New Obstetrics and Gynecology Providers Join Upson OB/GYN Clinic

THOMASTON, Ga., May 5, 2026 — Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) welcomes Dr. Ashley M. Williams-Hernández, Dr. Chinenye Adimora-Okolie and ...

THOMASTON, Ga., May 5, 2026 — Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) welcomes Dr. Ashley M. Williams-Hernández, Dr. Chinenye Adimora-Okolie and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Lindsey Sundeen to the growing URMC healthcare system. Dr. Williams-Hernández, Dr. Adimora-Okolie and Sundeen, CNM, WHNP, will bring compassionate care and expertise in women’s health to Upson OB/GYN’s patients. Sundeen, CNM, WHNP, will begin practicing at Upson OB/GYN spring 2026. Dr. Williams-Hernández and Dr. Adimora-Okolie will join the clinic July 6, 2026. “At Upson Regional, caring for our neighbors is at the heart of everything we do, and we are excited to welcome this outstanding group of providers to our community,” said Dan Owens, Chief Executive Officer of Upson Regional Medical Center. “Dr. Williams-Hernández, Dr. Adimora-Okolie and Lindsey Sundeen bring exceptional experience, compassion and a deep commitment to women’s health. Together, they strengthen our ability to provide high-quality, accessible OB/GYN services close to home and to care for generations of women and families across our region, while continuing our mission of providing excellent care rooted in compassion for all.” With two offices conveniently located in Thomaston and Barnesville, Upson OB/GYN offers comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care for women in Upson, Lamar and Pike County, as well as surrounding areas. Upson OB/GYN is committed to providing its patients with excellent care rooted in compassion for all. To schedule an appointment, please call (706) 647-9627.   <strong>About Dr. Ashley M. Williams-Hernández</strong> Dr. Ashley Williams-Hernández is a Georgia native, raised in Savannah, Ga. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina with her Doctorate of Medicine and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Williams-Hernández practices all aspects of general obstetrical and gynecological care. She has a special interest in minimally invasive procedures through robotic surgery and adolescent gynecology. She stated she is honored to serve the women of Upson County and the surrounding communities and to be part of their many milestones including puberty, sexuality, pregnancy, birth and menopause. “I chose to join URMC because of its strong commitment to patient-centered care and community health,” said Dr. Williams-Hernández. “I’m especially looking forward to becoming part of the Upson OB/GYN team and building meaningful relationships with patients while helping expand women’s healthcare access in the community.”   <strong>About Dr. Chinenye Adimora-Okolie</strong> Dr. Chinenye Adimora-Okolie earned her medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine. She was commissioned into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant and completed a four-year military residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. After completing her residency, she served as a military staff OB/GYN physician stationed at Bassett Army Community Hospital in Ft. Wainwright, Alaska. There, she advanced to the rank of Major and held the positions of Chief of Ambulatory OB/GYN and Chief of Obstetrics. “I chose to work at URMC because it is a hidden oasis in a healthcare desert, offering services to patients who would otherwise lack such access to care,” she stated. “What I'm most looking forward to about Upson OB/GYN is the better work-life balance it affords, allowing me to continue being a better doctor, wife and mom. I'm also looking forward to getting to know this new community of patients and taking great care of them." Dr. Adimora-Okolie said that she enjoys all aspects of OB/GYN, including infertility and robotic surgery. In particular, she enjoys empowering and teaching women about their bodies, developing strong relationships with her patients and welcoming new lives into the world. She shared that she is excited to serve and start forming new relationships with her patients.   <strong>About Lindsey Sundeen, CNM, WHNP</strong> Sundeen is a board-Certified Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and she shared that she has a passion for supporting women and their families throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. She gained her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Frontier Nursing University based out of Eastern Kentucky and completed a Post-Master's Certificate in Women's Health. Although a native of Macon, Ga., Sundeen has resided much of her life in the Monroe County area and has served Middle Georgia families for over 10 years. One of her commitments is to bring awareness about perinatal mood disorders and the effect women’s mental health status has on overall health and wellness. “I am excited to join Upson Regional Medical Center as I see the compassion and desire Dr. Moga [and the Upson OB/GYN team] have to serve [the] community with the addition of midwifery services,” said Sundeen.

City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta and Upson Regional Medical Center to Launch Cancer Care Alliance

Agreement paves way to bring advanced oncology options to rural Georgia communities ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 2026 – City of Hope® ...

<em>Agreement paves way to bring advanced oncology options to rural Georgia communities</em> ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 2026 – City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta, part of one of the nation’s largest organizations for advanced cancer research and treatment, and Upson Regional Medical Center in Thomaston, Georgia, announced plans for a partnership to offer coordinated, advanced oncology care to residents of West Central Georgia. Signed with a letter of intent (LOI), the two hospitals have laid the groundwork for future clinical affiliation to leverage the respective strengths and resources from each institution to deliver high-value, comprehensive and coordinated cancer care to patients. “Recognizing residents in rural areas often face significant challenges in accessing cancer care, our partnership with Upson Regional Medical Center is a meaningful step forward in our mission to put patients first and expand cancer care access across the Southeast,” said Jonathan Watkins, president of City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta. “This collaboration will allow us to bring our world-class cancer expertise and research to West Central Georgia, ensuring patients have access to the best possible treatment options close to home.” This agreement ensures that most cancer services will be delivered locally at Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) by City of Hope’s highly trained, board-certified physicians, allowing patients in the Thomaston region to access comprehensive cancer care, including treatments, chemotherapy, and telemedicine, within their community. Through this collaboration, residents can receive the majority of their cancer care close to home. For specialty care needs beyond the URMC capacity, patients have the opportunity to access care at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta, located in Newnan, Georgia. City of Hope Cancer Center provides in-person consultations with highly trained, board-certified physicians and access advanced medical treatment options, including innovative therapies from City of Hope’s leading-edge clinical research program. “This partnership with City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta marks a milestone for Upson Regional Medical Center and the communities we serve. By joining forces, we are bringing world-class cancer expertise and innovative treatments directly to our communities, empowering our patients with access to comprehensive oncology care—without leaving their hometowns. This affiliation further solidifies our mission to provide excellent care rooted in compassion for all, and is a testament to our dedication to improving health outcomes for families across West Central Georgia,” said Dan Owens, CEO of Upson Regional Medical Center. The affiliation with Upson Regional Medical Center would be City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta’s third rural partnership in the state, joining partnerships with Miller County Hospital in Colquitt, Georgia, and Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald, Georgia. To learn more about City of Hope Atlanta’s comprehensive cancer services, visit City of Hope’s website or call (855) 939-HOPE.   <strong>About City of Hope</strong> City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked among the nation’s top cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, Orange County, California, campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHope™. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.   <strong>About Upson Regional Medical Center</strong> Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) is a 115‑bed, DNV‑accredited community hospital serving Upson County and the surrounding region of middle Georgia. For 75 years, URMC has delivered comprehensive, high‑quality healthcare close to home, offering a full range of services including Emergency Care, General Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Primary Care, Orthopedics, OB/GYN, ENT, Neurology, Hospital Medicine, Urology, Ophthalmology, Nephrology, Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry, General Surgery, Imaging, and Inpatient Services. The hospital features advanced capabilities such as an Interventional Cardiology Cath Lab, robotic surgery, and a helipad for rapid patient transport, and holds DNV Stroke and Chest Pain Accreditations. Guided by its mission—delivering excellent care rooted in compassion for all—URMC continues to invest in the people, technology, and services that support the health and well-being of the communities it serves. Learn more at urmc.org.   <strong>Media Contacts:</strong> City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta: Mimi Cooper, mimi@cookerly.com, (404) 816-2037 Upson Regional Medical Center: Chelsea Peterson, chelsea.peterson@urmc.org, (706) 601-3251

Upson Regional Medical Center Announces Partnership With Core Clinical Partners to Deliver Emergency and Hospital Medicine Services in Georgia

THOMASTON, Ga., Feb. 19, 2026 — Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) announces a new partnership with Core Clinical Partners to ...

THOMASTON, Ga., Feb. 19, 2026 — Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) announces a new partnership with Core Clinical Partners to provide Emergency Medicine and Hospital Medicine management and operational support. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care for the Thomaston community and surrounding areas. URMC is a 115-bed, non-profit community hospital that has served West Central Georgia since 1951. A DNV-accredited facility, URMC offers comprehensive services including emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics, women’s health and specialized rehabilitation programs. Through this partnership, Core brings physician-led expertise in Emergency and Hospital Medicine focused on clinical excellence, operational consistency and high-impact care delivery. This collaboration is designed to support coordinated, compassionate care across the continuum while meeting the evolving needs of patients and clinicians. Core will officially begin Emergency and Hospital Medicine services on April 16, 2026. “Core Clinical Partners is well known for its relationship-driven approach and consistent performance in community hospitals like ours, making them a trusted partner as we continue to deliver excellent care rooted in compassion for all,” said Daniel Owens, URMC’s chief executive officer. Boykin Robinson, MD, MBA, CEO of Core, echoed this enthusiasm, sharing, “Upson Regional Medical Center has a strong legacy of serving its community with compassion and excellence. We are proud to partner with their team to make a meaningful difference for patients and families.” Core Clinical Partners will be actively recruiting an experienced Medical Director, in addition to Emergency Medicine physicians and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), to join the team at URMC. Clinicians interested in learning more should contact Kevin Yerovsek at kyerovsek@coreclinicalpartners.com.   <strong>About Core Clinical Partners</strong> Core Clinical Partners is a physician-founded and physician-led practice management company founded on the principles of partnership, transparency and clinical alignment, overseeing 40 Emergency Medicine and Hospital Medicine programs in 10 states that serve more than a million patients annually. In a market where outsourced groups have become vendors to their hospitals and staffing agencies to their clinicians, Core does things differently by developing unique models at each site that align with the needs of both the facility and the clinicians. By combining the capabilities of a national group with the kind of individualized, on-the-ground service usually only found in smaller groups, Core guides hospitals and health systems on their journey toward top-tier metrics and outstanding patient experience. For more information, visit www.coreclinicalpartners.com.   <strong>About Upson Regional Medical Center</strong> URMC is a not-for-profit, full-service, DNV-accredited healthcare organization located in Thomaston, Georgia. For 75 years, URMC has proudly served a multi-county area of middle Georgia, continually expanding its facilities, technology and expertise to better meet the needs of its patients. URMC’s physicians, providers and staff are committed to delivering exceptional, safe and compassionate care to every patient and family. At Upson Regional, staff believe healthcare should be personal, accessible and rooted in trust — because your health matters, and so does how URMC cares for you. To learn more, visit urmc.org.   <strong>Media Contact:</strong> Director of Growth and Strategy Chelsea Peterson, BSN, RN Upson Regional Medical Center chelsea.peterson@urmc.org (706) 647-8111, ext. 1242

Upson Regional Medical Center Honors Andrea Geiger with Sunflower Award

THOMASTON, Ga., Feb. 16, 2026 — Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) congratulates Andrea Geiger, an exceptional medical assistant at the ...

THOMASTON, Ga., Feb. 16, 2026 — Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) congratulates Andrea Geiger, an exceptional medical assistant at the Upson Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Clinic, on receiving the Sunflower Award. The Sunflower Award recognizes and celebrates the extraordinary work of patient care team members, including technicians, social workers, counselors and other clinical support staff who go above and beyond in caring for patients and families. Recipients must exemplify the five pillars of the award: integrity, commitment, advocation, respect and excellence. Andrea received over a dozen nominations, all of which praised her friendliness, positivity and helpfulness. Her nominators shared: “[She] built good rapport and made me feel comfortable as a first-time patient here [Upson ENT]. She listened to my concerns and gave next steps. Superb experience.” “Andrea was very kind, compassionate and professional from the time I walked into the office until I left. She kept me informed throughout the visit.” “I have been to the office several times, and Andrea has always been welcoming and receptive to conversations or issues I was having. [I] never felt rushed or ‘less than’ when speaking with her. She explained the process clearly and made me feel comfortable.”   The Sunflower Award is one of three recognition programs at URMC: DAISY Award – Celebrates nurses for extraordinary compassionate care. LILY Award – Honors non-clinical staff for exceptional service. Sunflower Award – Recognizes patient care technicians and allied health professionals for their outstanding contributions.   Patients and their families can nominate URMC employees for these awards through online or paper nominations, ensuring that acts of kindness and excellence are celebrated across the organization. Online nomination forms can be accessed at urmc.org. URMC appreciates Andrea’s commitment to providing excellent care rooted in compassion for all!

Upson Regional Medical Center CEO Daniel Owens Appointed At-Large Delegate to American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board 4

Daniel Owens, chief executive officer of Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC), has been elected as an At-Large Delegate to the ...

Daniel Owens, chief executive officer of Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC), has been elected as an At-Large Delegate to the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Regional Policy Board 4 (RPB 4). His term begins January 1, 2026, and concludes December 31, 2027. “Being selected to serve as an At-Large Delegate on the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Board 4 is an honor,” said Owens. “Rural and community hospitals play a vital role in strengthening the health and well‑being of the regions we serve. I look forward to contributing to the important policy discussions shaping the future of health care across Region 4 and to representing the needs and perspectives of communities like ours.” Owens’ appointment was confirmed by the AHA Board of Trustees in recognition of his leadership and service to rural and community-based health care. As an At-Large Delegate, he will contribute to national discussions by offering broad, cross-regional insight into the challenges facing hospitals and health care delivery. RPB 4 represents hospitals and health systems across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Tennessee. “Daniel Owens’ leadership reflects a deep commitment to community-focused care,” said AHA Regional Executive Rebecca Jolley. “His perspective will be a meaningful asset to Regional Policy Board 4 and the ongoing work of the AHA.” URMC is a not-for-profit health system based in Thomaston, Georgia, providing comprehensive medical services and serving as a primary access point for health care in its region. For more information about the AHA and its Regional Policy Boards, visit www.aha.org.

Upson Regional Medical Center Achieves DNV Chest Pain Center Re-Certification

Thomaston, GA — January 23, 2026 — Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) is proud to announce that the hospital has once ...

<strong>Thomaston, GA — January 23, 2026 </strong>— Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) is proud to announce that the hospital has once again earned DNV Chest Pain Center Re-Certification, a national recognition awarded to hospitals that meet rigorous standards for the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of chest pain and heart-related emergencies. Re-certification confirms that URMC continues to follow best practices and evidence-based clinical guidelines proven to improve patient outcomes during cardiac events, where time plays a critical role. <strong>What This Means for the Community</strong> For patients, this designation ensures that URMC:  Provides faster diagnosis when minutes matter Coordinates care seamlessly from the Emergency Department through imaging and treatment Follows evidence-based national standards proven to improve outcomes Maintains highly trained clinical teams ready to respond to any cardiac emergency These standards help reduce treatment delays and improve recovery for patients experiencing chest pain, heart attack symptoms, or other cardiac concerns. <strong>About DNV Certification</strong> DNV Healthcare’s Chest Pain Center Certification program evaluates a hospital’s ability to provide consistent, high-quality care to patients presenting with chest pain. Certification requires meeting strict clinical, operational, and quality standards, as well as demonstrating continuous improvement. <strong>About Upson Regional Medical Center</strong> Upson Regional Medical Center is a 115-bed community hospital serving Upson County and the surrounding region. URMC provides a full range of healthcare services, including emergency care, cardiology, primary care, orthopedics, women’s health, imaging, and inpatient services. The hospital is guided by its mission of delivering <em>excellent care, rooted in compassion for all</em>, and continues to invest in services that support the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

Campus Operation Update

At approximately 12:15 p.m. this afternoon a gas line contractor was boring and hit an electrical line, which started a ...

At approximately 12:15 p.m. this afternoon a gas line contractor was boring and hit an electrical line, which started a fire in a transformer. Thomaston Fire Department responded, as well as Thomaston Electric. The fire was contained quickly, and no injuries occured. All power is back on at the hospital and clinics, and we continue to operate as normal. Thank you to our partners at Thomaston Fire Department, Thomaston Electric, and our contractors for maintaining safety during this unfortunate event.

Upson Regional Medical Center Honors Adam Moss with the LILY Award

THOMASTON, Ga., Jan. 12, 2026 — Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) proudly announces that Adam Moss, an exemplary courier in ...

THOMASTON, Ga., Jan. 12, 2026 — Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) proudly announces that Adam Moss, an exemplary courier in the Plant Services Department, has been honored with the LILY Award. This award recognizes and celebrates the outstanding work of all non-clinical staff in their support of URMC’s patients and team members. Adam received over two dozen nominations, all of which commended his friendliness, positive attitude and willingness to help. His nominators shared: “Adam constantly keeps our office supplied and gets us whatever we need. He always has a smile on his face and never has anything negative to say. Seeing Adam walk thought the door is always a joy.” <strong>“</strong>Adam is hardworking, personable, and dependable. You will always see him smiling and laughing. He is an asset to the URMC family.” “Adam goes above and beyond. He makes sure the physician practices have all their supplies daily and makes sure lab stats are taken care of. The staff love working with Adam. He is always in a good mood and willing to help with anything the practices need.” The LILY Award is one of three recognition programs at URMC: DAISY Award – Celebrates nurses for extraordinary compassionate care. LILY Award – Honors non-clinical staff for exceptional service. Sunflower Award – Recognizes patient care technicians and allied health professionals for their outstanding contributions. Patients and their families can nominate URMC employees for these awards through online or paper nominations, ensuring that acts of kindness and excellence are celebrated across the organization. Online nomination forms can be accessed at urmc.org. URMC congratulates Adam on this well-deserved honor and appreciates everything he does for providing excellent care rooted in compassion for all!

Flu Season Visitation Restrictions Now in Effect at Upson Regional Medical Center

THOMASTON, Ga., Jan 6, 2026— Due to the significant rise in influenza cases impacting our state and local community, Upson ...

THOMASTON, Ga., Jan 6, 2026— Due to the significant rise in influenza cases impacting our state and local community, Upson Regional Medical Center is implementing additional visitation precautions effective January 6, 2026. These measures are designed to help safeguard the health of our patients, visitors, and staff. The temporary restrictions will remain in place until flu activity declines or through the remainder of the flu season. Hospital-Wide Visitation Restrictions: Children 12 years of age and younger are not permitted to visit at this time. Women’s Services (Mother/Baby and Postpartum Units): Siblings under 12 years of age may visit by appointment only, following appropriate screening and approval. We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation as we work to reduce the spread of influenza and protect those in our care. For questions or the latest visitation updates, please visit our website at urmc.org or contact Upson Regional Medical Center at (706) 647- 8111.

Upson Regional Medical Center Honors Tomeka Ross with Sunflower Award

THOMASTON, Ga., Dec. 19, 2025 — Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) is proud to announce that Tomeka Ross, a dedicated ...

THOMASTON, Ga., Dec. 19, 2025 — Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) is proud to announce that Tomeka Ross, a dedicated medical assistant at the Barnesville Walk-In Clinic, has been honored with the Sunflower Award. This award recognizes and celebrates the extraordinary work of patient care team members, including technicians, social workers, counselors and other clinical support staff who go above and beyond in caring for patients and families. Tomeka was nominated by multiple patients who praised her kindness, positivity and ability to make every visit a welcoming experience. Here’s what her nominators had to say: “She showed an extraordinary amount of kindness at a time when that is all I needed! Now at EVERY appointment she is the sweetest ever!! She is so deserving of an award!” “Tomeka is such a sweet soul. She goes out of her way to make you feel welcome. Her laughter and smile light up the room and make you feel comfortable in what’s usually an uncomfortable environment. She always speaks nice of everyone you talk about and she makes you feel like she’s known you for years.” “She is such a beautiful heart and soul! She is so kind, warm to my children and myself. Always positive and uplifting. Always smiling and laughing. She is beautiful inside and out.” The Sunflower Award is one of three recognition programs at URMC: DAISY Award – Celebrates nurses for extraordinary compassionate care. LILY Award – Honors non-clinical staff for exceptional service. Sunflower Award – Recognizes patient care technicians and allied health professionals for their outstanding contributions. Patients and their families can nominate URMC employees for these awards through online or paper nominations, ensuring that acts of kindness and excellence are celebrated across the organization. Online nomination forms can be accessed at urmc.org. Congratulations, Tomeka, on this well-deserved honor! Thank you for providing excellent care rooted in compassion for all!