The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce (HCC) presented its 2026 Healthy Hall Awards earlier this week.
According to the chamber, the awards recognize outstanding healthcare professionals and spotlights those in the healthcare industry making a significant impact on our quality of life through excellence in health and wellness.
The awards went to:
*Physicians of the Year (2)
Dr. Matthey T Harris, Northside Hospital Diagnostic Clinic
Dr. Robert Richard, Longstreet Clinic Bariatric
*Community Impact Award
Jessica Butler, Executive Director, Gateway Domestic Violence Center
*Visionary Leader (2)
Mimi Collins, CEO, Longstreet Clinic
LeTrell Simpson, NGHS Board
*Healthcare Workers of the Year (2)
Lynne Cox, Northeast Georgia Health System
Heidi Pritchett, Longstreet Clinic
*Lifetime Achievement Award
Clifton Hastings, MD, Northeast Georgia Health System
*Healthcare Education
Dr. Karen Gersh and Dr. April McDonald, Lung Nodule ION Robotic Bronchoscopy Program at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville
*Community Health & Wellness Advocate
Zach & Abby Loggins, Owners, Big Peach Running Co. – Braselton
*Dentist of the Year
Good News Clinic Dental Program
*Nurse of the Year
Melissa Schuler, Northside Hospital Diagnostic Clinic
*Outstanding Behavioral Health Award
Dr. Samuel Dotson, Northeast Georgia Health System
*Advance Practice Providers (2)
Lauren Darnell, Northside Hospital Diagnostic Clinic
Mercedes Hall, Longstreet Clinic
*Corporate Achievement Award
Bend Bioscience
*Healthcare IT Award
Dr. Matthew Zimmie, Chief Medical Informatics Officer, Northeast Georgia Health System