Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report A
From the President
I am pleased to share the 2022 Annual Report, which highlights the Georgia Health Care Association (GHCA) membership’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, patient centered care to enhance the lives of vulnerable Georgians.
In 2022, I was thrilled to be named President & CEO of the Association, and I am deeply honored to represent the outstanding and dedicated professionals that comprise the GHCA membership. Our team remains committed to supporting our members in their mission to advance the care they provide and optimizing the value of GHCA membership so they can focus on what matters most - their residents, patients and team members.
On behalf of the membership, I thank you for your interest in the Association and encourage you to share this Annual Report highlighting the incredible acts of care and service happening in Georgia’s long term care communities on a daily basis.
If you have questions regarding any information in this report, please
feel free to contact the GHCA offices at (678) 289-6555 or via email at [email protected]. If you would like to learn more about GHCA and the work our members are doing, visit our website at www.ghca.info. I also encourage you to follow our Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest news and updates regarding long term care in Georgia.
Sincerely,
Chris Downing
President & CEO
Georgia Health Care Association Georgia Center for Assisted Living
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 1
2022 Quality Report
Moving Forward with Cautious Optimism
GHCA has been honored to support our members on their quality advancement journey. 2022 was defined by cautious optimism as providers steadily moved toward recovery and rebuilding post pandemic.
Resident, employee and public safety are foundational to GHCA members culture of quality and accountability. This commitment has resulted in COVID-19 vaccination rates that far exceed the general population’s rate.
As the workforce crisis persists and regulatory requirements build at an alarming rate, maintaining the status quo would be understandable. Yet, true
to form, our members continued to strive for excellence and their dedication was reflected in the 2022 satisfaction surveys conducted by an independent firm, National Research Corporation. Georgia holds the distinction of having the longest running independent satisfaction survey process of any state, allowing providers to evaluate resident, family and employee service and satisfaction over time.
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2022-2023 GHCA Education & Research Foundation Board of Directors
Dean Shuford
President
Alex Patterson
Vice President
Debbie Meade
Treasurer
TerryCook
Secretary
Board Members at Large
Harve Bauguess Effy Nusbaum Ashton Windham Sarah Ralston Stephens Melissa Oden
Education & Research Foundation
GHCA’s Education & Research Foundation endeavors to advance innovation and quality in the post-acute and long-
term care profession through support of education, research, quality improvement and the provision of scholarships and other incentive payments. Five nurse scholarships were awarded in 2021. Since the Foundation’s scholarship fund inception, over 350 scholarships have been awarded.
The Foundation’s annual fundraiser was a tremendous success. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, Cori Reese with CHSGA was identified as the 2022 raffle winner for a $5,000 travel voucher.
Premier Sponsors:
AHCA/NCAL QUALITY AWARD WINNERS
GHCA was thrilled to have many centers earning a AHCA/NCAL Quality Award in 2022
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Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 3
2022 Quality Report
Remembering our Queen of Quality
Every quality achievement is
now more poignant as we
grieve the loss of GHCA’s long-standing
quality champion, Lucy Rogers. While a tribute to her many accomplishments and body of work is well-deserved, we choose to honor her through a poem shared at her memorial, as we believe it
reflects her heart and legacy.
Take The Love Take the love you have for me and turn it into laughter turn it into blinding light to shine on you thereafter
Take the love you have for me and show it to the world something so amazing needs to blossom and unfurl
Take the love that made us keep it burning bright
let that fire guide you
let it warm you through the night
Take the love you shared with me and spread it out with gladness my life will not have been in vain if you can fight the sadness
Take the love my darling it’s yours to carry on grow that love forevermore and then I won’t be gone.
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2022 Legislative Session
The Amended SFY 2022 and SFY 2023 State Budgets signed by Governor Brian Kemp during the 2022 Legislative Session included the following:
Amended SFY 2022 Budget
✔ Funds (total of $79.3M) for a Quality Incentive Supplemental Program for skilled nursing centers to award year over year improvement in key quality areas.
SFY 2023 State Budget
✔ Funds for skilled nursing centers to reflect
2020 cost reports to include and update the
RS Means Index, GL/PL, property tax and property insurance pass-throughs. Most importantly, DCH was directed to amend the State Plan to update the cost report for rate setting annually.
✔ Funds (total of $5.02M) for a 5% increase the reimbursement rates for mechanical ventilators.
✔ Funds (total of $5.90M) to increase the reimbursement rate for home and community-based service providers to offset the cost of fingerprint requirements.
Legislative
GHCA Launches New Advocacy Action Center
During the 2022 GHCA Fall Council Education Tour, we were thrilled to launch our all-new online advocacy platform. Powered through VoterVoice, the GHCA Action Center allows our members to contact legislators and take action on issues with ease through GHCA Advocacy Campaigns.
Additional capabilities of the Action Center include: ✔ Find Officials tool
✔ Find Legislation tool
✔ Share key relationships with legislators
✔ ...And more!
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 5
continued >>
ARPA COVID-19 Mitigation Grant Program
In December 2021, Governor Kemp announced a
$60 million ARPA COVID-19 Mitigation Grant Program to provide up to $165,000 per nursing center to assist with expenses incurred to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 between March 3, 2021 and June 30, 2022. This action followed many months of discussion between the GHCA Legislative Team and the Governor’s Office regarding the economic crisis
the pandemic has created for the state’s long term care communities, and we are deeply appreciative to
Gov. Kemp for providing this much needed financial relief. The grant program sunset in July 2022.
Legislative
Paying Tribute to House Speaker David Ralston
In 2022, GHCA was deeply saddened to learn of the passing
of one of the greatest leaders our state has ever seen and a steadfast friend of the long term care profession, House Speaker David Ralston. Speaker Ralston was a true advocate for our residents
and our mission to provide care of the highest quality to vulnerable Georgians, and we cannot overstate our gratitude for his steadying and compassionate leadership through the years. We honor his legacy, which will leave an enduring impact not only on the entire state and our profession, but in our hearts.
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Legislative
GHCA Named Among Top 5 Associations in James Magazine
In 2022, GHCA was named among
the top 5 Business or Trade Associations in the state in the James Magazine
Top Lobbyists issue.
Sen. Dean Burke Swears in Speaker David Ralston at Rep. James Beverly Gov. Kemp at Winter
GHCA Board of Directors Summer Convention
Legislative Guests at 2022 GHCA Summer Convention
GHCA was excited to host the following legislators and leaders in attendance at our GHCA Summer Convention:
✔ Rep. James Beverly
✔ Dr. Dean Burke
✔ Speaker David Ralston ✔ Rep. John LaHood
✔ Rep. Butch Parrish
✔ Rep. Matt Hatchett
✔ Rep. Shaw Blackmon
Convention
Gov. Brian Kemp Addresses Membership at 2023 GHCA Winter Convention
The GHCA membership was honored to have Governor Brian Kemp join us at the 2023 GHCA Winter Convention to kick off our Stars in Long Term Care Awards ceremony where we recognized several outstanding centers and individuals.
In addition to Governor Kemp, we had several legislators and state leaders join us throughout the week including:
✔ Rep. Matt Hatchett ✔ Rep. John LaHood ✔ Rep. Noel Williams ✔ Sen. Blake Tillery
✔ Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King
✔ OPB Director of the Office of Health Strategy and Coordination Grant Thomas
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 7
Georgia Center
for Assisted Living
UPDATE
GCAL Members Receive ARPA Grant Funding
In 2022, the Georgia Center for Assisted Living (GCAL) membership was grateful to Governor Brian Kemp for awarding
8 Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report
assisted living communities and personal care homes with 25 or
more beds $47 million in American Rescue Plan Amendment
(ARPA) grant funds (up to $100,000 per facility) to help prevent
and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This grant was made
available through December 1, 2022, with many communities
applying for the funding. GCAL offered many resources to assist members in applying for funding through grant and developed a webpage with important information regarding the grant application process.
Moving GCAL Forward
As members began to enjoy a return to normalcy from the pandemic in 2022, GCAL moved forward to provide enhanced services to members and focus on membership growth.
In alignment with the GHCA strategic plan, GCAL published its first issue of the new monthly newsletter specifically for our GCAL membership in April 2022 – the GCAL Monthly Wrap-Up.
“Joyful Moments” were shared throughout
communities during National Assisted
Living Week (NALW) in September.
The observance provided a unique
opportunity for residents, their loved
ones, staff, volunteers, and local communities to celebrate the individuals who live and work in assisted living and learn more about this sector of long term care.
GCAL membership continues to grow and currently consists of 72 communities.
In May of 2022, the GCAL membership approved amendments to their bylaws to include an additional Board member who serves on the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) Board of Directors. Leadership felt the inclusion of a national representative would bring another level of expertise and guidance to the membership. Additionally the following 2022-2023 GCAL Board members were elected:
Nicole Allen, Brightmoor Assisted Living Chair
Ivy Bumbry, Magnolia Manor - Macon Vice Chair
Julia Barnes, The Spires at Berry College Treasurer
Kathyjo Gordon, The Cottages – GCAL Past Chair
Barbara Mitchell, Magnolia Manor NCAL Representative
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 9
Elderly & Disabled Waiver Case Management Membership
UPDATES
Expanding Our Membership
In July, the Association announced it had expanded allied membership to Community Care Services Program (CCSP) agencies in addition to Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE) agencies, creating one GHCA Elderly & Disabled (E&D) Waiver Case Management allied membership. Expansion of the membership to include CCSP providers and ensure a united voice for waiver case management agencies has been an ongoing priority for GHCA, and we are excited to welcome CCSP agencies to the Association.
SOURCE Satisfaction Surveys
The annual SOURCE Customer Satisfaction Surveys for SOURCE agencies electing to participate in the Quality Incentive Program resulted in some
of the highest ratings for “Net Promoter Scores” at 70.1%. Following the survey process, the EDWCM membership discussed methods to increase client and family participation in the annual survey to achieve the required participation percentage for the incentive program. Also discussed were ways agencies could utilize the satisfaction results to communicate with clients and family members and share how they are addressing any concerns that may have arisen from the survey process.
Rate Increases for HCBS Providers
A $10 rate increase for all Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Fee for Service providers was provided for in the SFY 2022 Budget for a total of $76.55M. This increase benefitted EDWCM member agencies and was made possible using American Rescue Plan Amendment (ARPA) HCBS designated funds. The increase updated rates retroactively to July 1, 2021.
2022-2023 Leadership
Glenda Stewart
Chair
Lisa Peden
Vice Chair
Stella Sykes
Secretary/Treasurer
Laura Prough
Past Chair
Lisa Peden
Quality Committee Chair
Jilda Brown and Edie Kilpatrick Policy Committee Co-Chairs
Stephanie Chambers and Olivia Humphrey Membership Committee Co-Chairs
10 Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report
Moving Forward & Going Back In Person
2022 was a dynamic year for Waiver Case Management agencies. Following over two
years of virtual visitation procedures due to the pandemic, agencies transitioned back to in- person visits with their clients served within the community. The GHCA EDWCM membership worked hard during this transition to ensure each client was carefully assessed and receiving the services they need.
Education Updates
The 2022 Spring and Fall Case Manager Conferences were a great success. The Membership Committee, led by Stephanie Chambers, provided excellent educational sessions through the virtual conference platform covering important topics such as personal safety, mental health for caregivers, and updates from the DCH Waiver Team on major policy changes that were implemented during 2022. Additionally, the virtual Case Manager Conferences and semi-annual SOURCE Basic Training classes were well-attended and received excellent feedback from our members who participated
EDWCM Leadership Awards
The following 2022 EDWCM Leadership Award winners were honored during
the 2023 GHCA Winter Convention in Alpharetta. Congratulations to these outstanding leaders!
Elderly & Disabled Waiver Case Management Administrative Support Leadership Award Winner
Vicki Belliveau-Studley
Next Step Care
Elderly & Disabled Waiver Case Management Social Worker Case Manager Leadership Award Winner
Tonya Almond
Next Step Care
Elderly & Disabled Waiver Case Management Nurse Case Manager Leadership Award Winner
Cindy Bennett
Next Step Care
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 11
Affiliates
GHCA Affiliates are Enhancing Connections & Bringing Excellence to New Heights
The Georgia Association of Nurses in Long Term Care (GANLTC), Georgia Society of Activity Professionals (GSAP) and Georgia Society of Social Service Professionals (GSSSP) continued to weather the pandemic throughout 2022 but remained focused on providing the highest quality of care to their residents. As COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed thanks to efforts to vaccinate residents and associates, the affiliate organizations were thrilled to establish a sense of normalcy for their residents and engage in in-person events safely. Activity calendars were again flooded with all the cherished activities residents love, and volunteers and visitors were once again welcomed into centers. Social service professionals provided their special touch with families as they navigated
the ongoing changes, and nurses continued to implement best practices to ensure quality of care remained at the forefront.
Affiliates Annual Meeting & Quality Summit Recap
Affiliate leadership worked hard to bring the Affiliates Annual Meeting & Quality Summit back in person, and the event was a huge success! After much thoughtful strategic planning, the event included a one day in-person conference in Macon along with virtual OnDemand sessions totaling over 20 hours of continuing education for affiliate members.
Headline presentations included Redefining the Customer Experience, Connecting and Bringing Well-Being Together to Thrive, and important updates from the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division. The affiliate annual award winners and the Terry J. Bryant Media Award winners were honored, and each respective organization held membership meetings to elect their new Board of Directors and evaluate board composition and bylaws. The GANLTC and GSSSP Boards elected to amend their organizations’ bylaws
to align their objectives and initiatives with current operations and restructure the Board positions to encourage engagement and member participation in leadership.
12 Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report
Affiliates
Affiliate Boards of Directors
2022-2023 GANLTC
PattyComer...............................President
A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab at Wesley Woods
Melissa Mitchell ...............Vice President
Crossroads Medical Management
Elizabeth Wright.......................Secretary
Cumming Health & Rehab
Tammy Gurley .......................... Treasurer
John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital
BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE
Janet Gable
Summerhill
Senior Living Community
Karon Layfield
Taylor County Health & Rehabilitation
Jane Martin
Treutlen Health & Rehabilitation
Latasha Ward
PruittHealth – Franklin
Ghena Wilson
Rockmart Health
2022-2023 GSAP
BrandyBriscoe...........................President
Summerhill Senior Living
Alene Cox...........................Vice President
Pelham Parkway Nursing Home
Jackie Ramsdell.......................... Secretary
Twin Oaks Convalescent Center
Bonnie Lupton.......................... Treasurer
Lee County Health & Rehab
Rita Hudson ......GHCA Board Liaison
COUNCIL PRESIDENTS
Mary Mundy ........................East Central
Legacy Health & Rehabilitation
Niki Malone ..................... Metro Atlanta
Glenwood Health Center Harborview
Tanisha Hinton .............Middle Georgia
Summerhill Senior Living
Bonnie Bennett....................... Northwest
Winthrop Health & Rehab
Angela Smith.............................Southeast
Riverview Health & Rehabilitation Center
Felicia Gaines ...........................Southwest
Crisp Regional Nursing & Rehab Center
Tina Gray ............................ West Central
Magnolia Manor of Marion County
2022-2023 GSSSP
PatriciaSherwood.....................President
Jonesboro Nursing & Rehabilitation
Kerry Sandoval..................Vice President
The Lodge
Jody Wilson ................................ Secretary
Lumber City
Kelly Archer............................... Treasurer
Heritage Inn of Sandersville
BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE
Nedwin Pierre
Jonesboro Nursing & Rehabilitation
Geordi Johns
Summerhill Senior Living
Melady Alvarado
Brightmoor Nursing Center
Bobby Taylor
Harborview Thomaston
Kennisha Davis
Brightmoor Nursing Center
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 13
continued >>
Affiliates
NACHA Partnership Program
GHCA & GANLTC partnered with
the National Association of Health Care
Assistants (NAHCA) to provide CNAs
working in Georgia’s skilled nursing centers
NAHCA membership and provide GHCA
member providers additional tools and context designed to assist them in their efforts to recruit and retain skilled CNA workforce. To date, NAHCA membership includes 260 skilled nursing centers.
Benefits of the GHCA & NAHCA Partnership include:
✔ NAHCA membership for all the CNAs in your building
✔ Informational webinars for CNAs on topics such as infection control, the importance of self-care, and person-centered care
✔ Informational webinars for providers designed to assist in workforce recruitment and retention
✔ Opportunities for CNAs to participate in a CareForce Academy that includes enrollment in the NAHCA Preceptor Training and meetings to provide opportunities for networking and peer sharing
✔ Opportunities for CNA representation on GHCA’s Workforce Subcommittee to engage in discussions surrounding recruitment and retention efforts
✔ Opportunities for CNAs to participate in research projects through NAHCA
✔ CNA Week support to include access to a social media toolkit, a video tribute for
CNAs, and more
14 Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 15
Conventions
GHCA Education and Events
We believe the exchange of ideas can foster awareness and action to help make long term and post- acute health care a superior experience for all. Since 1953, GHCA has brought together innovators and leaders across the country to advance our profession. Our education offerings include year-round learning opportunities for all segments of our membership, offering direct digital and in-person events, podcast interviews, videos, conventions and trade shows, and other valuable resources. Under the leadership of Kerry Smith, the GHCA Membership Services Committee identifies vital topics for professional development, searches for expert speakers and collaborates with a cross-section
of consultants, advocates, industry professionals, educators, and lawmakers to deliver top notch programming. Our success can be measured through the over 100 programs we offered in 2022 including regular industry updates for all members, serving over 12,200 professionals and covering topics that included:
✔ Leadership Excellence
✔ Infection Control and
Prevention
✔ Trauma Informed Care
✔ Recruitment and Retention Best Practices
✔ Baldrige Quality Performance
✔ QAPI
✔ Culture Change ✔ Financial Integrity
✔ Residents Rights
✔ Resident Centered Care
✔ Dementia Care
✔ Joint Commission Accreditation
Swearing in of Board of Directors Officers at Summer Convention by Senator Dean Burke
16 Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report
“Creating and Nurturing Connections” The 2022 GHCA Summer Convention
Leadership visionaries and long term and post-acute care experts gathered together at the intersection of experience and engagement for the 2022 GHCA Summer Convention. This convention was designed to equip members with the skills, strategies, and tools they need to stay agile in the evolving long term and post-acute care landscape.
Keynote speaker, David S. Lynch, Practice Director of The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, introduced our participants to the Ritz-Carlton trusted processes that take the guesswork out of selection, onboarding, upskilling and retention of talent. This convention brought forward many fresh and actionable ideas for leaders to elevate experiences and engage employees. Topics covered included sustainable processes, onboarding talent, recognition programs, techniques to personalize service and create emotional connections, and how to reduce problem resolution costs and create consistently exceptional service. Infection Prevention and Control and QAPI remained an important area of emphasis for the week as AC Burke of RB Health Partners, a GHCA Annual Partner, taught members how to use the lessons gained during the pandemic to enhance their facility Infection Prevention and Control Programs and improve outcomes moving forward.
During the House of Delegates meeting at the convention, officer elections were held and the 2022-2023 Board of Directors led by Chair Jerry Patton were installed by Sen. Dean Burke.
Additionally, a great time was had by all at the 2022 GHCA Summer Golf Tournament.
David S. Lynch
AC Burke
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 17
continued >>
Conventions
“Leading the Charge”
The 2023 Hybrid GHCA Winter Convention & Expo
GHCA members have consistently provided strong leadership through numerous challenges to provide a better future for the residents and the staff who care for them. Great leaders attract great talent, and this convention showcased an impressive lineup of talented professionals including George Hunt, one of GHCA’s most distinguished leaders, and Lori Porter, CEO of the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA).
Our participants of the GHCA Georgia Leader program provided their words of leadership wisdom they developed through the completion of the year-long Georgia Leader program by presenting their Leadership Capstone Presentations. This year long program requires a tremendous commitment to not only continue to show up and keep showing up day after day to lead their courageous staff but also a commitment to serve the association, and they truly deserve the deepest of gratitude and respect.
2022-2023 GHCA Georgia Leader Graduates and Capstone Presentations
Lorrie Woebbeking Zoeller
“Being a Non-Clinical Leader in a VERY Clinical World”
Kelsea Garrett
“The Power of Positivity”
Jada McLeod
“How to Manage Drama in the Workforce”
18 Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report
Conventions
Tech Challenge Winner Justin Brown with with HD Supply leadership and GHCA team members
Top Tech Challenge Sponsored by HD Supply
As part of the convention, we were the first state in the nation to host the first-ever Top Tech Challenge Competition for long term
and post-acute care maintenance professionals. Congratulations to our winner, Justin Brown with Brightmoor Healthcare, who will go on
to compete in the national Top Tech Challenge competition at the AHCA/NCAL Convention in October.
Tech Challenge Contestants
continued >>
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 19
Conventions
The GHCA Leadership Excellence Award
This award recognizes
a GHCA leader who
demonstrated exceptional
leadership by making
outstanding contributions
in the areas of public
relations, communications,
administration, quality,
reimbursement, workforce
development, and policy in
long term and post-acute
care. Their leadership is
characterized by results of
increased visibility of critical issues, creation of solutions to significant problems, and positive impacts on the overall quality of care in long term care.
The recipient of the 2022 GHCA Leadership Excellence Award is
Dr. Keitta Evans, DNP, MSN, NE-BC, RN-BC, LNHA, NDHP-BC.
ACHCA GHCA Administrator and Executive Director of the Year Awards
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Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report
Joanne Wren
Administrator of the Year 2022
Jenice Baker
New Administrator of the Year 2022
Ivy Bembry
Assisted Living Administrator of the Year 2022
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 21
Communications
Telling Our Story
GHCA is dedicated to sharing the commitment of Georgia’s long term care communities to advance the care they provide and enhance the lives of their residents and patients. Further, amid a workforce crisis and significant ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it remained critical that the Association continue our efforts to communicate our issues to our state’s leaders and the public at large in 2022.
PR Campaign: Keeping Our Care
In late 2022, GHCA submitted a proposal for a grant by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) for a digital advertising and paid social media campaign with the purpose of achieving our Medicaid funding goals during Georgia’s 2023 legislative session. AHCA awarded the grant in early January of 2023. Using
the services of Robinson Republic and Arena Mail + Digital, the campaign ran for a period of three weeks during the 2023 Legislative Session.
As Governor Kemp’s proposed FY 2024 State Budget
included funding to support a rebase to the most recent
cost report, the ad designs and messaging shared the
profession’s gratitude to our state’s leaders for their support. Additionally, as part of the campaign, GHCA’s ProtectGACare.com website was updated.
Upon completion of the campaign, the ads served 5,979,325 impressions and received 9,334 clicks to the ProtectGACare.com website.
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Communications
2022 WINNER
Contest winer Florence Hand Home
2022 National Skilled Nursing Care Week Social Media Photo Contest
National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW) was held May 9 - 15. GHCA hosted its annual NSNCW Social Media Contest, which was again a huge success. Florence Hand Home was the winner of the contest, having received over 360 “Likes” and 41 shares on their photo submission.
Some of the other submissions
NSNCW Social Media Engagement by the Numbers
Orchard Health and Rehabilitation
Rockmart Health
Northside Gwinnett
Cherokee Center of Canton
PruittHealth – Ocilla
Scott Health and Rehab
Westbury Jackson
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 23
Post Reach ............................ 43,194 Post Engagement................... 6,137 New Followers...........................162
Communications
Ms. Joy Graham
Spring Harbor at Green Island
New Publications: GCAL & SOURCE Monthly Wrap-Ups
As part of our efforts to strengthen GHCA communications for our GCAL and Elderly & Disabled Waiver Case
Management (EDWCM) memberships and further engage our Allied members, the Association launched new
monthly newsletters for both GCAL and EDWCM in 2022. The GCAL and SOURCE Monthly Wrap-Ups are published on the last Friday and every month, and
feature a round-up of need-to-know information for our Allied members.
Virtual Ms. GHCA Pageant
Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, GHCA hosted the 2022 Ms. GHCA Pageant as a virtual event through a series of Facebook videos. The first allowed viewers to meet all the 2022 contestants, the second announced the top 5 contestants, and the last announced the 2022 Ms. Georgia Health Care Association, Ms. Joy Graham of Spring Harbor at Green Island. The virtual pageant was a great success, with all three videos receiving excellent engagement on social media.
24 Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report
Celebrating National Assisted Living Week
National Assisted Living Week® (NALW) was held September 11-17, 2022. In honor of the observance, the Association was pleased to share a new GCAL membership flyer and invite assisted living communities interested in joining GCAL to view the flyer to learn more. We also encouraged GCAL members to re-familiarize themselves with their membership benefits and take advantage of the services available.
Communications
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 25
Emergency Preparedness
GHCA is committed to supporting and responding to our member’s emergency preparedness, and disaster planning needs. Resident, patient, and associate safety is our highest priority. The Secretary of Human and Health Services renewed the federal public health emergency throughout the year on January 16, April 12, July 15, and October 13, 2022. GHCA continued to work with local, state, and federal partners to provide our members up-to-date information on COVID-19.
Promoting COVID-19 Vaccination Amid CMS Requirements
On January 13, 2022, the US Supreme Court issued opinions on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) COVID-19 vaccination requirements cases which resulted in nursing centers and facilities that care for individuals with disabilities (ICF/IIDs) to be required to implement CMS’
vaccination requirements. Assisted living providers were not included in the CMS rule and were not subject to a federal vaccine/testing requirement. Throughout the year, GHCA provided support and guidance to our members concerning updating COVID-19 regulations and policies along with tools designed to promote vaccination among residents and associates.
26 Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report
Emergency Preparedness
Ongoing Partnerships in 2022
✔ Georgia Long Term Care Infectious Disease Educational Program
GHCA continued our partnership with the University of Georgia
Institute for Disaster Management (UGA-IDM) in 2022. UGA-IDM
began offering a new 3-year Georgia Long Term Care Infectious Disease
Course, presenting in all Georgia healthcare coalition regions. The
Georgia Long Term Care Infectious Disease Educational Program (GA
LTCIDEP) course is for certified long term care facility staff and targets infection preventionists, other clinical care providers and non-clinical staff to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities related to infectious diseases. Topics covered include infectious disease precautions, prevention, protection, and disinfection. There will be two educational courses offered over the next three years: Infectious Disease Foundations and Infectious Disease Principles.
✔ Georgia CNA Career Pathway Initiative
Additionally, UGA-IDM is leading a new initiative to bolster the long-term care workforce and provide mental health support to providers through a new grant opportunity. The Georgia CNA Career Pathway Initiative was created under this grant to increase and support the CNA workforce in Georgia with a mission to attract and retain 2,000 new CNAs into the workforce over the duration of the grant. In addition to the workforce initiative, the grant offers a Mental Health Strike Team, whose mission is to offer trained peer support teams within facilities, a stress management resource toolkit for facilities to share with staff, and the development of external stress management support teams for deployment to facilities in support of traumatic events. The GHCA partnership with UGA- IDM has proven to be an asset to our membership and residents.
✔ Project Firstline
The CDC Project Firstline is an infection prevention and control training
program in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health
(DPH). The Infection Prevention Program provides tools to educate
all healthcare professionals irrespective of their previous training or
educational background on the basics of infection control principles
and protocols. It also provides mentorship and sponsorship to health
care workers interested in obtaining an A-IPC or CIC (Certified Infection Prevention and Control) certification with the Certification Board of Infection control and Epidemiology (CBIC).
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 27
Emergency Preparedness
2022 Hurricane Season
The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1 and ended on November 30. During this season, 2 major hurricanes developed. The first, Hurricane Fiona, made landfall in Puerto Rico on September 18 and the second, Hurricane Ian in Southwestern Florida on September 28, both
as a Category 4 hurricane. While no evacuations were required for Hurricane Fiona, 2 nursing centers located along Georgia’s coastline were successfully evacuated ahead of Hurricane Ian. Both hurricanes caused catastrophic flooding, storm surge and wind damage to the areas that received the brunt of storm’s force, resulting in lives lost and billions in damages for Puerto Rico and Florida in general. GHCA continues to work with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the DPH in providing education and a streamlining of the evacuation process for long term care communities. We continue our emergency preparedness efforts and provide critical information to members to assist their preparedness for hurricane season and other types of weather events.
Hurricane Ian
Honoring our 2022 Emergency Preparedness Champions
Our 2022 Emergency Preparedness Awards were presented to the following outstanding individuals during the 2023 GHCA Winter Convention. Congratulations!
Glenn Curtis, CHSGa
Engineering & Environmental Services Champion of Long Term Care
Carolyn Jo Lucke
Resorts at Pooler Emergency Preparedness Champion of Long Term Care
28 Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report
2022 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Winners
Bainbridge Health & Rehab
Fort Gaines Health & Rehab
Heart of Georgia Summerhill Nursing Home Senior Living
22022 AHCA/NCAL Silver Quality Award Winners
Jesup Health and Rehab
Community
2022 AHCA/NCAL Bronze Quality Award Winners
Ansley Park Health & Rehabilitation Appling Nursing and Rehab Pavilion Avalon Health & Rehab Bolingreen Health & Rehabilitation Budd Terrace at Wesley Woods Crestview Health & Rehab Center Eagle Health & Rehab Center Effingham Care & Rehabilitation Center Florence Hand Home Harrington Park Health & Rehab Lynn Haven Health & Rehabilitation Magnolia Manor - Midway Montezuma Health & Rehabilitation Newnan Health & Rehab Center
Oak View Health & Rehab Oceanside Nursing & Rehab PruittHealth - Blue Ridge PruittHealth - Fairburn PruittHealth - Fitzgerald PruittHealth - Moultrie PruittHealth - Toccoa PruittHealth - Washington Randolph County Health and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Center of South Georgia Rockmart Health
Savannah Beach Nursing & Rehab Vista Park Health & Rehab
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 29
Vicki Belliveau-Studley
Next Step Care
Elderly & Disabled Waiver Case Management Administrative Support
You Shine
Leadership Award Winners
Tonya Almond
Next Step Care
Elderly & Disabled Waiver Case Management Social Worker Case Manager
Champions of Long Term Care
Cindy Bennett
Next Step Care
Elderly & Disabled Waiver Case Management Nurse Case Manager
Glenn Curtis, CHSGa Carolyn Jo Lucke, Resorts at Pooler
Engineering & Environmental Services
Emergency Preparedness
Administrator of The Year
Joanne Wrenn
Madison Health & Rehabilitation
CNA of the Year
Gloriasteen Mercer
Autumn Lane Health & Rehabilitation
Assisted Living Administrator of The Year
Ivy Bembry
Magnolia Manor of Macon
RN of the Year
Mildred Williams
Oceanside Health and Rehab/ Savannah Beach Health and Rehab
New Administrator of The Year
Jenice Baker
Magnolia Manor at Midway
Leadership Excellence Award Winner
Keitta Evans, CHSGa
LPN of the Year
Benetta Battle
Lynn Haven Health and Rehabilitation Center
Activity Professional of the Year
Tina Gray
Magnolia Manor of Marion County
Social Service Professional of the Year
Melissa Clifton
Gordon Health & Rehabilitation
2022 Ms. Georgia Health Care Association
Joy Graham
Spring Harbor at Green Island
30 Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report
2022 Terry J. Bryant Media Award Winners
Community Involvement
1st ............... PruittHealth–Athens Heritage
2nd ............... Florence Hand Home Wellstar
3rd ............... Westbury Center of Jackson for Nursing & Healing
Newsletter
1st ............... Brightmoor Nursing Center for the “Brightmoor Bulletin” 2nd ............... Carlyle Place for the “The Carlyle Press”
Photo in a Newspaper
1st ............... Brightmoor Nursing Center
2nd ............... Quiet Oaks Health Care Center
3rd ............... Westbury Center of Jackson for Nursing & Healing
Social Media Star
1st ............... A.G. Rhodes
2n ............... Westbury Center of Jackson for Nursing & Healing
Television Coverage
1st ............... Summer’s Landing of Warner Robins
Newspaper Article
1st ............... Westbury Center of Jackson for Nursing & Healing 2nd ............... Quinton Memorial Health & Rehabilitation 3rd ............... Brightmoor Nursing Center
Group Volunteer of the Year
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Chi Tau Omega Chapter, Westbury Center of Conyers for Nursing & Healing
Georgia Health Care Association 2022 Annual Report 31
Phone: 678-289-6555
160 Country Club Drive, Stockbridge, GA 30281
www.ghca.info
@ GHCA.info @ghcainfo @ghcagcal
This publication of the 2022 Annual Report was made possible by the generous support of the GHCA Special Projects Committee.
2022-2023 GHCA Officers & Board Members
OFFICERS: Jerry Patton, Chair Suzanne Gerhardt, Vice Chair Terry Cook, Secretary Brad Bilbo, Treasurer Donna Stefano, Past Chair
BOARD MEMBERS: Board Members Nicole Allen Laura Backus Katy Callaway Deke Cateau Gregory Davis Renee Ellis Jack French Jason Gerard Jeffrey Gopen Donna Holman Nick Lancaster Debbie Meade Barbara Mitchell Glenda O. Stewart Michelle Stokes Nick Williams Keith Wilson Spencer Windham
Chris Downing
President & CEO
Fax: 678-289-6400