Smart Talk - September 2026 by St. Joseph's/Candler

Monthly Co-Worker Newsletter of St. Joseph’s/Candler

september 2026

SJ/C Ready To Treat Growing Community 95

BLUFFTON

Black Creek Campus Urgent Care

Cancer & Non-Cancer Infusion Services

Urgent Care

POOLER

SAVANNAH

Pooler Campus

Surgery • PT • Imaging Primary Care • Specialty

BRYAN COUNTY

CHATHAM COUNTY

Candler Hospital

St. Joseph’s Hospital

WILMINGTON ISLAND

Primary Care

RICHMOND HILL 95

Urgent Care

Richmond Hill Campus at Heartwood 95

Primary Care • Specialty

The growth of Bryan County shows no sign of subsiding, and St. Joseph’s/Candler is uniquely positioned to provide high-quality care to these new communities. Over the summer, Paul P. Hinchey, President & CEO of St. Joseph's/ Candler, hosted a strategic meeting at the Hyundai Metaplant, bringing together senior executives from Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) and Raydient Places + Properties, the developers of the Heartwood community in Richmond Hill, to address the region’s expanding needs. Last year Hyundai announced a $2.5 billion plan to raise production capacity to 500,000 hybrid and electric vehicles at its massive

From left to right: Brent Stubbs, Chief Administrative Officer, HMGMA; Daniel Park, VP of Business Administration, HMGMA; Tony Heo, President & CEO, HMGMA; Paul P. Hinchey, President & CEO of SJ/C; Bill Cunningham, VP of Real Estate, Raydient; and Chris Corr, President of Raydient.

Metaplant off of Interstate 16. The Heartwood community, developed by Raydient, annexed 10,000 acres into Richmond Hill and has become a strategically-located residential hub for Hyundai co-workers and their families. Major topics of the meeting included employment growth, residential home sales and the expansion of medical access for the people of Bryan County. SJ/C has already established urgent care and primary care facilities across the county, along with an on-site medical clinic within the Metaplant. This network provides immediate medical attention for Hyundai co-worker workers and long-term care for the surrounding neighborhoods.

zero-harm pledge Every St. Joseph’s/Candler co-worker brings something special to their unit or department each day. But no matter what position you’re in—whether it’s caring for patients, keeping facilities clean, serving meals or supporting our mission behind the scenes—we all share a system-wide goal that can be summed up in two words: Zero Harm.

overwhelmed. In these critical times, they place their ultimate trust in us. We honor that trust with a pledge to keep patients safe from preventable harm, comfortable, and on the path to healing.” Every SJ/C co-worker plays a role in the Zero Harm Pledge.

What does Zero Harm mean? It means doing everything you can to keep every patient, visitor, and co-worker safe from preventable harm. It’s not a one-time project, but rather a mindset that co-workers can commit to and use to guide every choice they make.

“Whether you are at the bedside or preparing meals or working on an air-conditioning unit, we all have an impact on patient care,” said Kyle McCann, Chief Operating Officer at SJ/C. “The Zero Harm Pledge is an opportunity for all of us to have a unified commitment to our patients’ safety.”

This commitment starts with the Zero Harm Pledge. Every co-worker at St. Joseph’s/Candler can take this pledge and bring it to life through their everyday actions. The pledge connects every co-worker through our continued pursuit of safety and quality.

SJ/C has always been dedicated to safety. The Zero Harm Pledge brings our long-held principles together under one shared vision. Going forward, co-workers will receive communication about that vision through multiple channels, including future issues of Smart Talk.

“In healthcare, we carry a unique and profound responsibility,” says Paul P. Hinchey, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s/Candler. “When facing a sudden illness, injury, or frightening diagnosis, patients are often anxious and

Again, safety and quality has continuously been the highest priority at SJ/C. The Zero Harm Pledge is an exciting opportunity to bring all of the best principles together and continue the ongoing journey of reducing preventable harm.

mission critical Angels of Mercy Host Bunco Party For Seniors St. Joseph’s/Candler's St. Mary's Community Center became a game room last month when our Angels of Mercy hosted a Bunco party and luncheon, giving elderly and low-income residents in the neighborhood a chance to have fun and socialize. Bunco is a fast-paced dice game in which players take turns rolling three dice to match the current round number. After each round, players split up to face new opponents in the next round. The game is perfect for large group, where everyone can interact and try their

Co-workers can find upcoming Angels of Mercy events on The Hub.

luck while chatting and laughing with other players. As usual, the

Click on Co-Worker Central on The Hub’s homepage, then select

Angels got as much joy from hosting the party as the participants

Participation, then Angels of Mercy to find the sign-up form for any

did in attending.

upcoming events in which you’d like to participate.

moving forward

St. Joseph’s/Candler Awarded For Stroke Care Both St. Joseph's Hospital and Candler Hospital have once again received the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. The hospitals have repeatedly achieved this recognition for its sustained commitment to ensuring people experiencing stroke receive timely, appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately helping to save lives and reduce disability.

“It’s nice to be recognized for the investments we’ve made in patient care”, said Dr. Brian Raj, neurologist and Medical Director of the Stroke Program. “Our physicians and co-workers have stepped up to ensure that when you’re treated here, you’ll be taken good care of, and I think this most recent award really affirms that to our community.” St. Joseph's Hospital also received the AHA’s additional Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite℠ Award recognition. To qualify

rn mnit

(magnet nurses in touch)

for this, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.

By Alicia Motley, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC Director, Professional Practice, Specialty Services & Infection Control, Magnet Program Director

Congratulations to our latest DAISY Award winner, Sydney Smith. Sydney is a nurse on the Neuro ICU floor at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was nominated by a former patient (who also happens to work at St. Joseph’s/Candler). Part of their nomination said: “For my very first surgery, I was extremely intimidated and nervous going into the experience. Sydney made what could have been one of the scariest moments of my life feel manageable and comforting from the very beginning. She never treated me like just another patient or a task on her schedule. Every conversation felt genuine, personal and reassuring. Her kindness, calm demeanor and ability to connect with me made such a difference in easing my

she truly cares about the people she takes care of, and that compassion shines through in everything she does.”

anxiety. Sydney has exceptional patient care skills and

The patient went on to say that co-workers like Sydney are

consistently made me feel like everything was going to be

“the reason patients feel safe during their most vulnerable

okay, even during moments when I felt overwhelmed. She

moments.” The fact that Sydney is fairly new in her nursing

went above and beyond to make sure I felt heard, cared for

career but is already making that kind of impression on

and supported throughout the entire process. It is clear that

patients is very gratifying to see. Congratulations Sydney!

meet ashleigh carmain a co-worker profile With a work history that included a

verify insurance, handle medical records and

daycare center, an accounting office,

provide support to the rest of the office staff

and a high school cafeteria, Ashleigh

to ensure the practice runs smoothly.

Carmain has had quite a bit of customer service experience. Her background suited her well when she came on board as a Clerical Coordinator at St. Joseph’s/ Candler Primary Care – Richmond Hill. “Being up front is great because we really get to know our patients. Many of them

“I love it. We are a great team here. And we all know each other on a personal level as well as a professional level, which gives our little office a homey vibe.” That warm and inviting atmosphere extends out to the Richmond Hill community.

become like extended family. Especially

“I will sometimes meet a patient and find out

in a smaller office like this one.”

that they know my husband or my dad. It’s

Along with greeting patients, Ashleigh

a small world here.”

“Patients come to us when they are stressed and concerned. Not just patients who have to take care of themselves, but also their mothers, fathers and grandparents. Sometimes we see

and her co-workers at the front desk

Because of the tight-knit community,

them at their happiest and sometimes they

will assist with check-in and check-out,

Ashleigh feels a responsibility to demonstrate

are scared. You have to show compassion to

answer phones, schedule appointments,

the SJ/C value of Compassion every day.

everyone, every time.”

get ready to get your flu vaccine It’s that time again! Flu season is just

platform called Immuware by Propelus.

around the corner, and Occupational

Immuware uses Single Sign On

Health is ready to keep you safe and

technology, so co-workers will not

healthy throughout the peak months

have to remember a username and

of the flu. The best way to do that

password this year! They can log into

by receiving a flu vaccine, which

any computer on the SJ/C Network

Occupational Health will provide in quick and convenient clinics open to all

and gain access to the online portal.

SJ/C co-workers, contract workers and

Immuware is also easier to navigate

medical staff.

and features automated notifications to co-workers and managers to help

This year, Occupational Health is

everyone stay compliant.

launching a new method of confirming

October flu clinics. Remember: a flu vaccine is safe, it’s quick and each

your vaccination status. Co-workers

More information is coming soon,

year it prevents millions of flu-related

will not use ReadySet but instead a new

including dates and times for the

doctor’s visits across the country.

september events 16

Wellness Center Lifestyle Lecture: Digestive Health Learn about digestive health with Chloe Eddleman, RDN, LD, by Zoom on Wednesday, September 16 at Noon. Please pre-register by emailing Victoria Dekle, at thomasvic@sjchs.org. The Wellness Center must have valid email address to allow co-workers to join the Zoom virtual lectures.

Mercy Day Every year in September, the Sisters of Mercy, along with their friends and colleagues around the world, celebrate Mercy Day. Why is this date so important? On September 24, 1827, Catherine McAuley and her associates opened the House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin, Ireland. Now, as co-workers, we continue the work begun in the House of Mercy in our own healthcare ministry at St. Joseph’s/Candler. If you have the pleasure of working with one of our Sisters of Mercy, or just happen to see them in the hallway, please wish them a joyous Mercy Day.

ellness Center Lifestyle W Lecture: Snack Smart for a Healthy Heart We’d never tell you to quit all snacks. Instead, snack smart and protect your heart at the same time. Learn more with Victoria Dekle, MS, RDN, LD, by Zoom on Monday, September 28 at Noon. Please preregister by emailing Victoria Dekle, at thomasvic@sjchs.org. The Wellness Center must have valid email address to allow co-workers to join the Zoom virtual lectures.

welcome to st. joseph’s/candler!

Please join us in welcoming the following new co-workers to the St. Joseph’s/Candler family: Paublita Acevedo | 7 North, St. Joseph's

William Haley | Safety/Security, St. Joseph's

Jonathan Perera | OR, St. Joseph's

Emily Anderson | Path. Lab, St. Joseph's

Brandon Hall | IS

Markele Perkins | IS

Karen Baer | OR, Candler

Anisha Hamm | PACU, Candler

Pamela Pitzer | IS

Ashley Belcher | LCRP, Bluffton Campus

Jillian Hansird | Amb. Surg. Svcs., Candler

Ryan Plowman | Urgent Care, Richmond Hill

Tonya Bratcher | Inf. Svcs.

Brianna Harvat | PCU, St. Joseph's

Sydney Bricker | Wellness Center

Tamoz Hawkins | TCU, Candler

Katherine Pogue | PCU, Candler

Jaelyn Brown | PCU, St. Joseph's

Oneil Howell | Safety/Security, St. Joseph's

Margeaux Brown | Specialty Phys. Rev. Cycle

Rebecca Huners | 5S, St. Joseph's

Nicholas Camion | Specialty Pharmacy

Umou Jalloh | 6 South, Candler

Khadija Creighton | CT Scan, Candler

Alecia Johnson | 6 South, Candler

Jerri Davis | Rehab Unit, Candler

Shantrice Johnson | OR, St. Joseph's

Tracey Dewire | Surg. Onc.

Danielle Jones | Envr. Svcs., St. Joseph's

Daniel Dimaria | IS

Katherine Koehler | Center for Digestive Diseases

Anh Doan | ICU, Candler

Maddie LaClair | Marketing & Public Relations

Shacurea Dowdy | St. Joseph's Cardio

David Lankford | System Quality Performance

Elizabeth Duenne | ED, Candler

Ahliah Lewis | PCU, St. Joseph's

Kendra Estep | Ctr for Hyperbarics & Wound Care

Corey Love | PCU, St. Joseph's

Charles Fairley II | SPD, Candler

Hazel Lowery | Inf. Svcs.

Sarah Ferguson | Home Health - Brunswick

Raygan Mack | Communication Services

Christopher Fox | CCU

Donna Martinez | St. Joseph's Cardio

Madison Freeman | Home Health

Anthony Mcgee | Envr. Svcs., Candler

Adrena Gedeon | 4N, St. Joseph's

Kelsey Mock | LCRP

Caroline Gilbert | ICU, Candler

Maher Moussa | Rehab Unit Post Acute, St. Joseph's

Antoinette Gillis-Hayden | Dietary Svcs., Candler

Meagan Northrup | ICU, St. Joseph's

Howard Goldey, Jr. | Gastroenterology, St. Joseph's

Kimberly O'Connor | Ctr for Hyperbarics & Wound Care

Brandee Walters | Telfair BirthPlace

Taylor Gooch | Primary Care on Eisenhower

Courtney Orr | ED, Candler

Sylathia Washington | Pharm., St. Joseph's

Imari Greene | Surg. Onc.

Christy Pace | OR, Candler

Beverly Whitehead | Georgia Infirmary

Tabitha Gruenhagen | Primary Care in Statesboro

Robert Parker | Safety/Security, St. Joseph's

Cara Zollars | ED, Candler

september birthdays 1

Stephanie Alford Chakita Allen Shante' Baker Angelo Craft Victoria Devilbiss Stacey Graham Ji Han Bockarie Kobba Lucy McCartney Jessica Pfeiffer Mark Suzuki, MD Karon Timmons Cynthia Watkins Jennifer Wegmann Candice Wells Charisse Williams

Mandisa Brown AnnaLee Croft Erika Earl Vivian Earnhart Melissa Hebert Godfrey Madramootoo Molly Marsh Rashae Ross Annetta Thompson Sharon Wiley

Lisa Aliotta Sean Alva Kimberly Cothren Kalli Harsha Crystal Hedgecoth Aseel Jahmani Laken McClelland Shauntavis Miller Tynisha Murdock Brooke Norton Jasmine Price Megan Rose Harriet Sanders Kathleen Saxon Andrea Solomon Jamontae Taylor Mary Washington

Dewey Durden, III Greggory Freightman Ma'Lasia Harden Tanysha Jackson Olivia Jaime Diana Lemon Jocelyn Manresa Ashley McGriff Racine Morales Ashley Naquin Dominique Rosario Kassidy Taylor Shane Weidman Ainsley Westbrooks

Hailey Benoit Ashley Briggs Shanice Campbell Luong Chung Daniele Foust Hammer Alexia Hall Adam Hedgecoth Joni Lane

Ashley Osonitsch Stephanie Reese Katrina Thomas Annika Trotter Shawn White

Tonya Bratcher Kylie Burriss Nicholas Casey Carli Depeyster Kyreka Gayden Juliana Grossman Carron Hampton Shafeequah Jones Michelle Mcmahon Adrianne Orr Timothy Peele, Jr. Latonya Rojas Henderson Demia White

Lauren Brown Kayla Camarra Janice Campbell Cheryl Crawford Cathy Cribbs Felicia Ekweghariri La'Crystal Johnson Trinity Leslie Katherine Macmillan Felecia Richardson Catherine Sewell Jelffa Villegas

Jerrod Anderson, MD Kenya Bass Janette Benkert Sr. Theresa Carter Karen Cody Kashara Frazier Michelle Gainty, DO Spencer Greco David Lucree Anthony Mcgee Jennifer Montano Katelyn Stewart James Washington Janet Wesselmann

Lacey Barker Coralie Brice Cassidy Brooks Nina Gulczynski J Achim Martinez April Ogden Hailey Rey Antoinette Robinson Stephanie Roundtree Yvette Samuels Tyesha Smalls

Alexander Chiesi Sonya Cohen Lavenia Harding Shaianne Harrison Rosemary Hollis Tiffanie Miller Rebecca Mouna Katie Rowse Sally Walden

Phyllis Allen Shalonda Baker Justin Binkiewicz Makayla Borders Sukova Herring Constance Humble Joel Laufenberg Lliyah Nixon Bridget Poston Cheryl Turner John Wells Robert Wells Susanna Wood

Melinda Benthall Melissa Brown Sharon Cheesman Michael Craig Sandra Foster Augusta Hathaway Cassie Jenny Urszula Kowalewski Lisa Loadholt Karen Marshall Lou Mastison Carolyn Nelson, MD Tricia Norton Cody Parker Nishma Patel Stacey Peacock Valentina Polwort Terri Rozier Brenda Rucker

Dane Anthony Amanda Assey William Brand Jodi Brantley Ciara Campbell Ora Edwards Lateka Green Barbara Jackson Yvette Johnson Andrea Jones Scott Larson Anemaria Lutas, MD Kemira Mccullen Emily Munroe Melissa Saxon T'Nyia Spivey Andrea Tosi Jasmine Warren

Kiara Baker Jodi Beggan Cynthia Harris Betty Jones Kassandra Kile Michael Lawson Alexandra Mascorro-Huamancaja Eulogio Padayao, Jr. Luis Rivera, Jr. Ethan Roy Joseph Sutton, Jr. Kimberly Tyson Jose Vilar Fussa Malenar Watson-Mckennie Kiona Woodridge

Shawn Augustin Jessica Blair Renee Bolin Cynthia Brown Sakinah Bryant-Hampton Courtney Fraval Jenna Gonzalez Vanessa Gregory Henry Housey, Jr. Aluxis Ingebrigtson Anja Johnson Adrienne Jones-Robinson October Kelly Sr. Veronica Kovach Shuyknia Miles Aruna Patel Taelia Ransom Alfred Reci Jonilea Riley Michael Thompkins Laney Tootle

Ashley Cannick Lisa Dansky Jirayu Garcia James Helverson Alicia Jackson Randi Mabe Audrey Maxwell Romelia Ramirez Beverly Sanders Joseph Schwartzburt Brenda Tazewell Priscila Thomas Savannah Uzee Julia Warren

Thomasina Albury Margaret Batts Kellie Bostick Adriene Gaskin Desiree Gay Jenell Kelly Raegan Kirkland Barbara Peacock Brenda Peters Crystal Petrucci Stephanie Reyes Trinity Smith Marissa Tabakian Ja'Kemia Taylor Michelle Thompson Hector Torres Diaz Huy Tran Peterson Worrell Madison Ziomek

Kirbie Arnsdorff Reshien Causey Jerrell Clay Gissel Cruz Jan Garrant Victoria Harris Leonard Henry, MD Madison King Veidra Massey Lisa Mclendon Stacey Purvis Courtney Strickland Gage Thompson

Quanika Walker

Ke'Asia Alexander Katie Bland Deann Burch Sharien Campbell Madeline Carboney Rachel Cartrette Lashonda Cooper Arnold Drown Miquazha Dunbar Shauna Farler Kathy Hill Lisa Hill Kyleigh Jacobs-Thompson Jennifer Johnson Rebecca Johnson Haley Krafft Michelle Opacki Willoughby Olivia Powell Jose Rendon-Garcia, MD Linda Rubero Nadene Silva Callie Smith Brandee Walters Maria Zuniga

Rafael Agosto Stacey Brannen Sophia Butler Tanisha Cannon Timia Doss Joyce Driggers Michelle Glanville Kelly Gunn Brittany Holland Finai Jackson Jakub Kulakowski Nicole Murray Charlotte Smith Shannon Watson Kandace West Andrew Williams

Jillian Bensen-Eder Sherolyn Flores Debra Gatlin Stan Heath Delores Holmes Kimberly Jenkins Lindsay Launius Michael Litle Anna Massey Shedrick McCarthy Kandie Medlock Jenna Patrick London Peters Katie Pollard Sarah Povie Shanna Powell Annabelle Spikes Brad Trower Emma Woodall

Sarah Bello Shawn Blige Jennifer Dawson Robert Denton Erika Driggers Brittney Geddis John Hall

Raymond Hicks Tracy Hilderbrand Allan Jolly Gizelle Mason Brendan Moss Donna Page Kayleigh Page Anita Parham Tammy Pierce Bishop Singleton Wesley Turner Camesha Williams

Krystien Akins Tresha Bryant Alexis Campbell Faith Conner Hadeel Diab Erica Frazier Kristen Garza Donnamarie Herrington Jennifer Hunt Cassie Mcbride Kyle McCann Jenae Pierce Faye Pugh Sierra Robinson Sarah Stegin Anthony Thompson Emma Zipperer

Raven Brown Carey Freeland Kaitlyn Hilliard Melisse James Sophia Landry David Lankford Christina Mozee Jennifer Schildecker Wanda Shearer Adrienne Smallwood Madison Tomberlin Ethan Veale

Christie Acas Charmaine Alfonzo Gladys Brown Kimberly Butler Makaila Carter Julie Cooper Madison Davis Ashley Di Falco Bridget Ebright Patricia Hargrove Elizabeth Hernandez Crystal Irby Tiffany Lattimore Pauline Madramootoo Mirandel Richardson Jennifer Riner Elizabeth Todd Chad Vanbelkum

Kenai Alexander Dominique Bennett Maranda Bhojwani Katie Blaylock Caroline Brif Junelie Canete Tanisha Cruz Diane Farr

Kellisha Famuyiwa Carol Hodge Chandra Jones Dana Leysath Laurie Luteran Jill O'Dell Heather Parker Emily Sproul Karol Wynn

Karlise Ben Riletia Hawkins-Pray Christina Jones Nakia Jones Nadine Salmon April Scott Ebony Scott Megan Thees Guerda White

Cameron Blount Chris Bronson Todd Butler Melissa Fischer Madison Holton Madison Lambert Teameika Magwood Lauren Murtha Victoria Newman Rachael Porter Sophia Posey Maya Snyder Jemisha Williams Jennifer Williams

Mary Chapman Madison Copes Laura Floyd Kirsten Ford Chaira Fray Kyuana Holmes Jamila Johnson Antionetti Jones Sarah Lieberman Naydeen Mena Mary Metz Scarlett Newman Kanasha Roberts Wildamarie Santiago Marsha Shadley Tabetha Silwimba Jamie Young Latory Young

Gellion Clarke Green Elisia Faison Camilla Hopkins Mahogany Houston Monique Johnson Woo Kim Angela Lowe Latasha Mclaurin Rebecca Odom Kenneth Robinson Aliyah Robinson-Kelly Victoria Sutton Joyce White Annette Wiggins Jennifer Wright