News

Celebration of National Laboratory Professionals Week

Lori Emerson, MD, medical director, Cindy Parrish, director, and a select number of the lab staff presented Governor Sonny Perdue with a proclamation for his signature to commemorate National Laboratory Professionals Week in the state. During the trip to Atlanta, the group was able to discuss current issues regarding health care and labs with several elected officials.

Tricia Daniels, PBT (ASCP); Laura Wodds, MT (AMT); Cassandra Green, MLT (ASCP); Linda Hill, MT (ASCP); Lori D Emerson, M.D., laboratory medical director; Cindy Parrish, MLS (ASCP) SC, SH, DLM; Governor Sonny Perdue and Jay Neal, Representative of Georgia District 1.

Distinguished Service Award Present to Fant  

Leonard Fant, chairman of the Board of Directors for the Hutcheson Health Foundation, was presented with one of the Georgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) highest honors, the Distinguished Service Award. Fant, who received the award at the association’s annual convention on Feb. 17 in Atlanta, has been an integral part of the hospital and highly influential in improving the health of his community for more than 50 years.

“Leonard is an outstanding figure in the community and especially to Hutcheson where his service spans back to the hospital’s conception. This award is a portrayal of what Leonard has exhibited throughout his life and this honor from the GHA is very deserving,” states Charles Stewart, president and CEO.

Fant began his career at Hutcheson on its opening day in 1953 as a night medical lab technician. He worked his way up to top executive positions at nearby hospitals and returned to Hutcheson in the 1980s as chief executive officer. He then established the Hutcheson Health Foundation and has been personally involved with every fundraising effort since its inception. During his time as CEO, he renamed, rebuilt and revitalized the hospital with the beginning of a $20 million expansion and renovation that included a new surgery department and intensive care unit. Fant and his staff also arranged for an emergency helicopter service from Atlanta to provide 24-hour emergency transport capabilities.

Fant recently retired after serving for 10 years as CEO of Blood Assurance, Inc., a community agency providing blood and blood products to 31 counties in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. He continues to devote much of his time to the community, giving time and raising money for diabetes, Kiwanis, United Way and the Catoosa Performing Arts Foundation. As a breast cancer survivor, he is an advocate for breast cancer awareness and even served as the honorary chair of the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure on Sept. 30, 2007.

“Mr. Fant has spent a lifetime making health care better for his community,” said Joseph Parker, president of GHA. “His dedication to his hospital and his civic duties are remarkable. He is a deserving recipient of this award.”

Hutcheson Foundation Golf Classic

Hutcheson employees and community volunteers are planning for Hutcheson Health Foundation’s 2010 Golf Classic.  The 21st annual event is scheduled to be held on May 4 at Windstone Golf Course in Ringgold.  Net proceeds from the event are designated for new cardiovascular services at Hutcheson Medical Center.  For more information, contact Vi Gray at 706.858.2071.  Pictured (L-R) front row: Pat Page, committee chair; and Mike Dunbar.  Back row:  Barbara Marshall; Vi Gray; Louise Smith; Doris White; and Patti Nethery.