The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce is set to host the 2026 Healthy Hall Awards on March 4 at Lanier Technical College. The event, now in its ninth year, aims to recognize healthcare professionals and organizations that have made significant contributions to health and wellness in the community.
Presented by Northeast Georgia Health System, the awards luncheon will feature Dr. Stuart Downs, chief nursing executive for Northeast Georgia Health System, and Mimi Collins, CEO of Longstreet Clinic, as presenters.
This year’s honorees include two Physicians of the Year: Dr. Matthey T Harris from Northside Hospital Diagnostic Clinic and Dr. Robert Richard from Longstreet Clinic Bariatric. Jessica Butler, executive director of Gateway Domestic Violence Center, will receive the Community Impact Award. LeTrell Simpson is named Visionary Leader.
Healthcare Workers of the Year are Lynne Cox from Northeast Georgia Health System and Heidi Pritchett from Longstreet Clinic. The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Cliff Hastings, MD, of Northeast Georgia Health System.
Dr. Karen Gersh and Dr. April McDonald from Northeast Georgia Health System are recognized for Healthcare Education efforts. Zach & Abby Loggins of Big Peach Running Co.–Braselton are honored as Community Health & Wellness Advocates.
Other awardees include Good News Clinic Dental Program (Dentist of the Year), Melissa Schuler from Northside Hospital Diagnostic Clinic (Nurse of the Year), Dr. Samuel Dotson from Northeast Georgia Health System (Outstanding Behavioral Health Award), Lauren Darnell (Northside Hospital Diagnostic Clinic) and Mercedes Hall (Longstreet Clinic) as Advance Practice Providers.
Bend Bioscience receives the Corporate Achievement Award while Dr. Matthew Zimmie from Northeast Georgia Health System is recognized with the Healthcare IT Award.
Reservations for the luncheon are required and cost $30 per person or $500 for a table sponsorship seating eight people. More information can be obtained by contacting Felipe Darquea at 770-532-6206 x 111 or fdarquea@ghcc.com.
According to information provided by the Chamber, its Health & Wellness Committee was established in 2007 and includes members from various health-related organizations across the area. The committee manages several programs and hosts monthly seminars on health topics that are free for Chamber members to attend. These initiatives aim to make high-quality healthcare accessible while offering innovative wellness programs for individuals in the community.
Online reservations can be made through this link: Healthy Hall Luncheon. Further details about ongoing health initiatives can be found at www.ghcc.com.
