At least two cardiologists and a $2.2-million cardiac lab
will be added at Halifax Regional Hospital as a result of an
agreement by Centra Health of Lynchburg and HRH.
The agreement was announced Wednesday.
Other key components of the joint venture include an expanded
availability of office-based diagnostic services, and participation
in clinical trials and early applications of successful new techniques.
The program also calls for increased community education and disease
prevention programs related to heart disease, the leading cause
of death in the nation.
Chris Lumsden, CEO of Halifax Regional Health System, and George
Dawson, president and CEO of Centra Health, agreed that expanded
cardiac care in this area is a necessity.
"One reason for pursuing this partnership," Lumsden
stated, "is to expand the scope and availability of cardiac
services in South Boston.
"Centra Health and Cardiovascular Associates will be excellent
partners in this effort."
Lumsden said that patient satisfaction surveys, as well as feedback
from his board, hospital staff, and community residents confirmed
what had been suspected for some time.
"We engaged a consultant who specializes in cardiology services,
and they surveyed our community," explained Lumsden.
He noted that the findings indicated a need for at least two additional
cardiologists in Southside.
Those additional cardiologists will join a staff which currently
includes heart specialists Dr. Richard Goulah and Dr. Habbib Bassil,
both with Halifax Heart Center.
"We feel confident we'll secure additional cardiologists
relatively quickly," said Lumsden.
"However, until we do, we have commitments from Dr. Nygaard's
group and Centra to provide some parttime relief and coverage
for Drs. Bassil and Goulah."
Lumsden and Dawson listed their reasons for the partnership.
"Centra Health and its cardiology team enjoy an exceptional
reputation of providing high quality cardiovascular service in
central and Southside Virginia," Lumsden noted.
Not only that Centra was willing and able to assist Halifax Regional
in securing fulltime and parttime cardiologists, he explained.
"Centra has demonstrated its willingness and ability to assist
Halifax Regional in expeditiously planning, constructing, staffing
and operating a new state of the art catherization lab here at
Halifax Regional," Lumsden added.
The size of that lab and its location have yet to be determined,
but Lumsden said he hoped construction would begin in late summer
and take from nine to 12 months.
"The initial construction, the 'bricks and mortar' phase,
we hope to have completed by the summer of 2004," said Lumsden.
"As for the location, we have not made that decision at this
point in time, but most likely it will be to the south of us,
where the mobile pad is right now.
"It will be on the hospital campus and attached to the facility,
and the project may be larger than just a 'cath lab," Lumsden
explained.
"We're looking at a more comprehensive program, so we may
be adding additional services.
"The size of the building is not determined at this point,
but my educated guess would be 7,500 to 10,000 or 12,000 square
feet over two floors, give or take a couple of thousand feet.
"It will be substantial."
Centra Health brings substantial expertise and accomplishment
in cardiac care to the partnership, according to Dawson.
Both Centra and Halifax Regional are alike in that they are community-owned,
independently operated hospitals, governed by a long-term board
of directors.
"We picked a partner carefully," said Dawson, re-emphasizing
the reason and need for the partnership.
"It's important work. Heart disease is the number one cause
of death in the U.S. and in Virginia.
"It's an honor to be invited into this community to play
a role in providing such an important health service," said
Dawson.
"Centra Health and Halifax Regional have worked together
in other initiatives," he continued.
"At-risk newborns at Halifax Regional Hospital are brought
to Centra Health's Virginia Baptist Hospital neonatal intensive
care unit.
"And, Centra health also assisted Halifax Regional in the
development of their cardiopulmonary rehab program."
Dawson pointed to the need to educate the public on the prevention,
as well as the treatment of heart disease.
"Just as it's important for us to treat heart disease, it's
more important for us to educate and help prevent heart disease.
"How we reach out to the broad regions to express that mission
and our desire to improve and educate we feel is important to
the community."
Centra's heart center in Lynchburg performs 3,500 major cardiac
procedures a year, including catherizations and angioplasties,
according to Dawson.
"The center has 12 cardiologists,, two capable cardiac surgeons
and 200 cardiac nurses," he said.
The Lynchburg facility was named in 2000 as one of the top hospitals
in the nation for cardiac care, noted Dawson.
"We're rated as a five star heart facility on several different
national websites, based on clinical outcomes.
"Our philosophy for treating cardiac difficulties in Lynchburg
is to deliver the right care-now!
"That philosophy is something Dr. Goulah and Dr. Bassil concur
with, and we look forward to supporting their fine efforts."
"I think it will be a good situation for both facilities,"
said Goulah.
"We're both community type hospitals, we share common interests,
we both have aggressive goals, and we're always looking out for
the best interest of the community.
"We try to keep on the cutting edge in medicine and cardiology."
Bassil agreed, anticipating a comprehensive cardiovascular program
that will respond to the demands of cardiovascular disease.
"Specifically, in our area with an aging population, there's
the demand to respond to the problem of cardiovascular disease."
Dr. Thomas W. Nygaard, chief of Cardiovascular Services for Centra
Health, emphasized that few families have avoided the trauma associated
with heart disease.
"I'm sure no one in this has not had a family member touched
by cardiovascular disease," he began.
Nygaard indicated the partnership and the merging of knowledge
of both facilities was needed to better cope with constantly evolving
techniques and treatment.
"What we do today is different than five years ago, and certainly
five years from now we'll see a different landscape that we have
now," he said.
"Our goal, not only for Lynchburg, but for Halifax Regional,
is to provide the very best healthcare we can."
Virginia's Tobacco Commission will hire an outside attorney
to look at its options if Philip Morris doesn't make its April
15 payment to the state.
The action came following Wednesday's emergency meeting of the
Commission's Executive Committee after the tobacco giant announced
it wouldn't be able to make its payment as scheduled.
As a result of the announcement, Virginia put a planned sale of
$767 million in bonds backed by the settlement money on hold.
Sen. Charles Hawkins, chairman of the executive committee, said
yesterday that hiring outside counsel doesn't necessarily mean
that Virginia will sue to get the money.
"The attorney will look at the legal options we have regarding
securitizing our money," he said. "We simply have a
fiduciary responsibility to look at every option out there."
Although future payments from Philip Morris could be in jeopardy,
Hawkins was quick to add that nearly half of the payments come
from three other manufacturers- Brown & Williamson, American
and R.J. Reynolds.
"Philip Morris is the largest participant in the Master Settlement
Agreement, but 48-49 percent comes from the other three,"
he said. "So we'll still have some money coming in even in
the worst case scenario."
Hawkins also said that the current cycle of payments to farmers
was already in hand. "They will get their money this year.
We still have the money to work with our farmers and local governments."
Saying he was cautiously optimistic that Philip Morris' announcement
wouldn't affect the state's long-term goals, the senator used
the announcement to press the case for the sale of the bonds.
"The securitization was an attempt to make sure these problems
didn't happen," he said. "It would give us a better
handle on the money we have for long-term investments.
"All of us on the commission look at this money as a trust
fund for Southside and Southwest Virginia," he said. "Securitization
is still something we want to see happen, but we won't enter into
a market that adversely affects the amount of money we'll receive."
Carthan Currin III, executive director of the Commission, said
yesterday that the group was working closely with Virginia's Office
of the Attorney General and Governor Mark Warner on the threat
to the state's payment.
"This is a very complex transaction and we feel the need
for due diligence for the constituents the Commission represents,"
he said. "It hasn't been an easy week, but we will assess
our situation and regroup and move forward."
A statement from the Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp. did not
say exactly when the sale of the bonds might be completed, but
said it hoped ''to move forward in the near future.''
Virginia plans to sell the bonds to raise money now, instead of
waiting for decades of future payments from cigarette producers.
The bonds will be secured by tobacco companies' payments to Virginia.
In 1998, big tobacco agreed to pay $206 billion to 46 states,
avoiding pending and future lawsuits by the states over health-care
costs related to tobacco use.
But two weeks ago, Philip Morris, a unit of Altria Group Inc.,
was ordered to pay $10.1 billion for advertising that ''light''
cigarettes were less harmful than regular ones. An Illinois judge
ordered the company to post a $12 billion bond to appeal the judgment
in the lawsuit.
Philip Morris, which is moving its headquarters from New York
City to Richmond, is the world's biggest cigarette producer and
one of the companies in the settlement.
Company officials said the size of the bond could prevent the
company from making its $2.5 billion settlement payment to the
states, due April 15.
Bond rating company Moody's Investors Service then cut credit
ratings by three levels on bonds backed by the settlement, making
them less desirable to investors. As a result, the underwriters
of the Virginia bonds delayed the closing indefinitely.
More than a dozen states already have sold bonds secured by their
future tobacco payments. Several have used the proceeds to offset
budget deficits.
Virginia will put the money toward economic development in the
southern and southwestern parts of the state, including areas
that have depended on tobacco farming.
Virginia expects to receive $4 billion over the next three decades
as its part of the tobacco settlement. Half of the proceeds will
be used for economic development. Another 10 percent will go toward
programs that discourage underage smoking. The remaining 40 percent
will go into the state's general fund.
As American troops sweep across the Iraqi landscape, a rally
in support of America's sons and daughters, both manning homeland
security posts and serving in the Middle East, is planned for
1 p.m. Saturday at Constitution Square in South Boston.
The event will kick off with a performance of the National Anthem
by members of the Halifax County High School band.
This performance will be followed by an address from Vietnam veteran
and bomber pilot Ted Daniel.
Daniel is expected to talk about the contribution of the American
soldier to the national defense.
"It's important that the public understand the sacrifices
that the American soldiers are making," he said.
Following Daniel's speech, Del. Clarke Hogan will offer brief
remarks on the current world landscape compared to the world stage
just prior to WWII.
"Here we are in an historic place, talking about momentous
events," Hogan said yesterday. "We need to take a moment
to look at this war from a historical perspective."
After Hogan's remarks, the crowd will pause for a moment of silence,
followed by several patriotic songs.
The keynote speaker for the event, U.S. Congressman Virgil Goode,
will follow the musical presentation.
Goode will address the spirit of patriotism and pride in America
during this time of war and the need for citizens to support the
troops.
"I think if the national news media would cover the patriotic
rallies as much as they cover the anti-war rallies, there wouldn't
be enough time in the day to air them all," the Congressman
said.
Supporters of America's troops in Iraq who
have been waiting for the opportunity to show their patriotism
will have two opportunities this week.
The first event is a prayer and candle lighting service scheduled
Thursday at 6:45 p.m. in Constitution Square. It is scheduled
to last approximately 30 minutes.
Organizers say the community service is not just for the soldiers
in the Middle East, but those here at home as well.
"We will be praying for all people affected by the war,"
said Betty Jones, one of the event's organizers. "Our focus
is on peace, unity and the safe return of everyone involved in
this conflict."
The service will conclude with the lighting of candles as Brent
Jones of South Boston plays bagpipe music.
The sponsors of the prayer service include the Halifax County
Mental Health Association and area churches.
Dr. Russell Lee of the First Presbyterian Church in South Boston
is coordinating the service.
In case of rain the event will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church,
located adjacent to the South Boston Post Office on North Main
Street.
On Saturday, a support rally for the troops in Iraq will be held
in Constitution Square at 1 p.m.
It is scheduled to last approximately an hour.
This event will feature patriotic music and addresses from U.S.
Congressman Virgil Goode and former Air Force bomber pilot Ted
Daniels, as well as Del. Clarke Hogan.
"Since I've been here, I've noticed that Halifax County is
a highly patriotic community," said Keith Strange, coordinator
of the event. "This is simply a chance for the people to
come out and show their support for America's sons and daughters."
Strange suggested that supporters make signs and bring flags to
the event. "If you have family members serving in the Armed
Forces, feel free to bring pictures of those as well.
"I'd like the community to leave Saturday with a revitalized
sense of patriotism," he said. "We see too many protest
rallies, but we don't see support rallies enough."
The event will take place rain or shine.
John Vines Anderson, 81, of 5155 Halifax Road, Halifax, died April
3, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Anderson was born in Halifax County on July 26, 1921, the
son of Howard Putnam Anderson and Elizabeth Palmer Anderson and
was married to Alice Grey Tharp Anderson. He was a member of First
Baptist Church and Kerns Masonic Lodge at Crystal Hill. He was
a retired Commissioner of Revenue for Halifax County.
Survivors include his wife; two sons, John Logan Anderson of Lynchburg
and Thomas Putnam Anderson of Crystal Hill and his fiance', Sharon
Hill, of Nathalie; three nephews, Howard P. Anderson Jr. of Warsaw,
John W. Anderson and wife, Diane, and David T. Anderson and wife,
Mary, all of Richmond. He was preceded in death by a brother,
Howard Palmer Anderson.
Services for Mr. Anderson will be held tomorrow, April 5, at 11
a.m. at First Baptist Church of South Boston with the Revs. Rank
Riley and Ralph Harrell officiating. Burial will follow in Crystal
Hill Southern Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home this evening,
April 4, from 6:00 until 7:30, and other times at the home.
For memorials consider Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Home, PO Box
1398, Brookneal, 24528, First Baptist Church, 815, N. Main Street,
South Boston, 24592, or Crystal Hill Southern Baptist Church,
PO Box 44, Crystal Hill, 24539.
Frances Elizabeth Cobbs, 60, of 315 Airport Drive, Danville, died
April 1 at Danville Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Cobbs was born in Halifax County on October 23, 1942, the
daughter of Lee Dave Palmer and Virginia Hendricks Palmer and
was married to George Cobbs. She was a member of New Mt. Olive
Apostolic Church.
Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Sharmaine Betts of
Rocky Mount; one sister, Margaret Hill of South Boston; one son-in-law,
James Betts of Rocky Mount; one stepdaughter, Lena Stevenson of
Newport News; three step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren;
two sisters-in-law, Patricia Palmer of Richmond and Pastor Leonia
Palmer of Halifax.
Funeral services for Mrs. Cobbs will be held tomorrow, April 5
at 1 p.m. at New Mt. Olive Apostolic Church with the Pastor Leonia
Palmer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home, and at the home of
Margaret Hill, Easley Street, South Boston.
Susie Dunn Holder, 93, of Fayetteville, NC, formerly of Halifax
County, died April 2 in Fayetteville.
Ms. Holder was born in Halifax County on September 6, 1909, the
daughter of Junious Dunn and Ellie Dunn. She was a member of Bereen
Baptist Church in Fayetteville.
Survivors include one son, Cornelious Melvin Holder III of Fayetteville;
two grandchildren, Barry Holder and Crystal Holder, both of Fayetteville;
two great-grandchildren; one sister, Marion Burton of South Boston;
and one daughter-in-law, Viola Holder.
Memorial services for Ms. Holder will be held April 6 at 2 p.m.
at the Chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home. Remains will lie in state
from 1:00 to 2:00.
Sallie Edmonds Kirby, 52, of 1094 Union Church Road, Halifax,
died April 2 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Kirby was born in Halifax County on September 3, 1950, the
daughter of Pearl Edmonds Royal and was married to Eddie Beverly
Kirby. She was a member of Union Grove CME Church.
Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Joann K. Hankins
of Halifax; two grandchildren; four sisters, Glenda Barksdale
of Gladys, Carol Royal of Halifax, Sylvia Palmer of Clover and
Wanda Royal of South Boston; and one brother, Jake Royal of Columbia,
SC.
Funeral services for Mrs. Kirby will be held tomorrow, April 5
at 4 p.m. at Union Grove CME Church with the Rev. A. Jamaal Reed
officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home.
Claude Swanson Rice Sr., 81, of 1175 Gills Mountain Road, Virgilina,
died April 2 at Durham V.A. Hospital.
Mr. Rice was born in Halifax County on September 9, 1921, the
son of Emma Florine Tuck Rice and Johnnie Booker Rice and was
first married to Louise Morris Rice, and later to the late Melvina
Agnew Rice. He was a member of Union United Church of Christ,
a former member of American Legion Post 337, Woodman of the World
and the Virgilina Ruritan Club. He was a retired HVAC supervisor
with ABB, and was an Army Veteran.
Funeral services for Mr. Rice will be held at Union United Church
of Christ tomorrow, April 5, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Charles Lowery
officiating. Burial will take place in Virgilina Cemetery.
Survivors include three sons, Claude Swanson Rice Jr. of Rock
Hill, SC, Woodson Magnus Rice and Bobby Carroll Rice, both of
Virgilina; three daughters, Mildred Rice Overby and Donna Susan
Rice, both of Virgilina, and Cindy Rice Koons of Oxford, NC; two
sisters, Pearl Yancey of Richmond and Elsie Murray of Colonial
Heights; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his first
wife. Mr. Rice was preceded in death by five brothers, Arthur,
Walter, Alphie, Clarence, and Donald Rice; and two sisters, Frances
Tuck and Florine Tuck.
Richard Spencer Trent Jr., 64, formerly of Halifax, died March
30 at Durham Regional Hospital.
Mr. Trent was born in Halifax County on April 22, 1938, the son
of Richard Spencer Trent Sr. and Faustina Mae Trent, and was married
to Tules M. Trent. He was a member of New Vernon baptist Church
and was a Vietnam Air Force Veteran.
Survivors include his wife; his mother; three sons, Charles Edward
Miller of Washington, DC, Richard Spencer Trent III of Richmond,
and Dorsey Eugene Trent of Halifax; three daughters, Deborah R.
Petty of Alexandria, Diana Lynn Womack of Halifax, and Dietra
Yvette Trent of Richmond; three sisters, Anna Pearl Trent of New
York, Roma Mae Trent and Deborah Michelle Hester, both of Halifax;
10 grand children; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mr. Trent will be held today, April 4 at
2 p.m. at New Vernon Baptist Church with the Revs. Dr. Roger M.
Ford and Dwight C. Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the
church cemetery.