A Letter from the President & CEO

From the President & CEO

AAs I started compiling this letter, I was reminded of a quote by Walter Elliot, “Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.” Reflecting on the last two to three years in healthcare, this quote seems very fitting. We have definitely found ourselves in one race after another. Through no choice of our own, we entered the race and continued to persevere; not always winning, but enduring to the finish. Everyone’s world changed due to something called COVID. Most of us would like to erase this word from our vocabulary. It has robbed us of loved ones and friends and has turned our environment upside down. But again, we must persevere and look forward to a future of hope.

The COVID vaccine was released in December of 2020. In 2021, we introduced the vaccine while navigating new territory regarding mandates and funding. Forrest Health facilities set up vaccine and immunotherapy access through multiple sites. The HealthWorks Immunization Clinic, a service of Forrest General and Hattiesburg Clinic, administered 51,305 vaccines as of December 16, 2021. Forrest General’s Family Medicine Residency Clinic provided an additional 3,100 vaccines to members of our community, and our Home Care Services administered 514 vaccines to homebound patients. We joined with our cities, counties, and physicians to provide vaccine clinics at various community centers. Together, we were stronger and provided access for the people we serve.

Despite the trials, we also prepared to add Perry County General Hospital to the Forrest Health system. We know that even during hard times, we must continue to grow and help the communities we serve. We also expanded our Trauma Services by adding two highly-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons. This addition, along with our trauma surgeons, continues to make our Trauma program one of the premiere programs in the state and beyond.

We also continued to be recognized nationally with awards commending our cardiovascular care. This included recognition for outstanding treatment of heart attack patients. We continue to be on the cutting edge of cardiovascular technology as we performed the 200th Watchman™ procedure for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) which offers an alternative to long-term blood thinners. We were also once again awarded the “Baby Friendly Designation” for our Women and Children’s Services. This prestigious designation is given to hospitals upholding the highest standards of infant feeding care. Forrest General was the first in Mississippi to receive the designation in 2016.

We still have challenges ahead. Nationwide, every sector is faced with staffing shortages. It is the most pressing issue with hospital CEO’s. We must find ways to staff our facilities and care for those who look to us as their health partner. We regret that waits have been longer and the processes not always easy to work through, but we will get past this time and move forward. Healthcare environments have changed since the pandemic, and we must refocus to embrace these changes for the future.

The story of Forrest Health has been one of courage, determination, persistence, and strength. I am so proud of our Forrest Health staff, our physicians, and those who have not given up. Even though at times discouraged, they pushed through days that seemed impossible. They took small steps that accomplished big things.

Most people who know me know that baseball was a big part of my life growing up. It taught me teamwork and the importance of every player. As we move forward, I would like to end with this quote from baseball legend Babe Ruth, “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” We must think positive and rally together to win the game. I know that our team will again hit it out of the park, and our foundation will only be stronger due to perseverance and the lessons we have learned.

R. Andy Woodard,

Forrest General Hospital President & CEO

2 | FORREST HEALTH ANNUAL REPORT 2021