Covington County Hospital

💎 Congratulations to swing bed Nurse Aide Telesa Hobbs for receiving a GEM Award granted by her peers Dana Graves, RN Supervisor and Christie Johnson, LPN. - "She takes extra time with all of her patients, is kind and compassionate to everyone including her co-workers, and is always willing to jump in and help wherever she is needed."

Each year, Health Care Plant Operations Week offers an opportunity to recognize the dedicated professionals who keep our hospitals and clinics running smoothly, safely, and efficiently. While their work often happens behind the scenes, the impact of the Plant Operations team can be seen—and felt—in every corner of our facilities. From maintaining critical systems like heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing to ensuring that medical equipment and infrastructure operate without interruption, these team members play a vital role in patient care. Their attention to detail helps create a comfortable, safe environment where patients can heal and staff can provide quality care without worry. Plant Operations employees are also champions of safety and compliance. They work diligently to meet regulatory standards, reporting, monitoring, and respond quickly to issues that could impact patient safety. Whether it’s maintaining air quality in patient rooms or ensuring backup power systems are ready during severe weather, their efforts directly protect patients and staff alike. During Health Care Plant Operations Week, we celebrate these essential workers—the quiet force behind the care. Their commitment, skill, and dedication remind us that exceptional health care doesn’t just happen in exam rooms; it starts with a safe, well-maintained environment built and sustained by their hands and teamwork. Pictured: Keenan Norwood and George Sullivan from Simpson General Hospital. Kyle Hathorn, Nickola McLaurin, and Steve Sheppard from Magee General Hospital. Eric Payton, Micah Mitchell, James Russell, Marcus Carter, and Joseph Jackson from Covington County Hospital.

Covington County Hospital is proud to announce that Southern Pine Electric has awarded a Members Helping Members grant to purchase a Chest Compression Machine for its Ambulance Service. This lifesaving piece of equipment performs chest compressions automatically, allowing emergency medical personnel to provide additional treatment while maintaining consistent, high-quality CPR. “Todd Jones, EMS Director at Covington County Hospital, expressed his appreciation for the recent award, stating, “The receipt of this grant will enable us to purchase equipment that is crucial for saving lives. We currently utilize a similar device in Simpson County, which has successfully saved an individual's life. This equipment is highly valuable and will play an essential role in enhancing our service to the community.” The grant was made possible through Southern Pine Electric’s Members Helping Members program, a fund at the Pinebelt Foundation — a charitable initiative funded entirely by cooperative members who voluntarily round up their electric bills to the next dollar each month. The small change collected from thousands of members adds up to make a big difference across Southern Pine’s 11-county service area. Twice each year, applications are accepted, reviewed, and vetted by the Southern Pine Member Advisory Committee, with funds distributed to charitable organizations and first responders who serve communities within the cooperative’s territory. Southern Pine Electric invites eligible organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, first responders, law enforcement, educators, and civic groups, to apply for the next round of funding. Grants support local initiatives such as feeding families, assisting seniors, enhancing educational programs, and equipping first responders with critical tools. Eligible organizations must operate within Southern Pine Electric’s 11-county service area: Copiah, Covington, Forrest, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, Newton, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties. (Teachers should apply through their school as an organization.) For more information or to apply, visit https://lnkd.in/gawzBM4V

The Covington County Consortium for Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery gathered on Wednesday at Covington County Hospital to review progress and set goals for the final year of a four-year behavioral health grant. In 2022, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded Covington County Hospital a $2 million grant—distributed over four years—to expand access to mental health services for residents affected by behavioral health conditions, including substance use disorder, opioid addiction, and mental health challenges. Guest speaker Jan Dawson, Director of the Mississippi Public Health Institute, shared updates on promising statewide initiatives and research targeting addiction. Statewide overdose deaths dropped significantly from 614 in 2023 to 314 in 2024, a decline Dawson attributed to wider access to Naloxone, the life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. “This is in direct correlation with Naloxone distribution,” Dawson said, noting that free kits are available to the public at www.odfree.org. Locally, Covington County recorded 25 overdoses between January 1 and September 24, 2025—all of them non-fatal. Dawson also highlighted two innovative programs making an impact: Smart Track: An anonymous survey for students in grades 6–12, designed to measure behavioral health indicators such as alcohol and tobacco use and suicidal ideation. The results give schools and communities a real-time snapshot of student needs, without sharing personal data. Schools then receive tailored curriculum to address identified issues. The Mississippi Legislature has approved funding to expand the program. CROP Churches (Congregational Recovery Outreach Program): A faith-based initiative training pastors and church leaders to support members struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. Currently, 12 Mississippi churches are participating, with more expected to join under the Department of Mental Health’s sponsorship. Bill Rogers, Grant Assistant at Covington County Hospital, encouraged residents interested in prevention efforts to get involved. “We welcome anyone in the community who wants to be part of the solution,” Rogers said. For more information, community members can contact Rogers at 601-698-0288. The HRSA-funded program is a collaboration between Covington County Hospital, the Covington County School District, the Covington County Sheriff’s Office, and Sustaining Grace Recovery Ministries.   Pictured:  Members of the Covington County Consortium for Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery met on Wednesday at Covington County Hospital to discuss progress made and goals for the final year of the behavioral health grant. Pictured (seated l to r): Josh Blackwell, Jan Dawson, Jessica Ashley, and Kimberly Bennett, (standing) David Culpepper, Whitney Graves, Amy Yates, Bill Rogers, David Roberts, and Noah Sanford.

Covington County Hospital has officially launched long-awaited construction and renovation projects with the demolition of the first of three buildings along Gerald McRaney Street. The cleared space will soon serve as much-needed parking for staff and patients. The hospital’s transformation plans include a redesigned front entrance with a new façade, portico, and covered patient drop-off area; a renovated admissions and business office; updated physical therapy and specialty clinic spaces; and several modern upgrades to patient rooms. “This project will create much easier access for patients,” said David Culpepper, CCH Marketing and Communications Director. “Covered drop-off areas make the patient experience more convenient and more comfortable for everyone.” The project is supported by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which aids Covington County Hospital in its ongoing development as a leading employer and healthcare provider in the region. Many thanks are due to Mayor Hope Jones and the City of Collins for its demolition services and to Chris Brister and the Covington County Board of Supervisors for debris removal.

Covington County Hospital is proud to announce the launch of a new Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Support Group to serve individuals living with memory-related conditions and those who care for them. The support group will meet monthly at Covington County Hospital, beginning September 2, from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, and is open to patients, family members, friends, and caregivers of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Participation is free and open to the public. The meeting will be held in the ER Classroom, accessible through the hospital’s Main Entrance. “Our mission is to facilitate open conversations with caregivers of those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia by providing encouragement, comfort, and practical advice,” said Alicia Ishee, CCH Assistant Director of Quality and Education. “This support group offers a compassionate space for people to connect, share experiences, and access resources they may not otherwise have in our small community.” The group will be facilitated by trained staff and mental health professionals with experience in geriatric care, memory disorders, and caregiver support. Meetings will include guest speakers, educational topics, open discussions, and opportunities for participants to learn from one another. Alzheimer’s disease currently affects approximately 63,000 Mississippians aged 65 and older, with 92,000 family caregivers supporting those affected, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, with rural communities often facing limited access to specialized care and support services. This initiative is part of Covington County Hospital’s ongoing commitment to expanding behavioral health services throughout the area. For more information, please call 601-698-0128. - See more on the story here: https://lnkd.in/dG_sW9x2

Congratulations to Sherry Jones-Turner, Medical Assistant at CCH Clinic Magee, for being selected as Covington County Hospital's 2025 Employee of the 2nd Quarter! Sherry is a 2015 graduate of Virginia College, where she earned a 4.0 GPA in health sciences and obtained her Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and Tuberculosis (TB) certifications. She worked for Hattiesburg Clinic Family Practice in Prentiss from 2016 to 2021, and has been with CCH Clinic Magee for four years. “I was accepted day one by this amazing staff that I now call my family,” says Sherry. “They make it easy to be a part of something so great, and I wouldn't change any of it. From a doctor who never stops (and I do mean never) trying to make his patients happy and healthy to the coordinator and receptionist’s infectious smiles every day - the atmosphere with my family is the best.” Sherry was born in Collins but has lived in Magee for 26 years. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Curtis Turner, and they have 3 children: Chyna-24, Tylan-6, and the ruler of the house, two-year-old Caylee Ann. Sherry has a competitive spirit and meets each challenge head-on. “One of my biggest challenges is remembering to separate personal from work so that I can always give 100% to each patient, said Sherry. “It’s a challenge I feel I have mastered, however, one that I have to practice daily. My advice to someone entering the healthcare field is to always strive to be better than yesterday.”

Happy Emergency Medical Services Week to our CCH Ambulance Service, neighboring services across the Pine Belt, and EMS services across the nation! Thank you for all you do around the clock, 24/7/365, rain or shine! 🚨🚑

Covington County Hospital’s Behavioral Health Program wants to remind you to take care of yourself as you take care of others this month. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so here’s a few things you can do to help fill your own cup when you’re running low: 🔌Unplug 🏋️Exercise 📚Read a book 🌳Go outdoors and ground yourself 🫂Spend time with someone who brings you joy 🙅Say no to protect your energy 🔨Do something you’ve been putting off Lastly, consider our resources here in Collins: Covington Place Therapy & Counseling Decompress with licensed professionals to help navigate challenges big and small. We’re located at 1207 South Fir Avenue in Collins, MS. Make your appointment today by calling 601-698-0263. Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program Find group and individual therapy for seniors (Age 55+) facing challenges related to depression, anxiety, grief, and loneliness. Call 601-765-4600 to learn more. CCH Senior Care Unit Find solutions for seniors (age 55+) faced with behavioral conditions of a higher severity that impact the safety and quality of life for themselves and their loved ones. For referrals and appointment information, please call 601-698-0158. - To learn more about our program, visit https://lnkd.in/gTHxxHZw

Shatia Jones, Licensed Master Social Worker and Arrington Living Center Assistant Administrator, was selected as Covington County Hospital's Employee of the Quarter.   Shatia began her career at CCH in 2022 as the ALC Social Services Director and advanced to Assistant Administrator in 2024. Her previous experience includes over nine years in long-term care at Jones County Rest Home and in adult protective services for the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD).   She is a 2015 social work graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and is licensed by the MS Board of Nursing Home Administrators.    Passionate about supporting residents, families, and staff, Shatia acts as a liaison between residents and their families throughout the resident’s stay. She also makes sure the staff is being heard and that all are in a comfortable place to better serve patients.   “It was very unexpected to be chosen as employee of the quarter,” said Jones. “I love working here because they make you feel valued and respected as an employee.”   A resident of Heidelberg in Jasper County, Shatia is the mother of three children – two boys - an 8-year-old who she follows to all ballgames, and a 17-year-old who graduates from South Jones in two weeks. Her daughter is 26, lives in Grand Prairie, Texas, and is engaged to be married.     In her free time, she is an avid Netflix fan and loves to read, especially mental health biographies and memoirs of those with bipolar disorder. “Learning about this helps me recognize and explain mental disorders in the field,” she says.    Her advice to those considering a CCH job: “There’s always an opportunity for advancement. Get in, work hard, and take advantage of the open doors.”