pg. 06 pg. 16 CCH SPECIALTY CLINIC GAINS SPACE and Greater Convenience FOR PATIENTS ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS UPGRADE GIVES PATIENTS MUCH MORE CONTROL A $2 MILLION INVESTMENT IN PATIENT CARE pg. 23
WE ARE PLEASED TO SHARE THE SPRING /SUMMER 2026 EDITION OF COVINGTONCARES, A PUBLICATION OF COVINGTON COUNTY HOSPITAL. In this issue, we highlight several important milestones for our organization, including the successful implementation of Epic and the addition of new providers to our clinics, and we recognize the dedication of team members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support the care we deliver each day. One of the most significant accomplishments for our hospital this year has been the adoption of Epic, a comprehensive electronic health record system designed to enhance the coordination and delivery of care. This transition represents a major step forward in improving communication among care teams, strengthening patient safety, and ensuring that the information needed to care for our patients and community is readily available across our organization. While much of this work happens in the background, the impact will be felt daily by every patient who walks through our doors. We are also excited to welcome two outstanding providers to our team. Mary Kathryn Dossett, FNP, has joined the staff at CCH Family Medical Clinic, bringing her devotion to patient-centered care and a passion for serving families in our community. We are also pleased to welcome Dave Johnson, PA-C, to CCH Clinic Magee, where his experience and commitment to quality care will further strengthen the services available to patients in the Magee area. In addition to these advancements, we would like to recognize the tireless efforts of Billie Ward. Billie’s work represents the kind of dedication that often goes unseen but is essential to the patient experience. Many of the processes and systems that ensure our patients receive seamless, high-quality care operate out of public view, and Billie’s expertise exemplifies the professionalism and attention to detail that make those efforts successful. As always, the stories shared in this issue of CovingtonCares reflect the people – providers and staff – who make Covington County Hospital and our clinics trusted sources of care. Their dedication, compassion, and expertise allow us to continue fulfilling our mission of improving the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. Thank you for choosing Covington County Hospital. It is our privilege and honor to serve your healthcare needs. Gregg Gibbes, CEO LETTER FROM THE CEO CovingtonCares 1
IN THIS ISSUE 13 06 CCH SPECIALTY CLINIC GAINS SPACE AND GREATER CONVENIENCE FOR PATIENTS 10 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT FINDS A HOME IN FAMILY CARE BASIC LIFE SUPPORT SAVES LIVES ‘MISS BILLIE’ PROVIDES VITAL PATIENT CARE BEHIND THE SCENES 14 16 EXCLUSIVE! 20 23 25 26 COVINGTON COUNTY NATIVE FEELS SPECIAL BOND WITH PATIENTS A $2 MILLION INVESTMENT IN PATIENT CARE A STRONG START, A STRONGER FUTURE HEART HEALTHY RECIPE YOUR HEALTH MATTERS STRONGER EVERY SEASON ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS UPGRADE GIVES PATIENTS MUCH MORE CONTROL 29 31 2026 Spring/Summer 2
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HELLO, EVERYONE! I’m Thomas Blackledge, MD, and I have the honor of serving as the Chief of Staff at Covington County Hospital. As a proud provider of Covington County Hospital, I continue to feel privileged to care for the communities that mean so much to us and to work as part of a team that is deeply committed to serving our neighbors with compassion and excellence. Our dedicated professionals at Covington County Hospital remain focused on providing exceptional care to every patient who walks through our doors. Every day, our physicians, nurses, and staff work together to ensure that our community receives the high-quality healthcare it deserves. Over the past several months, we’ve experienced some exciting developments that will continue to strengthen the care we provide. One of the most significant milestones for our hospital has been the successful implementation of Epic. This new system allows our care teams to communicate more effectively, access important patient information quickly, and coordinate care across departments in ways that ultimately enhance both safety and the patient experience. We’re also excited to welcome two outstanding providers to our medical community. Mary Kathryn Dossett, FNP, has joined CCH Clinic Family Medical and brings a strong commitment to caring for families in our region. Her dedication to patient-centered care is a tremendous asset to the clinic and to the patients she serves. I am personally pleased to welcome Dave Johnson, PA-C, to CCH Clinic Magee. His experience and devotion to quality healthcare will help continue the strong tradition of service our Magee clinic provides. In addition, I would like to recognize the tireless efforts of Billie Ward. Many of the most important parts of healthcare happen behind the scenes, often without recognition from those outside the hospital. Billie’s work represents the kind of diligence and attention to detail that supports our clinical teams and ensures patients receive the seamless care they expect and deserve. While patients may never see the countless hours that go into this work, they experience the results every day. It is truly an honor to work alongside such talented and compassionate professionals who share a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our community. Thank you for trusting Covington County Hospital with your care. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you. Thomas Blackledge, MD MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF STAFF 2026 Spring/Summer 4
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2026 Spring/Summer 6 Moving recently to new, larger quarters in the Covington County Hospital complex has made the Outpatient Specialty Clinic even more convenient for residents of the Collins area – and sometimes for their family members and friends as well. The clinic now occupies the former Family Medical Associates building along Holly Avenue (at 701 South Holly Avenue). Before the move, “we were in a tucked-away spot in the hospital,” said Amanda Jones, RT(R), Director of Radiology and Outpatient Specialty Services at CCH. "Some patients got lost trying to navigate to our department. “Now we have a clear entrance, a large lobby, and better signage,” Jones said. “Everything just makes it easier on the patient to get in and out.” CCH Specialty Clinic Gains Space and Greater CONVENIENCE FOR PATIENTS
CovingtonCares 7 The Outpatient Specialty Clinic allows CCH to provide services usually found in more urban (and more distant) areas. It brings specialty providers from larger cities to Collins once or more every month. Elderly Patients “They come to us,” Jones said. “It’s simply easier for our patients – especially our older community – when we bring specialists closer to home instead of asking them to travel.” Today, patients can receive a wide range of specialty care right in their hometown clinic. Services include dermatology (care for hair, skin, and nails), cardiology (heart and blood vessels), orthopedics (bones and spine), urology (urinary and urogenital health), wound care, and both pre- and postsurgical support. This convenience is a tremendous benefit not only for patients, but also for the family members and friends who often drive them to appointments. Instead of taking a half-day off work for a long trip to a larger city, they can step away for just an hour or two and still ensure their loved ones receive the care they need close to home. The new facility offers more spacious rooms, accommodating up to four specialists to see patients simultaneously. Hallways are wider, too, which patients with limited mobility appreciate. Specialists from Laurel, Hattiesburg The specialists include physicians, physician assistants, and family nurse practitioners. They come from South Central Dermatology, in Laurel, and Southern Bone & Joint Specialists, Southern Surgery & Urology, and Hattiesburg Clinic, all in Hattiesburg. While surgeries and other major procedures are still performed at each specialist’s home facility, patients can complete both their presurgical evaluations and postsurgical follow-up visits right here at the CCH “It’s simply easier for patients – especially our older community.” – Amanda Jones, RT(R), Director of Radiology
AVAILABLE SPECIALTIES AND SCHEDULE Dermatology Ashlyn Bennett, FNP-C South Central Dermatology, Laurel 1st Wednesday each month, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Orthopedics Dr. Lance Line, MD Southern Bone & Joint, Hattiesburg Every Monday, noon–4 p.m Walk-ins welcome Buddy Moore, PA-C Southern Bone & Joint 1st and 3rd Monday, 8 a.m.–noon Walk-ins welcome Vascular Services Peyton Price, FNP Hattiesburg Clinic Every other Monday, 1–5 p.m. Heart and Vascular Dr. C. Murphy Hinson, DO Hattiesburg Clinic 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursday, 8 a.m.–noon Nuclear stress tests: 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 8 a.m.–noon Urology Dr. Charles Moore, MD Southern Surgery and Urology Center, Hattiesburg 2nd Wednesday each month, 8 a.m.–noon Wound Care Robin Leggett-Hudson, FNP Each Tuesday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. For information scan the QR code. LEARN MORE Outpatient Specialty Clinic 701 South Holly Avenue 601.698.0301 2026 Spring/Summer 8 Outpatient Specialty Clinic. It’s another way CCH helps keep care convenient, coordinated, and close to home. “Our providers enjoy coming here,” Jones said. “It gives them a change of pace from their main clinic.” It also allows them to reach a broader base of patients. Many of the visiting specialists are able to connect with Covington County Hospital’s new Epic electronic health record system through EpicCare Link and Epic Care Everywhere. When they do, they can review important information such as medical history, current and past medications, and prior visits to other providers or the emergency room. They can also order tests and help coordinate follow-up care. For specialists not yet linked to Epic, the clinic team that ensures records are shared promptly so patient care remains seamless. One Convenient Location Jones noted that patients regularly request additional specialists – and she’s working to make that happen. The reason is simple, she said: “They would rather see all their specialists in one convenient location.”
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David Johnson, PA-C, came to Magee in 2002 as something of a pioneer. Just two years previously, Mississippi had become the 50th state to allow medical practice by physician assistants. “Mine was the 24th PA license in the state at that time,” he said. Since the creation of the profession in the 1960s, physician assistants have filled an essential niche, especially in rural areas and other communities where physicians are scarce. As licensed practitioners trained to provide general medical care, they diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, perform such in-office procedures as biopsies and injections, assist in surgeries, and prescribe medications. Johnson practices family medicine at CCH Clinic Magee, at 800 Third Street Southwest in Magee. His calm, reassuring demeanor masks a mind on high alert for signs of a potential crisis. Medical Emergencies “Usually, you’re just managing someone’s diabetes or hypertension medicine or managing an acute illness,” Johnson said. “But every now and then, something will come up that could be a medical emergency. A patient may be dealing with some kind of severe infection like pneumonia, or they may actually be having a heart attack or stroke. “There have been times when I made a lifesaving diagnosis or caught something that even a specialist physician had missed. That’s rewarding.” The clinic treats minor injuries and performs annual physicals, lab tests, and vaccinations. It screens for and treats such chronic conditions as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Physicals, EPSDT It offers sports physicals, and other work physicals and it provides early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment (EPSDT) services for those under 21 enrolled in Medicaid. Johnson also conducts sleep studies at the Magee General Hospital Sleep Disorder Center (which is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine). Believe it or not, simple chronic drowsiness can indicate a potentially deadly threat. “Sleep apnea is such a hugely underdiagnosed condition,” he said. It causes breathing to repeatedly stop during sleep. That, Johnson said, can lead to snoring, fatigue, or even “a massive heart attack or stroke in the middle of the night.” Monitored Sleep Patients typically sleep for two nights at the center while noninvasively and painlessly connected to monitoring equipment. PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT FINDS A HOME IN FAMILY CARE 2026 Spring/Summer 10
Johnson received a Bachelor of Science from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, in 1997. He had planned to become a physician, but his life changed when he met a physician assistant. “I shadowed him at the clinic where he worked on a military base,” Johnson said. “He essentially worked like a physician. They had a lab and X-ray facilities, and he prescribed medicine and everything. It was pretty appealing to me.” Change of Plans So Johnson enrolled in the brandnew physician assistant program at Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University), also in Springfield. He received his Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in December 2001. For information scan the QR code. LEARN MORE CCH Clinic Magee 800 Third Street Southwest 601.849.1918 “There have been times when I made a lifesaving diagnosis. That’s rewarding.” – David Johnson, PA-C Johnson is married and has a 26-year-old stepson, a 23-year-old stepdaughter, and an 18-year-old daughter. “I like the laid-back Southern lifestyle out in the country,” he said. His father served in the Army, so the family moved a lot. “It’s nice,” he said, “to have a place to call home.” CovingtonCares 11
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Olivia Gipson doesn’t spend her workdays performing CPR. She's a Clinic Support Representative in Practice Management at Covington County Hospital, and basic life support skills aren’t something she uses on the job. But as a grandmother of three, she knew those skills could one day matter in a very personal way. “It was really for my grandkids,” Gipson said. It had been several years since she last took a basic life support (BLS) class, so when Covington County Hospital offered one on November 20, she decided it was time for a refresher. Less than a month later, she would be grateful she did. On December 13, Gipson was shopping with her daughter, Miracle. Miracle was loading bags into the car and getting ready to buckle the children into their car seats when another child suddenly spoke up – 20-month-old Major was choking. Without hesitation, Gipson sprang into action. She pulled Major from the back seat, turned him over on her arm, and began administering back blows – just as she had been taught in her recent BLS class. The moments felt long and tense, but then came the sound every grandmother hopes to hear. Major began to cry. “I knew when he started crying that air was getting into his lungs and that he was going to be OK,” Gipson said. “That refresher course came at just the right time.” To be safe, the family still drove Major to the emergency department, where he was checked out and confirmed to be perfectly fine. Gipson believes the training helped her stay calm and focused when it mattered most. “Had I not taken that class, I don’t think I would have been as composed,” she said. “That refresher made all the difference.” Amy Yates, CCH Paramedic and Education Coordinator, says Gipson’s experience is a powerful reminder of why BLS training matters for everyone – not just those providing hands-on patient care. “Just over three weeks after taking the class, she used those skills to help save her grandchild,” Yates said. “You never know when you’ll need it.” Covington County Hospital offers CPR classes at no cost to all CCH staff, churches, and communitybased organizations. If you are required to have BLS certification, those classes can also be arranged for a fee. To email Amy scan the QR code. LEARN MORE CPR Classes Contact Amy Yates 601.765.6973 Olivia Gipson with grandson Major CovingtonCares 13 BASIC LIFE SUPPORT SAVES LIVES
Some of the most important people in patient care at Covington County Hospital are dedicated, hardworking staff members whom patients never see. They manage paperwork and navigate insurance rules to ensure that those in need of care can receive it. ‘MISS BILLIE’ PROVIDES VITAL PATIENT CARE BEHIND THE SCENES 2026 Spring/Summer 14
For example, meet Billie Ward, Executive Assistant to the Director of Nursing. ‘Keeps Us Running’ “Billie keeps CCH running,” said Ward’s boss, Chief Nursing Officer Danielle Berard, RN-BSN, CPCO. “She oversees all insurance communications for veteran patients in the Emergency Department, as well as all inpatients and swing bed patients. Her efforts ensure we are reimbursed for those stays.” Ward does her work not just because it’s her job, but also because she came to Covington County Hospital in 1993 to help people. She initially worked as a nurse’s aide and later as a physical therapy technician. “That’s what means the most to me, making sure that the patient is getting everything they need and getting stronger,” she said. A Closer Look To understand the importance of her role, let’s look at what she spends more time on than anything else: insurance precertification for swing bed patients. When a hospital admits you for an injury, illness, or other urgent medical condition, or for recovery from surgery, that kind of short-term treatment is called acute care. After a few days, insurance coverage for acute care ends. But what if you need more treatment? Or just more time to recover your strength before you can safely go home? Swing Bed Program That’s where the Swing Bed Program comes in. Small, rural hospitals like CCH can use their beds for either short-term acute care or longer-term skilled nursing care, which offers rehabilitation as well as treatment. Precertification involves submitting all the paperwork and clinical reports from doctors to justify skilled nursing care in advance. That way, when the insurance company approves, your bed “swings,” uninterrupted, from a cute coverage to skilled nursing coverage. You stay right there in that bed, continuing to get the care you need. Patient Can Appeal Sometimes an insurance company thinks a patient is ready to go home, but the patient and the caregivers disagree. The patient can appeal the decision, with supporting clinical information from the hospital. That’s when it’s great to have Billie Ward in your corner – someone who knows exactly what the insurance companies need and who cares deeply about the patient. “She is responsible for approving time for multiple departments, ensuring that everyone gets paid. Additionally, she plays a crucial role in keeping the nursing department organized and running efficiently,” Berard said. “She is an exemplary employee who sets a high standard for attendance, punctuality, attitude, and how to treat others!” Visiting Miss Billie Everybody at CCH knows “Miss Billie.” Most seem to stop by her desk just about every day. They all leave with a smile. “Since the day I walked into this building in ’93, I’ve loved this place,” Ward said. “It’s been good to me. It’s given me a chance to advance. I just could not ask for a better place to work. I love this hospital.” For information scan the QR code. LEARN MORE CCH Swing Bed Program 601.698.0130 or 601.698.0132 CovingtonCares 15
Alania Cedillo, PharmD, FACHE, gets passionate when she talks about the new Epic electronic health records system that Covington County Hospital and its partners launched on January 31. She sums up its impact in a single word: transformational. Electronic Health Records Upgrade Gives Patients MUCH MORE CONTROL
“Epic is the premier electronic health record in the United States,” said Cedillo, who helped lead the project. “It is the Cadillac. It has the features. It has the research and development behind it. It is a never stopping, always evolving EHR, and that’s what we were looking for.” Patient-Centric Most important, she said, “One of Epic’s guiding principles for the organization is to be patient-centric.” Epic’s online portal, MyChart, allows patients to manage appointments, request prescriptions refills, see test results almost instantly, review and update medical information, message doctors, and much more – all from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Cedillo said patients seem to prefer sending messages (which, on average, have been getting next-day responses) rather than calling, then sorting through phone menus and waiting on hold. “It gives patients empowered access to their own healthcare,” she said. Expanded Access Epic also helps patients by giving caregivers access to much more information about past healthcare encounters. Care providers can almost instantly access records from patient visits not only to CCH and its four partners but also to other healthcare entities, anywhere, that use Epic – and even some that use non-Epic EHR systems. Covington County Hospital includeing Smith County Emergency Hospital in Raleigh adopted the Epic system as part of a consortium with South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, Magee General Hospital in Magee, Simpson General Hospital in Mendenhall. “Going live on Epic across five hospitals in a single day was no small effort,” said Gregg Gibbes, President and CEO of South Central Regional Medical Center and CEO of its partner hospitals. “It required months of planning, countless hours of training, and a true commitment from every member of our team. What impressed me most was the way our staff and providers came together with a shared purpose. This wasn’t just a technology launch—it was a system-wide transformation aimed at improving patient care, strengthening communication, and positioning our hospitals for the future. I couldn’t be more proud of the collaboration and dedication that made this milestone possible.” ‘Incredibly Proud’ “It was one of the most complex, demanding, and positively impactful moments in the history of Alania Cedillo, PharmD, FACHE CovingtonCares 17
these organizations. What we accomplished together will shape how we care for our communities for years to come, and I am incredibly proud of our teams.” Cedillo is Chief Operating Officer for Partner Hospitals in the consortium. She played a key role in the 18 months of planning and training to upgrade from the hospitals’ former EHR systems. “It took a lot of collaboration and communication,” she said, “facilitated by week after week of disciplined, specific engagements where everyone was at the table, saying their piece, thinking through things, sometimes disagreeing – and always trying to point back to being patient-centric. Patient first.” ‘We Got It’ All that teamwork paid off in a smooth launch. “Three days in,” Cedillo said, “I was talking to floor nurses, and they’re saying, ‘Yeah, we got it. Look at this. Look, you can do this with it.’ “They’re saying, ‘This is so much easier.’ Or, ‘I can find things so much better.’ Or, ‘It just makes sense.’” In fact, Cedillo said, “Our nursing staff across all of our facilities have been absolute rock stars in this. Nursing in particular has just wrapped their arms around it and really figured it out and embraced Epic.” Nurses have especially liked the Brain. That’s a system tool that gives each nurse their own personalized hour-by-hour electronic daily planner and worksheet. “It’s this place where they can put all the things that they used to either have to write on little notes or keep in their head,” Cedillo said. “They can just park it all there to help them remember.” Meet and Exceed the Needs Everything about the upgrade was designed in line with Covington County Hospital’s vision “to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of our patients by continually improving the quality of our services.” “You don’t usually see an independent, small, rural hospital all alone going live with Epic,” Cedillo said. “The way to do that is through this unique approach that we have, where we’re all collaborating for the greater good of our region.” Continual Improvement And the benefits will keep building. Epic designs its systems to continually advance and improve as new features become available and its clients’ needs change. “It will always be growing, developing, and becoming ‘more’ – which is what you want!” Cedillo said. “Because healthcare is like that. I mean, good night, look at how much it changes every year. You have to have a tool that’s as flexible as the environment in which we’re working.” LEARN MORE Scan the QR code to download MyChart
Where to Access MyChart On a web browser, go to mychart.covingtoncountyhospital.com/CCHMyChart On your mobile device, download the MyChart app. What Is MyChart? MyChart is a secure app where you can view test results, appointments, and medical records all in one place. MyChart provides you with online access to your medical record. It can help you participate in your healthcare and communicate with your providers. • All of your health information in one place. • Quickly schedule appointments and find care. • Connect with a provider no matter where you are.
“Helping people.” That’s what Family Nurse Practitioner Mary Kathryn Dossett, FNP, replies instantly when asked what she likes about her job. “Especially in our area, where there are so many people that don’t have access to great healthcare.” Dossett’s patients fill a special place in her heart. She’s a Covington County native. When she provides family care at CCH Clinic Family Medical in Collins, she’s treating neighbors and friends. Walking Alongside “I think being from Covington County gives me a benefit because I know a lot of the dynamics here,” she said. “I know a lot of the things that people face. I feel like it’s easy for me to step into someone’s shoes and help walk alongside them when you know where they’re coming from.” CCH Clinic Family Medical, a Covington County Hospital clinic, is at 301 Hospital Boulevard, just off U.S. 49 and across from the Collins Civic Center. Dossett, Dr. Andrea Bruce, DO, and the staff provide primary care, preventive care, annual exams, wellness visits, and standard vaccinations and immunizations. They treat walk-ins as well as patients with appointments. Helping people can be challenging as well as rewarding. “I always remind myself to be empathetic,” Dossett said. “You never know what people have going on.” Problems Following Up It might seem frustrating, for example, when a patient doesn’t fill a prescription or doesn’t follow up with treatment from an out-of-town specialist. “You might think, well, they’re just noncompliant,” Dossett said. “But there’s always a reason behind it. There may be financial problems. I have a lot of people who say, ‘My car won’t make it to Hattiesburg or Laurel or Magee.’ “Just understanding where they’re coming from, where they’re at mentally, physically, and financially, is so important in healthcare.” Living Her Dream It helps that Dossett is living her dream career. “My mom was a nurse,” she said, “and I think I always knew I wanted to go into healthcare.” She earned an associate degree in nursing from Jones College and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Mississippi University for Women, and became a registered nurse. “I ended up in labor and delivery, and I loved it,” she said. “But I knew I wanted to do more.” She went back to school and earned a Master of Science in the family nurse practitioner program at the University of South Alabama. COVINGTON COUNTY NATIVE FEELS SPECIAL BOND WITH PATIENTS 2026 Spring/Summer 20
Dossett and her husband, Tyler, have three sons. Kase is 9, Brooks almost 6, and Banks almost 1. When she’s not working, she enjoys being with her family. “We’re very busy,” she said, laughing. Fishing with Family Family time often involves fishing, especially in the Gulf. “We pretty much stay on a boat every weekend when it is summertime,” Dossett said. “We like to go to Venice, Louisiana, and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.” Nature’s calming touch and the antics of three giggling youngsters help soothe away the stress of her healthcare mission. Dossett truly does see serving the community where she grew up as a calling. “I think it’s important to make a big difference,” she said, “and fill in the gaps where people are sometimes just falling in the cracks.” For information scan the QR code. LEARN MORE CCH Clinic Family Medical 301 Hospital Boulevard, Collins 601.765.3180 “I always remind myself to be empathetic.” – Mary Kathryn Dossett, FNP CovingtonCares 21
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Covington County Hospital is currently in the midst of a $2 million renovation project funded by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration for the project. The project is designed to enhance the experience of every patient and visitor who walks through our doors. This investment reflects our deep commitment to providing care in an environment that is welcoming, accessible, and centered on patient needs. The improvements underway focus on creating a smoother, more patient-friendly flow for admissions and outpatient registration, helping ensure that your first steps into the hospital are as easy and stress-free as possible. As part of this project, new porticos are being added to provide covered drop-off areas at the main entrance, outpatient registration, and physical therapy – offering comfort and convenience in all weather conditions. In addition, we are replacing every window throughout the facility and refreshing our spaces with new paint, bringing more natural light, warmth, and energy to the hospital environment. These upgrades represent more than construction; they symbolize our ongoing mission to serve the community with compassion, quality, and hospitality. We are excited for the positive impact these improvements will have for many years to come. A $2 MILLION INVESTMENT IN PATIENT CARE
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A STRONG START, A STRONGER FUTURE CovingtonCares 25 Covington County Hospital proudly opened the Smith County Emergency Hospital in Raleigh, Mississippi, on February 11, 2025. As we welcomed our first patients and took those early steps in establishing a new emergency care presence, we were hopeful about what this hospital could mean for the community. What we experienced, however, far exceeded our expectations. From the very beginning, Smith County residents, area families, and local businesses have embraced us with genuine kindness, trust, and encouragement. Your steady support has humbled our team and strengthened our commitment to providing exceptional local care. Each day, you remind us why access to compassionate healthcare close to home is so important. We are honored to serve this community, grateful for the relationships we’ve already built, and dedicated to growing alongside you for many years to come. Impact Our First Year 2/11/25-2/28/26 3,287 Patients Seen 7,090 Lab Tests 2,054 X-ray’s 1,014 CT Scans 525 Respiratory Tests 458 Outpatient Patients 266 Patient Transfers 82 Minutes Average Stay
INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4) For the salmon: • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 Tsp. fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp. dried) • 1 Tsp. fresh thyme leaves • 1 tsp. smoked paprika • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste • Pinch of sea salt (optional – very light) • 4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz. each), skin on For the asparagus: • 1 lb. fresh asparagus, trimmed • 1 Tbsp. olive oil • Juice of ½ lemon • Black pepper to taste • To serve: • Lemon slices for garnish • Fresh dill or parsley sprigs • 2 Tbsp. shaved Parmesan (optional) • Cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional side) • Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional color) HEART HEALTHY RECIPE GRILLED LEMON HERB SALMON & ASPARAGUS This bright, spring-inspired dish is as good for your heart as it is for your taste buds. Salmon’s omega-3 fatty acids support cardiovascular health, while fresh asparagus, lemon, and herbs keep sodium low and flavor high. Perfect for a warm Mississippi evening – on the grill or in the oven. Light, colorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. INSTRUCTIONS: Marinate the salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon zest and juice, garlic, dill, thyme, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt, if using. Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and coat on all sides. Marinate 15-20 minutes at room temperature (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator). Prep the grill: Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly brush grates with oil to prevent sticking. Season and grill the asparagus: Toss asparagus with olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper in a bowl or zip-top bag until evenly coated. Place asparagus on the grill perpendicular to the grate bars. Cook 4-6 minutes, turning once, until tender-crisp with light char marks. Remove and set aside. Grill the salmon: Place salmon skin-side down. Grill 4-5 minutes without moving. Flip gently and grill 2-3 minutes more until just cooked through and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F. Plate and garnish: Arrange salmon alongside asparagus. Top with a squeeze of lemon, lemon slices, and fresh dill or parsley. Add juice, and Parmesan over asparagus if desired. Add tomatoes if desired. Serve over quinoa or alongside a green salad for a complete meal. 2026 Spring/Summer 26
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YOUR HEALTH MATTERS CovingtonCares 29 Know Your Risk Mississippi's warm climate and wooded landscape create ideal conditions for ticks and mosquitoes – and both can carry serious illnesses. The good news: A few simple habits are all it takes to protect your family and still enjoy the outdoors all season long. Repellent: Your First Line of Defense • Use EPA-registered repellents with DEET (20-30%), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. • Treat clothing with permethrin for long-lasting tick protection. • For young children, avoid applying repellent near hands, eyes, or mouth. • Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded areas, tuck pants into socks, and choose light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot. • Shower within two hours of coming indoors to remove unattached ticks. Check for Ticks • After time outdoors, check every family member – including pets – for ticks. Focus on hidden spots: behind the knees, the hairline, armpits, and waist. • If you find one, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight up with steady pressure. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol and wash your hands Reduce Mosquitoes at Home • Eliminate standing water weekly – gutters, birdbaths, planters, and saucers can all breed mosquitoes. • Use screens on windows and doors and repair any tears. • Run a fan on the porch – mosquitoes avoid moving air. Seek Medical Care If You Notice: • Fever, chills, or severe headache within days of a tick bite • A bull's-eye rash or expanding red area around a bite site • Muscle aches, fatigue, or joint pain after outdoor exposure • High fever, stiff neck, or confusion after mosquito season exposure • Any signs of infection at a bite site (swelling, warmth, pus) DON'T LET THE BUGS WIN: PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY FROM TICKS AND MOSQUITOES THIS SUMMER Mississippi is blessed with long warm seasons, lush green landscapes, and plenty of reasons to spend time outdoors. But our climate also creates ideal conditions for two of summer's most persistent health threats – ticks and mosquitoes. Both are more than a nuisance. They can carry serious illnesses that affect people of all ages, from young children to older adults. The good news: With the right knowledge and a few simple habits, you and your family can enjoy the outdoors and stay well all season long. Questions about a tick bite or unusual symptoms after time outdoors? Don't wait to be seen. Contact your nearest CCH Clinic or walk in to Family Care Express in Collins or Express Care Sumrall – no appointment needed. Call 601.765.6711 or visit CovingtonCountyHospital.com to find a location near you.
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STRONGER EVERY SEASON CovingtonCares 31 PICK UP THE WEIGHTS – ANY AGE, ANY LEVEL A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO STRENGTH TRAINING You don't need to be young, athletic, or already fit to start strength training. In fact, it's one of the best things people of any age can do for their health – building muscle, protecting joints, improving balance, and boosting energy. Here's how to get started the right way. 1. START WITH WHAT YOU HAVE You don't need a gym membership or expensive equipment to begin. Body-weight exercises – squats, wall push-ups, standing lunges, and chair-assisted moves – build real strength and are safe for beginners. A pair of light dumbbells (5-10 pounds) is a great first investment when you're ready to progress. 2. AIM FOR TWO DAYS A WEEK Two sessions per week is all it takes to see meaningful results as a beginner. Each session can be as short as 20-30 minutes. Focus on major muscle groups – legs, back, chest, and core – and give your body at least one rest day between strength workouts to allow muscles to recover and grow. 3. FORM FIRST, WEIGHT SECOND The most common beginner mistake is lifting too heavy too soon. Start light and focus on slow, controlled movements with proper form. Good form protects your joints, reduces injury risk, and actually works the muscle more effectively than heavy, sloppy reps ever will. When an exercise feels easy with good form, then it's time to add weight. 4. DON'T SKIP THE WARM-UP Five minutes of light movement before lifting – a brisk walk, gentle arm circles, or body-weight squats – increases blood flow to your muscles and significantly reduces your risk of strain or injury. Finish each session with a few minutes of gentle stretching to support flexibility and recovery. 5. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY Some muscle soreness 24-48 hours after a workout is normal – that's your body getting stronger. Sharp pain during exercise is not normal and means you should stop. If you have existing joint issues or heart conditions or haven't been active in a while, check with your healthcare provider before starting a new fitness program. 6. MAKE IT A HABIT, NOT A CHORE The best workout is one you'll actually do consistently. Find a time of day that works for your schedule, invite a friend or family member to join you, and celebrate small wins along the way. Strength training gets easier and more enjoyable the more you do it. Starting is the hardest part. For information about fitness programs and resources available through Covington County Hospital, visit CovingtonCountyHospital.com/covingtonfitness or call 601.698.0320 to learn more.
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8/22/2023 DISCRIMINATION IS AGAINST THE LAW Covington County Hospital complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Covington County Hospital does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Covington County Hospital provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us and access our services, such as: • Written and spoken information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, interpreters, etc.) • Handicap parking, curb cuts and ramps, elevators, etc. Covington County Hospital provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as information written in other languages. • Name: Lynn Scott • Mailing Address: 701 South Holly Avenue, Collins, MS 39428 • Telephone number: 601-765-6711 • Email: lscott@covingtoncountyhospital.com If you believe that Covington County Hospital has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with Covington County Hospital’s Compliance Officer. You can file a grievance in person or by mail, or email. If you need help filing a grievance, Covington County Hospital’s Compliance Officer is available to help you. You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf or by mail or phone at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 509F, HHH Building, Washington, D.C. 20201, 1-800368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD). Complaint forms are available at https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/complaint-process/index.html CovingtonCares 33
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