Recently, local media have run several news stories raising questions about past due property taxes on Spring Harbor. While these stories generally contain accurate information, aside from the negative and misleading headlines and introductions, following is additional information omitted from the news stories that will better explain this issue.

The Medical Center Hospital Authority has repeatedly pointed out to the city taxing authority, and to the Mayor and City Attorney that the tax has been incorrectly applied and that the Authority does not owe the tax.  Taxes that are legitimate on the land have been paid on time each year.

Property taxes in Muscogee County can be separated into taxes on the land itself and taxes on the improvements built on the land. The land where Spring Harbor is located is owned by Columbus Regional Healthcare System, Inc.  This land has been leased to The Medical Center Hospital Authority for 40 years.

Columbus Regional has paid the property taxes on the land itself on time every year that it has owned the property, up to and including the 2009 property taxes.  It will pay the 2010 property taxes when due on October 1st.

The Authority built, paid for, and owns all the buildings known as Spring Harbor.  The Authority financed the construction of Spring Harbor by issuing bonds to be repaid from the revenue generated by Spring Harbor.  Any income associated with the operation of Spring Harbor belongs to The Authority.

Beginning in 2005 when construction began on Spring Harbor, The Columbus Consolidated Government billed The Authority for property taxes on the improvements on the land.  This was the first tax bill ever sent to The Authority; it has never been required to pay property taxes since it was created in 1975.  The Authority declined to pay the taxes reminding the City that The Authority is tax-exempt by Georgia law.  In 2007, after unsuccessfully attempting to resolve the disputed property taxes, The Authority was forced to sue the City to enforce the property tax exemption granted under State law.  That lawsuit is still pending today.  It is clear, under Georgia Law, that the Authority is tax exempt and does not owe the city tax.

Following is a summary of The Authority’s legal position obtained from publicly available court documents.

• The Georgia Hospital Authorities law, OCGA §31-7-72 (e)(1), grants hospital authorities the same exemptions and exclusions that are granted cities and counties.  Cities and Counties do not pay property taxes, therefore the Authority does not pay property taxes.

• The Georgia’s Revenue Code, OCGA §48-5-41 (a)(12), exempts from property taxes any property of a “home for the aged” when the home is qualified as a “tax exempt organization under the federal Internal Revenue Code.   Spring Harbor and the Authority are both so qualified therefore they do not owe property taxes.

• In Hospital Authority of Albany v. Stewart, 226 Ga. 530, 175 S.E.2d 857 (Ga. 1970), the Georgia Supreme Court held that any property owned by a hospital authority, even if it is not directly used for charitable purposes, is exempt from taxation.

• In Augusta and Macon, the local hospital authorities operate facilities exactly like Spring Harbor and those facilities are treated as exempt from property taxes and do not pay property taxes.

• Franciscan Woods, a non-profit assisted living facility located in Columbus and sponsored by St. Francis Hospital, does not pay local property tax.

Click to view a PDF of the complete lawsuit.

Columbus Regional Healthcare System has acquired the Tidwell Cancer Treatment Center in Columbus, GA.

The cancer center was founded by Dr. Jack Tidwell in the 1990s. He is a radiation oncologist trained at the Medical College of Georgia.

The acquisition of the cancer center was a good fit for Columbus Regional’s mission of service and its leadership role in regional cancer treatment.

Dr. Tidwell and his staff will continue his practice of providing high-quality radiation oncology services and of providing exceptional patient and customer service. They will continue to provide direct patient care at the Tidwell Cancer Treatment Center. Patients and their families will see no change in the delivery of patient-centered care and the operation of the center.

Dr. Tidwell and his wife Eve are well known for his thriving practice in the community and for their support of the education of children about the danger of tobacco use. The couple founded the annual “God Bless Fort Benning” celebration, and they were the first to honor cancer survivors through the annual “Cancer Survivors Day” events in our community.

Attending the Freedom Shrine dedication were, from left, Columbus Mayor Jim Wetherington, Major General (Ret.) Jerry White and Hughston Hospital Senior Executive Officer Butch Wheeler.

An enthusiastic crowd attended the dedication of the Freedom Shrine to Hughston Hospital in Columbus by the Exchange Club of North Columbus on June 29.

In attendance were Columbus mayor Jim Wetherington, the event’s featured speaker Major General (Ret.) Jerry White, World War II veterans, and many state and local dignitaries.

The Freedom Shrine is located on the Outpatient hallway at Hughston Hospital.

About The Freedom Shrine

The Freedom Shrine, a program of the National Exchange Club, is a collection of 28 original historic American documents photographically reproduced and displayed in thousands of locations across the nation.

The documents include the Bill of Rights, Emancipation Proclamation, Declaration of Independence, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and numerous others.

Getting the Shrine to Hughston

Susan Garrett, R.N., director of Perioperative Services at Hughston Hospital and a member of the Exchange Club of North Columbus, was instrumental in obtaining the patriotic display following a trip by the hospital’s leadership to Allen Elementary, Hughston’s Partner in Education, which also has a Freedom Shrine.

This summer, Columbus Regional Healthcare facilities in Columbus, GA welcomed the assistance and bright smiling faces of 196 youth volunteers in more than 50 areas!

The youth volunteers pictured above are with Barbara Diggs (far left), who is coordinating the Auxiliary’s youth volunteer program this year, and Nancy Williams (far right) director of Volunteer Services for Columbus Regional.

For more information about becoming a youth volunteer at Columbus Regional, please contact the Youth Volunteer Hotline at (706) 571-1212.

Threepeat! For the third consecutive year, Hughston Hospital in Columbus, GA has received the HealthGrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award™.

Hughston Hospital achieved this award by placing among the top five percent of U.S. hospitals based on an analysis of patient surveys conducted by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization.

HealthGrades and the HCAHPS Survey

Between July 2008 and June 2009, the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey was sent to patients of 3,775 U.S. hospitals within 48 hours after their discharge.

The survey was administered and collected through a program by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) between July 2008–June 2009.

HealthGrades analyzed the surveys, which asked questions related to patients’ experiences during their hospital stay, including:

• Cleanliness
• Medication information
• Noise levels
• Pain management
• Physician and nurse communication
• Post-discharge care instructions

Expectant moms in Columbus, Georgia can expect even more with a new Pampered Pregnancy Program being offered for those who choose to deliver at The Medical Center and Doctors Hospital.

By signing-up for the program, members will receive numerous special amenities, including:

One free spa treatment of their choice

• A membership card for discounts at participating merchant partners
• Monthly My Baby Expectations e-newsletter
• A discount on one childbirth education class or program
• A free lactation consultation during their stay at the hospital
• A hero meal for their birth partner during their stay at the hospital
• A helpful guide for new parents
• A baby spoon from their physician and Columbus Regional

Moms can also choose from one of two gifts:

• What to Expect When You’re Expecting book
  $10 gift certificate off purchases at The Gift Shop at The Medical Center or The Gift Box at Doctors Hospital

They may also sign-up to purchase special services during their stay, including:

• Fresh flowers in their room
• Newspaper or magazine delivered to their room after delivery
• Professional photography services for both parent and child during their stay

Expectant moms can sign up for the free program through www.yourhealthourmission.com.

For more information, call (706) 660-6402.

Thomas R. Stewart, M.D., FACOG

Columbus Regional recently welcomed Thomas R. Stewart, M.D., FACOG, and his private OB/GYN practice to our family of services in Columbus, GA.

Dr. Stewart moved his practice to the 1900 building (1900 10th Avenue, Suite 200, Columbus, GA), in early July.

“Columbus Regional has had a long-standing relationship with Dr. Stewart, beginning with his internship in our family practice program at The Medical Center,” said Columbus Regional Chairman and CEO Larry Sanders. “We are delighted that his practice is now becoming part of our organization. Dr. Stewart is a dedicated professional who, since 1991, has provided the highest quality obstetric and gynecological care to women in our community.”

“We are excited to become a part of Columbus Regional’s family of services,” said Dr. Stewart. “This is a great move for our practice and will enable us to enhance the services and care we provide to our patients.”

Jefferson Jones II, M.D.

Additionally, in mid-July, Dr. Stewart was joined by Jefferson Jones II, M.D., a Columbus native and the son of Jefferson Jones, M.D., of Columbus Clinic.

Quick Facts About Dr. Thomas R. Stewart

• Received undergraduate degree from Columbus College and medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia.

• Internship was completed at The Medical Center, and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Memorial Medical Center.

• A Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Quick Facts About Dr. Jefferson Jones II

• Received undergraduate degree from Shorter College and medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine.

• Completed residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical Center of Central Georgia.

• A member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Being a great student-athlete usually means attention for great achievements on the field or court. But being an outstanding student-athlete means being a star in academics, leadership, athletics and community service!

To honor our local outstanding student-athletes, Columbus Regional recently hosted its 10th annual Student Athlete Achievement Banquet on April 27 at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.

The 2010 awards were given to 72 middle and high school student-athletes from the Muscogee, Harris, Russell and Lee County area schools.

Kirby Smart, the defensive coordinator for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide’s football team, was the keynote speaker for the event.

Above and Beyond

The 72 student-athletes (a male and female from each school) were nominated by their coaches and principals.

Additionally, four students (a male and female each from middle school and high school nominees) were selected for the Above and Beyond award, which included:

• Chanté Barber (St. Anne Pacelli School)
• Aiyinde Lawrence (Russell County Middle School)
• Alex Robinson (Calvary Christian School)
• Madison Wilson (Veterans Memorial Middle School)

Each of the Above and Beyond winners was presented with a $500 savings bond from Synovus and Columbus Bank and Trust.

Additional schools and their honorees included:

• Arnold Magnet Academy: Katrell Smith and Georgia Barton
• Baker Middle School: DeVonte Randall and Octavia Fortson
• Blackmon Road Middle School: Brandon Vance and Rachel Patel
• Brookstone School (High School): Blake Hudson and Alstyne Gravelee
• Brookstone School (Middle School): Jack Mize and Caroline Sparks
• Calvary Christian School (High School): Alex Robinson and Olivia Whitehurst
• Calvary Christian School (Middle School): Clayton Barefield and Kendall Collins
• Carver High School: Clarence France and Jasmine Lee
• Central High School: Andrew Matthews and Portia Watkins
• Chattahoochee County High School: David Cochran III and Kristina Dixon
• Chattahoochee County Middle School: Nathan Hedgecoke and Kaitlyn Powell
• Columbus High School: Gregory Bingham and Amanda Stucky
• Double Churches Middle School: Joseph Garrett and Allison Holt
• East Columbus Magnet Academy: James Jones III and Raechel Lewis
• Eddy Middle School: Deondre Hubbard and Javasia Wheeler
• Fort Middle School: Antonio Jones and Gloria Stevens
• Hardaway High School: Austin Scott and Laura Chapman
• Harris County Carver Middle School: TaQuon Marshall and Sarah Howard
• Harris County High School: Joey DeNova and Sierra Bailey
• Jordan High School: Cordarryl Jones and Chelsea Conway
• Kendrick High School: Corwin Burrowes and Lauren Great
• Marshall Middle School: Jaquariez Scott and Tiquaja Brewer
• Midland Middle School: Jacob Deem and Lindsay Shirah
• Northside High School: Zach Zabel and Taylor Caldwell
• Richards Middle School: Aidan Sloan and Jacqueria Gunter
• Rothschild Middle School: Dante Harris and Alexia Manning
• Russell County Middle School: Aiyinde Lawrence and Tasha Upshaw
• Shaw High School: Dustin Averett and Charquisa Burnley
• Smiths Station High School: Josh Santos-Heard and Kaycee Gabler
• South Girard Middle School: Jeron Jones and Isia Jenkings
• Spencer High School: Damion Brown and Brendara Snipes
• St. Anne Pacelli School (High School): Michael O’Neal and Chanté Barber
• St. Anne Pacelli School: Michael Mansfield and Kyla Wright-Marshall
• St. Luke School: Trey Carpenter and Kate Mize
• Veterans Memorial Middle School: Joseph Bridges and Madison Wilson
• Wacoochee Junior High School: Nigel Lawrence and Lyndsey Vaughan

Specialists at Columbus Regional and The Medical Center: Champions for Infants and Children

By Joseph R. Zanga, M.D. | Chief of Pediatrics | The Medical Center

Dr. Joseph R. Zanga

Continued advancements at Columbus Regional and The Medical Center allow specialists on our staff to offer the highest quality care for infants and children in this community and this region.

These advancements are encouraging the recruitment of more of those specialists (Neurology and Hematology/Oncology, to name just two) to join the full-time Cardiologists, Allergist/Immunologist, Endocrinologist, Gastroenterologist, Intermediate Care Specialist, and Physiatrist in Columbus working at, with or for The Medical Center.

Add to that the part-time Autism specialist, Developmental pediatrician, Orthopedist, Pulmonologist, Scoliosis specialist, and others soon to come, and it’s clear that pediatrics in Columbus at the Columbus Regional Women and Children’s Center will be the center for care of infants and children in Southwest Georgia and the place all families in this region will want their children’s care to take place, from birth through adolescence.

Revealing the Myths (Part 2 of 2)

By Dayton Preston | Wellness Program Manager | Columbus Regional Healthcare System

This is the second in a two-part series about wellness myths.

We are often sidetracked from our effective wellness practices by a lot of hype in the industry, which takes time away from our solid efforts. Let’s take a look at some common myths in the wellness industry that can misdirect us and ultimately result in frustration because of the lack of results.

The Myth: With Exercise, Some is Better than Nothing

Sending mixed messages, this statement often buffers the importance of adequate exercise. It’s true that any physical activity in comparison to nothing at all serves as a benefit; however, all too often we use this thought to rationalize and counter the guilty feelings that come with not following a structured exercise program.

The Myth: Setups Flatten My Stomach

Setups and other abdominal work are essential for functional health.  Enhancing strength in the abdominals helps support trunk movement that alleviates the workload on the lower back; however, having the wrong expectations can turn you off of these vital exercises.

Setups build the muscle groups in the abdominal region; however, fat utilization is not as significant as many believe. A flattening of the stomach is achieved through the decrease in body fat from the result of balanced nutrition and adequate fat-burning workouts such as cardiovascular exercise.

The Myth: Herbal and All-Natural Products are Safe

Regulations on supplements are not perfected. There are herbs and natural items that are downright dangerous to our system. Just because something claims it’s all-natural or herbal does not ensure safety. Work with your physician network to make the best choices on any supplements that you are considering as part of your nutritional plan.

These are only a few of the myths that can stump your wellness progress. Be sure to work with your physician on health habits that will benefit you specifically.