GHCA 2020 Annual Report

Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report A




From the President
2020 proved to be one of the most challenging years in the history of the long term care profession due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in the face of unprecedented adversity, the Georgia Health Care Association (GHCA) membership never wavered from its mission to ensure the safety and happiness of elderly Georgians.
With immense bravery, our members worked tirelessly and at great personal risk to keep their residents safe this past year. The GHCA team has seen countless examples of selfless sacrifice by dedicated caregivers working in our state’s long term care communities. Their resilience and compassion for the elderly and frail individuals in their care has been inspiring and, to be certain, lifesaving.
The GHCA team has never been prouder 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 2020 and continue to do to provide high-quality, compassionate care to Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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 and Twitter 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 2020 Annual Report 1


2020 Quality rePort
Quality Advancement Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Westbury Medical Care and Rehab
in Jackson celebrates victory and recovery over COVID-19
Quality advancements made in 2020 cannot be contemplated without peering through
the lens of a global pandemic. The long term care profession endured challenges never experienced before, and the impact was far reaching. Resident and employees of long term care communities experienced a myriad of emotions – grief, loneliness, fear – all
while demonstrating unparalleled resiliency. Dedicated staff celebrated the recovery of over 20,000 residents who overcame COVID-19.
Yet, many experienced the acute loss of residents they cared for, laughed with and loved.
In addition to physical safety, the emotional and psychosocial well-being of residents remained a top priority. Isolation precautions and COVID-19 testing became an integral part of care with well over 300,000 COVID-19 tests conducted. Creative connections were facilitated through video chats, drive-by parades and socially distanced dance parties. Waivers provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) helped to promote innovation by care delivery teams
to ensure healthcare needs were safely met. Telehealth emerged as a vital tool, and GHCA anticipates efficiencies and access realized through this service will significantly influence future service models.
Critical and persistent staffing challenges were offset by an innovative temporary nurse aide program approved by Governor Brian Kemp
2
A resident of Florence Hand Home connects with his loved ones via FaceTime
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report


and the Department of Community Health (DCH). The program allowed over 5,000 participants to receive standardized training and competency evaluation and join the workforce to augment regular staff. The long term care profession is indebted to Governor Kemp, DCH, and the legislature for their solutions-oriented posture, and GHCA anticipates this program will positively impact the workforce well beyond the pandemic.
Dedicated health care heroes adapted to significant changes in care delivery while consuming new education and training almost daily. This was accomplished through hundreds of hours of virtual training as well as through boots on the ground support and education provided by vital partners such as Department of Public Health (DPH), state and federal strike teams, and Georgia’s Quality Improvement Organization, Alliant Health Solutions. Even
as providers navigated the challenges of a pandemic, they embraced quality improvement and advancement. This was evidenced by Georgia’s 53 national quality award winning centers. GHCA is proud of our 2020 Gold Quality Award winner Treutlen County Health & Rehabilitation, as well as our 18 Silver Quality Award winners and 34 Bronze Quality Award winners.
While 2020 was nothing like anyone envisioned, the events of this past year confirmed Georgia’s commitment to quality of care and quality of life. GHCA is grateful for the strength, perseverance and patience of residents, families and staff and for the support and collaboration of local, state and federal partners. continued >>
Church Hand Home hosts a socially-distanced drive by parade
Congratulations
NATIONAL QUALITY AWARD WINNING CENTERS
GOLD WINNER
Treutlen County Health & Rehabilitation
18 34
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report 3


2020 Quality rePort
<< continued
To date, 436 Nursing Scholarships awarded
sPonsors
GHCA Education & Research Foundation Update
The GHCA Education & Research Foundation remains dedicated to its mission to invest in
the nursing profession through the awarding of scholarships to individuals seeking a nursing career in a long term health care setting. Foundation scholarship recipients are helping to advance quality in skilled nursing care centers across the state and making a difference in the lives of residents each day.
In 2020, the Foundation hosted its first ever raffle benefitting its work to invest in the profession through the awarding of scholarships to individuals seeking a nursing career in a long term health care setting. The raffle was a huge success, and the Foundation appreciates the generous support of raffle sponsors.
4 Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report


Annual NRC Health Satisfaction Surveys
With greater than 14,000 respondents in Georgia’s 2020 Family and Resident satisfaction surveys, family members reflected a much higher overall satisfaction with care and recommendation to others compared to national averages and residents reported
a very strong sense of safety and security.
“I wouldn’t want to be in any other nursing home. This one is exceptional. Staff is interested in the people that [live] here.” – Resident
“Staff kept us [safe] during COVID. Thankful for their
hard work.”
– Resident
It’s a great place to work at! During good times, and during the bad times. We are here for our patients and staff members. We have a smart, caring leader to help and to guide us all.”
– Employee
GHCA State Report
SNF Family Trending CoreQ Comparison
All Questions
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report 5


legislative
GHCA Prioritizes Emergency Relief Funding and Protections for Long Term Care During 2020 Legislative Session
After suspending in late March to shift the State’s focus to the COVID-19 response, the General Assembly returned in June 2020 to complete the 40-day session.
GHCA’s highest priority was to secure funding to address the overwhelming cost and sacrifice associated with the long term care community’s response to the pandemic. With input from members of GHCA Legislative and Reimbursement Committees, the Government Affairs team offered multiple proposals for state policymakers
to consider as they finalized the FY 2021 Budget.
The FY 2021 State Budget signed by Governor Brian Kemp during the 2020 Legislative Session was later amended during the FY 2021 Legislative Session. The final budget included the following increases to funding:
N Utilized enhanced FMAP funding to prevent 11% rate reductions given projected state revenue shortfalls
N Increased funds to expand the Quality Incentive Program for nursing centers for a total of $450K in state funds ($1.4M in total funds)
N Increased funds for a 3% increase in Medicaid ventilator reimbursement rates for a total of $189K in state funds ($576K in total funding).
N Provided in the Amended FY 2021 Budget: 5% increase to the Medicaid rate growth allowance for Georgia’s skilled nursing centers. This funding totals to an additional $19.3M in state funds ($58.7M in total funds) and is retroactive to July 1, 2020.
N Total Funding Increases:
» $2.0M in additional funding in SFY
2021 Budget
» $58.7M in additional funding in the Amended SFY 2021 Budget
6 Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report


Legislature Passes Crucial Liability Protections for Healthcare Providers During the COVID-19 Crisis
As the unorthodox 2020 Legislative Session drew to a close,
the state Senate’s final legislative act was to provide final
passage of SB 359, which provided invaluable liability protections for healthcare providers and businesses as they continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SB 359 represented a compromise between House and Senate efforts
to offer limited protections in this unprecedented time. The bill, attached to an existing bill addressing “Surprise Billing”, would shield providers and companies from legal liability unless they show “gross negligence, willful and wanton misconduct, reckless infliction of harm, or intentional infliction of harm.”
These measures, partnered with the existing protections offered in Governor Kemp’s previous Executive Order(s), gave Georgia providers a reasonable level of protections from unnecessary civil litigation as they continued to battle a global pandemic.
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report 7


legislative
GeorgiaCARES Grant for Mandatory Staff COVID-19 Testing
On October 2, 2020, Governor Brian Kemp announced that the state of Georgia would make
$78 million of Coronavirus Relief Funds available to nursing centers across the state to meet CMS’ mandatory staff COVID-19 testing requirements through the GeorgiaCARES grant program. Initially, the grant was designed to reimburse for testing completed between September and December of 2020. However, the State later extended the grant program through June 2021.
GHCA collaborated with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) in the development of this grant program, and the Association has worked to provide guidance and resources to assist members in accessing these funds since the program’s inception. GHCA is grateful to Governor Kemp for prioritizing the health and safety of elderly Georgians and taking this important step in ensuring long term care communities have the resources they need to continue to care for vulnerable seniors amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 2020 Top Lobbyists
Issue for the second 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!
GHCA President & CEO Tony Marshall and VP of Government Affairs Russel Carlson accept the James Magazine Top Association Award on behalf of the membership.
8
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report


GHCA Representation in AHCA/NCAL
Debbie Meade Barbara Mitchell Donna Stefano Kathyjo Gordon Tony Marshall
In 2020, GHCA Board member Debbie Meade was re-elected as Chair of the American Health Care Association (AHCA) Board of Governors and Board member Barbara Mitchell was re-elected to serve on to the National Assisted Living (NCAL) Board of Directors as an At-Large Member. AHCA/NCAL elections were held during the Council of States Meeting in conjunction with the Virtual AHCA/NCAL National Con- vention in October.
Also during the convention, GHCA Board Chair Donna Stefano served as Georgia’s AHCA Council of States repre- sentative and GCAL Board Chair Kathyjo Gordon served as Georgia’s NCAL State Representative. Further, GHCA President & CEO Tony Marshall served as an At-Large Mem- ber of the Affiliated State Health Care Association Executives (ASHCAE) Board of Directors for the first part of the year.
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report 9


georgia Center
For assisted living
UPDATE
In 2020, the Georgia Center for Assisted Living (GCAL) membership advocated for much needed COVID-19 funding and participated in important regulatory discussions all while remaining devoted to delivering high quality care to the vulnerable individuals in their care.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise, assisted living communities and personal care homes were in dire need of federal funding and support. GCAL members wrote a letter to Georgia’s congressional delegation requesting that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide an emergency response fund distribution of $5 billion for assisted living communities from the Provider Relief Fund created through the CARES Act. Subsequently, HHS announced that private- pay assisted living/memory care providers were eligible to apply for CARES Act Provider Relief Funds.
During the 2020 Legislative Session,
the Georgia legislature passed HB 987 which updated several licensing and staff requirements for assisted living communities and personal care homes. The GHCA Legislative Team tracked and participated in important discussions regarding this bill as it progressed through the legislative process.
GCAL Leadership
N Chair:
Kathyjo Gordon, Stone Brooke Suites
N Vice Chair:
Janice Baker, Mattie H. Marshall Center
N Secretary:
Mary Smith, The Oaks Personal Care Home
N Treasurer:
Samantha Allen, Jonesboro Assisted Living
10 Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report


In 2020, SOURCE providers were required to transition from in-person visits to virtual or telephone visits due
to the pandemic. Despite the challenges associated with serving individuals in the community without in-person contact, SOURCE agencies worked tirelessly to ensure the individuals they serve were carefully assessed and receiving the services needed.
GHCA SOURCE successfully held the 2020 Fall GHCA SOURCE Case Manager Conference as a virtual event. The Membership Committee, led by Latashia Johnson, provided an excellent program that was well attended and received by member case managers. Additionally, new SOURCE case managers enjoyed the virtual GHCA SOURCE Basic Case Manager Training.
Throughout the year, GHCA SOURCE continued
to engage and collaborate with the Department of Community Health (DCH) Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver team. DCH Waiver Program leadership committed to working closely with GHCA SOURCE on policy changes and updates to the SOURCE Waiver. GHCA SOURCE members also enjoyed additional educational opportunities and improved communication with DCH.
The SOURCE Quality Committee also worked closely with NRC on updates to the 2020 SOURCE Satisfaction Survey.
2020-2021 SOURCE Leadership
Laura Prough
Visiting Nurse Health System/ Hospice Atlanta
Chair
Glenda O. Stewart, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CHC
NextStep Care
Vice Chair
Jane Addison
PruittHealth Home First – Blue Ridge Office Secretary
Jean Carpenter
Next Step Care
Policy Committee Chair
Laura Prough
Visiting Nurse Health Systems
Quality Committee Co-Chair
Stella Sykes
Next Step Care
Quality Committee Co-Chair
Latashia Johnson
Faith Health Services of Georgia
Membership Committee Co-Chair
Stephanie Chambers
PruittHealth Home First
Membership Committee Co-Chair
SOURCE Spotlight
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report 11


aFFiliates
GHCA Affiliates Prevail in The Face of Adversity
In the face of adversity, the 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) stepped
up to help wherever necessary within their long term care communities and prevailed with a deep commitment to their beloved residents. Dedicated activities professionals developed innovative activities to enhance the lives of their residents while adhering to infection prevention protocols and quarantine guidelines. Nursing
and social services professionals worked around the clock to ensure compliance protocols and safety measures were met, all while keeping their residents’ quality of life at the forefront. The Boards and Councils of each affiliate group met virtually on numerous occasions, offering much needed support to each other
in an extremely challenging and, oftentimes, heartbreaking year.
Throughout 2020, these dedicated groups made heroic efforts, and GHCA recognizes them for their ongoing commitment and selfless sacrifice.
12 Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report


Affiliates Annual Meeting & Quality Summit Recap
In 2020, the Affiliate Annual Meeting & Quality Summit was held as a virtual event and offered 22 hours of continuing education.
In conjunction with the Summit, the affiliate boards were elected and installed by GHCA President & CEO Tony Marshall.
2020-2021 GANLTC Board of Directors:
Patty Comer ............................... President Melissa Mitchell.................. Vice President Liz Wright .................................. Secretary Tammy Gurley ...........................Treasurer Robin Lambeth ...................Past President Council Presidents
Jane Martin ...........................East Central Regina Peavy ...................... Metro Atlanta Sandi Acock......................Middle Georgia Laura Gray.................................Northeast Stephanie Broome.....................Northwest Rebecca Inman .......................... Southeast Tammy Gurley,......................... Southwest Cindy Walker .......................West Central
2020-2021 GSAP Board of Directors:
Brandy Briscoe............................President Shondrella Little ................ Vice President Tawnja Jones.............................. Secretary Alene Cox .................................. Treasurer Stan Adams Jr. .................... Past President Council Presidents
Fetamia Lane ....................... East Central Misty Mays........................ Metro Atlanta Charlotte Demmon ......... Middle Georgia Yvette Stockman ....................... Northeast Bonnie Bennett........................ Northwest Jackie Ramsdell .........................Southeast Bonnie Lupton..........................Southwest Louise Bush ......................... West Central
2020-2021 GSSSP Board of Directors:
Maryam Mullen .................... President & GHCA Board Liaison
Patricia Sherwood .............. Vice President Ashley Heredeen........................ Secretary Jason Harr ................................. Treasurer Council Presidents
Kelly Archer.......................... East Central Maryam Mullen ................ Metro Atlanta Kerry Sandoval ................Middle Georgia Kathleen Honeycutt ................. Northeast MarySue Smith........................ Northwest Synetria Harper .........................Southeast Kenya Webb .............................Southwest Bobby Taylor ....................... West Central
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report 13


ConneCt
GHCA Education and Events
At a time when in-person events were not an option, GHCA recognized
the responsibility to respond to
COVID-19 with engaging digital
experiences. Having decades of experience
in bringing professionals together, GHCA was able to act
quickly to create online collaborative learning opportunities and rapidly organize education programs in the virtual space.
In 2020, GHCA offered over 100 programs – including thirty completely free of charge all member webinars providing COVID-19
updates – which were participated in by over 12,200 long term care professionals. Education topics included Infection Control and Prevention, Trauma Informed Care, Leadership and Staffing, Baldrige Quality Performance, Residents Rights and Joint Commission Accreditation.
Additionally, we partnered with the Culture Change Network of Georgia to provide grant supported scholarships enabling access to these events for professionals in need of financial support to develop their knowledge and skills in the profession.
“Sharing Our Wisdom” 2020 Virtual GHCA Summer Convention
Recognizing it was of utmost importance that GHCA
continue to share collective experiences and knowledge
through its annual Summer Convention, the Association
offered its first-ever virtual event featuring inspirational
keynotes, education, and practical takeaways. The
online forum featured a mix of live and on demand
sessions that were available over a six-week period to
ensure attendees could participate at their own pace and schedule as they managed the many challenges of the pandemic. With over 25 hours of continuing education for skilled nursing and assisted living, there was a wide variety of topics including Innovation, ROP, PDPM, Restorative Care, COVID-19, Georgia Updates, Interact, Compliance, Quality, Psychosocial Care, Managing Change and so much more. Members participated in live chat sessions facilitated by thought leaders where they had the opportunity to openly discuss best practices and approaches regarding COVID-19, Life Safety, Psychosocial Needs and Coping with Stress.
14 Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report


“Honoring Our Health Care Heroes”
2021 Virtual GHCA Winter Convention & Expo
Armed with the experience and knowledge following a year of strictly digital events, GHCA offered the 2021 Virtual GHCA Winter Convention & Expo as the GHCA information hub for the month of February. The event was replete with informative and timely sessions on the latest information of importance to the profession and featured a communication system that connected expert speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees for meaningful conversations. The agenda underscored vital information regarding
the hard work, outcomes, and successes our members made in areas of infection prevention, NHSN, total quality scores, and more. Critical areas of discussion also included valuable lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic related to:
N Value and operationalization of MAB treatment
N Challenges and possible solutions for staff and resident vaccinations
N Staffing education
N Psychosocial management
N QAPI
N Strategies for coping with stress and emotional trauma
N Developing a successful reopening plan
Participants of the GHCA Georgia Leader program presented their Leadership Capstone Presentations as a culmination of their participation in the year-long Georgia Leader Program. Further, GHCA highlighted Georgia’s Faces of Care through a collection
of homemade videos submitted by health care professionals discussing how they overcame challenges and adversity, stayed motivated, and kept the safety and happiness of residents at the forefront.
GHCA also honored award winners who went above and beyond in service of their residents during the virtual Stars in Long Term Care Award Ceremony.
GHCA Georgia Leader Graduates
Megan Logue Gibbs, RN LNHA
Executive Director, Eastman Healthcare and Rehab
Stacy McKinster, LNHA
Administrator, Townsend Park Health and Rehabilitation
Madison Sapp, LNHA, CDP
Administrator, Cherry Blossom Health and Rehabilitation
Brandon O’Ree, LNHA
Glenda Stewart, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CHC
Director, Quality Assurance & Compliance Next Step Care
Debbie Studdard, RN, LNHA
Magnolia Manor Columbus East
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report 15


CommuniCations
Telling Our Story Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, GHCA remained dedicated to proactively telling the story of Georgia’s long term care communities in the battle against the virus. Throughout 2020, the Association 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 also worked to correct any misinformation regarding centers’ response
to the pandemic and balance negative media coverage.
GHCA Launches ProtectGACare.com & Advertising Campaign
As part of these efforts, the Association partnered with PLUS Communications, a public affairs firm, to implement a campaign focusing on message development, earned media, coalition building, grassroots mobilization, advertising and digital engagement.
GHCA created a new website, ProtectGACare.com, and launched an advertising campaign to show support for Georgia’s long term care communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The new website and advertising campaign were designed to highlight members’ heroic efforts to protect the frail and elderly individuals they serve and demonstrate their needs for resources.
16 Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report


Television & Digital Ad Campaign
Two advertisement videos designed to honor long term
health care heroes were developed, and a digital and television ad campaign was implemented over a 3-week period between May 29 and June 15.
6/3/2020 Westbury celebrating 92 residents recovering from COVID-19 and no new cases | News | jacksonprogress-argus.com https://www.jacksonprogress-argus.com/news/westbury-celebrating-92-residents-recovering-from-covid-19-and-
no-new-cases/article_41d420a6-915f-11ea-89d9-03ddcd42bb31.html
FEATURED POPULAR
Westbury celebrating 92 residents recovering from COVID-19 and no new cases
Larry Stanford [email protected] May 8, 2020
6/8/2020
While the latest numbers from the Department of Community Health show 1 Westbury Medical and Rehab in Jackson have tested positive for COVID-19, having passed away, what the numbers don't show is that of the remaining 1 them have recovered from the virus, plus Westbury does not have any new c
Westbury patients and staff celebrated the recovery of three of their resident and signs outside the entrance, and plan a parade of families and friends of r
https://www.jacksonprogress-argus.com/news/westbury-celebrating-92-residents-recovering-from-covid-19-and-no-new
Column: Long
21 residents at
with 21 residents
00 positive cases, 92 of ases.
s on May 7 with photos esidents on May 14.
-cases/article_41d420a6-915f-... 1/4
Opinion
By Tony Marshall
Posted Jun 6, 2020 at 6:30 PM
It’s been a little more than three months since America woke up to COVID-19 as one of the greatest public health threats in American history. Residents and caregivers in long-term care settings, including skilled nursing homes and assisted living communities, have borne the brunt of this virus.
Newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services show that at least 1,000 residents have died from the virus in Georgia and 30,000 nursing home residents have died nationally, giving the American public confirmation of this and validating our cries for help from federal, state and local health agencies.
For residents of long-term care facilities, their families, and for the caregivers working with them, the statistics are grim. The answer as to why is predictably and maddeningly simple: older adults – and particularly those with underlying health conditions – are at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19. And yet policymakers and public health officials in Washington and Atlanta have not, until recently, equipped caregivers with the resources necessary to combat the virus.
We may have been forced to go to war with the army we have, but we cannot win without outfitting those on the front lines with equipment and tools to defend themselves.
The television advertisement campaign was designed to
ensure messaging would be spread across key media markets
throughout Georgia. Specifically, the media plan ran one
message over three weeks in Athens,
Savannah, Macon, Augusta, Albany, and Columbus.m/opinion/20200606/column-long-term-care-facilities-need-support-battling-covid?fbclid=IwAR1Jp8elD7jKlT0AaPyf9h...1/3
The digital advertisement campaign
was implemented across various digital platforms, resulting in nearly 2 million impressions served, nearly 1.5 million video views and driving 4,750 link clicks to the Protect Georgia Care landing page. The campaign also achieved an average completion rate of 90%.
g-term care communities need a continuous supply.
Congressman Buddy Carter
continued >>
Earned Media/Op-Eds
The Association was also able to place several positive earned media pieces throughout 2020.
-term care facilities need support battling COVID - Opinion - The Augusta Chronicle - Augusta, GA
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the state Department of Public Health are working to meet the needs for nursing homes, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency recently sent two shipments, each with seven days’ worth of surgical masks, gloves, eye protection and gowns, to all of them.
Senator David Perdue
But lon
https://www.augustachronicle.co
Recognition for
Our Efforts
GHCA was thrilled to share several videos of legislators highlighting the bravery and commitment of caregivers working in long term care on the GHCA Facebook and Twitter pages.
Senator Kelly Loeffler
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report 17
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CommuniCations
<< continued
Social Media Spotlight
Throughout 2020, GHCA used its social media pages to highlight members’ efforts to keep residents safe and ensure their happiness even amid a global pandemic.
Showcasing the Commitment and Dedication of Caregivers
Showing Our Thanks
The GHCA team posted a video on Facebook to say “A huge THANK YOU to #LTCHeroes on the front lines of the battle against #COVID19.”
18 Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report
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Using Technology, Window Visits, and Drive By Parades to Connect Residents With Families
Celebrating Recoveries
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report 19
continued >>


CommuniCations
<< continued
#MaskUpGA
A resident of Lynn Haven Healthy & Rehabilitation shares why she masks up
GHCA joined #MaskUpGA, a campaign to encourage all Georgians to make the choice to wear face coverings when in public settings and to social distance when possible to slow or stop the spread of COVID-19 in our state. The purpose of the campaign was to encourage organizations, businesses, and individuals to post on social media pictures or videos of themselves wearing masks and to accompany these posts with #MaskUpGA and a message about why they “mask up.” GHCA joined the Georgia Hospital Association and several other organizations around the state in committing to the campaign’s efforts.
Going Virtual: Ms. GHCA Pageant
Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, GHCA was unable to host the 2020 Ms. GHCA Pageant as an in-person event. However, the Association was able to offer the event virtually through a series of Facebook videos.
The first allowed viewers to meet all of the 2020 contestants, the second announced the top 5 contestants, and the last announced the 2020 Ms. GHCA –
Ms. Jacquealine Moore of PruittHealth – Brookhaven. The virtual pageant was a great success, with all three videos receiving excellent engagement on social media.
20 Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report
4/28/2020
Letter: Protect others by protecting yourself - Opinion - The Augusta Chronicle - Augusta, GA
Opinion
Posted Apr 1, 2020 at 6:31 PM
(Editor’s note: This letter to the editor was submitted on behalf of the Georgia Hospital Association, Medical Association of Georgia, Georgia Nurses Association, Georgia Health Care Association, Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, Georgia Primary Care Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.)
Each day in Georgia, physicians, nurses and other health care providers go to work in our hospitals, nursing centers or private office practices to care for patients with a variety of health needs. This practice of medicine occurs 24 hours per day, seven days per week and 365 days per year; because illnesses and injuries don’t take a holiday. Without thinking twice, patients visit emergency departments and provider practices to seek care, and that need is met by the dedicated individuals who serve our communities as front-line heroes to ensure your health and safety.
During this global pandemic of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, these health care providers, hospitals, and nursing centers are still open and providing the same compassionate care as always, but this public health emergency is different. This new virus has spread rapidly across the world, and the general public and health care workers are placed in harm’s way each time a person chooses to attend large gatherings, visit elderly family members, or widen their circle of personal interaction with friends, family and neighbors. These practices lead to increased exposure and viral spread, which places an additional burden on our increasingly strained health care system.
It is up to Georgia’s citizens to accept personal responsibility and adhere to best practices during this outbreak such as staying home, avoiding large groups and limiting interactions with friends and family to those that do not involve close personal contact. As our hospitals and providers fight to maintain control over COVID-19, increased patient volumes and added exposure to health care staff
https://www.augustachronicle.com/opinion/20200401/letter-protect-others-by-protecting-yourself 1/3
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National Skilled Nursing Care Week
GHCA recognized National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW)
as scheduled May 10-16, 2020 and used the opportunity to highlight members for their hard work and dedication to keeping residents safe from COVID-19.
New Technology: Engage By Cell
In 2020, GHCA contracted with Engage By Cell to offer a texting platform designed to further connect with members and a mobile donation site where members can donate to GHCA PAC through their mobile devices.
Social Media Growth
At the end of 2020, GHCA had over 4,120 followers on Facebook, which is an increase of 378 followers from January 1, 2020. The GHCA twitter page continues to grow and currently has over 714 followers. Additionally, GHCA worked in 2020 to grow its LinkedIn presence.
Honoring our Health Care Heroes at NASCAR Racing Events
In 2020, GHCA partnered with Korbin Forrister and the No. 7 All Out Motorsports team to recognize and honor our long term care heroes at NASCAR racing events. Thanks to sponsors AssuredPartners, Careserv, Hansen Hunter, MEMIC, and PruittHealth for showing their support!
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report 21


emergenCy PreParedness
Preparing for and Responding to a Global Pandemic
Emergency preparedness held a vastly critical role in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance on March 13, 2020, that long term care communities should enforce strict visitor restrictions alongside enhanced infection control protocols to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19. A day later, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a public health state of emergency which remained in place the rest of the year and required centers to close their doors and adhere to measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
The pandemic created unprecedented challenges for the long term care profession as
GHCA members worked diligently to protect their residents and staff from this deadly
virus. The Association remained dedicated
to providing members with the tools and resources needed to battle the virus and worked closely with local, state and federal officials to ensure Georgia’s long term care communities received the support they needed.
At the onset of the pandemic, GHCA Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Hannah Byers and VP of Government Affairs Russel Carlson were immediately mobilized to the State Operations Center in Atlanta to partner with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), Department of Public Health (DPH), Department of Community
22 Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report


Health (DCH), Department of Public Safety, Georgia National Guard and the Governor’s Office. Byers and Carlson remained in the State Operations Center through June 2020 and worked to coordinate the allocation of personal protective equipment, COVID-19 testing kits, disinfectant processes and services, and emergency supplemental staffing. GHCA also worked with state officials to develop
and disseminate guidance to long term care communities.
In December 2020, long term care communities could finally see a light at the end of the tunnel with a potential COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon. The Federal Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Emergency Use Authorization for the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine on December
11, 2020, the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine approval on December 18, 2020, and the COVID-19 Janssen vaccine approval on February 27, 2021. The residents and staff of long term care communities were prioritized by the federal and state governments as among the first to receive the vaccine. Providers were given the opportunity to participate in the Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program, which provided centers with three vaccination clinics. In Georgia, 341 skilled nursing centers and 620 eligible personal care homes/assisted living communities participated in the program.
Throughout the pandemic, GHCA members showed immense bravery and an unwavering dedication to the health and safety of their residents. Their efforts were inspiring and, to be certain, lifesaving.
Hurricane Preparedness
The 2020 hurricane season was the most active in many years with 30 named
storms resulting in 13 evolving
into a hurricane. Fortunately,
no Georgia centers were
required to fully or
partially evacuate. However,
Hurricane Zeta created a
threat to long term care communities and resulted in damage and power outages across Georgia. Thankfully, there were no adverse outcomes following the storm in Georgia’s long term care communities.
Ongoing Partnerships
In 2020, GHCA maintained its ongoing partnership with the University of Georgia
to provide the CMS CMP Long Term Care Emergency Preparedness Classes for all certified skilled nursing centers
across the state. These
classes presented an
opportunity for all
staff to learn about
tools and resources available to assist in preparing for any impending threat. The educational program has now completed all 3 years of this CMP grant.
GHCA also continued to build its partnership
with the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office to keep members up to date on Life Safety Code and Emergency Preparedness Survey guidance. Due
to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person life safety code surveys were placed on hold by the CMS. The Emergency Preparedness Committee continue to work to prepare members for the in-person surveys to resume.
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report 23


2020 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Winners
2020 AHCA/NCAL
Gold Quality Award Winner Treutlen County Health & Rehabilitation
2020 AHCA/NCAL
Silver Quality Award Winners Berman Commons
Church Home LifeSpring
Jonesboro Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, LLC Legacy Health & Rehabilitation Magnolia Manor of Columbus – East Magnolia Manor of Columbus – West Mattie H. Marshall Center – Memory Care Meadowbrook Health and Rehab Meadows Park Health and Rehabilitation NHC HealthCare, Fort Oglethorpe PruittHealth – Austell
PruittHealth – Jasper
Sparks Inn Assisted Living
Syl-View Rehabilitation & Memory Care Center The Cohen Home
The Oaks – Carrollton (Assisted Living)
The William Breman Jewish Home Thomson Health & Rehab
Wellstar Paulding Nursing Center
2020 AHCA/NCAL Bronze Quality Award Winners
Brightmoor Nursing Center Cartersville Center for Nursing and Healing Christian City Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Delmar Gardens of Gwinnett
Delmar Gardens of Smyrna
Glenwood Health and Rehabilitation Center Keysville Nursing Home & Rehab Center Magnolia Manor of Macon
Magnolia Manor Retirement Center Magnolia Manor South
Manor Care Rehabilitation Center – Decatur Parkwood Developmental Center PruittHealth – Ashburn PruittHealth – Augusta Hills PruittHealth – Brookhaven PruittHealth – Crestwood PruittHealth – Greenville PruittHealth – LaFayette PruittHealth – Lilburn
PruittHealth – Magnolia Manor PruittHealth – Peake
PruittHealth – Rome
PruittHealth – Savannah PruittHealth – Sylvester
Quinton Memorial Health and Rehabilitation Salude – The Art of Recovery
Sandy Springs Health and Rehabilitation The Fountainview Center for Alzheimer’s Disease The Oaks – Peake (Assisted Living)
The Oaks – Carrollton, LLC
Westbury Health & Rehab – Conyers Westbury Health & Rehab – McDonough Westbury Medical Care Home Wrightsville Manor Nursing Home
24
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report


You Shine
Activity Professional of the Year
Jackie Ramsdell, Twin Oaks Convalescent Center Social Service Professional of the Year
Fronzie Skinner, Summerhill Senior Living
RN of the Year
Chelsea Ferguson, Townsend Park Health & Rehabilitation
LPN of the Year
Stephanie Matthews, PruittHealth – Virginia Park CNA of the Year
Mattie Postell, Fort Valley Health & Rehabilitation Ms. Georgia Health Care Association
Ms. Jacquealine Moore, PruittHealth – Brookhaven Leadership Excellence Award Winners:
Leadership in Public Confidence
Deke Cateau, Chief Executive Officer of A. G. Rhodes, Atlanta, GA
Leadership in Innovation
Glenda Stewart, Director of Quality Assurance & Compliance for NextStep Care, Butler, GA
Leadership Excellence
Carol O’Connell, Administrator of Wellstar Paulding Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Dallas, GA
Emergency Preparedness Award Winners:
Engineering & Environmental Services Champion of Long Term Care Jason Guined, Director of Maintenance for Magnolia Manor, Americus, GA
Emergency Preparedness Champion of Long Term Care Chuck Winchester, Emergency Management Coordinator for Mitchell Convalescent Center, Camilla, GA
ACHCA Award Winners:
New Assisted Living Administrator of the Year
Shanna Dupree, At Home Senior Living, Cochran, GA
Assisted Living Administrator of the Year
Samantha Allen, Jonesboro Assisted Living Center, Jonesboro, GA
New Administrator of the Year
Tiffany Sledge, Gibson Health and Rehab, Gibson, GA
Administrator of the Year
Johnnie Brooks, Treutlen County health and Rehab, Soperton, GA
Terry J. Bryant Media Awards
Television Coverage
1st Place – Brightmoor Nursing Center 2nd Place – Florence Hand Home Wellstar 3rd Place – Glenwood Health & Rehabilitation
Photo in Newspaper
1st – Westbury Medical Care & Rehabilitation 2nd – Church Home Rehabilitation & Healthcare 3rd – Glenwood Health & Rehabilitation
Newspaper Article
1st Place – A.G. Rhodes
2nd Place – Glenwood Health & Rehabilitation 3rd Place – Westbury Medical Care & Rehabilitation
Social Media Star
1st Place – Brightmoor Nursing Center
2nd Place – Westbury Medical Care & Rehabilitation 3rd Place – Church Home Rehabilitation & Healthcare
Newsletter
1st – Church Home Rehabilitation & Healthcare 2nd – Twin Fountains Home Wellstar
3rd – Westbury Health & Rehabilitation McDonough
Group Volunteer of the Year
Rockdale Baptist Church, Westbury Health & Rehab – Conyers
Volunteer of the Year
Paula Streetman, Fifth Avenue Healthcare
Community Involvement
1st – Twin Fountains Home Wellstar 2nd – Westbury Health & Rehabilitation McDonough
3rd – Florence Hand Home Wellstar
Georgia Health Care Association 2020 Annual Report 25


Phone: 678-289-6555
160 Country Club Drive, Stockbridge, GA 30281
www.ghca.info
@ GHCA.info @ghcainfo @ghcagcal
This publication of the 2020 Annual Report was made possible by the generous support of the GHCA Special Projects Committee.
2020-2021 GHCA Officers & Board Members
OFFICERS: Donna Stefano, Chair of the Board Jerry Patton, Vice Chair of the Board Brad Bilbo, Secretary Suzanne Gerhardt, Treasurer Dr. Ron Westbury, Past Chair
BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE: William “Chip” Davis George Hunt Joy Powers Kerry Smith Darcy Watson
BOARD MEMBERS:
Council Presidents
Laura Backus
Northeast
Kenneth Burnett
Metro Atlanta
Terry Cook
Southeast
Susie Fussell
Southwest
Brian Hart
Middle Georgia
Rita Hudson
Northwest
Angela Watkins
West Central
Donna Wiggins
East Central
Jack French
Choice Associate Member Representative
Kathyjo Gordon
GCAL Representative
Laura Prough
SOURCE Representative
Debbie Meade
AHCA Representative
Barbara Mitchell
Fax: 678-289-6400
NCAL Representative