January 22, 2025 NGHS employees transform patient care through employee-funded grants View »

From medical oncology nurses to rehabilitation specialists, frontline healthcare workers at Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) are investing in improving patients' experiences beyond just doing their jobs. Six projects were recently approved for more than $26,000 in funding through NGHS' Change Grants Program, which uses employee donations to the NGHS Foundation to fund employee-led projects that enhance services for patients and their loved ones.

"Our team members see opportunities to help patients every day," says Chris Bray, president and chief philanthropy officer with the NGHS Foundation. "These projects came directly from their experiences with patients and families, identifying meaningful ways to make healthcare more human."

The initiatives originated from staff across different departments and locations.

Tamika Johnson, a medical oncology team member, noticed families staying around the clock with loved ones during extended treatments often struggled to afford meals. Her solution: a meal support program for families facing financial hardship during long hospital stays.

Similarly, Shannon Ellis from rehabilitation services proposed using fidget blankets - a blanket designed with various textures and interactive elements to keep restless hands occupied - to help calm anxious patients.

"Working directly with patients, you notice the little things that could make their experience better," Ellis explains. "Sometimes it's as simple as giving them something to do with their hands."

Other staff-led initiatives include:

• A heart health program providing exercise tools and culturally appropriate cookbooks to seniors, submitted by Melissa Blasingame
• Comfort carts in emergency departments with practical items for waiting patients, submitted by Louise Robison
• Parenting education resources for families managing behavioral health challenges, submitted by Ann Shannon
• Charging stations in surgical waiting areas for family members, submitted by Dorothy Brookshire

Members of the committee that governs the employee-giving club - called WATCH (We are Targeting Community Health Care) - carefully selected each project, evaluating proposals based on the potential impact on patient care and family support. The approved projects will begin rolling out across NGHS locations in early 2025.

To learn more about the Change Grants Program and WATCH, visit nghs.com/change-grants.

About NGHS

Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is a non-profit on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. Our team cares for more than 1 million people across the region through five hospitals and a variety of outpatient locations. Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has campuses in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder, Dahlonega and Demorest - with a total of more than 960 beds and more than 1,400 medical staff members representing more than 60 specialties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.

About NGHS Foundation

Founded in 1986, the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to health system improvements, complementary programs and partner organizations throughout the region. In an effort to further the mission of improving the health of the community in all that we do, donations to the Foundation help support innovation and enhancements at all five of Northeast Georgia Medical Center's community hospitals, as well as many health initiatives of the system. It is truly through the generosity of friends and neighbors that many critical, life-saving projects, improvements and patient care services are available today. For more information, visit nghs.com/foundation.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.