Piedmont Newton Hospital

08/12/2025

Thank you to Snapping Shoals EMC for inviting us to your annual meeting at the International Horse Park!

Twenty Piedmont Newton team members engaged with the EMC employees on a variety of health, wellness and safety topics. Our team performed 150 blood pressure checks. This is another example of how Piedmont brings hassle free care to the communities we serve.

08/08/2025

Our imaging team at Piedmont Newton is happy to share that patients in the Covington area who need a cardiac CT can now get one close to home. We have a brand-new computed tomography (CT) machine capable of scanning the heart to help cardiologists spot potential problems in a non-invasive way.

Between this latest addition to our imaging technology and the heart failure clinic that opened last month, more Piedmont Newton patients can get the care they need to stay heart-healthy without leaving the community.

07/22/2025

The affordability of and access to health care is limited for most of Honduras. The need for certain procedures, like knee replacements, is great.

Dr. Stephen Smith, a member of the Piedmont Clinic, is trying to do his part to fill that need. He recently returned from a medical mission trip to Honduras, where he and a team performed 35 knee replacements. The organization behind the trip, One World Surgery, has a wait list of thousands of people.

Piedmont Atlanta proudly donates critical medical supplies in support of these biannual mission trips.

07/21/2025

School is just around the corner and Piedmont Columbus Regional pediatrician Dr. Shuan Chen is sharing a back-to-school health checklist covering things like vaccines, annual checkups, sleep, nutrition and hygiene so children and families will be empowered to have a great school year. https://bit.ly/46lEkY4

You can conveniently schedule an annual check-up or sports physical online at Piedmont.org.

07/21/2025

Piedmont has expanded access to outpatient heart failure care with the opening the Piedmont Newton Heart Failure Clinic. This location offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to help patients to stabilize their condition, to prevent disease progression and to reduce the risk of readmission to the hospital.

Experienced providers manage medication, provide education to patients and caregivers about symptom recognition and medication adherence, and closely monitor and tracking outcomes. We are thankful for the Newton County Chamber of Commerce for their partnership.

07/17/2025

Grade-school teacher Tomekia thought she was living right—exercising regularly, consciously eating healthier, fasting, and praying—so she never imagined having a terrible headache meant she was having a stroke. But when the headache didn’t improve and she started experiencing left-side weakness, she went to Piedmont Eastside's ER. The ER team immediately recognized her symptoms and gave her lifesaving treatment.
But what caused a stroke in an otherwise healthy woman? The cardiac team at Piedmont Heart Lawrenceville told her: Tomekia had had an undiagnosed hole in her heart since birth and needed surgery.

Even after her pain, her rush to the hospital, and her heart surgery, if you ask Tomekia about her ordeal, her first response is "God is so good, even on a bad day.” When she felt fear, Piedmont cardiologist Dr. Rowe reassured her. She says, “From the moment I walked into his office, he and his team were amazing. His bedside manners are impeccable. There wasn't a time during or after where I didn't have complete trust in him.”
Tomekia’s family, friends, and coworkers provided an incredible support system, but she also praises her care team at Piedmont. “From the moment I rolled in until the day I was discharged, everyone—the nurses, the doctors, the techs, the therapists and the dietitians—made my healing journey better.” And her strong faith sustained her through the days when she needed grace and encouragement.

“I ask God daily in my morning prayers and meditation to be used as a vessel and to help me to ‘Live with Purpose, on Purpose, for His Purpose,’” she says. “That was the moment that I began my healing journey. It’s part of my purpose to share my testimony with great hopes to help others in this journey called life.” We’re so glad we provided the quality care Tomeika needed so she can continue to live her purpose.

07/11/2025

During his annual physical this year, Chuck Rawlins told his Piedmont primary care doctor at Eastside Crossing about his family history of heart disease—his dad died of a heart attack, and his mom had one but survived. Even though Chuck had no symptoms, his doctor recommended a coronary calcium scan at Piedmont Walton.

The scan revealed that Chuck had a near-total blockage of the largest heart artery, also known as the “widowmaker” because of its lethality. Chuck’s primary care physician quickly referred him to Piedmont Heart, and he underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery at Piedmont Atlanta. Chuck is back on his feet with the help of the recent cardiac rehabilitation he received at Piedmont Newton.

Today, Chuck is thankful for the prompt and highly integrated care he received when he needed it most, and he is thankful he remained committed to scheduling his annual physical, or the outcome may have been very different.

It's time to take charge of your health with hassle-free annual physicals close to home. Book today via Piedmont MyChart, online at piedmont.org or by calling your provider’s office directly.

07/09/2025

When Tunisia discovered a lump in her breast, her former doctors brushed it off as a side effect from a vaccine. Two years later, she found a second lump and demanded a biopsy. She was diagnosed with cancer—but she had lost her trust in the medical community.

Then she came to Piedmont and met the surgeon who changed her mind. “I thought, ‘This person actually cares about me and really understands what I'm going through.’ I’d been thinking that nobody cared, because that’s what my experience was.”
Tunisia decided to “fight cancer with fashion” and turned her chemo sessions into a fashion show. For each appointment, she walked an imaginary runway into the treatment room, with friends and family helping her coordinate outfits, carry bags, and document the experience. “Instead of dreading chemo, I was looking forward to it because I’d be shopping, looking for my outfits; trying to pull it all together.”

Her vibrant energy uplifted the medical team and fellow patients. “It made everybody happier because [chemo] can be sad and traumatic. But when I came in … people could focus on something else for a little bit. I was able to shift the energy for everybody. I changed to the best version of me,” she says. And it all started with care that made a positive difference in her life.

07/04/2025

Today and every day, we celebrate those who not only show bravery but also empower us to embrace our own. We wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day!

06/30/2025

Every victory — big or small — is a reflection of our patients’ strength, resilience, and hope. Whether they’re ringing the bell, sharing their story, or taking life one day at a time, their courage empowers others to keep going. At Piedmont, we’re honored to walk beside patients across Georgia and beyond on their survivorship journey. Thank you for inspiring us and for allowing us to be part of your story!

06/27/2025

When Tunisia discovered a lump in her breast, her former doctors brushed it off as a side effect from a vaccine. Two years later, she found a second lump and demanded a biopsy. She was diagnosed with cancer—but she had lost her trust in the medical community.

Then she came to Piedmont and met the surgeon who changed her mind. “I thought, ‘This person actually cares about me and really understands what I'm going through.’ I’d been thinking that nobody cared, because that’s what my experience was.”

Tunisia decided to “fight cancer with fashion” and turned her chemo sessions into a fashion show. For each appointment, she walked an imaginary runway into the treatment room, with friends and family helping her coordinate outfits, carry bags, and document the experience. “Instead of dreading chemo, I was looking forward to it because I’d be shopping, looking for my outfits; trying to pull it all together.”

Her vibrant energy uplifted the medical team and fellow patients. “It made everybody happier because [chemo] can be sad and traumatic. But when I came in … people could focus on something else for a little bit. I was able to shift the energy for everybody. I changed to the best version of me,” she says. And it all started with care that made a positive difference in her life.

06/25/2025

In the premiere episode of Living Real Change, join host Dr. Lacy Knight as he sits down with Dr. Wally Curran, Chief of Oncology at Piedmont, to explore powerful insights into conquering one of the world’s most feared diseases: cancer. Discover how innovation, compassion, and leadership are driving real change in oncology care.

The Living Real Change podcast is available on all major platforms. Subscribe below!
Apple: https://apple.co/3T4qTDX
Spotify: https://sptfy.com/QdjQ

06/23/2025

Thoughtful. Grounded. Future-Focused. Dr. Lacy Knight brings together voices from across the healthcare spectrum to explore what it really means to deliver care with impact.

Living Real Change launches June 25.
Don’t miss the conversation.

06/20/2025

Something new is launching June 25. Living Real Change is Piedmont’s new podcast, hosted by Dr. Lacy Knight.
Follow now on your favorite podcast platform to catch episode one.

06/15/2025

At Piedmont, some of our team members don’t just share a workplace, they share a lifetime of stories, lessons, and support. Today, we’re celebrating those who lead by example and are empowering the next generation walking right beside them.

06/12/2025

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Piedmont Newton employees donated over 150 items to support participants in the Newton County Resource Court! These donations help reward positive progress and encourage continued success in managing mental health and substance use challenges. Together, we’re building a healthier and safer community.

05/27/2025

Thank you for making a positive difference! With your incredible generosity, Concert for a Cause raised over $100,000 to support oncology services and programs at Piedmont Newton. Together, we're transforming lives and strengthening cancer care right here at home.

Learn more about oncology services at Piedmont: piedmont.org/cancer/

04/30/2025

Piedmont Newton awarded paramedic, Shawn Holmes with Jasper County Fire Rescue, the “EMS Hero Award” for his bravery and quick action. Holmes was acknowledged for jumping in to help a staff member when they were experiencing their own medical emergency. This quarterly award celebrates an emergency medical services provider from the community who has made a positive difference. Join us in celebrating Holmes as the EMS Hero!

04/29/2025

It's graduation season, and we are celebrating the first Piedmont Newton NICU “graduate” to benefit from level 3 care. This past winter, our NICU was upgraded, and our facility and staff are now equipped to care for newborns like Hudson Caldwell who needed the highest level of medical care and intervention. Hudson was born this past winter at 28 weeks, weighing just 3 lbs, his parents, Alisha Raines and Joseph Caldwell, were extremely relieved to have easy access to expert care close to home. Because of Piedmont, they were able to keep things as normal as possible for Hudson's four older siblings and still spend lots of time with him during his 66-day NICU stay. High-quality care close to home made a positive difference and now we are happy to report that Hudson is now home and thriving!

04/21/2025

The Concert for a Cause planning committee is hard at work putting together an amazing event for April 26th! This year, we're thrilled to be at a new venue, OHCO District, and we've booked the awesome No Diggity Band!
Join us for a night of great music and fun, all while making a positive difference! Learn more and buy tickets at https://www.piedmont.org/.../medi.../stories/news-article...

04/18/2025

Senior prom is a rite of passage for many teenagers, and Malik King, 18, who began undergoing cancer (lymphoma) treatment at Piedmont Newton in February, was certain his recent diagnosis would derail this once-in-a-lifetime experience. He was wrong. His care team in the infusion center at Piedmont Newton quickly rallied the community to make Malik’s dream come true. They arranged for Men’s Wearhouse in Lithonia, Georgia to donate a suit rental—and even bring the fitting to his treatment. They also coordinated a complimentary ticket from Newton High School, plus a haircut for Malik and flowers for his date.

On March 29th, Malik was able to attend prom - proof that compassionate care makes a positive difference!

04/17/2025

Piedmont Newton thrilled to introduce Baylee and Keeper, our newest volunteers who will be visiting patients in our infusion center and oncology practice once a week. We appreciate the opportunity to enhance our patient experience with a pet therapy program. A huge thank you to Baylee’s owner, Meila Ehnert, and Keeper’s owner, Bill White, for helping us make a positive difference!

04/16/2025

Last August, Leni Longino rushed to the ER at Piedmont Newton Hospital with severe abdominal pain. Despite experiencing extreme fatigue and other warning signs, the diagnosis of colon cancer that had spread to her liver at age 46 was a shock.

Leni has just completed her 11th round of chemotherapy and attributes her progress to her positive attitude and the exceptional care at Piedmont Newton. Living just five minutes from the hospital in Oxford, GA, she is grateful for the convenience and quality of care, avoiding frequent trips to Atlanta.

Join us on Saturday, April 26, for a benefit concert at Piedmont Newton to support oncology services and programs for patients like Leni. Everyone is welcome! Tickets are available at give.piedmont.org/newtonconcert.

Read more about Leni’s inspiring story and support the cause!

Covington, Ga. (March 31, 2025) – Leni Longino never missed work as a customer service representative. That is until searing abdominal pain prompted her to go to the emergency room at Piedmont Newton Hospital one Friday last August. She had had a few signs that something was wrong in the mo

04/02/2025

Piedmont Newton participated in Colon Cancer Awareness Month this past March by delivering several presentations to community groups such as the Rotary Club of Covington, the Kiwanis group, and the City of Covington. Topics included screening guidelines, screening options, colonoscopy preparation, risk factors for colon cancer, and symptoms to watch out for. Let's continue to raise awareness and encourage everyone to stay informed about colon health!