Jackson Hospital COVID-19 Update – Pulling together for a healthier community

Jackson Hospital wants the community to know that during the rise of COVID-19 cases in our area, it’s more important than ever for all of us to do our part by wearing a mask, washing hands regularly with soap and water, and maintaining social distance.

Although the sickness caused by the virus ranges from mild illness to death, you and the community can play a big part in limiting the spread of the virus in our area by following the three C’s:

1. avoid crowds,
2. stay away from closed spaces with poor ventilation and
3. eliminate close contact with anyone outside the household

Jackson Hospital has experienced an increase in hospitalizations due to COVID-19.  However, the medical staff, clinical staff, and Administration have taken extraordinary steps to do what’s needed to accommodate and configure the hospital to care for routine patients and those testing positive for COVID-19.  CEO Jim Platt commends Jackson Hospital staff saying, “We have great staff who are dealing with a difficult situation; they all are stepping up to the challenge providing care and comfort to patients.”

The hospital wants to do its part in preventing the community spread of COVID-19 by limiting visitors and requesting anyone coming to the hospital to wear a mask.  The Hospital cafeteria — a longstanding eatery for the community — is open only to Hospital staff.

Jackson Hospital, area medical practices, the multi-specialty medical practice of Chipola Surgical & Medical Specialties with locations throughout Marianna and Sneads, Chipola Quick Care walk-in care, and Jackson Hospital’s traditional Emergency Department are all open serving patient care needs.

The authority on COVID-19 cases and Jackson County’s health status is the Health Department of Jackson County, 4979 Healthy Way, Marianna, FL 32446, (850) 526-2412.  The 24-hour COVID-19 call center can be reached at +1 (866) 779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

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About Jackson Hospital

Jackson Hospital is an award-winning facility and is proud of its most recent recognition, Health Grades™ 5-star rating for its vaginal births, One of the prestigious 500 Baby Friendly® designated hospitals, Vaccine Honor Roll.  The hospital is a proud recipient of FHA’s Award of Significance in Reducing Harm Across the Board.  Jackson Hospital is an iVantage Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital. 

The hospital was named in The Joint Commission’s annual report “America’s Hospitals:  Improving Quality and Safety,” for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance for Heart Failure, Pneumonia, Surgical Care, Immunization, and Perinatal Care.  The March of Dimes and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recognize Jackson Hospital as the first hospital in Florida’s panhandle for achieving an early elective delivery rate less than 5%.  The hospital was designated by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association as a Blue Distinctive Center+ for Maternity Care designation, a new designation under the Blue Distinction Specialty Care Program.