profound purpose: advocating for women's health.

"Our goal is to encourage women to take charge of their health by prioritizing preventive screenings and maintaining regular healthcare routines throughout every stage of life," shares Hilary Gibbs, SGMC Health Vice President and Chief Development Officer. "Healthy women are the cornerstone of a healthy family and a thriving community."

Glow on the Green Fore Men's Health offers a unique and illuminating experience, combining the excitement of golf with the importance of men's health awareness. The event takes participants onto the premiere course at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club for glow-in-the-dark golf.

"Our goal is to improve men’s health through raising awareness about preventive screenings and regular health care for men of all ages," shares Hilary Gibbs, SGMC Health Vice President and Chief Development Officer. "It is crucial that men receive regular checkups and are aware of the risks for their age, ethnicity, and lifestyle."

Beyond the entertainment value, Glow on the Green serves as a catalyst for conversations surrounding men's health. By highlighting the significance of routine check-ups and understanding individual health risks, the event seeks to encourage men to prioritize their well-being and take proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

In the wake of Hurricane Idalia in August 2023, countless lives were upturned, homes were destroyed, and the Valdosta community was left grappling with the aftermath. Amidst the chaos, individuals like Willie Booker, an Environmental Services employee at SGMC Health, found themselves facing unexpected challenges. However, thanks to the Care Share Fund, an employee benevolence fund operated by the SGMC Health Foundation, Willie's story is not just one of struggle, but of resilience and support.

Willie, a dedicated member of the SGMC Health team for 38 years, found his life turned upside down when Hurricane Idalia struck. The storm wreaked havoc on his home, leaving it in a state of disarray and making it uninhabitable. In the midst of such turmoil, Willie found solace in the Care Share Fund, a lifeline extended by fellow SGMC Health team members to fellow employees facing extraordinary circumstances.

The Care Share Fund serves as a beacon of hope for SGMC Health employees like Willie, providing crucial financial assistance during times of need.

It embodies the spirit of compassion and solidarity that defines the SGMC Health community, demonstrating a commitment to supporting colleagues in their time of greatest vulnerability. In FY2023, 253 employees were served by the Care Share Fund through Employee Giving totaling more than $105,000.

Reflecting on his experience, Willie expressed profound gratitude for the assistance he received: "Thank you so much for your support through Care Share funds. This made a significant difference for me and my family during a challenging time in my life. I was so happy to get my house back in livable condition, and we are forever grateful!"

Willie's story is a testament to the impact of the Care Share Fund and the unwavering support it provides to SGMC Health employees. In the face of adversity, it serves as a reminder that no one is alone and that the SGMC Health community stands ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Through life's hardships, the Care Share Fund remains a vital resource, ensuring that employees like Willie have the support they need to rebuild their lives and emerge stronger than ever before. Through acts of kindness and generosity, the SGMC Health community exemplifies what it truly means to care for one another, embodying the values of compassion and empathy that lie at the heart of healthcare.

The remarkable people of SGMC Health pride themselves in giving back, not only in the service of healthcare, but also in the service of people. In FY23, employees volunteered more than 11,900 hours at various non-profit agencies and organizations throughout the communities we serve. Whether it was packing food boxes at the food bank for the Greater Valdosta United United Way's Day of Caring, donating gifts to Toys for Tots, playing baseball with children with disabilities in the Miracle League, or gathering socks for LAMP, our employees always are willing to step up and help where needed.

Philanthropy is vital to SGMC Health's ability to maintain its role as a healthcare leader in the South Georgia region while also fulfilling its charitable mission. In FY23, over 1,000 employees gave more than $160,000 through the SGMC Health Foundation's Employee Giving Program. Employees may choose to designate their gifts to specific SGMC Health campuses, programs, or the Care Share Fund, providing financial support to fellow employees in times of unusual need. Thanks to their gifts and additional community support, the Foundation has been able to give thousands of dollars to support patients, facilities, and coworkers.

SGMC Health employed and affiliated physicians advanced the health system's healing mission through the Foundation's new Blazin' 100 campaign.

The Blazin' 100 was designed as a fun way to recognize a group of compassionate physician leaders who wish to improve the health of the community through their generous gifts to the SGMC Health Foundation. Physicians who give between $100-$500 annually are recognized as Blazin' Docs, while those that contribute $1,200 or more are considered Trailblazin' Docs.

All who contribute are provided a custom lapel pin and recognition as a Blazin' or Trailblazin' Doc.

Physicians interested in joining the Blazin' 100 campaign can visit https://foundation.sgmc.org/blazin100docs or contact Hilary Willis, Director of Development and Volunteer Engagement, at 229-433-1076 or hilary.willis@sgmc.org.

SGMC Health Volunteer Auxiliary
The Volunteer Auxilians, or Pink Ladies and Red Coats as they are commonly called, volunteer in various areas of SGMC Health Main, assisting with family, visitor, and patient care support as well as fundraising initiatives. The past year including achievements such as adding 8 new volunteers, hosting 6 fundraisers, and awarding a $1,000 scholarship.

The volunteers have contributed 6,627 hours of service in the past year to total 1,553,070 hours since the program’s inception. This year, the Auxiliary donated $45,000 to SGMC to help fund various patient care equipment needs.