Wigs and head wraps for cancer patients, dialect-specific videos for those who speak another language and tools to aid in early detection of vision problems are just a few of the enhancements patients can soon expect when they visit Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS). Eight NGHS employees were recently awarded a record-breaking $108,000 in grant funding through the NGHS Foundation’s Change Grant program. Funded by donations to the employee giving club, WATCH, the program empowers employees to make a real difference in the patient, visitor and employee experience.
The translation videos will be used for educating new mothers who don’t speak common dialects, while teleretinal eye scanners will be used for early detection of diabetic retinopathy. Wigs and head wraps will be used for gynecological oncology patients, and treatment wraps will be used for breast cancer patients beginning radiation treatment.
“Cancer is a scary journey,” said Alicia Harrison, an RN supervisor in Radiation Therapy at NGMC Gainesville. “While there is little we can control, we work to provide our patients with as much comfort as we can. Radiant Wraps – robes designed for breast cancer patients – are a great way to help our patients maintain their dignity during their treatment. Because of the Change Grants program, we can provide these to our patients, knowing the impact is so much more than the item itself.”
Employees receiving grants include Alicia Harrison, Shelley Hannon, Karen Hoyt, Nicole Fricks, Brantley Moore, Tina Johnson, Gretchen Craft and Jennifer Stoeckig.
For a full listing of all current and previous Change Grants, visit nghs.com/change-grants. To support NGHS with your own contribution, visit nghs.com/foundation.
About Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation
Founded in 1986, the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to health system improvements, complementary programs and partner organizations throughout the region. In an effort to further the mission of improving the health of the community in all that we do, donations to the Foundation help support innovation and enhancements at all five of Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s community hospitals, as well as many health initiatives of the system. It is truly through the generosity of friends and neighbors that many critical, life-saving projects, improvements and patient care services are available today. For more information, visit nghs.com/foundation.