EMS recognized for saving teen who suffered near-fatal stroke

Anyone could see the May 20th meeting of Habersham County Commissioner’s was destined to be, The Meeting of Miracles.  Those focused on the much-rumored Letter of Intent between Habersham Medical Center (HMC) and Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), were gifted a badly needed money transfusion in the form of a five year financial agreement, that will cover among other items, Emergency Room expenses. But before that final climatic commissioner revelation revealed during the final 30 seconds of the meeting, those gathered heard about real, authentic miracles carried out, by none other, than heroes of Habersham Emergency personnel.

Student survives near-fatal stroke

A packed room listened attentively as over a dozen Habersham employees described what could have been the final day in the life of Habersham High School senior, Alyssa Delgado. But it wasn’t.

Alyssa was on the way to classes during her junior year, last year, when friends in the car noticed she appeared as if she might be having some kind of a seizure. The students pulled into their usual parking spot and turned to see Alyssa appear motionless in the backseat. They quickly got HCHS personnel to the car, who in-turn, called 911. When an ambulance arrived, Alyssa’s vital signs were almost non-existent. Emergency personnel worked feverishly on Alyssa until a medical helicopter air-lifted her to Atlanta. Several of the individuals surrounding Alyssa at the Monday night meeting tearfully explained they could not see how she would make it to Atlanta alive. But she did.

Commissioner Mealor reacts to heroic efforts by Habersham Emergency Personnel. (Dick Stafford/Now Habersham)

In fact, Alyssa did not have a seizure, she faced a massive stroke, which over the next half-year, required four operations and tremendous rehabilitation. And all on her own, her mother just behind her, Alyssa Delgado walked to the speaker’s podium to address the group of people that assisted her in an almost tragic moment of a life, facing death. The room could have cared less about the rumored HMC and NGHS Letter of Intent, which many had come to hear all about. After all, Alyssa’s story was a miracle that was guided by flesh and blood people determined to use every resource available to make a real difference to one young high school girl.

In other business…
Joey Massey discusses statue at Habersham County Airport. (Dick Stafford/Now Habersham)

After all eyes in the room had been wiped, dried and re-focused on the next agenda item: a clarification concerning a statue at Habersham Couth Airport. Joel Massey addressed the audience and Commissioners concerning a statue his family had commissioned as a gift to those who pass through Habersham’s link to the skies. The statue, honoring Massey’s father, Billy C. Massey, was dedicated almost three months back, but required approval ratification by the Commissioners. It received unanimous approval.

While the attendees at the monthly Habersham Commissioner’s court dwindled, there was still some excitement in the air when Commissioner Natalie Crawford was recognized for her ACCG Lifelong Learning Academy course in Leadership Development.

County Commissioner Natalie Crawford was recognized for completing her sixth course in Leadership Development through ACCG.

After reports on the budget and more celebration to recognize the Habersham Central High School Mock Trail student victories, and a moment to recognize the dedicated and exceptional hard work by Lynn Smith, who was recognized as the Emergency Management Association Director of the Year award, it was time to discuss why we had gathered on this Monday evening: a much needed miracle for Habersham Medical Center. As the Commissioner’s adjourned for the requisite closed session, Commissioner Mealor looked on with great anticipation.

Habersham County Commissioners gather for LOI signing with Northeast Georgia Health System. Pictured (l-r): Natalie Crawford, Stacy Hall, Dustin Mealor, Jimmy Tench. (Dick Stafford/Now Habersham)

When the Commissioners returned from the closed session, the agreement was announced, and within 10 seconds, Chairman Hall declared the meeting adjourned. About six citizens remained for the final miracle’s pronouncement, an agreement that sets the stage for Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) to purchase Habersham Medical Center.

HMC signs letter of intent with Northeast Georgia Health System

The proposed agreement outlines a five-year plan for NGHS to invest $3 million dollars annually to help HMC fund capital projects to enhance and expand services for the hospital in Demorest. During that five-year period, any dollars HMC generates beyond 20 days of cash-on-hand to support operations would be transferred to a fund. At the end of the agreement term, the fund balance would be used at the discretion of HMC and the Hospital Authority – with the intent to apply the funds to Habersham County’s debt.

During the five-year agreement, HMC leadership and staff would continue to operate the hospital under direction from the Hospital Authority of Habersham County. At the end of the definitive agreement term, NGHS would have the option to acquire HMC.