Medical

B2B Stories

Different Way to Access Health Care

The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 2025 Third Thursday series with a look at a different option for receiving health care. Dr. Rob Lamberts of Welcome Health presented Cut Costs, Not Care, a way individuals can access healthcare, and business owners can provide benefits to employees. Lamberts leads an Augusta area medical practice that provides what is called Direct Primary Care (DPC). It is a membership-based alternative payment model that uses a flat, monthly, or annual fee to access unlimited primary care and preventive services. “There are

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Consumer Stories

A Dadventure unlike any other

Editor’s note: When Wes Hennings contributes to ABD, the topic usually revolves around Working for the Weekends and where you can take your kids for some fun and games. Today’s Dadventure is different. It’s a lifesaving trip he takes with his daughter.  You’re never prepared for your child to receive a devastating diagnosis. But it’s news we received before our daughter was even born. She would live her life facing Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a disease that until just a few years ago, was almost always deadly before the age of

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Consumer Stories

Holidays are here and so is Helene Fatigue

Christmas is tomorrow. While many will have the day off from work to celebrate with family, others are still reeling from Hurricane Helene. It’s been close to three months since the storm ravaged much of the CSRA with 100 mph wind gusts and torrential rain. The signs of long-term recovery are prevalent. While much progress has been made on debris removal, there are still piles of limbs in many directions. Homeowners are still waiting for electrical repairs, fence replacements, stump removal, and other home repairs. Recently, two out of the

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B2B Stories

Another step forward in meeting healthcare demands

Aiken Technical College’s radiologic technology program has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). “Achieving JRCERT accreditation is a significant milestone for our radiologic technology program because it validates the quality of the education provided and enhances the reputation of the program among students, employers, and the broader healthcare community,” said Program Director Crystal Burke. “The workforce demand for radiologic technologists is strong, and by offering a rigorous, comprehensive, and technology-forward education, our program can effectively prepare students to meet the needs of the

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Consumer Stories

Hospital Construction Passes the Halfway Point

Construction on Columbia County’s first-ever hospital is slightly ahead of schedule, despite some problems in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The ground was broken for the hospital, being built on the Gateway to Grovetown, exit 190 off Interstate 20, in April of this year. Construction crews “topped out” the hospital, that is they reached the top of the structure, in June. Construction includes a separate building providing space for medical offices beside the main hospital. It was topped off in July. “So, since the summer, we’ve really been working on

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B2B Stories

A shot in the arm for local healthcare staffing

Nearly 70 students have completed their studies at the Aiken Technical College School of Nursing. A pinning ceremony was held for the graduates who received an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a diploma in nursing, or a Patient Care Technician (PCT) Certificate. A January 2024 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (www.uschamber.com/workforce/nursing-workforce-data-center-a-national-nursing-crisis) pointed to the ongoing need to train people to join the nursing field. Looking specifically at registered nurses (RN), the report projects at least 193,000 open positions will need to be filled between 2022 and 2032. However,

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Consumer Stories

Radiothon raises more than $250,000 for children’s hospital

Christmas music and cheers filled the halls of Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia recently as listeners and viewers of local iHeart Media radio stations and WRDW generously supported patients and families for the 24th consecutive year. In the end, the community pledged $255,612 to support Wellstar Children’s. iHeart Media donated 72 hours of airtime to the cause while three of its local radio stations – WBBQ 104.3, 96.3 Kiss FM, and 105.7 The Bull – and WRDW News 12/NBC 26 broadcast live from a conference room in the hospital. “The Children’s

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Consumer Stories

Generous donation to help CSRA babies

Call it the Christmas spirit or perhaps the giving nature of those pursuing a healthcare career, but Aiken Technical Colleges Student Medical Assisting Association (SMMA) came through in a big way for young CSRA mothers and their babies in need. Aiken Technical College’s Student Medical Assisting Association collected and donated baby-related items to local nonprofit, Prepare for Babies. The student organization held a campus-wide collection drive and was able to donate more than a thousand diapers, 3,400 wipes, 120 containers of baby food, as well as baby clothing, bouncers, walkers,

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Consumer Stories

Solving CSRA’s Healthcare Shortage

Laurie Ott’s fourth leadership position in her impressive 30-year CSRA career may be her most challenging. She’s playing catch up with the influx of businesses and employees moving to the Peach State.  For 11 straight years, a trade publication voted Georgia the top-ranked state to do business. However, there is a major impact on additional employees and families moving here. “We need 1,500 more nurses in the CSRA,” she said Friday at the 2nd Annual Columbia County School District Career Health Expo. Ott says there is also a huge statewide

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B2B Stories

Taking steps toward recovery on post

Fort Eisenhower and Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) are beginning to phase in operations as the post and hospital recover from Hurricane Helene. Beginning on October 3, the post operated under controlled access. Only mission essential personnel, first responders, and residents were permitted on the post. MG Ryan Janovic, Commanding General at Ft. Eisenhower, said 37 of the post’s 780 family housing units were significantly damaged. “Significant damage, most often here now referred to as a large pine tree through the roof, as it is happening off the installation as

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