Atrium Health Floyd

02/18/2026

Advocate Health's strong partnerships with the military and longstanding support for its veteran teammates have benefitted the health system, the military and ultimately patients.

A new white paper, entitled “Bedside to Battlefield: Advocate Health’s National Strategy for Serving Country and Community,” details the health system’s existing work on this front.

“From my experience of growing up on military bases, I witnessed firsthand the discipline, unity and shared purpose that define our armed forces,” said Eugene A. Woods, CEO of Advocate Health, wrote in the report’s foreword. “Those experiences shaped me deeply. They instilled a lifelong respect for the sacrifices our service members make — and has fueled my personal commitment to ensuring they receive the very best care, both in uniform and as veterans.”

Read the full report at AdvocateHealth.org/VeteranCare.

02/18/2026

When atrial fibrillation (AFib) strikes, misfiring electrical signals disrupt your heart’s natural rhythm.

Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is a newer approach designed to treat AFib with less invasiveness and faster recovery. Instead of heat or freezing, PFA uses short, targeted electrical pulses to treat only the heart cells causing AFib—while protecting surrounding tissue.

For many people, PFA means better control of AFib and a faster return to life, family and the things they love.

Explore advanced care at Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic by visiting: https://bit.ly/3XHyZVj

02/17/2026

The decision to pursue cardiac nursing is deeply rooted in Keely’s personal experience. She shared her story:

“Growing up, I watched my grandfather manage many heart conditions, which fostered an early awareness of the impact heart disease has on people and their families.

I remember being in elementary school when he had heart surgery, and then another one when I was in high school. In nursing school, my interest in cardiac care became profoundly personal when my grandfather experienced a sudden cardiac event while dining at a restaurant. He and my grandmother were on a mountain vacation, and in an instant, everything changed. An employee at the restaurant immediately recognized what was happening and initiated CPR, an intervention that ultimately saved his life.

This stranger’s action, knowledge and courage changed the outcome of my family’s story. Because of that moment, he was given more time. He was able to attend my wedding and later witness the birth of my first child—both moments that would have been lost without the courage and knowledge of one person willing to help. My grandfather’s story has become part of my own.

Today, in addition to my clinical role, I have the privilege of teaching Hands-Only CPR in the community. Through this work, I aim to empower individuals with the confidence and skills to act in cardiac emergencies. I teach with the hope that one day someone listening will be the person who steps forward—the person who gives another family more time together.”

Keely’s experience reminds her every day that heart care is about more than clinical expertise—it’s about empathy, trust and being ready when it matters most. At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, that same commitment guides compassionate care for patients of all ages, pairing advanced heart and vascular treatment with personalized support for every patient and family. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3XHyZVj

02/14/2026

02/13/2026

Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic recently unveiled 14 new Faces of Hope portraits at the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center in Rome, honoring patients who bravely shared their cancer journeys.

Lining the hallways of the Harbin Clinic Tony E. Warren M.D. Cancer Center, the black‑and‑white portraits are paired with short stories that reflect strength, resilience and hope. Together, they offer comfort and connection to patients and families, reminding them they are not alone and that others have walked this path before them.

Through their partnership, Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd come together to provide compassionate, comprehensive cancer care for patients and families across northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama.

02/10/2026

Silent heart attacks are more common than you think — and easier to miss.

Unlike dramatic Hollywood‑style chest‑clutching moments, silent myocardial infarctions (SMIs) can feel like everyday discomforts: unexplained fatigue, indigestion, jaw or back pain, dizziness or shortness of breath. But these subtle signs can still cause lasting heart damage and raise your risk of heart failure or sudden cardiac death.

Pay attention to symptoms that don’t improve with rest, worsen with activity, or come with nausea, sweating or shortness of breath — especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease.

Read more on our blog to learn the signs and protect your heart. ⬇️

Parking will be limited at the Floyd Medical Center campus, including the Emergency Care Center, due to construction and road widening. Learn more about our parking changes.

02/09/2026

Dr. Charlie Baggett joined Harbin Clinic Cardiology with a dedication to caring for patients across northwest Georgia and a deep commitment to advancing heart health through clinical excellence and patient education.

Originally trained at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Dr. Baggett earned his Doctor of Medicine degree before completing a residency in internal medicine at the University of Virginia Health System and a fellowship in cardiology at Texas A&M/Scott and White Hospital.

Throughout his more than 20-year career, Dr. Baggett has built a reputation for thoughtful, attentive care for adults with a wide range of heart conditions. He sees patients at Harbin Clinic Cardiology in Rome and Calhoun and works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive, personalized treatment plans. Dr. Baggett is especially passionate about cardio-oncology care and partners with physicians at Harbin Clinic Medical Oncology Rome to provide specialized attention to patients undergoing cancer treatment or those who have graduated to his survivorship program.

Talking with Dr. Baggett, he emphasized the importance of exercise. “I try to practice what I preach by staying active,” he said. “People often focus on what they need to cut out of their lives to improve the risk of poor health outcomes. But there are two simple additions that can meaningfully support longevity: improving cardiovascular fitness and building leg (quad) strength.”

Outside the office, Dr. Baggett enjoys spending time with his family and staying active in a variety of ways. For example, he finished the 24-hour Solo Adventure Racing National Championship in 2022 and competes in the USA Ultimate Frisbee National Championship each summer.

Through his leadership at Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, Dr. Baggett remains committed to elevating heart care across the region and supporting patients on their journey to lifelong cardiovascular health.

Learn more about high quality heart care at Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic:
https://bit.ly/3XHyZVj

02/03/2026

Supporting Students’ Mental Health Right Where They Are

Beginning in January 2026, students in Rome City, Walker County, Darlington School and Chattooga County schools will have access to virtual therapy during the school day through Atrium Health’s school-based virtual therapy program, giving families support without missing work.

To further this expansion, the Atrium Health Floyd Polk Foundation is investing $430,000 to help address rising needs related to anxiety, depression and overall well-being for local students.

“Our mission is to champion work that truly transforms lives,” said Dan Bevels, president of the Atrium Health Floyd Polk Foundation. “Expanding access to mental health services for students is exactly that. This effort isn’t just changing lives — it has the potential to save lives.”

As the official health care partner of local schools, Atrium Health Floyd continues its commitment to helping students stay healthy, supported and ready to thrive.

02/02/2026

Thank you for investing in the health of our community ❤️

Peoples Bank is proud to donate to Floyd Cherokee Medical Center as part of the Rural Hospital Investment Program. Rural hospitals function as essential, reliable lifelines, contributing significantly to the long-term health and stability of our local communities.

02/02/2026

Have you heard of a coronary calcium score test?

Dr. Digant Bhatt explains that a coronary calcium score test, also called a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, is a quick, painless CT scan that measures calcium buildup in the coronary arteries.

Why it matters:
❤️Calcium deposits are early signs of coronary artery disease, often before any symptoms appear.
❤️Your results help doctors understand your risk of a heart attack.
❤️With that information, you can take action early — through lifestyle changes, medications or a personalized prevention plan.

Learn more about our heart services:
https://bit.ly/3XHyZVj

02/01/2026

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) causes the heart’s upper chambers to beat irregularly, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure and blood clots. Some people feel symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath while others don’t feel a thing.

If you suspect you have AFib, speak with your health care provider and visit: https://bit.ly/3XHyZVj

01/31/2026

Build Skills That Save Lives

Atrium Health Floyd is now enrolling for its upcoming EMT class through the Atrium EMS Academy. This hands-on program prepares you with the skills and training needed to make a real difference when it matters most.

Location: 500 Riverside Parkway, Rome, Georgia
Dates: April 13–Sept. 10, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Spots are limited, and attendance is required for all scheduled days.

Register now to get started: https://bit.ly/4a56xCw