CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY

Jay Connelly makes a difference through service.

by MICHAEL BOYLAN

Never underestimate the influence a parent can have on a child. Jay Connelly, Piedmont Henry Hospital’s Director of Stroke and Trauma, grew up in Forest Park and watched his parents give their time and energy to the community. He knew that he would follow in their footsteps. Connelly’s father, Joseph, served in the United States Army for 40 years and is now a tour guide at the Heritage Park Veterans Museum in McDonough. He is also the namesake for the Jay Connelly Library at the museum. His mother, Mary Ann, was the director of the Mary Ann Connelly Senior Center in Forest Park, before passing away in 2016.

“Growing up, my family didn’t know anything but service,” said Connelly. “Seeing my parents give back to the community, I knew it was important for me and my family to do the same.”

Connelly got his start helping others by coaching the Special Olympics basketball team in middle school. In high school, he found an interest in healthcare, after seeing doctors and nurses make an impact in the life of his friend following a bad accident.

“I didn’t know what making a difference in someone’s life meant at that point,” said Connelly. “But I watched what they did and saw all that went into his care and recovery. I was hooked.”

Connelly graduated from Forest Park High School and the University of Georgia. He began his medical career at Southern Regional Medical Center and served as the director of the emergency department for 10 years before coming to Henry County to serve as the director of the emergency department during the hospital’s transition from Henry Medical Center to Piedmont Henry. During this time, he also started to focus on care for chest pain, stroke, and trauma.

“Caring for patients suffering from heart attack, stroke, or trauma can make a significant difference in someone’s life,” Connelly said, adding that outcomes are often greatly affected by how quickly care can be provided. “The key is delivering the care safely in a timely manner. That’s why Piedmont Henry’s recent efforts to become a Level III Trauma Center are so valuable to the residents of this community, as well as those just passing through.”

Piedmont Henry’s journey toward a Level III Trauma Center designation began prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital had its state visit to evaluate the program in November and hopes to have its full designation in early 2023. In preparing for the evaluation, the hospital has already seen massive improvements in the care of patients experiencing trauma and significant events. Connelly knows that the changes that have been implemented have saved people’s lives.

“Piedmont Henry is perfectly located to provide this level of care,” said Connelly. “We are over an hour away from a trauma center in Macon and what could be 40 minutes, or one hour and 40 minutes, away from a trauma center in Atlanta, depending on traffic. If we can provide care, we can stabilize patients and provide treatment during what is considered the golden hour, 60 minutes from the source of trauma.”

Connelly has been at the center of Piedmont Henry’s efforts to earn the designation. He has also been instrumental in providing support to patients after they have been discharged. He formed a support group for stroke patients and their caregivers and has seen it make a positive difference for both since its inception.

“The patient and the caregiver are learning to live with a new normal,” said Connelly. “It can be challenging, but they aren’t the first or last person to face those challenges. The group shows that someone has already faced those struggles and may be able to provide advice or support to others.”

Connelly’s work with the stroke support group led him to being named an AJC Nurse of the Year in 2020. He took one of the support group members, a young man in his 30s named Chante’, to an Atlanta Hawks game to see his favorite team, the Detroit Pistons. By working with Piedmont’s PR department, Connelly was able to bring him to the court to meet his favorite players and get photos. It was an incredible night for all involved and it brought a huge smile to Chante’s face.

Connelly spends a lot of time at the hospital, but he is just as active in the community with his family. He volunteers with the Gladiator football program, which his wife, Lynne, formed to give special needs players an opportunity to play football. He caddied for his son Justin, also a nurse, as he pursued a professional golf career, and followed his son Nathan’s collegiate tennis career as well. This fall, he raised awareness and funds for the Ferst Readers of Henry County program by dressing as Captain Jack Sparrow in their annual costume contest. It was the largest campaign for the group, raising $22,000 to provide books to young readers. Connelly also serves as the president of the Georgia Stroke Professional Alliance.

“I’m always moving and anything that gets my adrenaline going is a bit of a draw,” Connelly said. That means playing or coaching sports (anything with a ball), driving his Corvette or motorcycle, and, of course, working in one of the busiest emergency departments in metro Atlanta. When he does slow down, it is to enjoy his photography hobby or work with some of his wife’s students. One of his proudest moments was escorting a student to her homecoming game and dance.

Connelly is often very busy and he has never been busier than during the final stretch of Piedmont Henry’s push to become a Level III Trauma Center. He encourages others with his tireless energy because he knows how important it is.

“This isn’t just going to save people’s lives,” Connelly said. “It is going to help our sister hospitals in the system, and it is also going to make recovery better for patients and their caregivers because it keeps care close to home.”

Connelly has provided service and care close to home for nearly all of his life. Not only is he following in his parents’ footsteps, but he is leaving footprints for his family to follow as well.