Sen. Dean Burke (R – Bainbridge) and Sen. Renee Unterman (R – Buford) honored Georgia’s hospital community for their response to Hurricane Matthew in the Senate.

“It was an honor to recognize our hospital community for all of their efforts during Hurricane Matthew,” said Sen. Burke. “They demonstrated a true commitment to the safety and well-being of all Georgians during a critical time of need. Their emergency preparedness planning and execution is truly commendable. By coming together, our hospitals were able to help those who were hurt, and prevent loss of life during a state of emergency.”

“Our hospitals, those who serve inland communities and those who serve the coast, were able to step up to the plate,” said Sen. Unterman. “They worked together in an efficient and effective manner to transport patients and assist with the evacuation process. We are extremely proud of all of their hard work and collaboration before, during and after the hurricane.”

During Hurricane Matthew in October 2016, hospitals from around the state came together to prepare for the storm and to assist with collaboration efforts for patients. The Regional Coordinating Hospitals network, which was created in 2003, is made up of hospitals divided by 14 regions in Georgia. Hospitals in this network serve as facilitators during emergency preparedness planning and training around the state. During the storm, they worked together to safely evacuate patients from coastal regions and properly process their intake to inland hospitals. They worked with government and local officials, Georgia’s EMS agencies and the Georgia Department of Public Health.