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Hospital Impact is $306 Million the region to utilize new minimally invasive, heart- pumping technology that can temporarily take over the heart’s work, giving it time to rest and recover. Access to imaging services continues to increase Regional Medical Center as more than 600 babies were delivered in 2025. Emergency medicine clock care by a team of physicians, nurses and support staff, all passionate about serving patients. Their compassion and skills make a difference in the lives of neighbors, friends and the larger community. “We have immense Over 600 Babies Delivered in 2025
At more than 290,000 patient encounters last year, Gadsden Regional Medical Center delivered on its commitment to provide quality healthcare for the Etowah County community. The health system’s 2025 Community Benefit Report shows care extended well beyond the hospital and clinics, contributing more than $306 million to the region through charity, uncompensated care provided, capital dollars reinvested in services and facilities, employee payroll, charitable projects and payment of more than $14 million in taxes supporting local schools and civic resources. The health system used its resources to increase access and strengthen services through more than $6 million in projects. The recruitment of a new cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Lucman Anwer, OB/GYN, Dr. Sathiyakala Rajendiran, and general surgeon, Dr. Florencia “Flo” Pereira, has strengthened service lines at the facility. Gadsden Regional also became the first in
remains a critical service, with more than 31,000 visits to the emergency room at Gadsden Regional Medical Center. Life-saving medically necessary care was provided to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, with more than $178 million in charity and uncompensated care in 2025. The health system and its employees also support local organizations that make a difference, especially those addressing social determinants of health. Through service projects such as the annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter drive for the Etowah Community Food Bank and contributions to charitable organizations such as United Way of Etowah County, Man Up Gadsden, and Neighborhood Bridges, Gadsden Regional Medical Center gives back to the community throughout the year. Payroll of nearly $100 million supports the delivery of around the
with the addition of 3D Mammography and Bone Densitometry at Gadsden Regional Imaging, and Endobronchial Ultrasound to increase lung cancer screening accuracy. The reinvestment in services benefits local residents and serves as an important resource for patients who come from other hospitals that are 5, 10, or even as far as 50 miles away. “We are here to care for our patients and the place we all call home,” said Michael Hall, chief executive officer of Gadsden Regional Medical Center. “Health is central to quality of life, and we offer advanced medical services here in Etowah County to make it easy to access the care you need. It’s our privilege to transform lives every day, helping patients manage their health at every stage of life.” Area families grew with the help of Gadsden
gratitude for every member of our team, and we are investing in resources to support them in their work and a culture that attracts and retains these talented people,” said Hall. “This team is passionate about delivering quality care to those who are counting on us. We have an unwavering commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence, and doing the right thing every day for those who trust us with their care.” Support for the future healthcare workforce includes training the next generation of medical professionals. Nursing, radiology, lab, and respiratory therapy students from six colleges and universities are completing their clinical rotations at the hospital, giving them clinical training and cultivating a pipeline of providers for the future.
Photo Courtesy of Gadsden State
April GSCC Events Gadsden State is celebrating Community College Month and has several events scheduled April 2026 Community College Month Highlights April 15 • Honors Day, Wallace Drive Campus, 2 p.m. • Phi Theta Kappa Induction, 5 p.m. April 16 • NC3 Signing Day, Ayers and Gadsden, 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. • Baseball Games 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. • Evening of Fine Arts, 6 p.m. • Valley Street Campus Clean-Up Day (Construction Tech), 10 a.m. April 17 • Health Sciences Mass Casualty Simulation • Welding Contest, 9 a.m. • Pop-Up Poetry Workshop April 18 • Women’s Self Defense Class (GSPD), 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. • Softball Games 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. April 20 • SkillsUSA Competition Week begins April 21 • Athletic Spirit Day with Game Day Live (all day) • Ayers G-Day • Choir Tour Begins • Valley Street Campus Clean-Up Day (LPN), 10 a.m. April 22 • Preview Day, Valley Street Campus • Administrative Professionals Day • Cardinal Arts Journal Workshop, 4 p.m. April 23 • Baseball Games 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. • GSCC Film Festival April 25 • Softball Games 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. April 26 • Baseball (TBA) April 27 • Valley Street Campus Clean-Up Day (Dental Assisting), 10 a.m. • Surgical Technology Ribbon Cutting and Open House (Ayers), 5 p.m. • State of the College (Ayers), 6 p.m. April 28 • Preview Day, Wallace Drive and East Broad Campuses • CoMeT Signing Day, 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 30 • Gadsden Sports Park Ribbon Cutting, 11:30 a.m. • Athletic Alumni Recognition, 12 p.m. • Baseball Games 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. • Softball Games 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. • FAME Signing Day, 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Showband Blueprint Ball Performance, 7 p.m. • Cardinal Arts Journal Annual Poetry Reading Students from Gadsden State Community College recently participated in the "Don't Drop It On Alabama" clean-up day. The clean-up efforts brought together participants across multiple GSCC campuses and departments to pick up litter, improve outdoor spaces and demonstrate pride in both the college and the communities it serves. Volunteers collected debris across campus grounds and nearby areas, refreshed common spaces and helped enhance the overall environment. The clean- up efforts were part of Community College Month, a national celebration highlighting the value and impact of community colleges. Throughout April, Gadsden State is hosting events and sharing stories that showcase student success, workforce development and academic opportunities. Some of the month's remaining events are listed below.
IRS Reminds Taxpayers To Stay Alert To Investment and Cryptocurrency Fraud During April, federal, state, financial institutions and
scammers build a relationship with a victim over weeks or months to gain trust before stealing large sums of money. The crypto‑investment schemes involve fraudulent opportunities marketed as legitimate cryptocurrency investments. Taxpayers can protect themselves from these scams by using the following tips: Ponzi Schemes • Verify the investment and the person offering it. • Be skeptical of any investment promising guaranteed returns. • Check whether they are registered with regulators (SEC, state securities board) Pyramid Schemes • Avoid any program where income depends mainly on recruitment. • Check whether most revenue comes from product sales to real customers. Pig‑Butchering and Romance Investment Scams • Do not invest through platforms someone you met online directs you to. • Slow down. Pig‑butchering scams rely on building trust over time. • Verify any opportunity independently (not with links they provide). • Never transfer crypto or funds based on an online acquaintance’s recommendation. • Never mix romance and financial transactions with someone you haven’t met. • Be cautious of anyone who avoids video calls or in‑person meetings. • Talk to a trusted friend, because scams thrive in secrecy. To report fraud, visit IRS.gov or contact the Atlanta Field Office at atlantafieldoffice@ci.irs.gov. Joe Jolley Insurance Agency LLC AUTO | HOME | LIFE | BUSINESS | MOTORIZED RECREATION
other organizations will be recognizing Financial Literacy Month. The IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS‑CI) Atlanta Field Office is using this month to urge taxpayers to stay alert to financial investment and cryptocurrency fraud schemes. “Financial Literacy Month is a great time to remind taxpayers to stay sharp, stay informed, and not to let crypto or investment scammers catch them off guard,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS‑CI special agents work every day protecting consumers by investigating, stopping, and holding those responsible for committing fraud and other financial scams designed to steal their money.” Financial investment fraud occurs when scammers deceive individuals or organizations into handing over money for fake, misleading, or grossly misrepresented investment opportunities. Common types of investment fraud schemes include Ponzi and pyramid schemes, cryptocurrency investment fraud and romance-linked investment fraud. These schemes continue well beyond filing season and increasingly target older adults, online investors, job seekers, and individuals looking for relationships, costing victims millions each year. The Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation where the organizer promises high returns but pays earlier investors using money from newer investors, not from legitimate business profits. A pyramid scheme is a fraudulent operation in which participants earn money mainly by recruiting new members, rather than by selling a genuine product or service. The pig‑butchering investment fraud typically incorporates elements of romance fraud which are long‑term financial fraud schemes, often involving cryptocurrency, where
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