Georgia Hospital Association Names Two WGHS Representatives 'Hospital Heroes'

The Georgia Hospital Association has named Robert Copeland, M.D. and Cathy Wiggins, RN, director of West Georgia Hospice/Hospice LaGrange, as 2008 Hospital Heroes. Established in 2005, the Hospital Hero award is given to 10 exceptional individuals in the hospital community whose leadership and dedication have had a significant impact on patient care, their organization, and their community. Dr. Copeland and Wiggins were nominated by peers through essays and selected by a panel of judges from the Alabama Hospital Association. This is the second year in a row that two representatives from West Georgia Health System were selected. In 2007, Inge Puckett, RN (Emergency Department) and Alison Townsend (Cancer Registry) were honored.

Copeland was recognized for his efforts to develop and nurture young medical talent and to advance cardiac care locally and at the state and national level. He was also recognized for his philanthropic work for LaGrange's working poor. Earlier this year, Copeland and Dr. Tom Gore helped found Troup Cares, a free clinic offering primary and some specialty services for LaGrange residents who cannot afford or not offered health benefits through their employer or who earn too much to qualify for government or private aid.

Wiggins was selected for the role she has played in helping thousands of families face end-of-life not with fear and uncertainty — but dignity, comfort, and peace. Wiggins was instrumental in the founding of West Georgia Hospice in 1982. At the time hospice and palliative care was a newly developing area of health care. West Georgia Hospice was one of only seven hospice programs in the state. A tireless advocate for patients and families, Wiggins has worked to improve and expand end-of-life services in this region. In her more than 25 years of service, Wiggins has grown West Georgia Hospice and Hospice LaGrange into nationally-recognized programs.