There is a Balm of Gilead...
When Someone Needs a Place
The Balm of Gilead has a ten bed dedicated unit separate from other hospital units on the 4th floor of Cooper Green Mercy Hospital. The unit provides inpatient palliative care for those with terminal illness from a diversity of backgrounds. We care for those patients, who are in need of our specialized care, admitted to Cooper Green Mercy Hospital and in transfer from other area hospitals. We also serve by supporting our area hospices. Though most hospice care can be done excellently at home, we recognize that home care is not always ideal or possible for some. For area hospice patients we offer respite care (a 5-day relief for caregivers), terminal care (for patients or families that don’t want death to occur at home), and Palliative care (for those who need control of suffering.)
When Someone Needs a Friend
Through area hospice programs, home-based services are extended to people with terminal illness regardless of their ability to pay. The Balm of Gilead program provides specially trained physician and nurse-practitioner hospice care oversight. Our partnership with area hospices and volunteers allows the program to assure respectful, quality care.
When Someone Needs You
The Balm of Gilead is a community not-for-profit effort. Even if you can’t preach like Peter or if you can’t pray like Paul the ultimate success of the program depends on the people of the community helping in whatever way they can.
What is different about the Balm of Gilead?
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We are designed to meet the needs of terminally ill people by providing around-the-clock care for medical situations that cannot be handled at home.
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Our patients are cared for by highly trained staff in an environment that is more relaxed and home like than a typical hospital setting.
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Our staff is specially trained in pain and symptom control, counseling, support and planning for the future care of the patient.
How does the family fit in the care of the patient?
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The family is included in as much of the plan of care as desired, with the patient’s dignity and quality of life the major focus.
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Family, loved ones and visitors of all ages can visit 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
How are services paid for?
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Through various methods, including but not limited to most commercial insurances, Hospice, Medicare, Medicaid, county funds, and generous gifts.
Who is the Balm of Gilead?
Medical Director Ryan R. Nash, MD
Nurse Practitioner Mike Harper, CRNP
Administrator Marc Sussman, MSHA
Nurse Manager Jackie Smith, RN
Charge Nurse Edith McKinney, RN
Case Manager Karan Cremer, RN, MSN
Nursing Staff:
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Diane Baisey, PCT
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Sharon Gregg, PCT
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JoAnn Harris, MC
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Annie Hatter, PCT
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Gwen Jackson, PCT
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Rosemary Lane, RN
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Freddie Moore, LPN
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Christine Rutley, RN
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Peggie Scott, RN
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Mary Turner, SPCUA
Support from Cooper Green Mercy Hospital include:
Enterostomal Wound-care Therapy, Social Work, Chaplain, Respiratory Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy
Volunteers: You?
For patient referrals please contact:
205.918.2332
For more information on volunteering or making a donation, please call:
205.930.3779
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