Donations are being accepted for hospital beautification project

The fresh landscaping project ongoing at Grady General Hospital is getting help from many in the community, from local government to local families. After the hospital’s outdoor refurbishing plan became public knowledge, some individuals contacted the hospital to ask how they could help. The hospital leaders have now announced they will accept donations from the public to go towards the project, and donors may give in honor or in memory of loved ones.
“We are so excited about the landscaping project. Our hospital has such wonderful support from our community and it is great we can provide a fresh welcoming atmosphere to our patients, visitors, and community,” says Crystal Ramm, hospital administrator.
Crews have already removed 13 pecan trees from the hospital grounds to make way for new varieties. Donors may help purchase Bloodgood Japanese Maple trees, Crepe Myrtles, Forest Pansy Redbuds, or Allee Elms. Donors have already purchased oak and river birch trees called for in the design, along with four commercial grade concrete planters, valued at $1,200 each.
Ramm says, “Landscape is the impression of our hospital to those traveling into town. It is great to see such pride and support forthcoming from our community.”
Individuals may pay for an entire tree or bush or only a portion of one. The price of trees can range up to $175 each, Ramm says, so smaller donations could be combined to pay for a more expensive item.
In addition to trees and bushes, the landscape design calls for sod, annuals, perinials, Muhly grass ground cover and new pinestraw.
Both the Cairo City Council and Grady County Commission have agreed to help with the project. The city is providing manpower to help install plants, and the county is donating granite chips to be spread around the hospital building’s perimeter.
In her address to the county commission, Nancy Clark of the hospital authority said, “We want to do it. We have beautiful plans.” Mrs. Clark said once the project is completed, the authority planned to host an open house.
“We should be grateful to have a hospital in our home county, because so many other (community) hospitals have closed,” commented LaFaye Copeland, chairwoman of the Grady County Commission.
Formal recognition of donors and honorees will be placed on permanent display within the hospital building.
Those interested in participating, should call the hospital administration office at (229)377-0251 and speak with Gail Eubanks or Crystal Ramm.
Any remaining money collected over and above the landscape cost will go into a fund to help purchase additional landscape items as needed and maintenance.