GHCA 2021 Annual Report

Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report A




From the President
The Georgia Health Care Association (GHCA) and its members remain dedicated to advancing the quality of care in our state and improving the lives of all those residing in a long term health care setting. As long term care communities continued to face unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 in 2021, our members went above and beyond the call of duty with immense bravery and a deep dedication to the vulnerable individuals in their care. Every day, through countless acts of selfless sacrifice, they reminded us that they are heroes.
The GHCA team is proud to serve such a caring and compassionate group of people. As such, this annual report will serve as a true testament of all our members have done in 2021 and continue to do to provide high-quality, compassionate care to Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens.
On behalf of the membership, I thank you for your interest in the Association and encourage you to share this Annual Report highlighting all our members are doing in dedicated service to those who need us
the most.
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 (@GHCA.info) and Twitter (@GHCAinfo) pages for the latest news and updates regarding long term and post-acute care in Georgia.
Sincerely,
Tony Marshall
President & CEO
Georgia Health Care Association Georgia Center for Assisted Living
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 1


2021 Quality rePort
Forging Ahead While Honoring the Challenges
As 2021 ended, caregivers, residents, families, and stakeholders looked ahead to 2022 with cautious optimism as the challenges wrought by an unrelenting global pandemic were an attendant reality. For providers, challenges were compounded by a workforce crisis that rippled across the state and nation.
GHCA members continued to demonstrate unparalleled resilience as they celebrated COVID-19 recoveries, grieved losses, embraced innovation and proudly shared their stories of compassion, perseverance, and dedication. Though the quality journey may have periodically slowed along the way, GHCA members forged ahead with quality advancement and improvement efforts. We are proud to reflect on their service and accomplishments as they continue to build upon a legacy of quality.
GHCA is grateful for the support of state and local partners as well as Alliant Health Solutions, Georgia’s Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization. An unwavering commitment to quality of care for Georgia’s deserving seniors fostered collaboration to ensure timely support and solutions.
SINCE 03/02/20
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RESIDENTS: 18,484
STAFF: 17,780


Infection Control Evaluation & Support
Agency
Assessment/Support
Evaluations (#)
Alliant Health Solutions
Infection Prevention & Control
site visit
66
Department of Public Health (DPH)
Infection Control Assessment and Response
SNF – 266 Other LTCF – 98
Health Care Facility Regulation Division (HFRD)
Focused Infection Control Survey (FICS)
275
QUALITY AWARD WINNERS
10
Magnolia Manor of Marion County
28
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 3


2021 Quality rePort
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. Fifteen nurse scholarships were awarded in 2021. Since the Foundation’s scholarship fund inception, over 350 scholarships have been awarded.
Contribution in Memory of Dedicated Nurse
A generous donation was made to the Foundation in memory of Christine Scribner, a Registered Nurse who
served the profession with dedication
and compassion. Ms. Scribner was a long-standing member of the Georgia Association of Nurses in Long Term Care (GANLTC) and the donation in her honor will advance clinical standards of excellence through education and training.
Foundation Raffle
The Foundation’s annual raffle fundraiser
was a tremendous success. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, Lori Portfleet of Magnolia Manor was selected as the winner of the raffle for a $5,000 travel voucher.
4 Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report
I used part of my travel gift to take my family
for Christmas to Hilton Head Island. My son, my daughter-in-law, my only grandson (2.5 years old), my daughter and my husband. We had a wonderful time, ate well, were on the beach on Christmas Day, and it would not have been possible without the generosity of the sponsors.
Thank you for a wonderful Christmas gift! — Lori


Workforce
Attraction, hiring and retention of an adequate competent workforce to ensure quality of care was a priority in 2021. GHCA focused on staff development, risk mitigation for staff burnout, amplification of employees’ voice from the frontline and expansion of talent pipeline.
Key Highlights
N Numerous webinars and educational offerings provided on stress, burn-out, resilience, self- care, compassion fatigue, etc.
N 10,000+ Temporary Nurse Aides (TNA) trained in Georgia since 2020 program launch
N Approval of the GHCA TNA to CNA Nurse Aide Training curriculum
N Certified Medication Program approved by Department
of Community Health for implementation in skilled nursing centers
N Partnership 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 content designed to assist them in their efforts to recruit
and retain a skilled CNA
workforce
Lucy M. Rogers Scholarship Program
During the 2021 Summer Convention, the Foundation announced it would rename its nurse scholarship program in honor of Lucy M. Rogers, a longtime GHCA leader who has had a tremendous impact on the long term and post-acute care profession. Ms. Rogers has demonstrated a lifetime
of dedication and passion for enhancing the care provided to elderly Georgians. She is a one-of-a-kind leader who has laid the foundation for many of our quality initiatives that are in place today, and
the Foundation Board was honored to recognize her as the namesake for its scholarship program.
Also in 2021, the Alliant Community Health Impact Grant Committee of the Alliant Health Group, Inc. Board of Directors approved a grant in honor of Ms. Rogers. The $20,000 grant directly benefited the Lucy M. Rogers Nurse Scholarship Program. GHCA is grateful to Alliant for their ongoing support of the Foundation’s work to develop, promote and support the professional development and education of individuals who desire to specialize in long term and post-acute healthcare.
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 5


legislative
2021 Legislative Session Produces Positive Budget Developments for GHCA Members
After excellent outreach and advocacy by the entire GHCA membership during the 2021 Legislative Session, the FY 2022 State Budget signed by Gov. Brian Kemp at the conclusion of the Session presented providers with a predictable policy to guide operations and spending for the months and years ahead.
Further, GHCA membership was grateful to the legislature for providing additional funding for long term care when the budget was later amended during the 2022 Legislative Session.
The final FY 2022 Amended Budget included:
N Rebase Medicaid Rates based on the audited 2019 Medicaid Cost Report basis with 5% growth allowance for a total of $60.2M
N Create a Hold Harmless provision for providers hurt in the first year of transition by the rebase to the 2019 Medicaid cost report basis for a total of $24.2M
House Speaker David Ralston and Rep. Shaw Blackmon attended the GHCA Summer Convention to honor our own Debbie Meade, AHCA Chair and GHCA Board member, with HR 1542
6 Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report
N Update the GLPL and Property Tax/ Insurance Pass-Throughs to current costs for a total of $10.4M
N Increase Medicaid Vent Program Rate by 5.9% for a total of $1.2M
N Increase funds to add quality incentive supplement program for nursing homes who show year over year improvement in four specific Quality Characteristics for a total of $36.3M
N Increase the funds for the quality initiative supplement program in the SFY 2022 Amended Budget for a total of $80M
Total Funding Increases:
N $132.3M in additional funding in SFY 2022 Budget
N $80M in additional funding in the Amended SFY 2022 Budget
N Total Funds provided for SFY 2022 and Amended SFY 2022: $212.3 M
Representative Butch Parrish swears in 2021-2022 GHCA Board of Directors led by Chair Jerry Patton at the 2021 GHCA Summer Convention


Gov. Brian Kemp Approves $60M ARPA COVID-19 Mitigation Grant for Nursing Centers
In 2021, Governor Brian Kemp and the Governor’s Office of
Planning and Budget (OPB) approved 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,
GHCA owners and leaders, and the Governor’s Office regarding the economic crisis the pandemic has created for the state’s long term care communities, and GHCA members were deeply appreciative to Gov. Kemp for providing this much needed financial relief.
legislative
GHCA leaders meet with Governor Kemp to discuss the challenges faced during the pandemic
James Magazine
GHCA Again Named Top Association in the State by James Magazine
GHCA was thrilled to be named the number one association in Georgia by James Magazine in its 2021 Top Lobbyists Issue for the third year in a row. GHCA VP of Governmental Affairs Russel Carlson was also listed among the top 5 lobbyists in the State. Special thanks to everyone who voted!
GeorgiaCARES Grant Program
for Nursing Center Employee Testing Extended Through October 2021
In 2020, Governor Kemp announced of the release of $113 million in CARES Act emergency relief funding for Georgia’s skilled nursing centers for increased state- supported staffing and COVID-19 response, including $78 million in additional funding for nursing center staff testing. GeorgiaCARES testing grant covered
the cost of the COVID-19 testing of nursing centers employees as mandated during the public health emergency. The grant program was extended through October 2021 and was incredibly beneficial to members.
GHCA is grateful to Governor Kemp for prioritizing the health and safety of elderly Georgians and helping centers meet CMS’ new requirements for regular testing of long term care staff.
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 7


georgia Center
For assisted living
UPDATE
In 2021, Georgia Center for Assisted Living (GCAL) members supported important issues related to funding and were highly involved
in regulatory discussions regarding staffing, training and memory care requirements, all the while providing quality care to the residents in their communities amid an ongoing pandemic.
With the passing of HB 987 which provided additional requirements for Georgia’s assisted living communities and personal care homes with 25 beds or more, GCAL was able to provide training and deliver communications on the proposed changes that went into effect on July 1, 2021. Governor Kemp signed the final version of Rule 393-3-.04 regarding licensure requirements for assisted living and
Photo: PruittHealth
personal care home administrators and Rule 393-3-.01 establishing the Georgia Board of Long Term Care Administrators.
GCAL was an active participant in workgroups establishing licensure requirements per the new rule. As such, GCAL’s Certified Assisted Living Administrator Course, which fulfills one of
the qualifications for licensure, has proven to be a huge success with over 500 individuals completing the course in 2021.
Goals For Future Growth
The GCAL Board was elected in May, and leadership developed a two-year strategic plan to focus on membership growth by developing a recruitment plan, enhancing value-added services, and increasing educational offerings including developing Assisted Living tracks for both Winter and Summer Conventions.
2021-2022 GCAL Board of Directors
N Chair:
Samantha Allen, Jonesboro Assisted Living
N Vice Chair:
Mary Smith, The Oaks Personal Care Home
N Secretary:
Cheryl Chambers, Breman Commons
N Treasurer:
Jeff Gopen, The William Breman Jewish Home
N Past Chair:
Kathyjo Gordon, Stone Brooke Suites
8 Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report


Amy Upchurch
Registered Nurse Case Manager PruittHealth Hospice (Gainesville)
One Monday morning, a fire broke out at an
apartment building in Rabun County. Two partners
from PruittHealth Hospice (Gainesville) were in
the apartment building and called 911. They told
authorities that there was a fire in their patient’s
apartment. Before firefighters and medics made it to
the scene, Amy Upchurch and Hayley Evans helped
everyone safely evacuate. Haley picked up one
woman and physically carried her out of the apartment to safety! Meanwhile, Amy was working to get another woman out of the apartment. By time firefighters got to the scene, everyone was safely evacuated from the building, thanks in large part to the heroic efforts of Haley and Amy!
Hayley Evans
Certified Nursing Assistant PruittHealth Hospice (Gainesville)
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 9


Spotlight
GHCA SOURCE benefitted from the excellent leadership of Chair Laura Prough,
Vice Chair Glenda Stewart, and Treasurer Jane Addison throughout 2021. It was
Laura Prough, GHCA SOURCE Chair
individual in their care was carefully assessed and receiving the necessary services.
Education Highlights
GHCA SOURCE successfully hosted its
2021 Fall Case Manager Conference through a virtual platform. The Membership Committee, led by Stephanie Chambers, provided an excellent program that was well attended and received by the GHCA SOURCE membership. Additionally, new SOURCE case managers were able to attend virtual GHCA SOURCE Basic Case Manager Training courses in the Winter and Fall.
a challenging year for GHCA SOURCE agencies, who continued to conduct their case management interactions with members via telehealth or telephone due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns. Despite the absence
of in-person contact, SOURCE members worked hard to make sure that each
SOURCE Case Manager Nurse of the Year: Shiron Phelps, Crossroads Community SOURCE
New Award Recognitions
GHCA SOURCE expanded its leadership award categories to include Nurse Case Manager of the Year and Administrative Support Staff Award to continue to recognize and celebrate excellence among its membership. This year, the SOURCE Nurse Case Manager of the Year was awarded
to Shiron Phelps, Case Manager for Crossroads Community SOURCE in Perry, GA. We also are proud of Danelle Newberry who was awarded the GHCA SOURCE Administrative Support Staff Award for her work with the Crossroads Community SOURCE team. We look forward to continuing to celebrate our SOURCE award winners and expanding the awards program in 2022.
SOURCE Support Staff Award Winner: Danelle Newberry of Crossroads Community SOURCE
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Ongoing Collaboration With DCH
Throughout 2021, GHCA SOURCE continued to engage and collaborate with the Department of Community Health’s (DCH) Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver team. DCH Waiver Program leadership committed to working closely with GHCA SOURCE
on policy changes and were involved in stakeholder meetings regarding the Enhanced FMAP funds available for HCBS services. Further, SOURCE continues to work with DCH on improvements to the incident reporting system rolled out to HCBS in Summer of 2020.
Rate Increase Provided for in the FY 2022 State Budget
During the 2021 Legislative Session, the
FY 2022 budget passed with a 10% rate increase ($19.6M in state funds and $76.5M total funds) for home and community based service providers to include case management services. This rate increase went into effect July 1, 2021.
Lakisha Morgan Activities Director PruittHealth – Fairburn.
“PruittHealth does have great staff.
I know because my husband was at PruittHealth – Fairburn for a little
over 5 years before passing. I loved everyone there. They took great care of my husband. And the activities director, Lakishia Morgan, is the greatest. She always made sure I had plenty of time to visit with him on video. And I know if she did this for him, she did for others as well. She is an Angel.” — Martha
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 11


aFFiliates
GHCA Affiliates’ Unwavering Commitment in 2021
Members of 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 be impacted by the pandemic throughout 2021. However, they showed immense bravery and an unwavering commitment to the vulnerable individuals in their care. The Affiliate Boards mostly met virtually to ensure members could remain present at the center to meet the needs of residents. Virtual meetings provided updates on COVID-19 requirements and guidelines, and offered much-needed support. They
Affiliates Annual Meeting & Quality Summit Recap
As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to be at the forefront of decision making for hosting in-person and/or virtual events, Affiliate leadership made the decision to host the GHCA Affiliate Annual Meeting & Quality Summit as a virtual event. The Summit – themed “Better Together” – showcased Live
and OnDemand trainings and defined how center staff working TOGETHER to combat the pandemic made for a BETTER environment for all.
continued to monitor community transmission rates, public health guidance and the operational landscape, all while striving to provide normalcy and quality living to their residents. As restrictions lessened, all were excited to bring back group activities and welcome visitors, all of which was possible thanks to the team efforts of the affiliate organizations.
Looking forward, the Affiliate Boards have developed a Strategic Plan that will focus
on enhancing education and evaluating the structure of the Affiliate organizations in hopes to re-energize and re-engage members.
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Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report


aFFiliates
Affiliate Boards of Director
2021-2022 GANLTC
Patty Comer ......................... President Melissa Mitchell............ Vice President Elizabeth Wright ..................Secretary Tammy Gurley .....................Treasurer Robin Lambeth .............Past President Jane Martin .....................East Central
Council President
Regina Peavy ................ Metro Atlanta Council President
Sandi Acock............... Middle Georgia Council President
Laura Gray...........................Northeast Council President
Stephanie Broome...............Northwest Council President
Tammy Gurley ................... Southwest Council President
2020-2021 GSAP
Brandy Briscoe...................... President Lolieta Nunnally........... Vice President Jackie Ramsdell ....................Secretary Alene Cox .............................Treasurer Stan Adams ...................Past President Mary Mundy ...................East Central
Council President
Niki Malone ................. Metro Atlanta Council President
Bonnie Bennett...................Northwest Council President
Jackie Ramsdell ................... Southeast Council President
Bonnie Lupton.................... Southwest Council President
Louise Bush ....................West Central Council President
2020-2021 GSSSP
Maryam Mullen ................... President Patricia Sherwood ......... Vice President Taffi Moore...........................Secretary Jessica Harr...........................Treasurer Jessica Harr......................East Central
Council President
Maryam Mullen ........... Metro Atlanta Council President
Kerry Sandoval .......... Middle Georgia Council President
Sandi Thurber .....................Northeast Council President
MarySue Smith...................Northwest Council President
Felecia Fulmore.................... Southeast Council President
Bobby Taylor ..................West Central Council President
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 13


Dotlin Powell, CNA A.G. Rhodes Wesley Woods
After spending several years caring for her mother who had dementia, Dotlin Powell found her calling as a caregiver for older adults.
Dotlin immigrated from Jamaica to the United States after her mother passed away, and
in 2009 she began working as a CNA at A.G. Rhodes Wesley Woods. For most of that time, Dotlin has been caring for elders living with dementia.
“It’s my passion,” she said.
Dotlin has a gift for communicating with residents and understanding them despite the communications challenges that dementia brings.
“I listen and watch carefully, and I sense what they need.”
Greg Heath, Administrator at A.G. Rhodes Wesley Woods, says that it’s clear that Dotlin views her role as more than a job.
“Dotlin sees the elders and her fellow care partners as family. That’s how she treats them. Her compassion is the first thing you notice about her.”
Even when she’s away from work, Dotlin is thinking about the elders. One of her hobbies is to knit them blankets which she gives them as gifts for Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
“Every year since I’ve been here I knit blankets so they feel warm and loved. I like to give them bright colors.”
Dotlin says that she wants families to know that their loved ones are being well cared for at A.G. Rhodes.
“I’m making them comfortable,” she said. “I want them to know that A.G. Rhodes is a home away from home. It’s an environment where we show love, care and passion.”
It’s clear that Dotlin is proud and honored to do what she does, and her work brings her— and the elders—genuine joy.
“I’m inspired to go to work every day,” she said. “At the end of the day when some elders look at me and say, ‘Thank you very much,’ it warms my heart.”
14 Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report


Events
Together Through the Seasons 2021 GHCA Summer Convention
GHCA’s First Hybrid Convention
ConneCt
The theme of the 2021 Summer Convention, “Together Through the Seasons,” carried forward the mission of National Skilled Nursing Care Week. Offered as a hybrid event, the convention enabled professionals across
the state to gather in person and virtually to collaborate in their commitment to providing compassionate care to their residents through the unprecedented challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
A message of unity was expressed throughout
the week. Highlights of the event included:
N A heartwarming opening session featuring a video performance
of the country music song,
“Hey Mama,” a touching tribute honoring all long term care heroes written and recorded by country music band, Jukebox Rehab, based on the lead singer’s real life experience with his own mother’s healthcare journey
in long term care during the pandemic.
N A special tribute to Lucy Rogers, a nursing home administrator and nurse who forever changed long term health care in
Georgia through her lifetime of dedication and unwavering commitment to quality advancement.
N Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston shared his appreciation for the courage, heroism and care rendered to Georgians under extremely difficult circumstances and honored Georgia’s own Debbie Meade, AHCA Chair of the Board, with a House Resolution recognizing and commending her leadership efforts through the pandemic
N AHCA President Mark Parkinson shared that GHCA remains one among the top health care associations in the nation due to the many visionary leaders guiding our efforts
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 15
continued >>


ConneCt
Events
Answering the Call to Courage 2022 Hybrid GHCA Winter Convention & Expo
In the face of ongoing challenges associated with a global pandemic, GHCA members
have consistently answered the call to courage with dedication and a willingness to sacrifice
to ensure their residents receive care of the highest quality. This convention and expo enabled participants to discover inspirational opportunities to succeed by sharing new ideas, skills, tools, novel solutions and best practices. The event answered the call by uniting Georgia professionals and distinguished experts from
a wide range of specialties to spotlight the latest developments in long term care, while
promoting networking and the exchange of ideas between forward-thinking professionals and companies.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, long term care communities were among the hardest hit sectors in all of healthcare and center staff went above and beyond, caring for residents
in the face of great personal risk. At the Stars of Long Term Care Awards Ceremony during the Winter Convention, we celebrated and honored these professionals for their heroism and bravery.
Education
GHCA understands that long term health care professionals never stop learning once they begin their careers and strives to ensure our members have many opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. Our education 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.
In 2021, we successfully provided over 100 programs including thirty completely free-of-charge COVID-19 Update member webinars, serving over 12,200 professionals and covering topics that included:
N Infection Control and Prevention
N Trauma Informed Care
N Leadership and Staffing
N Baldrige Quality Performance
N QAPI
N Culture Change
N Financial Integrity
N Residents Rights
N Resident Centered Care
N Joint Commission Accreditation
N ...and much more
16 Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report


Also at the convention, participants of the GHCA Georgia Leader Program shared leadership wisdom they learned through the completion of the year-long program in their Leadership Capstone Presentations. The Georgia Leader Program requires a tremendous commitment to not only continue to show up each day to lead their courageous staff in the centers, but also a commitment to serve the Association. They truly deserve our deepest gratitude!
Faith Coulbourne-Scott, MSN, RNC, RAC-CT
2021-2022 GHCA Georgia Leader Graduates
Faith Coulbourne-Scott, MSN, RNC, RAC-CT Tressa Hammond
Phyllis Kennedy-Howell, DNP, FNP-BC
Mary L. Smith
Phyllis Kennedy-Howell, DNP, FNP-BC
Tressa Hammond
continued >>
Mary L. Smith
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 17


CommuniCations
Telling Our Story
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, GHCA has remained dedicated to proactively telling the story of Georgia’s long term
care communities in the battle against the virus. Throughout 2021, GHCA took every opportunity to highlight the sacrifices of dedicated health care professionals working in Georgia’s nursing centers and call on the state’s leaders to provide much-needed resources and support. GHCA has also taken steps to correct any misinformation regarding centers’ response to the pandemic and balance negative media coverage.
As part of these efforts, GHCA contracted with Brian Robinson of Robinson Republic for ongoing support. Through our work with Brian, GHCA placed numerous positive media pieces and developed a two-page advertorial spread which was featured in James Magazine, one of Georgia’s leading political publications that is distributed widely at the State Capitol. We used this advertisement space to thank
our dedicated caregivers and urge Georgia lawmakers to support funding to ensure long term care communities can continue to meet the needs of elderly Georgians amid COVID-19 and in the future.
18 Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report


CommuniCations
PR Campaign
Social Media Ads and Updated ProtectGACare.com Site
Using the services of Robinson Republic and Arena Mail + Digital, GHCA launched a public relations social media advertising campaign in early January 2022 to demonstrate the critical need for financial relief for
long term care communities to ensure their
continued viability to meet the care needs of vulnerable Georgians.
As part of the campaign, GHCA updated its ProtectGaCare.com site. Upon completion of the ad flight, the campaign served 6.6M impressions and had 19,411 clicks through to the ProtectGACare. com site.
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 19


CommuniCations
Social Media Spotlight
Throughout 2021, GHCA used its social media pages to highlight members’ dedication to ensuring the safety and happiness of their residents.
11 Alive features: Nursing home offers staff bonuses, other incentives to get COVID-19 vaccine
20
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report
Winder Health Care working hard to protect residents and staff as they continue to fight this pandemic.
Lynn Haven Health & Rehabilitation recently celebrated having nearly all of their residents and over 70% of staff vaccinated against #COVID19 and being virus free for 30+ days. Amazing job!
Spread hope, not germs. The residents and caregivers of Lynn Haven Health & Rehabilitation were excited to roll up their sleeves and #GetVaccinated for #COVID19. #LTCHeroes
# Vaccinations


CommuniCations
Showcasing the Commitment and Dedication of Caregivers
GHCA honors their nurses GHCA thanks CNA heroes during National Nurses Week during CNA Week
A.G.Rhodes wishes Ms. Frances Thrasher a very special birthday! April 6, Ms. Thrasher turned 100 years old! A “blessing” is how she described her centennial birthday.
Demonstrating Long Term Care Needs Amid Ongoing Challenges
Capitol Beat features: Georgia nursing homes seeking $347 million in federal COVID-19 relief. GHCA says “The current financial conditions are simply not sustainable... .
It is critical that the state take action to protect access to care for vulnerable seniors.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution features:
Hard-hit Georgia nursing home industry seeks $347 million in COVID-19 relief
Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are seeking more federal money
Staffing shortages at crisis levels in Georgia nursing homes
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 21
# We Care
# Long term living needs


CommuniCations
2021 National Skilled Nursing Care Week:
Governor’s Proclamation, Social Media Photo Contest
National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW) was held May 9 - 15, and the Public Relations Committee is excited to report that Gov. Brian Kemp proclaimed May 9 - 15 as Skilled Nursing Care Week in Georgia. Additionally, 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 730 “Likes” and 31 shares on their photo submission.
Florence Hand Home
22 Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report
NSNCW WINNER


CommuniCations
Cartersville Center for Nursing and Healing
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 23
William Breman Jewish Home
Westbury Jackson
Summerhill


CommuniCations
Going Virtual: Ms. GHCA Pageant
Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, GHCA hosted the 2021 Ms. GHCA Pageant as
a virtual event through
a series of Facebook videos. The first allowed viewers to meet all the 2021 contestants, the second announced the top 5 contestants, and the last announced the 2021 Ms. Georgia Health Care Association, Ms. Beverly Dobbs of Powder Springs Center for Nursing & Healing. The virtual pageant was a great success, with all three videos receiving excellent engagement on social media.
24 Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report
2021 Ms. Georgia Health Care Association
Ms. Beverly Dobbs
Powder Springs Center for Nursing & Healing


CommuniCations
Annette Childress
Riverdale Center for Nursing & Healing
Jimmie McCurry
Delmar Gardens of Gwinnett
Shareka Miller
Irma Gooden
Westbury Center of Jackson Nursing & Healing
Miller Nursing Home
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 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 Health and Human Services renewed the federal public health emergency on April 21, 2021, for a duration of 90 days and later extended it multiple times into 2022. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued the final public health state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on June 22, 2021, which expired on July 1, 2021 at 12:00 a.m. GHCA continues to work with local, state, and federal partners to provide up-to-date information on COVID-19.
On March 26, 2021, CMS updated the Appendix Z Emergency Preparedness Guidance. Updates focused on inclusion of emerging infectious diseases, expansion of acceptable exercises, explicit restriction of extension cords for portable generators, and
other documentation requirements. GHCA partnered with the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office to update the LTCF E-Tag Survey Worksheet. Facilities were strongly encouraged to utilize the worksheet as annual life safety and emergency preparedness surveys re-started. Craig Landolt was sworn in as the new Georgia State Fire Marshal in 2021, and we look forward to maintaining our strong partnership with the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
COVID Updates
In 2021, two COVID-19 variants were of particular concern – the Delta and Omicron variants. In June 2021, after a steady decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations,
the Delta variant rapidly reversed that trend. Omicron became a “variant of concern” after it was identified in Botswana and South Africa in late November 2021. Cases quickly began to surface in other countries including the U.S. In mid-December, Omicron became the predominant strain in the U.S., and briefly caused daily case numbers to skyrocket to over a million.
Long term care professionals responded to each surge of the virus with bravery, compassion, and a laser-like focus on ensuring the health and safety of their residents.
26 Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report


emergenCy PreParedness
2021 Hurricane Season
The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season
officially began on June 1, 2021 and
ended on November 30, 2021
and no evacuations were required.
According to the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Association (NOAA)
the 2021 hurricane season was the third
most active year on record in terms of named storms, the sixth consecutive above normal Atlantic hurricane season, and the first time on record that two consecutive hurricane seasons have exhausted the list of the 21 storm names. GHCA continues to work with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the Georgia Department
of Public Health (GaDPH) in providing education and streamlining of the evacuation process for facilities in the event it becomes necessary. We continue our emergency preparedness efforts to assist members to be prepared for hurricane season and other types of weather events.
Ongoing Partnerships
In 2021, GHCA also continued our partnership with the University of Georgia Institute for Disaster Management (UGA- IDM). We supported the UGA-IDM in
the improvement of existing long term care emergency preparedness education programs – the Basic Course and Advanced Course. We also assisted in the development of a new Disaster Exercise Course. Our partnership with the UGA-IDM has proven to be an asset for our members and their residents.
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 27


2021 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Winners
2021 AHCA/NCAL Gold Qualty Award Winner Magnolia Manor of Marion County
2021 AHCA/NCAL
Silver Quality Award Winners
Azalea Health & Rehab Center High Shoals Health & Rehab Magnolia Manor Nursing Center PruittHealth – Griffin PruittHealth – Lakehaven Scott Health & Rehab Center Stevens Park Health & Rehab Center Taylor County Health Care
The Oaks Bethany Assisted Living Waycross Health & Rehab Center
2021 AHCA/NCAL Bronze Quality Award Winners
Abercorn Rehabilitation Center Anderson Mill Health & Rehab Center Autumn Lane
Brentwood Terrace Health & Rehab Brown Health & Rehabilitation Camellia Health & Rehab
Cherry Blossom Health & Rehabilitation Cobblestone Rehab and Healthcare Center Dawson Health and Rehabilitation Eatonton Health Care
Heritage Inn of Sandersville
Lake City Nursing & Rehab Magnolia Manor on the Coast Medical Management Health & Rehab Palemon Gaskin Memorial Nursing Home PruittHealth – Athens Heritage PruittHealth – Eastside PruittHealth – Fort Oglethorpe PruittHealth – Franklin PruittHealth – Old Capitol PruittHealth – Swainsboro PruittHealth – Valdosta PruittHealth – West Atlanta
Rome Health & Rehab Center
Rose City Health & Rehab
Spring Harbor at Green Island
Twin Oaks Convalescent Center Zebulon Park Health & Rehab
28
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report


You Shine
Leadership Excellence Award
Dr. Sharolyn Flemons
St. George Village
Assisted Living Administrator of the Year Starla Gleaton
Sunrise Senior Living, John’s Creek
New Administrator of the Year
Claire Alvey, LNHA
PruittHealth – Fairburn
Administrator of the Year
Greg Heath, A.G. Rhodes
Wesley Woods
Emergency Preparedness Champion of LTC
Susie Fussell
Magnolia Manor
Engineering & Environmental Services Champion of LTC Franklin Gillis Harborview Satilla
SOURCE Case Manager Nurse of the Year
Shiron Phelps
Crossroads Community SOURCE
SOURCE Support Staff Award
Danelle Newberry
Crossroads Community SOURCE
Ms. Georgia Health Care Association
Beverly Dobbs
Powder Springs Nursing & Healing
Activity Professional of the Year
LaKesha Randle
Church Home Rehabilitation and Healthcare
Social Service Professional of the Year
Gaynell Johnson
Christian City Rehabilitation Center
RN of the Year
Vivian Kendrick
Summerhill Senior Living
LPN of the Year
Christy Forrest
PruittHealth – LaFayette
CNA of the Year
Nicole Deshotel
At Home Senior Living
2021 Terry J. Bryant Media Award Winners
Community Involvement
1st—PruitHealth – Macon 2nd—Florence Hand Home Wellstar 3rd—Twin Fountains Home Wellstar
Media Innovator
1st—PruittHealth 2nd—Westbury Center of Jackson
Television Coverage
1st Place—Florence Hand Home Wellstar 2nd Place—PruittHealth – Brookhaven 3rd Place—Summerhill Senior Living
Photo in Newspaper
1st—Westbury Center of Jackson 2nd—Northside Gwinnett Extended Care Center 3rd—Traditions Health & Rehabilitation
Newspaper Article
1st Place—Northside Gwinnett Extended Care Center
2nd Place—Summerhill Senior Living 3rd Place—Twin Oaks Convalescent Center
Social Media Star
1st Place—PruittHealth
2nd Place—Florence Hand Home Wellstar 3rd Place—Westbury Center of Jackson
Newsletter
1st—Church Home Rehabilitation & Healthcare 2nd—Westbury Center of McDonough 3rd—Twin Fountains Home Wellstar
Group Volunteer of the Year
Benevolent Faith Ministries
Traditions Health & Rehabilitation
Volunteer of the Year
Jessica Dee Carey
Southland Nursing & Rehabilitation
Georgia Health Care Association 2021 Annual Report 29


Phone: 678-289-6555
160 Country Club Drive, Stockbridge, GA 30281
www.ghca.info
@ GHCA.info @ghcainfo @ghcagcal
This publication of the 2021 Annual Report was made possible by the generous support of the GHCA Special Projects Committee.
2021-2022 GHCA Officers & Board Members
OFFICERS: Jerry Patton, Chair of the Board Suzanne Gerhardt, Vice Chair of the Board Terry Cook, Secretary Brad Bilbo, Treasurer Donna Stefano, Past Chair
BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE: Deke Cateau Renee Ellis Brandon Poole Kerry Smith Michele Stokes
BOARD MEMBERS:
Council Presidents
Laura Backus
Northeast
Laura Barnes
Southwest
Jonathan Black
Southeast
Greg Davis
East Central
Donna Holman
Middle Georgia
Nick Lancaster
Northwest
Angela Watkins
West Central
Keith Wilson
Metro Atlanta
Nicole Allen
GCAL Representative
Jack French
Choice Associate Representative
Debbie Meade
AHCA Representative
Barbara Mitchell
NCAL Representative
Laura Prough
Fax: 678-289-6400
SOURCE Representative