NSMC News

In healthcare, there exists a place where compassion and comfort intertwine to provide solace during life's most challenging moments. Hospice of North Sunflower is a beacon of hope and support for individuals and families navigating the complexities of end-of-life care.

At the heart of this exceptional center is Wendy Gore, a dedicated healthcare professional whose commitment to holistic care has touched countless lives.

Wendy grew up here in Ruleville and moved away to raise a family in Brandon. When an opportunity to return to the Delta opened up, she jumped at the chance. "I wanted to come home to my roots. It feels like everybody's family here. That is comforting to me."

Wendy Gore's Life in Transition

But when the hospice center she had been recruited to run closed, Wendy went to Billy Marlow and convinced him to open Hospice of North Sunflower. "I've been here since the day it opened." Next March that will have been a decade.
 
For the families of the patients they have touched, the impact of Hospice of North Sunflower cannot be overstated. Facing the reality of a terminal illness can be overwhelming. Hospice care focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with terminal illnesses while providing essential emotional and psychological support for their families.
 
"I like being around old people more than I like being with young people," Wendy told us. "They are real. They say what they feel and they don't sugarcoat. They've lived their life, and they are not afraid to tell you."

Wendy and her team's dedication, compassion, and support amplify this mission. They allow families to find solace in knowing their loved ones receive the best possible care.
 
"Hospice is hard," Wendy told us. "We are dealing with dying patients every day. The nursing staff and aides have to have kindred spirits. We are not trying to fix people. We are there to hold your hand when you die. It takes a very special person to do what we do. The people we have working with us are very genuine, and they are 100% dedicated to our patients. Most of them have been with us since the beginning."
 
Each patient's journey is unique, and their care plans reflect this individuality. From pain management to counseling, the center's multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs and desires. 

Hospice of North Sunflower

Like every other branch of the NSMC family, Hospice of North Sunflower is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that patients receive the best medical attention while maintaining the dignity and respect they deserve.

Hospice of North Sunflower will grow its footprint in the coming months as Wendy opens a new facility in Greenwood. Their ability to personally connect with patients and their families will remain the same. 

In a time when medical advancements are constantly evolving, it's easy to overlook the profound impact of compassionate care. Hospice of North Sunflower, along with the remarkable efforts of Wendy, stands as a testament to the importance of prioritizing quality of life, empathy, and human connection, especially during life's most challenging moments. They remind us that in our vulnerability, there exists a space where kindness and compassion can make a difference and that true healing encompasses the body, mind, and soul. 

To talk with Wendy about Hospice of North Sunflower, call (662) 756-1700 or go to https://northsunflower.com/services/hospice-of-north-sunflower.

Zakiyo "Kiki" Jackson started her social work career focused on teens, and her grandmother gave her some good advice that changed her path and eventually led her to North Sunflower Medical Center as one of our valued new leaders.
 
This summer, Kiki Jackson joined the Walter B. Crook Nursing Facility as administrator.
 
She brings 15 years of experience in long-term care and aims to make life fun for the residents.

She's a natural party planner and is already lining up Southeastern Conference tailgate parties for the football fan residents this fall. She's adding flair to the décor.
 
But it all started at the University of Mississippi, where Kiki studied psychology and social work.
She knew she wanted to help people. Her mom worked as a dental assistant in Mound Bayou, and her older sister was a nurse.
 
She first used her degree in a job with teens. "I told my grandmother, `With these kids, it's so hard for me to make a difference.' My grandmother told me, `You need to be working with the old people. You are great with old people like me!"
 
So Kiki changed directions, working in long-term care and then in long-term care management. Along the way, she collected many awards and accolades.
 
When NSMC reached out this year about joining us, she was ready to come home.
 
"I am from Sunflower County, grew up in Indianola, and graduated from Gentry High. I'm a Sunflower County girl, first and foremost," she says. "I've always had a high respect for NSMC and the quality of services they provide. It was a no-brainer to move here!"

In her first two months, she found just what she expected.
 
"The staff here, they care so much. They love the residents like they are their family. You don't get that everywhere," she says. "NSMC is extremely passionate about ensuring that the citizens of Sunflower County have quality health care in their homes and here in our facilities. You can see it as a patient. When you work here, you really get to see it."
 
She said her husband, Gregory, "supports my calling to work with the elderly" and even volunteers to help. Kiki also stays busy with church and community events and her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.
 
Everywhere she goes, she fights misinformation about long-term care facilities.
 
"When people think of retirement homes, they think that people just go there to be until they die. That's not true. We provide people with new ways to live. Our residents have access to so much here in this facility. They eat wonderful soul food – that they don't have to cook! We have so many different activities and options."
 
"Families may worry they are throwing the care of their loved ones to someone else. Instead, they care about their loved ones so much that they are getting them the care they need," Kiki says.
 
For more information about the Walter B. Crook Nursing Facility, call 662-756-1605 or visit https://northsunflower.com/services/walter-b-crook-nursing-facility.

Mike Gilbow has been with North Sunflower for the past 12 years. But that is just part of the story of his 43-year career as a pharmacist. So it's no real surprise that the leadership of our state wanted to learn a few things from Mike's decades of experience – and passion for patient care.
 
Last month, Mike was named by Governor Tate Reeves to the State Board of Pharmacy.  The mission of the Board is to “protect and promote the health of Mississippi citizens by regulating and controlling the practice of pharmacy and the distribution of prescription drugs and devices.”

Last week, Mike told the Bolivar Bullet, “Here at North Sunflower, where I work, we have six pharmacists and I am very thankful to have their full support.  And I also have the hospital administration’s support which means so much to me. To be able to do the service work for the state of Mississippi, the Delta, and for the pharmacy is just wonderful to me.”

The Important Challenges Facing Pharmacies

We asked Mike what he felt were some of the most important challenges facing pharmacies in Mississippi. He was happy to provide some thoughtful insights into the industry.
 
“Like a lot of other rural states, Mississippi faces a shortage of pharmacies. Many of the business factors of operating a pharmacy are really hurting small town, corner store pharmacies,” Mike told us.  “A lot of the people we serve don’t drive. When a pharmacy in a small town shuts down, the patients they served now live even further from the pharmacist that has their medications. We have had to come up with some innovative solutions to get our patients the prescriptions they need to stay alive.”

Mike wants to bring some of the commonsense solutions North Sunflower Medical Center has pioneered to the state pharmacy board. “We had Mississippi Sports Medicine here in Ruleville recently.  It was packed with people needing to have their knee or shoulder or any other ailment looked at,” Mike told us. “They were able to see some of the best orthopedists in the state without having to go to Jackson. We do the same with hearts.  I want to take that kind of thinking to the state board to help address some of the challenges pharmacies all across our state are facing.”

Mike Gilbow is Part of An Amazing Team

But don’t worry about all the accolades going to Mike’s head. “I am lucky to be part of an amazing team. Some of the biggest names in pharmacy are on that board.  I’m going to work hard and study hard and do my very best.”

The more you talk with Mike, the more you see why our world needs more Mike Gilbows. “The opportunity to help the State of Mississippi just fills my heart with joy. I love what I do.  I believe in what goes on around here at North Sunflower.  It’s not always easy, but what we’re doing is what I love.  Taking care of friends and family and new acquaintances daily – it’s just right down my alley.”
 
Mike’s term officially started on the first of July. So if you see him around Ruleville, tell him to keep up the good work.

Over the past few years, it has been increasingly clear that mental health plays a crucial role in a person's overall well-being. We were way out in front of that trend at North Sunflower Medical Center (NSMC).

Fifteen years ago, NSMC established an outstanding behavioral health program that prioritizes the mental well-being of its patients. Through an innovative and comprehensive approach, NSMC's behavioral health program offers hope, healing, and support to individuals seeking assistance with mental health challenges.

Since its founding, Leslie Warrington has been the Behavioral Health Director at NSMC. During her impressive tenure, she has worked to develop a team approach that brings together health professionals from various backgrounds. This program includes psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and nurses working together to provide personalized care to each patient.

Three Behavioral Health Programs in One

"Leslie is the program's backbone," Celeste Wolfe Lofton, Community Educator for Senior Care and IOP told us. "She built the program into what it is today. It's her baby."

The behavioral health program caters to different levels of care required by patients - from outpatient therapy to inpatient care. But the program at NSMC is three programs in one – targeted at helping older adults cope with the changes they face in the aging process. These services include psychiatric evaluations, individual and group therapy, and medication management.

Ginny Pantin runs the individual therapy practice. This is for patients to come and see a therapist once a week or a couple of times a month. They talk about the mental and emotional ups and downs that come with getting older.

Helping Seniors

The Sunrise Program is an outpatient center that caters to senior adults to help them return to emotional and physical well-being.  Patients come two to four days a week to participate in group sessions with a licensed professional – and enjoy snacks and lunch.  This is good for people who are suffering from grief or loneliness or those who are starting to struggle with their mental health. 
 
Senior Care is an inpatient program for patients 55 and older whose behavior is getting harder to manage at home. The typical length of stay is between 5 to 14 days. Sometimes this is related to dementia or other age-related illness. Usually, patients must come in and be evaluated, have their medication updated, and talk with a licensed professional. The program provides recreational activities for the patients, gives them a comfortable place to recover, and allows the family to talk with a licensed professional. 
 
The behavioral health program also works closely with other departments in the medical center to bring a complete approach to patient care. This allows our healthcare professionals to treat underlying physical health issues often contribute to mental health challenges.

Helping the Community

But what the behavioral health program does inside the walls of North Sunflower is just part of the equation. Celeste is the pied piper of NSMC's behavioral health program. She conducts community meetings to discuss the importance of mental health education. This also reduces the stigma frequently associated with seeking psychiatric help – especially with older patients.

"By getting people to talk about mental health, we try to contribute to building a more compassionate and understanding community here in Ruleville and across the Delta," Celeste tells us.

The behavioral health program is rooted in patient-centered care, focusing on the individual's unique needs and goals.

"The team makes listening closely to our patients our top priority," Celeste says. "We bring empathy to those conversations and work with patients so they take an active role in their recovery. By involving patients in the decision-making process, we want to ensure that the treatment plan aligns with the patient's and their family's values and preferences."

Over the past decade and a half, North Sunflower Medical Center's behavioral health program has become a beacon of hope. Individuals seek effective mental health care thanks to the hard work of people like Leslie, Ginny, Celeste, and many others. Through its innovative approach, NSMC demonstrates its commitment to fostering healthier, happier, and more resilient communities – here in Ruleville and throughout the Delta.

To book an appointment, call (662) 756-4000.

Everybody knows by now that last weekend was Father's Day. Somewhat lesser known is that last week was International Men's Health Week. Of course, if you read and subscribe to the Delta Business Journal, you already knew that. The DBJ's June issue featured an article about Men's Health Month, showcasing North Sunflower Medical Center's very own Dr. Shannon Myers. We have written about Dr. Myers several times. It's good to see those outside the North Sunflower family catching on to what a valuable asset he is to the community.

Dr. Shannon Myers: "Address Health Issues Early"

Dr. Myers shared with the DBJ the need for men to take a proactive approach to their health.  "Men over thirty should start yearly screenings for diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure to prevent heart disease. This can be accomplished with blood tests done in the physician’s office, including simple blood pressure checks. Men should also have their BMI assessed to check for overweight/obesity. That places them at risk for future diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Men should also talk with their healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations like annual flu shots,” he says.

Dr. Myers also talked about how important it is for men over 40 to have yearly checkups. “We’ve seen an increased rate of cancers like testicular cancer in men over thirty since the seventies, also, which is a problem," Dr. Myers said. "Men over forty should have a yearly physical. Men younger, in the thirty to forty range, should have physical exams every two to three years. Heart disease is the primary issue facing men’s health. The good news is that eighty percent of premature heart diseases are preventable.”

Doc and the Refills

In addition to being a Family Medicine Specialist for over 12 years, Dr. Myers is also an accomplished singer and guitarist.  He can be found playing with his band, Doc and the Refills, all over the Delta.

If all of this has inspired you to schedule an annual checkup for yourself or for the important men in your life, contact the One Call referral line at (662) 756-4000.

Practice your swing for the 15th Annual Birdies and Backhands Tournament. This highly anticipated event is one of our favorite days of the year. Come enjoy exciting sportsmanship, community spirit, and crucial support for accessible healthcare services here in the Delta.

Proceeds go to support the North Sunflower Medical Foundation. This marks the 15th year people have been getting together to spend a day playing for a good cause.

“The mission of the Foundation is to help fund the innovative work our health care heroes do to make North Sunflower Medical Center thrive," North Sunflower Medical Foundation Director Stacy Davis told us. "Donating to the Foundation returns an investment to the North Sunflower Medical Center, but more important than that, it is a return of investment to you.”

This year's tournament will raise funds to further empower the foundation's mission of supporting the health care heroes that work and care for patients at North Sunflower Medical Center.  

“Each new piece of equipment the Foundation can help provide, each new class the Foundation’s work allows our employees to take, each new upgrade the Foundation’s efforts allow – it all translates to advancement in the care North Sunflower Medical Center can provide,” Stacy said.

The tournament is not just about friendly competition. It's also an opportunity for the community to rally together and make a tangible difference. Generous donations from local businesses, organizations, and individuals contribute to the success of the event. That enables the North Sunflower Medical Foundation to continue its vital work.

Birdies and Backhands 2023 at Cleveland Country Club

Cleveland Country Club will be the headquarters for golfers and tennis players showcasing their skills and supporting the Foundation.

“Having the event at the Cleveland Country Club allows us to bring together the surrounding communities. It also allows us the opportunity to let others know about all the amazing things going on in Ruleville and at North Sunflower Medical Center,” Stacy says.

The cost is $100 per player for the 18-hole scramble or $400 for a four-person team. Registration is at 11:30 on the day of the event; the shotgun start is at 1 p.m. Lunch, and snacks are provided.

The secret to the success of this event is the volunteers.  Every year people dedicate their time and effort to make this event such a success. "Without their help, this event would never have been all it has become. Volunteers make up our Foundation. Men and women who believe in our community and are willing to spend the time to help make it a little better,” Stacy says.

The 15th Annual Birdies and Backhands Tournament promises to be an exciting day filled with fun and philanthropy. We love bringing together the community to support a worthy cause. Join the North Sunflower Medical Foundation on May 25th to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

For registration forms, go to North Sunflower Medical Foundation’s Facebook page. For event information, contact Stacy Davis at (662) 719-4147.

Swingbed Services are the core of any Critical Access Hospital. And while every part of our happy little hospital is vital to our community,  North Sunflower Medical Center's Swingbed unit is the Heart and Soul of healthcare throughout the Delta. 

The term "swingbed" refers to the ability of the unit to "swing" between different levels of care depending on the patient's needs. A patient who needs acute care in a hospital can be admitted to the Swingbed Unit for that level and then transition to a lower level of care as they improve. The ultimate goal of the Swingbed unit is to help patients regain their strength and independence. That way, they can return home as quickly as possible.

One person who has played a significant role in the success of the NSMC Swingbed unit is Mary Helen Wasson.

Mary Helen is a registered nurse and the Director of Nursing at NSMC. She has over 25 years of nursing experience and a deep understanding of the needs of patients and their families. Her passion for patient-centered care and commitment to improving health outcomes has made her a big asset to NSMC and its Swingbed unit.

Swingbed is a Vital Resource for Patients

Under Mary Helen's leadership, NSMC's Swingbed unit has become a vital resource for patients in the Mississippi Delta. The unit has a capacity of 25 beds. It offers a range of services, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Patients admitted to the unit receive personalized care and attention from a team of skilled healthcare professionals who work closely with them to develop an individualized care plan.

One of the benefits of the Swingbed unit is that it allows patients to receive care close to home. This is particularly important in rural areas like the Mississippi Delta, where access to healthcare can be limited. "We don't have a lot of access to acute rehab here in this part of the Delta. This saves people from going to Jackson, Greenville, or Memphis," Mary Helen said. "This way, they can have friends and family come visit every day. That helios keep their spirits up. If they have to go to Memphis or Jackson, they are not going to have that."

NSMC can improve health outcomes for its community and surrounding areas by providing high-quality care in a local hospital.

One thing that sets the Swingbed unit at NSMC apart is its focus on patient-centered care. Mary Helen and her team believe that the best way to help patients recover and regain their independence is by listening to their needs and goals and working with them to achieve them. They take a holistic approach to patient care, addressing the patient's medical needs and emotional and spiritual well-being.

Swingbed Provides a Sense of Comfort and Familiarity

The Swingbed unit at NSMC also provides patients with a sense of comfort and familiarity. Many patients admitted to the unit have been hospitalized at NSMC before. They are already familiar with the hospital and its staff. This can make transitioning to the Swingbed unit easier and less stressful for patients and their families.

My favorites are the patients that come and go," Mary Helen told us. "They come in, get the care they need, and get back into the public. If they need to get strong again, they come back."

A Dedicated Staff

Mary Helen is also involved in community outreach and education. She is a frequent speaker at local events and workshops. There, she shares her expertise in patient-centered care, nursing leadership, and health promotion. "It is a great outreach to the community. Swingbed care helps so many people at so many levels," Mary Helen said. She is also actively involved in nursing education and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Mary Helen's dedication to improving healthcare in the Mississippi Delta has not gone unnoticed. In 2007, the Mississippi Nurses Association named her Mississippi Nurse of the Year. This prestigious award recognized her leadership and commitment to excellence in nursing practice.

Mary Helen Wasson and the Swingbed unit at North Sunflower Medical Center are making a significant difference in the lives of patients in the Mississippi Delta. Through her leadership and dedication, Mary Helen has helped to create a unit that provides personalized, patient-centered care to those who need it most. Her work serves as an inspiration to healthcare professionals everywhere. Her commitment to improving health outcomes in her community is truly admirable.

For more information, to make a referral, or to arrange a tour, please call (662) 756-1647 or (662) 756-4000.

Infusion services and infusion therapy can be a crucial lifeline for chronic disease patients undergoing long-term therapy. Many people drive hours to receive these medications until they realize they can receive their treatments at North Sunflower Medical Center's Outpatient IV Infusion Center.

The outpatient infusion department opened over a decade ago, growing from an average of a dozen patients to over 250 per month. The ease of scheduling, convenient location, and personalized care continue to contribute to the growing number of patients. Administering these specialized medications can be tedious and requires close monitoring. However, the Infusion team is up for the challenge and dedicated to providing the highest quality care for each patient. 

Kristi Seeley, RN, BSN, the IV Infusion Coordinator, eagerly discussed the wide variety of diseases treated at the infusion center. Some common illnesses include asthma, osteoporosis, iron deficiency anemia, multiple sclerosis, COPD, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Others disorders are not so common such as myasthenia gravis, stiff person syndrome, and CIDP.

NSMC's Infusion Services

NSMC's infusion services include immunotherapy, hydration therapy, and "any kind of antibiotic therapy you can think of," Seeley told us. Patients can receive their treatments on an outpatient basis or be admitted to the hospital if necessary. Many more ailments have been treated at the infusion center, and the list continues to expand each day.

The only therapy not provided at this time is chemotherapy. However, cancer patients can receive supportive care at the infusion center to help eliminate some traveling back and forth to their oncologist. 

NSMC's infusion services are staffed by highly trained and experienced nurses who work closely with physicians to ensure patients receive the appropriate care and treatment. The infusion center has the latest technology and equipment to administer medications safely and effectively. Perhaps our unwavering commitment to compassionate care sets North Sunflower Medical Center's Infusion Services apart.

Seeley's team understands receiving infusion therapy can be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience for patients and their families. These treatments are vital to ensure each patient can continue to live life to the fullest. That's why they strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their treatment. "We want to connect with each patient personally and build a relationship. We fall in love with our patients, and they become like family." Seeley explained. 

Creating a Treatment Plan

The medical center's staff works closely with patients to create a treatment plan that meets their needs and preferences. They also provide education and support to help patients better understand their condition and the treatment process. Seeley reported, "We want people to feel like they are at home. Just the other day, a patient said, 'I feel like I have known you for years and am so glad we are friends.'." Their patients are very thankful NSMC has a center so close to home they can come for their medications.

If you or someone in your family could benefit from any service at the infusion center, please call the infusion therapy team at 662-756-1757.