Having access to a cardiologist close to home provides peace of mind for patients in small towns like Statesboro, Claxton, Metter and Brooklet. It enables heart patients to undergo diagnostic testing quickly and conveniently, providing a better care continuum and overall experience. Data has shown that over 86 percent of rurally-classified counties lack a local cardiologist.
To help make an impact on this statistic, St. Joseph’s/Candler has expanded our cardiac presence, offering clinical hours next door to SJ/C Primary Care in Statesboro. Doctors from both Cardiology Associates and SouthCoast Cardiology have established a presence in the area.
“Access to timely care is critically important for safety and patient loyalty,” said Ashley Anderson, Director of Specialty Practices. “We have aimed to better serve our rural patients by expanding outreach services west of I-95. The cardiology office in Statesboro is equipped to perform stress tests, diagnostics, and physician consults. Statesboro has quickly become a one-stop shop. Having to travel to Savannah for multiple appointments can be a deterrent for some patients. It is imperative that we can meet these patients where they live and work.”
tulip awards
“Providing outreach clinics in outlying communities improves those patients’ cardiologist access and long-term outcomes,” said Dr. Hanna. “It’s important to bring specialized care to rural hubs, and it helps physicians bridge geographic and transportation barriers.”
Cardiology Associates has helped SJ/C expand to other fast-growing areas as well, with Dr. Adam Zucker establishing practice hours at the Pooler campus, and Dr. William Crosland offering visits at SJ/C Primary Care in Richmond Hill – Heartwood.
St. Joseph’s/Candler established the TULIP Award to allow patients and families to recognize Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) for their essential part in high-quality care. TULIP stands for Thoughtful, Unforgettable, Lasting, Impact, Patient Care.
The latest TULIP Award recipients are:
Marie Dunmore, PCT
Marie is a Patient Care Technician in the radiology department at St. Joseph’s Hospital and has worked at SJ/C for 25 years. She was nominated by the entire radiology department, who said she does all of her many tasks “with a great attitude and pleasant spirit.”
Shavonda “Shay” Simmons, PCT
Shay is a Patient Care Technician on PCU at Candler Hospital. She was nominated by a fellow co-worker, who said that Shay “exudes love for her patients and co-workers and is an integral part of the night shift team.”
Currently, Dr. Karen Hanna, Dr. John Rathbun, and Dr. William Wallace from Cardiology Associates and Dr. Jonathan Latham from SouthCoast Cardiology have clinic hours in SJ/C’s Statesboro office.
mission critical
SJ/C Honors MLK With Remembrances, Parade Trolley
Co-workers braved a biting January cold to be a part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in downtown Savannah last month. It is a longtime tradition and honor for SJ/C to be able to participate in this parade every year. But that was only part of the celebration.
SJ/C also hosted two remembrance ceremonies for MLK on each main campus. Co-workers enjoyed music, readings and prayers performed by other co-workers, along with some special guests including
Final Cohort of 2025 LCRP Customer Service Champions Complete Training
The fourth and final group of 2025 Customer Service Champions completed their training as part of the Outpatient Oncology Customer Experience Project at the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion. These co-workers were trained in best-practice principles for infusing empathy into every aspect of a patient’s cancer care journey. Pictured here from left to right are: Jordan Jaffie, Denell Forster, Jennifer McKown, Ja’Maica Brown, Samantha Davis, Regina Johnston, Vanessa Gregory, Charlene Nesbitt, Kimberly Beamon, Ebony Thomas, and Alexandria Stevens
moving forward
the Performing Arts Collective of Savannah and award-winning singer Kim Polote. You can see more photos from all three events on the home page of The Hub open_in_new
Free Diabetic Screenings At SJ/C’s African-American Health Information & Resource Center
SJ/C offered a Post-Parade Party & Diabetes Screening on Martin Luther King Jr., Day, opening up African-American Health Information & Resource Center to anyone who wanted to learn more about the disease and how to manage it. SJ/C offered free blood tests, eye screenings, and a foot clinic for wound prevention. But it wasn’t just a clinical event—participants enjoyed line dancing, chair yoga and free hot cocoa. The message behind the celebration was that diabetes is preventable and manageable, and SJ/C is here to support our neighbors as they take control of their health.
SJ/C’s CCU/CVICU Unit Wins Beacon Award
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) recently gave St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Coronary Intensive Care Unit and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CCU/CVICU) a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence. This is a significant achievement as more than 575 units from around the country applied for the award.
The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve unit outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units that earn this annual award meet specific criteria at a level that sets them apart from other hospitals.
“Congratulations to the CCU/CVICU on this incredible achievement,” said Carey Freeland, Clinical Manager of CCU/CVICU & ICU at St. Joseph's Hospital.
“Their hard work, dedication, and commitment have not just met but exceeded expectations, making a tangible impact and shining a light on what is possible in critical care.”
meet stephanie bryant a
co-worker profile
St. Joseph's/Candler Physician Network –Endocrinology receives more than 200 referrals every month. Those referrals come with clinical data, patient history and test results that need to be verified and logged so that the two physicians in the practice, Dr. Priti Nath and Dr. Carolyn Nelson, have all the information they need on a new patient before their first appointment. With so much information coming in, there is usually something new to be learned every day as a Referral Specialist, and that’s why Stephanie Bryant enjoys her role so much.
“Every day in this role is a learning experience. And I’ve learned a lot over the past two years!”
Bryant started in the practice as a receptionist. Her skills at the front desk came in handy when another co-worker needed to take medical leave, and Bryant was able to fill in as a receptionist while simultaneously processing referrals. Bryant says the SJ/C value of Teamwork is a huge part of the culture at the practice.
“Our team is pretty awesome. We have a lot of support here. You can lean on everyone. If someone needs help, we all jump in.”
One of the highlights of Bryant’s role is calling a patient to get them scheduled to see Dr. Nath or Dr. Nelson. Even though
tax help for co-workers
the practice is busy and the calendar fills up quickly, patients are grateful to get on the schedule.
“I especially enjoy calling the patients for this. They are so excited. It reminds me why I enjoy working here. It is important to us to give the best possible care that can be provided, and that is simply helping people feel better!”
St. Mary’s Community Center is participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax prep services for anyone making less than $80,000 (a new maximum which enables more people to use the service.) Please note, if you receive a refund, it must be deposited into a bank account or on a debit card. You won’t be able to receive a check from the IRS.
Services will be offered through Saturday, February 28, at the times listed below: Monday - Thursday | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
| 8 a.m. – Noon
Volunteers are IRS Certified to prepare basic tax forms (no itemization). This free service is for anyone in the community who is eligible, not just SJ/C co-workers. Please share with family members or friends who may benefit from this assistance.
To plan your time with a VITA volunteer, call (912) 447-0578. Discuss what paperwork you will need to bring before your appointment. St. Mary’s Community Center is located at 812 W. 36th Street in Savannah.
february events
6 McAuley Nominations Close
Last chance! Nominations for the 2025 McAuley Award close on Friday, February 6. Named in honor of Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy, this award is presented annually to one co-worker who exemplifies the mission and values of SJ/C.
You can access the nomination form easily on the homepage of The Hub open_in_new, and it doesn’t take long to fill out. We all know a coworker who consistently goes above and beyond. You only have a little more time to recognize that person with a McAuley nomination.
11 Lifestyle Lecture – Digestive Health
Learn about improving your digestive health with Chloe Eddleman, RDN, LD, by Zoom on Wednesday, February 11 at 1 p.m. This includes tips on weight management and disease prevention. Please pre-register by emailing Tori Thomas at thomasvic@sjchs.org The Wellness Center must have valid email address to allow coworkers to join the Zoom virtual lectures.
17 Lifestyle Lecture – In-Person Grocery Store Tour
Learn how to shop for products that help with sustainable weight loss in real time at the Publix in Twelve Oaks Plaza. The tour will start at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17.
You must email Clinical Dietitian Tori Thomas to sign up for this lecture in advance: thomasvic@sjchs.org. An additional email with more details will be sent out to registered participants ahead of the tour.
in memoriam
St. Joseph’s/Candler extends its deepest sympathies to the colleagues, family, and friends of the late Sister Assunta Desposito, Sister Grace Marie Dillard, and Paul Carpenter. Their service to the health system made an impact that is still felt today.
Sister Grace Marie Dillard, RSM served as the first Vice President of Mission Services for St. Joseph’s/ Candler. She devoted herself to a life of service and prayer as a Sister of Mercy. Sister Grace died on December 3, 2025.
Sister M. Assunta Desposito, RSM retired as an educator after serving as a teacher at Blessed Sacrament and principal at St. Peter The Apostle. She then used her skills and love of learning to help co-workers at SJ/C. Sister Assunta was a close friend and confidant to all of the staff at Mercy Convent. She died on December 18, 2025.
Paul Carpenter spent most of his career at SJ/C. He started at Candler Hospital in 1987 as IV Room Coordinator, later becoming a manager and finally Director of Pharmacy in 2014. He retired in 2022. Paul passed away suddenly on December 31, 2025.
Our prayers are with their loved ones. They will be deeply missed.
1
welcome to St. Joseph’s/Candler!
Please join us in welcoming the following new co-workers to the St. Joseph’s/Candler family:
