MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2015 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Gandy, Burton, Butler (38th), Jackson (32nd), Simmons (12th), Watson

Senate Concurrent Resolution 579

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE LEADERSHIP, LONGEVITY AND LEGACY OF WAYNE COUNTY GENERAL HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR FRANKLIN DONALD HEMETER, SR., ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

     WHEREAS, Franklin Donald Hemeter, Sr., has served as Administrator of Wayne County General Hospital from March 1, 1967, through February 28, 2014.  His peers and the citizens of Wayne County are honoring the service of this wonderful example for public servants with an outstanding record of achievement and legacy of leadership and dedication to the health care of all citizens in Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Hemeter's career includes the following:

·  1959 Graduate of Mississippi Southern College with a BS degree in Accounting and Business Administration;

·  Certificate in Healthcare Administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham;

·  Has served at least three terms on the Board of Governors of the Mississippi Hospital Association;

·  Member of the East Central Hospital Council for many years;

·  Has served on the Board of Directors of the Southeast Mississippi Trauma Association;

·  Served on the Mississippi Trauma Advisory Committee;

·  Past Director of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, 1983 to 1985;

·  Honorary Member of the Waynesboro Rotary Club;

·  Lifetime Member of the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association;

·  Member of the University of Southern Mississippi Eagle Club;

·  Inducted into the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame, 1996;

·  Received the 2014 Distinguished Service Award from the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce;

·  Received the DAR Certificate of Award for Excellence in Community Service, 1996;

·  Served in the U.S. Army and the National Guard;

·  Member of Waynesboro First United Methodist Church; and

     WHEREAS, while Administrator at Wayne General Hospital, Mr. Hemeter was responsible for:

·  Construction of Wayne General Hospital, 1977;

·  Construction of a medical arts building to house 8 physicians;

·  Expansion of Wayne General Hospital Emergency Department, Laboratory, X-Ray, and waiting areas; areas for dialysis and wellness center;

·  Construction of a medical office building to house 8 physicians, home health, and hospice;

·  Construction of a wellness center/educational center, 2013;

·  Construction of a dialysis facility, 2014; and

     WHEREAS, expanded services at the hospital during his administration include:

·  Two rural health clinics;

·  Home Health Agency;

·  Hospice;

·  Swingbed;

·  Ambulance Service;

·  Rehabilitation Department (Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy);

·  Wellness Center;

·  Intensive Care Unit;

·  Expanded ancillary departments; and

     WHEREAS, Wayne General Hospital first became accredited by The Joint Commission in 2003; and it is with great pride that we recognize and cherish fondly the career and service of this most public-spirited citizen of Wayne County, Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby pay tribute to the leadership, longevity and legacy of Wayne County General Hospital Administrator Franklin Donald Hemeter, Sr., on the occasion of his retirement, and extend the best wishes of the Legislature to Mr. Hemeter and his family on this auspicious occasion.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mr. Hemeter, forwarded to the Board of Supervisors of Wayne County, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.