Macon, Ga. (February 28, 2024) - Seventy-nine people, many of whom don’t have healthcare benefits, took part in Piedmont Macon Medical Center’s free cardiac screening event in February.
The turnout for the annual event was the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, which Piedmont Macon leaders say is an indication of the public’s heightened enthusiasm and engagement with services they need most.
“In Macon-Bibb County, as well as Middle Georgia as a whole, healthcare access is an issue,” said Robin Parker, executive director of Community Development & Patient Support Services for Piedmont Macon. “We are pleased to provide these valuable services for those in the community who do not have a primary care physician, for example, or don’t have the resources to get these screenings.”
The Feb. 22 four-hour event showcased the teamwork that courses through Piedmont Macon and featured dozens of healthcare professionals, including 17 nursing students who drew blood for lab work and checked the blood pressure of participants.
The hospital’s Pharmacy and Rehab departments also offered crucial work educating people about their weight and body mass index, as well as hip-to-waist ratio checks. Additionally, Piedmont’s experts from Nutrition, Cardiovascular Services and Stroke Services provided consultations and created a holistic experience for attendees, who also had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with resident physicians.
“The success of the event was beyond any of my expectations,” said Debbie Bryan, director of Piedmont Macon’s Cardiovascular Services. “The numbers tell the tale, and this event falls in line with one of our missions of being a healthcare resource for some of our most under-served communities.”
To further support the community, Piedmont Macon distributed free community resource guides, which offered consolidated information on available services related to housing and utility assistance, behavioral health, primary care services and food insecurity.
These combined efforts underscored the event's impact, providing the community with a comprehensive and beneficial cardiac health screening experience, Piedmont Macon leaders said.