At SGMC Health, the spirit of giving runs deep. Every day, our employees dedicate themselves to caring for patients, but their commitment to making a difference doesn’t stop there. Through the SGMC Health Foundation’s Employee Giving Program, they continue to uplift and strengthen the very community they serve. In 2024, that generosity reached new heights. 

This year, an astounding 1,158 employees participated in giving, contributing an impressive $224,948.50 to the SGMC Health Foundation. Through their collective efforts, they reinforced the foundation’s mission of enhancing patient care, expanding resources, and supporting fellow team members facing hardships. Their contributions directly impact vital programs, ensuring that SGMC Health continues to provide top-tier healthcare across the region. 

Last summer, SGMC Health welcomed a new wave of young talent through its Volunteen Summer Program, bringing together 43 bright and ambitious high school students eager to explore the fast-paced, rewarding world of healthcare. Over six weeks, these students gained invaluable exposure to different facets of healthcare, igniting their passion for medicine and community service. 

From assisting in patient care areas to shadowing professionals in critical departments, the Volunteen program provided a behind-the-scenes look at hospital operations. Students were placed in departments such as nursing, administration, and imaging, where they engaged with medical staff, observed complex procedures, and developed essential skills in communication, teamwork, and professionalism. 

A Summer of Discovery and Growth 

Ayesha Patel, a senior at Lowndes High School, spent her summer exploring the inner workings of the hospital pharmacy.

Ayesha dreams of pursuing biomedical engineering or pre-med, and her time at SGMC Health provided invaluable insight into the industry. 

For Amori Brooks, a junior at Lowndes High, the hospital’s dynamic atmosphere was an exciting introduction to the medical field.

Initially set on a career in pediatrics, her experience in the pulmonary department broadened her perspective, leading her to consider a future as a respiratory therapist. 

As SGMC Health embarked on a transformative expansion of its main campus, the organization remained steadfast in its commitment to patient comfort and convenience. With construction came temporary inconveniences: closed entrances, relocated parking, and a shift in familiar pathways. Rather than allowing these challenges to impact the patient experience, SGMC Health turned them into an opportunity for enhancement. The solution? The launch of a formal Hospitality Services department, dedicated to ensuring that every visitor, patient, and guest feels at ease the moment they arrive. 

A Guiding Hand in a Time of Change 

Hospital visits can be overwhelming, especially when navigating a hospital undergoing construction. Recognizing this, SGMC Health Hospitality Services introduced a team of dedicated professionals to provide personalized assistance. Stationed at the main entrance’s information desk, they are the first friendly faces patients and visitors encounter, ready with warm smiles, clear directions, and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. Whether it’s offering wayfinding support or answering questions, their presence transforms what could be a stressful journey into a seamless experience. 

To further enhance accessibility, SGMC Health made a strategic investment in color-coded wheelchairs assigned to different areas of the hospital. While these are practical additions, they’re also a symbol of the hospital’s attention to detail, ensuring that mobility support is always available exactly where it’s needed. 

Bringing Comfort to Every Corner 

While the expansion meant shifting parking locations, SGMC Health Hospitality Services took proactive steps to bridge the gap. A fleet of golf carts now offers courtesy rides from parking lots to hospital entrances, ensuring that no patient or visitor has to make a long trek on foot. These courtesy carts have quickly become a favorite, offering both convenience and a touch of warmth to those arriving at the facility. 

Valet services have also been integrated into the Hospitality Services team, providing a stress-free parking solution. No longer do patients need to worry about finding a spot or walking long distances. SGMC Health has made it as effortless as possible. 

For those approaching the hospital’s main entrance, the newly established security checkpoint near the ER adds another layer of support. Designed to assist with navigation, these checkpoints serve as both a safety measure and a helpful resource, ensuring patients and guests find their way without confusion. 

A Commitment to Excellence 

At the heart of SGMC Health Hospitality Services is a simple but powerful mission: to create a welcoming, supportive, and hassle-free experience for everyone who walks through the hospital doors. Whether it’s providing clear directions, offering a wheelchair, or escorting a patient to their destination, this team goes above and beyond to make each visit as smooth as possible. 

In the midst of expansion, SGMC Health is proving that growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of patient experience. Rather, it’s an opportunity to raise the bar even higher. With their unwavering commitment to service, the Hospitality Services team is ensuring that every guest feels at home, no matter where their healthcare journey takes them.