Rockdale Medical Center Medical Social Worker Jennifer Phillips was awarded the prestigious Georgia Hospital Heroes Award at the Georgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) Annual Meeting on Nov. 11. Phillips, who was one of only 10 individuals statewide to receive the award, was recognized for her strong commitment to the health and well-being of community residents.

Phillips’ desire to help others began at a young age and is evident in her work not only in the hospital, but also around the community. She visits patients in their homes to make sure they have what they need to remain physically and mentally healthy. Her efforts to help the less fortunate and her investment in the health, comfort and safety of community residents are unparalleled.

When Phillips noticed that the cause of one patient’s frequent readmissions was a lack of reliable housing, she worked with Habitat for Humanity to assist with securing housing for the patient and also helped with the financial portion with money from her own pocket. She worked with community partners to furnish the home and build a wheelchair ramp.

Outside of her day-to-day responsibilities, Phillips has been extremely involved in the hospital’s [email protected] Community Paramedicine Program, intended especially for frequent users of emergency department services for chronic disease treatment and primary care services. Phillips helped develop protocols for the program and, along with the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families and the county emergency medical services (EMS), helped coordinate the grant for the program. She frequently makes home visits during her off hours and assists the paramedics who visit patients in their homes and provide counseling, coaching and therapy. The program has helped greatly reduce readmissions at the hospital.

“Jennifer Phillips is dedicated to patients in and out of the hospital,” said GHA President and CEO Earl Rogers. “Thanks to her efforts, individuals have received quality care that helps them treat their diseases as well as learn how to prevent them to avoid hospital admissions. She is most deserving of this award.”

About Rockdale Medical Center

Rockdale Medical Center, part of LifePoint Health, is committed to Making Communities Healthier®. A 138-bed, acute-care facility, Rockdale Medical Center offers a wide range of services including inpatient and outpatient services and leading-edge technology. Rockdale Medical Center is fully accredited by The Joint Commission, which evaluates hospital patient care for quality, safety and value. For more information about Rockdale Medical Center, please visit www.rockdalemedicalcenter.org.  For more information about LifePoint Health, visit www.LifePointHealth.net.

About GHA

Founded in 1929, GHA serves more than 170 hospitals in Georgia and promotes the health and welfare of the public through the development of better hospital care for all Georgia’s citizens. The mission of GHA is to advance the health of individuals and communities by serving as the leading advocate for all Georgia hospitals and health care systems. GHA represents its members before the General Assembly and Congress, as well as state and federal regulatory agencies, and is an allied member of the American Hospital Association. For more information, please call 770-249-4500 or visit gha.org.