News Around the State

Sharkey-Issaquenna begins outpatient behavioral health program

Sharkey-Issaquenna Community Hospital in Rolling Fork has instituted an intensive outpatient behavioral health program, Senior Living. Dr. Margaret Kea Cassada is the program’s medical director and Henry Goodman, LCSW, serves as the program coordinator.

Working together to improve health care

Dr. Andy George, a physician practicing in Rolling Fork, is president of the new Sharkey-Issaquena Health Network, a group of area health care providers who share information and provide assistance to one another. The network is a coming together of those involved in health care in the community to work together to address the needs of the area.

The meetings are held at the Sharkey-Issaquena Community Hospital, a prime component of the network. Members also include Rolling Fork's other local physician, two Head Start centers, the public and private school systems, a local home health agency and a local nursing home, the mental health agency, and the Mississippi State Extension Service.

One group project was the creation of a booklet listing health care providers in the area, which was distributed to all residents of the two-county region. Another effort is an essay contest in local schools designed to get young people to look at the many ways in which substance abuse affects so many lives. They also run a regular ad in the local newspaper, asking people to let the network know about health care events in their communities.

SICH Employee of the Quarter named

Terri Hancock has been named the Sharkey-Issaquena Community Hospital Employee of the Quarter. She is a registered nurse in the hospital’s Senior Care Unit.

"Terri is a dedicated, energetic employee who sets a high standard of patient care," Jerry Keever, hospital administrator said. "SICH is fortunate to have someone of her caliber."

SICH honors long-term employees

Sharkey-Issaquenna Community Hospital in Rolling Fork recently honored employees for years of service: 10-14 years: Diane Briscoe, Susie Cooper, Dr. Andrew George, Cassandra Knight and Jennifer Scott; 15-19 years: Beatrice Ivory; 20-24 years: Jimmy Cheatham, Cassandra Diggs, Grace Anna Hatcher, Dr. Danny Jackson, Gaye Jones, Lee Martin, Merlene Steed and Robert White; 25-29 years: Ann Maranto, Juanita Martin and Henry Smith; 30-34 years: Martha Douglas, Margie Faye Scott and Jane Windham; and 35 years: Dot Johnson and Elmira Scott.