The Ledger

By Becky Holland

When Bleckley County residents voted in the 1960s to bring healthcare closer to home, they were investing in more than a building.

They were investing in their future.

More than five decades later, Bleckley Memorial Hospital continues to serve that purpose — evolving through new services, modern renovations and a people-first culture led by hometown CEO John Roland.

“This is home,” Roland said during a recent interview with The Ledger.

Roland, 43, was born and raised in Cochran and graduated from Bleckley County High School in 2001. After serving in several leadership roles including director of nursing, chief nursing officer and chief operating officer, he became chief executive officer one year ago.

Though much has changed since the hospital first opened its doors in 1969, Roland said one thing remains constant.

“Our staff is our greatest asset,” he said.

Built by a Community

Plans for Bleckley Memorial Hospital began in the mid-1960s when residents recognized the need for accessible local healthcare. Following a successful countywide bond referendum, construction moved forward with federal support.

The hospital officially opened on May 26, 1969.

Its first patient was admitted that same morning. Within days, the first baby was delivered there. Within weeks, demand was so strong the hospital was operating near capacity.

Today, Bleckley Memorial continues that legacy as a Critical Access Hospital serving Cochran, Bleckley County and surrounding communities.

A Culture of Care

Throughout the interview, Roland repeatedly returned to one word: culture.

He said the hospital’s guiding mindset is simple — treat every patient like family.

“That’s what our people do,” he said.

Roland said he has been asked before how Bleckley Memorial continues to succeed as a rural hospital.

His answer was simple:

“You can’t replicate our people.”

He praised both leadership and frontline staff, saying employees are committed to the right reasons and focused on serving others.

Care Close to Home

Roland also emphasized that many residents may be surprised by just how much care is available locally.

“There is so much we can do here,” he said.

The hospital currently has 25 available beds and admits patients whose needs can safely be managed in Cochran. If a patient requires specialty care beyond the hospital’s scope, staff work to ensure timely transfer for higher-level treatment.

One of the hospital’s hallmark programs is its Swing Bed subacute rehabilitation service, known statewide for helping patients regain strength and independence after illness, injury or surgery.

Patients receive therapy twice daily five days a week and once daily on Saturdays.

“Our goal is to get patients back to their prior level of functioning, or as close to it as possible,” Roland said.

He praised Ken Youngblood and the team with ITC Physical Therapy, who partner with the hospital.

“They’re contracted with us, but they’re like family,” Roland said.

He also highlighted Activity Director Dot Askew, calling her one of the bright lights of the program.

“The patients just love her,” he said.

Bleckley Memorial has also expanded IV infusion services for patients needing prolonged antibiotics, iron treatments and other approved therapies. Roland said the growing service is led by Lissa Belflower.

Sleepy study services are offered through Avilys Sleep and EEG Roland said the hospital provides two cozy rooms that favor a bedroom for the patients to have the studies completed.

The hospital already offers EEG testing on an outpatient basis, giving patients access to important neurological diagnostic services close to home.

A brand-new pulmonary rehabilitation service is expected to begin within the next one to two months, pending arrival of equipment.

The program will focus on helping patients with COPD and other respiratory conditions improve quality of life and breathing endurance.

Growth and Renovation

Since renovations began in 2021, Bleckley Memorial has completed numerous improvements throughout the facility.

Those updates include expansion of the Emergency Room from three rooms to five total rooms, including one large trauma room and one large cardiac room, renovated medical-surgical patient rooms and bathrooms, improvements to therapy and activity spaces, exterior upgrades, a refreshed front lobby and an in-house data center with dedicated IT leadership.

Still among the most meaningful recent additions is the hospital chapel, which is expected to open soon.

Though not yet publicly unveiled, the nearly completed space is designed to offer a quiet, serene place for prayer, reflection and peace for patients, families and staff.

For Roland, the chapel reflects the hospital’s belief that caring for people often reaches beyond medicine alone.

Stronger Together

Roland also spoke highly of the hospital’s partnership with Dodge County Hospital, where both facilities share services and collaborate to strengthen healthcare in their communities.

“We are independent, but it is important to be part of a system,” he said.

He credited Dodge County CEO Michael Purvis and CFO Jan Hamrick as valued partners.

Community Support at an All-Time High

Roland said community support for Bleckley Memorial is stronger than ever.

Residents can also support the hospital through the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit Program, which allows Georgia taxpayers to redirect a portion of their state income tax liability to qualifying rural hospitals at no additional cost beyond taxes already owed.

That support has helped hospitals like Bleckley Memorial continue improving services and facilities.

In 2024, Bleckley Memorial was honored by HomeTown Health as Hospital of the Year.

For Roland, the recognition was meaningful — but not surprising.

Because in his view, the hospital’s greatest strength has never been bricks, beds or buildings.

It is the people.