(L to R): Hillary Tapley, Human Resources; Jeffrey Harden, RN, Chief Nursing Officer; Matt Hasbrouck, CEO; and Doug Roper, Mayor

Typically, at every monthly meeting of the Vidalia City Council, Mayor Doug Roper presents the Sweet Onion Citizen Award to a person who goes above and beyond to serve the community, but Monday night, he presented the September award to literally hundreds of people – the entire staff of Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia.

Mayor Doug Roper said, “In this time that our community, our country and our world has been in for the last 18 months going on two years, you guys are on the frontline ensuring lives are saved. We want you to know that we as a Council and leadership of Vidalia appreciate you and what you are doing.”

New CEO Matt Hasbrouck accepted the award on behalf of those who are working on the frontlines during the COVID pandemic.

“We are vested in this community, and we will continue to do what we can to help. I’m sure this award will be shared by all who work at the hospital, and they will appreciate the recognition.”

Hasbrouck also noted that this Wednesday night, September 15, beginning at 7:00, a prayer service will be held in the parking lot of the hospital for not only the caregivers, but the patients, their families and the community. Attendees will remain in their vehicles during the servicing, and immediately afterwards, a drive-by vaccination clinic will be held in the white tents near the hospital.