9 minute read
WHAT’S HAPPENED
Dosher Earns Quality Certification for Healthcare
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Advertisement
Dosher Memorial Hospital has recently earned its ISO 9001:2015 certification. The ISO 9001 standard is a quality management certification that promotes adaptation of a process approach and demonstrates commitment to consistency, continual improvement and patient satisfaction. The ISO 9001 standard for healthcare provides a model for a quality management system that focuses on the effectiveness of clinical, business and support processes to ensure that high-quality care is provided. Dosher was awarded the certification by DNV, an independent certification, assurance and risk management provider. DNV has worked with Dosher since 2018 as their hospital’s accreditation body, which, through annual independent assessments, ensures the safety of hospitals to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs. The DNV accreditation process for hospitals is based on the ISO 9001 quality management system, with a focus on continuous improvement of quality to enhance patient care.
Carolina Roof Wrap Ribbon Cutting
Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Carolina Roof Wrap, a company that will shrink wrap your roof with the most secure temporary system that will protect your roof for up to one year. The only U.S.patented shrink-wrapping system, WrapRoof is the inventor of the most effective shrink wrap roofing solution available. This is the product for homeowners looking to install a reliable, temporary roof and for insurance companies looking to best serve residents with a product that meets policy standards and saves further damage to a home.
Dosher Welcomes New Chief Nursing Officer
Dosher Memorial Hospital welcomes Catherine Mohr, RN, DNP, NEA-BC as the new chief nursing officer. Mohr has an extensive background as a senior healthcare executive with more than 26 years in both large academic medical centers as well as community hospitals. She came to Dosher after serving as the executive vice president/system chief nursing officer of the Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, Pennsylvania. Prior to that role, Mohr had served as the executive director of the Children’s Hospital at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska, and as the director of nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System for Women’s and Children’s Services and Radiology. Mohr earned her bachelors of science in nursing at the College of New Rochelle, her masters at Duke University in Durham and her doctor of nursing practice from American Sentinel University in Aurora, Colorado. A self-described “nurse’s nurse,” Mohr is passionate about the role nurses play to influence great patient care and believes that by understanding what is meaningful to the patient, healthcare professionals can make a greater difference in patient experience and outcome.
Chamber Holds 46th Annual Membership Meeting
During the week of July 8, Chamber of Commerce Southport - Oak Island held its 46th Annual Membership Meeting at The Brunswick Center Southport. The chamber recognized Kim Felts of United Bank, 2020–21 chamber president, for gracefully leading the organization through a year filled with changes and uncertainty. The “Can Do Chamber” met these challenges with a willing spirit as the board, members and staff pulled through together and with a sense of humor and a desire to make things happen. Ervin Etheridge of BEMC took the presidential reigns from Felts as the 2021–22 President. He stressed the importance of the chamber’s role to support its businesses and reminded the members that the chamber is here to support them no matter the size or age of the business. He asked the members to encourage fellow businesses who are not members to join.
Elks Lodge 2854 Awards Scholarships and Grants
Before their regular monthly meeting in June, Shallotte Elks 2854 handed out scholarships to three lucky participants totaling $900. The Elks awarded scholarships to Amelion Williams from Brunswick County Early Collage, Katherina Nguyen from West Brunswick High School and Caroline Bryant from West Brunswick High School.
The Shallotte Elks also awarded Gratitude Grants: $500 to Brunswick County Interfaith Homeless Outreach and $250 to Brunswick Electric Membership Corp. for the Warm Homes Warm Hearts utility assistance program. The Elks donated a Beacon Grant of $1,250 to Brunswick Christian Recovery Center to help with local homelessness and substance abuse.
McLeod Health Recognizes Merit Award Recipient
McLeod Health Loris Seacoast’s June Merit Award recipient was Kelly Hughes, McLeod Health communication and public information director. Jumana Swindler, vice president of communications and public relations, presented Hughes with a Merit Award. Hughes was nominated by Emily Lucero, vice president of facilities management with McLeod Health.
The Merit Award recognizes McLeod Health employees, volunteers and physicians who consistently exemplify Service Excellence standards and who also demonstrate and promote the McLeod Health mission, vision and values. Recipients are nominated by their coworkers and chosen by members of the McLeod Health Service Excellence Committee.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Northwest Mutual Ribbon Cutting
Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribboncutting ceremony on May 27 for Northwestern Mutual Financial Representative Jenna Cooley and her husband and business partner, Steve Cooley, CFP. The Cooleys moved to the Southport-Oak Island area from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Jenna helps women, families and business leaders achieve their financial, retirement and legacy goals. She uses her years of experience as a certified leadership and business coach to instill confidence in each client when it comes to their financial security. Jenna has a true passion for helping women develop solid, comprehensive plans that honor their values and help them find financial freedom.
Both Jenna and Steve serve clients locally and nationwide with the help of virtual meeting options. They both share the strong desire to see families and businesses thrive by preparing them for the good things in life while protecting them from the things that can go wrong. They specialize in retirement, education funding, business planning (employee and executive benefits) and estate planning. Jenna and Steve are also well versed in disability income, long-term care and life insurance.
St. James Properties Resale Reopens
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
On July 21 St. James Properties hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce at the marina in St. James Plantation. The ceremony was held to celebrate the reopening of St. James Properties Resales Office, which is the only real estate office in St. James Plantation.
Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce recently held a one-year anniversary ribbon-cutting at Seabreeze Bar & Restaurant and Events at Brick Landing. Hors d’oeuvres and live music by Chicky’s Boy welcomed the guests, and everyone at The Links at Brick Landing was also excited to meet with the community members and guests and give updates on progress of their course revitalization.
Museum of Coastal Carolina Receives Donation from OIPOA
Ocean Isle Museum Foundation gratefully accepted a generous $5,000 donation from the Ocean Isle Property Owners Association (OIPOA). The donation will assist with the replacement of the museum’s aging HVAC unit. OIPOA was established in 1983 as a nonprofit volunteer organization for the island of Ocean Isle Beach. Membership is open to all island property owners.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
One of the goals of OIPOA is to “engage in civic, charitable and educational activities for the betterment of the property owners on the island of Ocean Isle Beach, NC.”
Dosher Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
Brandon Hughes, CPA, has been appointed as the new chief financial officer at Dosher Memorial Hospital. Hughes joined Dosher in January 2017 as the director of finance with key areas of focus including the annual budget, cost reports, reimbursement and audits. Hughes, who has more than 15 years of experience in healthcare finance, previously worked for Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem as the manager of revenue accounting and held prior positions at Tenant Healthcare, Southeastern Health and Duke University. Hughes earned his Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees from East Carolina University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional. He resides in Southport with his wife and their two children, enjoys kayak fishing and gardening and is a member of Generations Church.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
As of August 5, six graduates in the Medical Assisting program had taken the certification exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and were proudly wearing the credentials CMA (AAMA). Joyce Thomas, director of the Medical Assisting program said, “This was a hard-working group of women who had enough drive and determination to make it through the rigor of this two-year program while dealing with an unprecedented pandemic. They were resilient and made the best of every frustrating situation that they encountered. This type of perseverance will serve them well in their healthcare careers.”
Chamber President’s Award and Business Champion Award
Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce awarded Duncan Hilburn, of Berry, Padgett & Chandler, PLLC, the President’s Award for his outstanding service to the community and the chamber through the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament, the NC 4th of July Festival and wherever else help is needed. The chamber announced Ann Hollingsworth of Dosher Memorial Hospital Volunteers as the recipient of the Business Champion Award for positive energy on social media championing the good news about the community, local businesses and nonprofits.
BCS Names Teacher of the Year
Brunswick County Schools’ 2021–22 BCS Teacher of the Year is Betsy O’Hara of Cedar Grove Middle School (CGMS). O’Hara was surprised by Superintendent Dr. Jerry L. Oates and Assistant Superintendent Molly White during the CGMS staff retreat. O’Hara will lead the Teacher’s Advisory Council that is made up of the 20 individual school Teachers of the Year and will be the Teacher’s Voice at each monthly Board of Education Meeting. O’Hara also holds the title of 2021 CGMS Teacher of the Year, 2021 BCS Remote Learning Teacher of the Year and 2021 BCS Middle School Teacher of the Year. She began teaching in Florida in 2003 and has been a CGMS educator since 2015.
DAR Chapter Presents Flag to New Habitat Homeowner
The Brunswick Town Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the Revolution (NSDAR) participated in the dedication of Beth Hewett’s new home in Southport on July 17, 2021, with a presentation of an American flag to the homeowner. Chapter Regent Martha Koletar presented the flag on behalf of the chapter and wished Hewett much happiness in her new home. “DAR believes that all Americans deserve a safe happy place to live,” Koletar said. “We’re also very proud of our country and are happy to be able to give a flag to Beth.” Hewett’s home was made possible by Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity and the many sponsors and volunteers who contribute to the effort. NSDAR is a volunteer service organization whose membership promotes patriotism, education and historic preservation. Membership is open to any woman age 18 or older who can prove direct lineal bloodline descent from an individual who contributed to American independence.
