Two Local Hospitals Receive Top Grades

Two local hospitals receive top grades, making them among the top hospitals in the state.

The Leapfrog Group, a non-profit that focuses on health care transparency and safety release the Hospital Safety Grade List.

In the spring of 2023, Georgia ranked 31st on the list.  This time we improved by 10 spots.

They update the list twice a year and the way they do it is centered around hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients.  It includes several measures such as surgery problems, communication with hospital staff, patient falls and infections.

This time, Doctors Hospital and Piedmont Augusta both received an A grade in safety.

Looking at the states, Utah had the highest percentage of grade-A hospitals.  The other top 10 states in order, are Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Connecticut, Tennessee, Florida and Texas.

Some states had NO grade-A hospitals and were the lowest performers, including Vermont, Wyoming, Delaware, Washington DC., and North Dakota.

While giving back to the community is great to do any time of year, it seems the holiday season is when we really think about it. Now here we are, already in November, with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up quickly.  If you're thinking of ways you can give back this holiday season, read on for some volunteer opportunities in Augusta.

There are many ways you can volunteer and help out the community this holiday season.  Many organizations need additional help this time of year to help families who are experiencing hard times.  And also, as the weather gets colder, providing resources for those who are experiencing financial hardships or homelessness.

Volunteer opportunities vary depending on the organization.  Some need help preparing food for holiday meals.  Others are in need of help serving the meals.  And then there are other opportunities to help raise funds or collect donations.  You can often volunteer for short periods of time, while other places ask for year-round volunteers.

Volunteering is a great way to help those who are less fortunate.  You can make a difference in their lives in ways that you may never see.  But volunteering feels good.  It's great to know that you can contribute to your community and bring a smile or relief to a family in need.

Being a volunteer is a great reminder to be thankful this time of year.  If you've been tremendously blessed, it feels good to help spread that love and blessing to others.

While volunteering, you also get to meet a variety of people.  It's a great chance to step out of your usual circle and meet new people and learn about them.  You never know who you might meet.  Not only could you have an impact on people right here in the community, you might also meet someone who changes your life.

If you've ever had the chance to hear stories from people who have dealt with challenges, you may know what I mean.  Hearing about the struggles these people have had to overcome can greatly impact you.  It's an eye-opening experience.  Families who've dealt with job losses, sickness, loss... It's a powerful reminder of how strong we are, and how blessed we are.

You could make new friends, learn new skills, and learn more about the community. Overall, volunteering is a heartwarming experience for all involved.  You have the chance to give back and make a difference right here in your community. See more about the benefits of volunteering HERE.

If you've got some time this holiday season, check out some of these opportunities.

If you have an opportunity to add to the list, please email Cody@Kicks99.com.

According to their website, Augusta Rescue Mission hosts a Thanksgiving Meal on-site each year.  They ask for help with set up, food prep, serving, dishwashing, giveaways, and clean up.  You can fill out a volunteer form on their website (space is limited and they only need around 15 people per shift).

Thanksgiving Day Meal Outreach - November 23, 2023

In addition to their meal outreach, ARM has a new Fresh Start Laundry ministry you can learn more about HERE.

Golden Harvest Food Bank needs volunteers for their Dining Service at the Master's Table Soup Kitchen. Volunteers must be 13 years old to service food, and 18 years old for meal prep.

Get more information on volunteering HERE.

The Salvation Army's First Stop Center is in place to help people in need of assistance.  They can meet with multiple non-profit agencies for assistance with utilities, housing, homeless prevention services, legal services, employment services, and more.

This organization has volunteer opportunities throughout the year, and around the holidays.