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HEALTH & HOSPITAL NEWS

H EALTHY COMMUNITIES

Louis Walker led a full life, until a surprising
health diagnosis pushed him toward
society’s fringe.

IN 2015, THE Roberta native was living in Atlanta, driving a truck place to live, Walker would be better able to choose and prepare
for Habitat for Humanity and involved with a local church when nutritious foods for better management of both conditions. She
shortness of breath began to affect his work performance and helped him complete the application and necessary paperwork for
day-to-day activities. A trip to a local emergency room led to a an apartment, choose furniture and move in. With his most basic
diagnosis of congestive heart failure. needs addressed, the man who was homeless less than a year ago
has now reentered society and is giving back to the community
As his heart became weaker, Walker began missing work and that has given so much to him.
eventually lost his job. The resulting missed rent payments
eventually led to homelessness. Walker made his way back to
central Georgia. He found a place to stay at the Salvation Army
on Houston Avenue and took his meals downtown. He sought
treatment for his heart condition at The Medical Center, Navicent
Health, where he was scheduled for a triple bypass surgery. When
he awoke, he met the woman who would have a tremendous impact
on the next phase of his life.

“I was lying in the hospital and I met Ms. Dale,” Walker says.
“Ever since I met her, things have been going uphill.”

Dale Sayler, RN, is a Care Coordinator with Healthy Communities,
Navicent Health. Healthy Communities is charged with addressing
the social determinants that lead to poor health and taking steps
to improve clinical outcomes for individuals while improving
healthcare equity within the community. Along with area partners,
Navicent Health is taking strategic and measurable steps to improve
the overall health of the community, one individual at a time.

Sayler worked with Walker during his hospital stay and
following his discharge to guide him toward improved health.
She not only helped him choose a primary care physician and
schedule follow-up appointments, but in keeping with Healthy
Communities’ mission, also helped him address his social needs.

In addition to the stress on his heart, homelessness was also
impacting Walker’s diabetes. Sayler knew that with a stable

INTRODUCING
NAVICENT HEALTH BALDWIN

NAVICENT HEALTH IS pleased to be part of the Baldwin County community.
On Oct. 1, 2017, Navicent Health purchased the former Oconee Regional Medical
Center, now known as Navicent Health Baldwin. Since assuming the helm,
Navicent Health has sought to offer high-quality healthcare locally for the
residents of Milledgeville, Baldwin County and surrounding areas, including
Jones, Hancock, Washington and Wilkinson counties.

“We’re excited about keeping healthcare local and bringing new physicians
into the area,” says Darren Pearce, Chief Executive Officer for Navicent Health
Baldwin. “There is a lot of potential here, and we are looking to drive the hospital
back to the glory of its former years.”

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