President Jamie Mitchell presided over the meeting. Steve Ramp gave today’s invocation. Mallory Donald led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Thanks to Jamie Mitchell and Mark Killingsworth who served as our greeters today.
Erin Granberry stood in today for Brandon Hodges as Sargent at Arms. Erin reported that Mallory Donald has Mit Cole as her guest today, and Joey Johnson’s guest is prospective member Eric Rodgers.
Jamie announced that Otis Blankenship a former Rotarian passed away this month.
Erin then introduced todays guest speaker, Martha Dearman.
Our thanks to Martha Dearman for providing our program on Tuesday.
L-R: James Mitchell, Martha Dearman, and Erin Granberry.
Martha Dearman currently serves as the Executive Director of the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation (FGHF) in Hattiesburg. As Executive Director, she has been instrumental in securing funds for many projects on Forrest General’s campus.
One project in particular is the Ashbury Hospice House. They set out initially on a three-year campaign to raise 5 million dollars to build the Asbury Hospice House. Within 18 months, they raised over 5 million dollars and broke ground on the project before the campaign ended.
The facility is located on South 40th Avenue near the Hattiesburg Post Office. The property is surrounded with pines and other native trees and plants and provides a peaceful environment for patients and those visiting them. The hospice house offers a home-like setting where staff can address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient and their family. The Asbury Hospice House is designed to provide for every aspect of care a family may need when facing the terminal illness of their loved one.
From the moment you enter through the welcoming doors, families will find spacious patient rooms, a dining area and kitchen facilities, a comfortable family room, a meditation room, a chapel and a garden all coupled with the best available care.
Since the facility opened in November of 2016, they have admitted 311 patients. This facility has provided care for these patients, offering them dignity in their final weeks and months, as well as giving comfort to their families.
Hospice staff members work hand-in-hand with palliative care nurses and physicians who focus on the unique needs of a patient facing a terminal illness. The Pine Belt has benefited from a facility like the Asbury House because it helps with those patients who need around-the-clock care but may not have caregivers who can provide that at home. For such patients, the hospice house is a beautiful place to spend their last weeks or days surrounded by family, friends and caring physicians and staff who are experts in hospice care.
To learn more about the facility or inquire about care and treatment for a loved one, please call Forrest General Home Care and Hospice at 1-800-844-4663.
Jamie thanked today’s speaker and adjourned the meeting with your motto, service above self.