>> VETERANS
After 25 years, the Georgia War Veterans Home (GWVH) is changing management from Georgia-based PruittHealth to STG International, a government contractor based in Virginia.
STG International became the official new manager on Sept. 21.
According to STG International Vice President of Program Operations David Gibson, this is the first time that the company is managing a long-term care facility, however, they have a history of caring for veterans and have experience in both specialized residential care and healthcare.
According to the STG International website, their programs “provide primary care, mental and behavioral health, management of acute and chronic medical conditions, dentistry, and occupational health/wellness services.” Gibson stated that STG International also does federal occupational health and provides training along with technical assistance for Head Start programs.
“We expressed interest in the Georgia War Veterans Home initially last fall but we did not select them at the time,” said Gibson.
“However, the state felt like they needed to make a change and reached out to us in May and we began conversations that eventually led to us taking over the contract.”
Two weeks before the contracted date, Gibson stated that transitions began between the two companies and the onboarding of employees. Gibson estimated that about 98% of incumbent staff, including the Georgia War Veterans Home Executive Director Dennis Mize, were onboarded with them. Gibson stated that many employees were onboarded for their love and care towards the residents of the home and wanted to continue to serve them. Mize echoed this sentiment when asked why he planned to stay as well.
“I have a strong desire to ensure that the veterans of Georgia War Veterans Home receive great care,” said Mize. “By deciding to stay on with STG International, in the same role, I felt that I would have influence over the direction that would be taken in continuing to care for this special population.
“STG International’s desire to take on the employees of the home was evident and very important to me,” Mize added. “The management staff of STG International have been very supportive and approachable. They have done a remarkable job in transitioning in a very short time.”
According to Gibson, the company’s contract is for a base year of 10 months followed by two, one-year options the state can choose. He also stated that some goals for the future of the GWVH include wanting to see the site filled again, putting more use into the unit made to help with traumatic brain injuries, and increasing staff.
“We have set goals to achieve for the future but have also already completed some. For example, we opened the in-house kitchen within a few days to be able to feed veterans on-site,” Gibson said.
Gibson is currently working with the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Development Authority to connect with schools and programs to see how to train and find potential staff for the GWVH.
As part of the goal to increase the amount of residents, there will need to be a significant increase in staff as well.
“The community has been so welcoming and has put opportunities in front of us on how we can get additional nurses. Executive Director of the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Development Authority Jonathon Jackson has also been a huge help in helping us locate programs already in place to train certified nursing assistants and registered nurses to get them into the facility right out of school,” said Gibson. “Filling those beds is certainly a challenge so we have to have the staff to support the residents there.”
Georgia War Veterans Home has approximately 150 residents but is licensed to hold about 400 residents at full capacity. Gibson hopes as they continue to work through the transition and make connections that the GWVH can reach its full potential and serve veterans with the best possible care.
“Our veterans are deserving of good care and a good home,” said Gibson. “We care deeply about the veterans we serve and I hope that we can increase capacity and the use of the home’s facilities to offer even better care.”