SGMC Health Perseveres Through Hurricane Helene to Provide Necessary Care to Region

Less than one week since Hurricane Helene devastated South Georgia, SGMC Health remains steadfast in its mission to provide healthcare services to the community and region. Despite the storm knocking out power, air conditioning, computers, and internet across the state, SGMC Health's emergency departments at the Main, Smith Northview, Lanier, and Berrien campuses remained open, meeting an unprecedented surge in patients seeking care.

"Our team of employees, physicians, and volunteers at SGMC Health once again showed remarkable courage and resilience in the face of incredible adversity," said Ronald E. Dean, SGMC Health President and Chief Executive Officer. "This team's commitment to patient care never wavered, even when unprecedented conditions brought about by Hurricane Helene were most challenging. They have done what they are called to do as healthcare professionals. They bravely manned their stations throughout the system; they comforted our patients who were in their care; they invited others seeking needed services into our facilities; and they remained onsite and away from their families until conditions improved, putting the needs of the people in this region first and demonstrating the true heart of a healthcare professional."

While extreme wind loads from Hurricane Helene caused significant disruptions, the SGMC Health team stood ready to ensure healthcare needs across the community were met. With 4 hospitals, a skilled nursing facility, a long-term care facility, a hospice service, regional Emergency Medical Service, cancer center, and 36 additional care locations throughout the multi-county region, sustaining operations throughout the event and returning to normal operations was a top priority.

"We extend our deepest thanks to the first responders, local government leaders, power companies, and network providers who prioritized getting our hospitals back on full power and internet," said Randy Smith, SGMC Health Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "Their swift and coordinated efforts were critical to restoring our operations and ensuring we could continue providing care to those in need. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and dedication during this natural disaster."

As of Thursday, Oct. 3, most services have returned to normal operations to include scheduled surgeries, procedures, and outpatient services. A large number of SGMC Health clinics have reopened, including SGMC's Urgent Care, while a few are awaiting power restoration.

"The dedication of our SGMC Health team was nothing short of heroic," said Dean. "Hurricane Helene tested our preparedness, but more importantly, it reminded us of what makes our system truly extraordinary-our people. Healthcare isn't just a job. It's a calling. And our team answered that call in remarkable ways."

Dean expressed a special thank you to the nearly 3,200 SGMC Health employees, physicians, and volunteers who sacrificed time away from their familes during and after the storm. SGMC Health remains committed to serving the region and is grateful to the communities it serves for their continued trust and support.

For more information about SGMC Health services and operations, visit sgmc.org.