Atrium Health Floyd recently joined community leaders, local organizations, and first responders for a Flagpole Dedication Ceremony at its freestanding emergency department in Chattooga County, highlighting the healthcare system’s longstanding commitment to the community it has served for more than 80 years.
Atrium Health Floyd is being recognized for its long-standing commitment to the people of Chattooga County, where the healthcare system says it has proudly served residents for more than 80 years.
Atrium Health Floyd EMS has been named Georgia Region 1 EMS Service of the Year, highlighting the organization’s dedication to emergency care across Northwest Georgia.
In addition to the agency honor, Chattooga County paramedic Greg Hawkins, known as “Hawk,” received the prestigious Dr. James Creel Pioneer Award, recognizing outstanding service and leadership in emergency medical services.
The awards were presented by the Northwest Georgia Regional Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council on March 26, 2026.
Local officials and colleagues are praising both Atrium Floyd EMS and Hawkins for their commitment to saving lives and serving their communities with excellence.
WZQZ News congratulates all involved on this well-deserved recognition.
Blood Assurance says several days of heavy hospital usage have pushed its supply of O-positive and O-negative blood to critical levels, while platelet supplies are also nearing critical status.
The organization says there is an emergency need for donors as soon as possible, especially those with Type O blood.
The need comes as the region moves into severe weather season, a time when trauma cases can rise and put even more pressure on local blood supplies. Blood Assurance says rebuilding the supply quickly is especially important to help meet patient needs.
Blood Assurance is the primary supplier of blood and blood products for Atrium Health Floyd and AdventHealth Redmond in Rome, and it also supplies Cartersville Medical Center. Donations made at Blood Assurance donor centers and blood drives in Rome and Cartersville help support local patients across the area.
Eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment as soon as possible, although walk-ins are also being accepted.
To schedule a donation, visit Blood Assurance online, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777.
As plants begin a new season of growth and bloom, health care providers at Atrium Health Floyd are reminding residents that rising tree pollen levels can trigger seasonal allergy symptoms and are encouraging people to take steps now to stay comfortable.
Doctors say seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, is often caused by tree pollen as spring approaches. Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, an itchy nose or throat, and itchy or watery eyes.
Health experts note that allergy symptoms can become worse on dry, windy days, when pollen levels tend to be at their highest. Residents who struggle with spring allergies are encouraged to monitor pollen levels and take preventive measures to reduce exposure and manage symptoms.
Atrium Health Floyd has lifted the temporary masking and visitor restrictions that had been in place since December, citing a steady decline in respiratory illness cases among patients and staff.
The City of Summerville is receiving $228,000 in grant funding to support improvements at the Fairway Recreation Center Complex, including the construction of a new mini-pitch soccer field and restroom facility.
Atrium Health Floyd is offering two free community events this February in observation of American Heart Month, focused on blood pressure screenings and heart-health education.
Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic are making an additional investment in their local workforce, announcing an increase in the minimum starting wage for eligible teammates in Northwest Georgia to $18.85 per hour, beginning with Jan. 30 paychecks. Leaders say the change is meant to strengthen long-term workforce stability and support the employees who provide care across the region.
A new exhibit at the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center in Rome is putting real cancer journeys front and center—through powerful portraits and personal stories from patients receiving care close to home. One of those featured is Miriam Little, an oncology social worker who spent a decade helping cancer patients find resources and support, before learning in 2023 that she had ovarian cancer herself.
