Leadership around Hardin County in 273 Days: November

November was Health and Human Services Day for LHC 2019-2020. The morning session started at Communicare where the class heard from Lance Heffer. He highlighted the services Communicare offers and the evolution of those services and clinical techniques. We then heard from Sara Jo Best of the Lincoln Trail District Health Department. We learned the difference between Public Health and Healthcare. She discussed their short and long-term goals for the Public Health of Hardin County.

The day then took us to Hardin County EMS kicked off with Bryce Shumate, Chief Emergency Services Officer. We had the chance to learn about the Emergency services Hardin County offers via air, ground, and through the Coroner’s office. Our last visit took us to Hardin Memorial Hospital (HMH). We first heard from Col. Hugh McLean, Commander of the USA Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) and Ireland Army Health Clinic. We received a snapshot of the patients they serve and got a preview of the now recently opened clinic. He then turned it over to Mr. Dennis Johnson, Present/CEO of HMH, who talked about the amazing strides in medical technology HMH has been making along with dismissal of the lawsuit preventing the closing of the HMH/Baptist Health deal. He and the administration are looking forward to the improvements, facility/equipment upgrades, recruitment, and the overall positive benefits this deal will bring.

The day ended with presentations from Sarah Tovar, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners SANE) Program Manager and Bert Jones, Director of Medical Imaging. Sarah spoke to the history of the program, the need for the program in our area, and their increased funds to continue to help the program grow and better assist those in need. Bert talked about the groundbreaking IBM Watson Imaging system HMH is piloting that uses AI to generate imaging data insights for radiologists. He then gave a tour to see the new 3D Mammography Unit and the patient diagnosis area. It is great to hear of all the medical advancements happening within our community.