Paris, Tenn.–Henry County Medical Center continues to operate under a mask requirement in all of its facilities, according to CEO Lisa Casteel.
In her monthly update, she noted that the State of Tennessee has seen case numbers increase during July, with the Tennessee Health Department reporting that 97% of new cases are coming from unvaccinated individuals.
Casteel once again encouraged Henry Countians to vaccinate, noting that just 36.7% of the population had been vaccinated compared to 41.3% for the state of Tennessee. HCMC will be offering vaccination clinics on Thursday, Aug. 5 at 5:00 p.m. at Henry County High School’s Meet The Patriots and on Saturday, Aug. 21 at Paris Pediatrics beginning at 8 a.m. At both events, the Pfizer vaccine will be offered so those 12 and older can receive the vaccine. Please see website at www.hcmc-tn.org for more information.
EMPLOYMENT: As of July 23, HCMC had 50 job openings, including RNs, CRNAs, food service, environmental service and maintenance. Casteel noted that in the state of Tennessee alone there are 129,000 job openings for registered nurses. Casteel encouraged those interested in seeking employment at HCMC to log on to the website (www.hcmc.tn.org) and click on the Careers & Education tab.
On the physician front, Casteel said the hospital is pursuing an additional general surgeon as the community need for that specialty is great.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING: Casteel gave an update from the July 22 board meeting, as well. She noted that Senator John Stephens attended the meeting to get an update on HCMC and healthcare needs in the region. Also attending were several of the new third-year medical students from Lincoln Memorial University.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: HCMC continues to assess the behavioral health needs of the community through surveys and discussions during the month of May. Casteel noted HCMC is working on providing outpatient counseling services and future plans will be discussed in September as part of Suicide Prevention Month.
CARDIOLOGY: Casteel noted that she’s been in discussions with Saint Thomas regarding the cardiology program. HCMC recently lost its full-time cardiologist and Saint Thomas is actively recruiting a replacement. Casteel said that Saint Thomas is continuing to provide cardiologists at the Kelley Clinic.
UPCOMING: August is Immunization Month…September is Suicide Prevention Month…Sept. 22 is HCMC’s annual Service Awards event…On Friday, Sept. 24, HCMC will sponsor the Henry County-South Gibson football game…Henry County Healthcare Foundation’s annual Casino Night will be held on Saturday, Oct. 23. Funds from that event will go towards our behavioral health initiative.
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