Southeast Georgia Health System was honored with the 2020 Exceptional Service Award at the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce Awards dinner on Thursday, July 22, 2021, in recognition of providing exceptional service and commitment to the community and the Chamber.

The award was presented by Ralph Staffins, president, Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce. “Southeast Georgia Health System is the sole community hospital serving five counties,” said Staffins. “For the past 18 months, Health System team members have been on the frontlines, battling COVID-19—all while continuing a major construction project. At the beginning of the pandemic, the Health System faced several obstacles while trying to deliver patient care and COVID-19 testing, but met and overcame those obstacles through the persistence and determination of its staff. Team members worked tirelessly around the clock to provide life-saving care to patients and to reduce the spread of the virus—even when their own families and loved ones were at risk. The Health System provided daily coronavirus updates to the community and advice on how to stay safe during the pandemic. Since December, the Health System has administered over 40,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to the community as well as to the seafarers visiting our port.”

Michael D. Scherneck, president and CEO, received the award on behalf of Southeast Georgia Health System. “I’m honored that our Health System received this award which, in reality, is a reflection of our team members’ dedication to our patients and community,” said Scherneck. “I’m very proud of our team members, all of whom have made significant sacrifices to serve our community during this dreadful pandemic. On behalf of the leadership team and our Board members, I extend sincere thanks to each and every team member for their commitment and compassion.”