SGMC and Hospice of South Georgia to Host ALS Awareness Event
Tuesday, July 12th, 2022
Hospice of South Georgia, an affiliate of South Georgia Medical Center, is hosting Living with ALS, an educational session for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients and their caregivers. The event will be held on Tuesday, July 26, at 6pm at SGMC’s Smith Northview campus. Dr. Hernan Posas, Jr., SGMC Neurologist, and Emily DeCesare, NP-C, Hospice Palliative Care Nurse will share insights and discuss strategies for preserving the independence and quality of life of those impacted by ALS. Registration is limited and required by visiting sgmc.org/ALS or calling 229-433-4127.
ALS is a rare neurological disease that affects nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement such as chewing or swallowing, speaking, or any intentional body movement. It affects as many as 30,000 people in the United States, with 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year. As cases grow nationally, support and education are essential for enhancing care and quality of life for those facing treatments.
Living with ALS is one of the many educational events offered by HOSG’s caregiver support series. According to HOSG Executive Director Kevin Moore, “As the area's only not-for-profit hospice provider, it’s important for us to provide guidance and resources to caregivers in our communities so they can ensure their loved ones experience the best quality of life possible.”
Caregiver support is essential in hospice and palliative care. "This educational event series allows the SGMC's health system to extend support for a better patient experience and quality of life throughout the entire process of a disease," he shared. Past support events focused on dementia awareness, palliative care, and post-pandemic trauma.
For more information on HOSG or SGMC visit sgmc.org.
