Kid-friendly. Parent-approved.
Tanner Urgent Care for Kids is now open! We’re designed just for kids, with all the Tanner services you know and trust — and the Tanner Health pediatricians you love, too.
So come see us. We’re here to help make your child’s injury or illness all better.
Even better: Skip the waiting room and save your child’s place in line. Just log into your child’s Tanner MyChart and tell us you’re On My Way.
Tanner Urgent Care for Kids is a full-service clinic. We’re convenient too, with:
• X-rays and splinting in clinic
• Prescriptions available on-site so you don’t have to make an extra stop
• In-house catheterization for UTIs or other concerns
• Treatment for everything from burns and scrapes to viral illnesses and upset stomach, along with sports physicals
Tanner
Urgent Care
Located in the Tanner Health Pavilion, across from Tanner Healthcare for Children.
TannerUrgentCareforKids.org
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Braving the NICU
Hope, aspirations and the power of community
By Ashley Rodriguez
weight of knowing her baby would be taken away immediately after birth added to her anxiety.
"I was lucky because her dad, my partner Ian, was able to go with her and be with her," Lara says. "But it was also hard because he wasn't with me then. It was an emotional roller coaster ride."
The Role of NICU Nurses
The support from the NICU nurses was crucial in making the situation more manageable. "The nurses were amazing," Lara says. "They took the time beforehand to answer all the questions that I had, all the questions that my mom had. Jade, one of the nurses, explained everything we needed to know about having a baby at 34 weeks, and that made it easier to deal with."
Lara emphasizes how the nurses provided not just medical care but also emotional support. They reassured her that taking care of herself was not only
"The nurses really impressed upon me that it was important for me to get some sleep. They made sure I knew I wasn't a bad mom if I skipped a feeding to
Community Support and Practical Help
Support from family and friends was another vital component of Lara's NICU journey. "Our family brought us food, snacks and preemie clothes," Lara says. "Newborn clothes are too big for a preemie baby, so having the right size onesies was essential."
Lara also highlights the invaluable support from the hospital staff. The NICU team allowed her to stay in the hospital even after she was discharged because she was breastfeeding. "That was an incredible gift. It took away the stress of having to drive back and forth."
The Power of Breast Milk Donation
An unexpected yet significant example of support Lara received was from the breast milk donation community. "Before my milk came in, Aria was able to get donated breast milk," Lara says. "This was personally important to me, and it opened my eyes to the importance of community involvement."
Lara's experience underscores the critical role of community support in NICU settings. From donating breast milk to providing essentials like onesies and notebooks for jotting down questions, the community's contributions made a significant difference.
How Parenting Shapes Personal Growth
Lara's NICU experience transformed her perspective on parenting and stress. "I think I actually stress out less now," she says. "Having been through the NICU, I feel like I've already faced and survived one of the worst-case scenarios."
The experience also reaffirmed the importance of community support and communication. "NICU nurses and doctors are angels among us," Lara says. "The support we received was exceptional, and it made me realize how vital it is to have a strong support system."
Reflections and Advice
Lara offers valuable advice for other parents facing similar journeys. "Ask all the questions you
have," she says. "Don't be afraid to ask the same question multiple times if you forget the answer. Communicate with the hospital staff, your partner and your family."
She also highlights the importance of self-care. "Taking time for yourself doesn't make you a bad parent. It's essential for your well-being and your ability to care for your baby."
Lara's journey through the NICU is a testament to the strength of parents and the power of community support. Her story is a call to action for everyone to value and contribute to the support systems that make such a difference in the lives of families going through challenging times.
Looking ahead, Lara has high hopes for her daughter, Aria. "I hope she gets everything she could ever want in life," she says. "I hope she laughs as much as she can and stays as wonderfully smiley and full of personality as she is now."
For herself, Lara aims to find a balance between being a working mom, a partner and a professional. "The NICU experience showed me how much I value both my job and my role as a mom. I want to find a way to manage my time so that I can give my best to both."
Contributing to Raising Awareness
Lara's story is making a significant impact in her local community. "I've had friends going through high-risk pregnancies reach out to me for advice," she says. "Sharing my experience has opened lines of communication and provided support to others."
She hopes that by sharing her story, more parents will feel empowered to talk about their experiences and seek support. "Reducing stress can make the pregnancy and NICU experience easier, even amid complications," she relates.
Tips and Insights for Parents
Lara Todd's NICU journey exemplifies the strength, resilience and hope that parents can find even in the most challenging circumstances. Her story underscores the importance of community support, effective communication and self-care. It also serves as an inspiration for other families navigating similar experiences. WGW
Discover our maternity care services at TannerWomensCare.org.
Confidence Restored
A journey through leg pain
By Ashley Rodriguez
Have you ever felt that dull, aching pain in your legs after a long day of sitting or standing? You're not alone.
Many women experience leg pain and issues like varicose and spider veins.
According to the American College of Phlebology, 25-33% of adult women have varicose veins, with the risk increasing as they age. Women are also four-times more likely than men to develop varicose veins, which can affect daily life and well-being.
Lifestyle factors like prolonged sitting or standing, high heels and obesity contribute to vein problems.
The American Heart Association notes that obesity – more common in women – increases the risk of chronic venous insufficiency. Understanding leg pain and vein issues is key to managing them. From lifestyle changes to medical treatments at places like Tanner Health, there are ways to keep your legs feeling their best.
A Teacher's Daily Struggle
For Abbey Smith, a dedicated teacher and mother of two, chronic leg pain was more than just a physical ailment.
"My legs would appear very bruised, very veiny and just unsightly," she shares. "After chasing kids and being on my feet teaching, my legs would ache and throb. I would lay in bed, and they would just throb to the point where I'd constantly need heating pads or beg my husband to rub my feet."
The pain affected her confidence, particularly during the summer months when wearing shorts felt like a distant dream.
"Wearing shorts in the summertime really impacted my self-confidence," Abbey admits. "Life felt too short to be dealing with this pain, so I decided to seek medical help."
Abbey's experience is not unique. According to the American College of Phlebology, over 30 million Americans suffer from varicose veins, with women being twice as likely to develop the condition. For many, this isn't just a cosmetic issue but a source of significant discomfort and emotional distress. Chronic leg pain and varicose veins can severely impact quality of life, making everyday activities challenging and painful.
Finding Relief: Your Guide to Seeking Medical Help
Abbey's decision to seek professional help led her to Dr. E. Thomas “Rett” Reeve IV, a leading vein
specialist known for his compassionate approach.
"Dr. Reeve was amazing," she says. "He spoke to me as if I were part of his own family and suggested a treatment plan that felt right for me."
Abbey's treatment involved two main procedures designed to address her venous issues.
"The first procedure was relatively painless and had a quick recovery time," she recalls. "Dr. Reeve and his team at Tanner Vein Center were incredibly supportive, ensuring I was comfortable every step of the way."
“The second procedure, which involved removing the large, visible veins, was more challenging but ultimately life changing.”
"It was painful but not unbearable," she notes. "Recovery took a bit longer, but the results were worth it. My legs no longer throb or ache at the end of the day, and my confidence has increased significantly."
The Positive Impact of Treatment
Post-treatment, Abbey's quality of life improved dramatically.
"My symptoms pretty much went away," she shares. "My legs don't feel heavy anymore, and they're not as unsightly. I can wear shorts and dresses without feeling self-conscious, which has been a huge boost to my confidence."
Dr. Reeve emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing venous disease in women.
"Venous disease can significantly impact daily life and self-esteem," he explains. "Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving quality of life and preventing further complications. Tanner is dedicated to providing the best care to help patients lead healthier, more confident lives."
Empower Communities: Start in Style!
Beyond her journey to better health, Abbey is devoted to empowering her community through "Starting in Style," a ministry for local middle school girls.
"I began my teaching career in an area marked by poverty," she says. "I wanted to make a difference by taking young girls back-to-school shopping, providing them with new clothes and a confidence boost to start the school year right."
"Starting in Style" collaborates with local businesses and volunteers to support 150 middle school girls from ten schools in the Carrollton area.
"We feed them breakfast and take them shopping. Then they participate in a red-carpet fashion show," Abbey explains. "They receive a goodie bag with personal hygiene items, fun things like lip gloss and nail polish, a Bible and a devotion."
The ministry's goal is clear.
"We want these girls to know they are loved, valued and worthy," Abbey emphasizes. "They don't have to let their circumstances define them. They can be more."
Abbey needed to treat her leg pain to continue her ministry, and this personal health challenge only strengthened her resolve.
"My health is important because I want to keep making a difference," she shares.
Unstoppable: A Journey of Strength and Inspiration
Abbey Smith's story exemplifies the power of perseverance, medical support and community involvement. Her journey from enduring chronic leg pain to reclaiming her confidence and empowering young girls is truly inspiring.
"Don't be afraid to seek help," Abbey advises. "Life is too short to live in pain. Take action and enjoy life to the fullest."
By sharing her story, Abbey hopes to inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being, seek medical support when needed and find ways to positively impact their communities.
Don't
Love your legs again!
At Tanner Vein Center in Carrollton, we’ll help you regain the healthy, pain-free and younger-looking legs you deserve.
We treat legs of any age that:
• Ache, burn, cramp or throb
• Are restless, feel heavy or tired
• Have visible varicose or spider veins
• Have sores, ulcers or clots
• Itch (with or without a rash)
• Swell when not propped up
Our quick, simple, safe and effective in-office vein solutions include micro phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, VenaSeal, Varithena and more — typically with no downtime so you won’t miss a step.
be afraid to seek help. Life is too short to live in pain. Take action and enjoy life to the fullest.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to seek help. A better quality of life is within reach, and you can make a difference in your community.
Prioritize your health, seek the support you need and find ways to give back. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate world. WGW Discover more at TannerVeinCenter.org.
Call 770-812-VEIN now to schedule your personalized vein consultation!
Located inside West Georgia Specialty Center 157 Clinic Avenue, Suite 302-D | Carrollton 770-812-VEIN (8346) TannerVeinCenter.org
CareCredit and self-pay accepted
Mother. Wife. Caregiver. Overcomer.
By Tony Montcalm
Meredith Harris fought through breast cancer with love of family, friends and church
Is anyone here with you?” is the last thing you want to hear when you’re finished with a follow-up diagnostic mammogram.
Meredith Harris did not. She’d gone for her annual screening mammogram every year without issue. This had started as just another yearly visit at Tanner Breast Health in Carrollton.
But her screening mammogram in November 2022 raised concerns. Meredith hadn’t felt a lump until the mammogram showed a concerning mass, but then it was palpable. She came back for a more thorough diagnostic mammogram.
The mammography technologist – the one who asked if anyone was with her – told Meredith that they were going to go ahead and do an ultrasound. She stayed with Meredith through the ultrasound, which went beyond the breast to the underarm to check lymph nodes.
The radiologist was confident that it was cancer. They looked up her previous yearly screening mammograms, looking to see if it was possible something was missed. Nothing appeared on the images. Nothing until now.
A more thorough diagnostic mammogram was followed immediately with an ultrasound. Within
an hour and a half, she was receiving a biopsy from Raul Zunzunegui, MD, with Tanner Medical Group’s Comprehensive Breast Care of West Georgia.
“I was overwhelmed, as you can imagine,” Meredith says. “I was one year and 10 days out from my last mammogram. I get my mammogram every year, right on schedule, and that’s how they were able to pick up this very aggressive cancer.”
Meredith had two tumors in her breast and three positive lymph nodes.
“Getting a mammogram every year matters,” says Meredith. “They pulled my images from the year before and there was nothing there. Having cancer isn’t one of the things I’d rate very highly in the things I’ve experienced in life, but I’m grateful that I went in for my mammogram every year.”
In less than a month, Meredith moved from her initial annual screening mammogram to beginning chemo with Randall Pierce, MD, at Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers.
“It went very quickly,” she says. “The turnaround time is amazing. They make sure you have all the information you need to proceed. It’s overwhelming, but you can’t be paralyzed; you have to take the advice and be ready to move to the next step.”
Reasons to Fight
Meredith’s cancer was aggressive, and so was her treatment.
In January, her friend and hairdresser came over to shave her head as she underwent chemo – which was difficult approaching her oldest son’s wedding months later.
Her family, friends and church rallied around her. “I have such a great community,” Meredith shares. “I have sweet friends who love me so well, and a sweet church that loves me so well. There was always encouragement, always someone ready to bring food or help with my daughter if I needed to take a rest. It was the hardest thing I’ve walked through as an individual – the toll it took on my body was draining in every way you can imagine, but I felt surrounded by encouragement the whole time.”
Still, even on her hardest days, she rallied, charged forth and met the challenges of the day. As a caretaker for her 20-year-old daughter Emma, who survives on her family’s love, she had a mission to press on. “As a caregiver, I needed help, but I was still her caregiver, so I still got her up and got her dressed and got her to school,” she relates. “Being her caregiver got me up every single day. I couldn’t sit; I had to get up and I had to keep moving, and I’m so thankful for that.”
Meredith’s family is steeped in medicine. Of her three children, one is now a nurse and another is stretching his legs in medical school, following his father – Barry Harris, MD –who’s a surgeon at Tanner with Carrollton Surgical Group. When confirmation of her cancer came, Meredith was at home with her oldest son.
“I’m a strong believer,” she says. “I love the Lord, and as the Lord sees fit. My oldest son was home, taking a gap year between graduating from Georgia Tech and starting medical school. He was about to get married and was working at Tanner as a patient transporter. He was here when I got the confirmation that it was cancer. And my middle son was in nursing school; he just recently graduated and is now a nurse at Tanner. He came to be with me, too.”
Having a surgeon as a husband wasn’t always the greatest source of relief. He was versed in reading her reports, fretting over white cell counts and other metrics related to her treatment. But he was a stalwart source of support, coming in from long days in the operating suite or the clinic to make sure daughter Emma was cared for while Meredith took some respite and rest.
“He’d say, ‘thank you for doing this for us,’” says Meredith. “He saw what I was going through. He understood it. He was always there, no matter what, no matter how tired he was. He was going to see us through this. He made sure my pain didn’t go unnoticed.”
Coming Through
Chemo and radiation are hard. Chemo poisons the body as means to poison the cancer; radiation
Meredith Harris' family, friends and church rallied around her during her battle with breast cancer.
scorches cancer’s DNA and breaks it to bits so it can’t grow anymore.
But neither are easy on the body, especially when there’s little room for rest.
Meredith’s last radiation treatment was in July 2023. Because her type of breast cancer has a high risk of reoccurrence, she will remain on medication twice daily for at least the next year.
The course of her treatment wasn’t easy, either. Along with around-the-clock care for Emma, she was the mother of the groom as her oldest son got married. Weeks before her final treatment, she contracted COVID-19 and had to isolate.
“I asked the radiation center if we should stop treatments,” she says. “They told me, ‘No.’ They moved my appointment to the last of the day, brought me in with a mask and no one around, did my therapy and sanitized the space. They made sure I was getting the treatment I needed.”
Given her family’s close ties to Tanner, she knew that it was a reliable institution and trusted her husband’s faith in his peers on the medical staff. But this had been the first time that she, who’d always focused so much on staying well, found herself routinely on the exam table.
“I can’t imagine receiving better care than I received from the chemotherapy team and the
It’s now easier than ever to get your mammogram.
• New extended hours Tuesday through Friday.
• Weekend hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
• Easy scheduling with the Tanner MyChart app.
Don’t wait — schedule your screening mammogram today. Get hours, locations and more at tanner.org/mammography or call 770-812-9721.
radiation center,” says Meredith. “I’ve been familiar with Tanner for years – but mostly the emergency department when my daughter had seizures. I’d never really been on the patient side myself until now.
“Everyone I encountered was phenomenal – not just with me, but listening to how they treated every patient, you could tell they were committed to what is not an easy job. We don’t go because we want to be there. They take our broken hearts and are so kind to them.”
Meredith continues to make her health a priority. She goes to the gym several times a week, battling against the scar tissue from her treatment and wrestling to regain her strength and stamina.
And she presses others to make their health a priority, too.
“That’s why I keep reminding everyone that, if it can happen to me, it can happen to them,” she shares. “That’s why screening is so important. My cancer would not have been found as early – and my treatment and outcome probably would’ve been different – if I didn’t get my mammogram on schedule every year. Like I keep reminding my friends, one in eight. One in eight.” WGW
More on mammography and breast care services at Tanner is at TannerBreastHealth.org.
Tanner Women’s Care
• Delta Products
• Mushroom Gummies
• Supergreens Gummies
• Hemp Gummies for relief and relaxation
• Pain-freeze gel
• Libido boost for HIM and HER
• Pet relief for itchy skin, digestion, joint issues and stress
At the Heart of It
By Tony Montcalm
Villa Rica’s Rosa Busby charts a better course to heart health
Rosa Busby watched her mother and brothers succumb to heart disease. She refused to be next.
About four years ago, a series of strokes and a heart attack landed Rosa in an Atlanta hospital, where her health proved too fragile for surgery.
“I had three strokes and a heart attack, but they said I was too high-risk for surgery, so they sent me home,” Rosa says. “Then I started having problems again.”
Rosa went to see cardiologist Onaje Greene, MD, with Tanner Heart & Vascular Specialists. Dr. Greene referred Rosa for a heart cath, which revealed several blockages in her coronary arteries.
That led to a referral to cardiothoracic surgeon Omar Lattouf, MD, also with Tanner Heart & Vascular Specialists. Dr. Lattouf looked over Rosa’s health history and her current condition and determined she was well enough for open-heart surgery.
Not only was Rosa well enough to undergo a coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG, but not doing the surgery meant she’d be unlikely to survive another heart attack.
“I did great,” says Rosa. “I thought I’d be in a lot of pain, but I was fine. I took one pain pill, and then
I was on extra strength Tylenol. I was looking healed by the time I left the hospital.”
Rosa spent a week in the cardiothoracic ICU at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton, where she underwent her surgery, then went home under the care of Tanner Home Health for six weeks until she could begin her cardiac rehab.
“I walk,” says Rosa, 73. “Before my surgery, I’d go for a walk and have trouble breathing. Dr. Lattouf said the blockages around my heart were making it hard for me to breathe. After the surgery, I could breathe again, and I don’t know how I would’ve come through cardiac rehab if it wasn’t for all the walking I do.”
As soon as Dr. Lattouf signed off on it, Rosa was back to walking.
“I have a long porch, and I go walk it several times a day,” she says. “If the heat and humidity aren’t too bad, I walk a little farther.”
Not a ‘Man’s’ Disease
Rosa is a living example of how cardiovascular disease isn’t just a threat for men.
Though often overshadowed by other health
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issues, heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women, accounting for about one in every five female deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around almost 300,000 women died from heart disease in 2020 alone.
Women are just as vulnerable to heart disease as men, and the risk increases with age.
Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of heart disease in women, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. Lifestyle choices like poor diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption also elevate the risk.
Alarmingly, about two-thirds of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms.
“You’ve got to keep up with your doctors,” cautions Rosa. “You’ve got to keep your appointments and follow their advice. That’s so important.”
Regular health screenings and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle – including balanced nutrition, regular exercise and avoiding tobacco use – are key to limiting the risk and managing the disease.
Being Proactive
Based on her previous experiences, she knew it was time to see a doctor.
A Family Stays Together
Rosa has two daughters and two sons, as well as four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Rosa and her oldest daughter, Rebecca, live together, with Rebecca helping with Rosa’s care and keeping her active. Surrounded by love, much of Rosa’s family lives together “on the old home place” just about a mile from her church.
One son, now recovering from a stroke, lives behind her, retired from a career with Villa Rica’s water department. Another, her youngest son, lives across the road. A builder, he’s constantly making upgrades to his mother’s home to make it more accessible and easier for her to stay independent. Three grandkids live nearby on the same street, with three of her great-grandkids.
Based on my mother and my brothers, I knew not to toy with this. My brothers were hard-headed, and they passed away. But I’m here for my great-grandbaby to be born and to be with my kids and grandkids. I’m going to keep up with my doctors so I can be here for them.
”“My family has been wonderful,” says Rosa. “We’re all here on the old family homeplace, and I guess we always will be.”
Going Forward
“If you don’t use it, you lose it,” Rosa relates.
She continues to walk every chance she gets. For pain, she takes a little Tylenol and gives it about an hour to kick in.
“Based on my mother and my brothers, I knew not to toy with this,” Rosa shares. “My brothers were hard-headed, and they passed away. But I’m here for my great-grandbaby to be born and to be with my kids and grandkids. I’m going to keep up with my doctors so I can be here for them.”
Her mother died from heart disease, and Rosa underwent open-heart surgery just months after her husband – a long-time smoker – passed away from lung cancer, about a month after his diagnosis.
“My husband was able to go with me to Atlanta when I had my other heart issues,” says Rosa. “But he died before this happened. I got the same care in Carrollton that I would’ve gotten downtown, and it was so easy for my family to take me to the doctor and see me in the hospital. “I had a church and all my friends praying for me, and I believe in prayer. That went a long way.”
Rosa attends First Baptist Church of Villa Rica, and her church family prayed and rallied for her recovery – as did her blood kin.
“We couldn’t have asked for better care,” she says. “Whenever we had a question, they had an answer. They were clear on what we needed to do.”
For 30 years, Rosa worked in a nursing and rehab facility on Highway 5 in Douglasville – the former Garden Terrace, now Douglasville Nursing and Rehab. It was hard work, but she loved it.
“You get attached to people,” she shares. “I enjoyed it. I worked with a lot of really good people. They were like grandparents; you just wanted to take them home with you.”
Rosa continues to focus on her health, her family’s health and making sure she’s there to be part of their lives.
“I do what the doctors tell me to do,” she says. “I’m so fortunate that I was able to receive this care so close to home. It was so much easier on me and my family to go to Carrollton than driving into Atlanta, and I received the same level of care. I know my family is looking forward, and so am I.” WGW
More on Tanner’s cardiac services is at TannerHeartCare.org.
Perfectly Imperfect Pregnancy
Finding strength in realistic expectations
By Ashley Rodriguez
Postpartum depression and medical challenges during pregnancy are more common than many realize. According to the American Psychological Association, about 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression. The CDC reports that 6 out of 1,000 births in the U.S. result in severe complications. These numbers highlight the importance of understanding and addressing these issues.
Victoria Presnal, a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for UGA Extension Carroll County, has a background in health and community wellness. Her personal experiences with postpartum depression and pregnancy
complications drove her to make an impact in her community.
She founded the Empowering Parenthood event to support new and expecting parents in Carroll County.
A Perfect Pregnancy – Until It Wasn't
Presnal’s pregnancy progressed wonderfully until almost 40 weeks when complications emerged.
"I experienced a flawless pregnancy until
about 39-and-a-half weeks when I contracted an infection and began running a very high fever," she says.
The infection required an emergency C-section, something she never imagined.
"Once we passed 38 weeks, the NICU wasn't even on our radar,” she relates. “We thought everything was fine. We'd have her home in a couple of days."
The reality deviated significantly from her expectations. Her daughter, Ricki Kate, was immediately taken to the Sally and John Francis Tanner Neonatal ICU at Tanner Medical Center/ Carrollton, and Victoria confronted the emotional
upheaval of returning home without her newborn.
“The moment I left without my baby, that's when postpartum depression hit,” she shares. “I was aware that people mentioned the likelihood of postpartum depression in such situations. I never thought it would happen to me."
Despite having a robust support system, including her husband Justin, Victoria found herself wrestling with feelings of inadequacy and remorse.
"I had a solid support system,” she says. “My husband was amazing, and I was certain we would be fine. But then it all unfolded, and the
floodgates opened with emotions and the sense of having erred to reach this point."
Navigating Postpartum Depression
“Returning home without my baby was heartwrenching,” she relates. “I’d always envisioned a perfect labor and delivery, followed by bringing my baby home right away.
“But the reality was starkly different from that reverie. I felt like I had fallen short in numerous ways – particularly when I couldn't produce breast milk due to the infection and antibiotics. The guilt and emotional burden were overwhelming.”
There were instances when she felt powerless.
One night, shortly after Ricki Kate came home, she was inconsolably crying.
“My husband was downstairs trying to soothe her, while I was upstairs, also in tears, feeling inadequate as a mother,” she shares. “Justin was incredibly supportive, assuming household duties to give me time to recuperate and bond with Ricki Kate, but the emotions were overpowering. My husband and family were my anchors during this trying period. Justin took on many responsibilities, from doing the dishes to tending to nighttime feedings so I could rest and recuperate.”
The compassionate care from the nurses at Tanner Health also made a significant difference. She’ll always remember Callie, a nurse who would check on her every 30 minutes and sit with her when she felt overwhelmed.
“Her kindness offered much needed solace during those lengthy, lonely nights,” Victoria says.
Giving Back Through Empowering Parenthood
Reflecting on her own hardships, Victoria felt the urge to help other new and expecting parents encountering similar challenges.
This compelled her to orchestrate the Empowering Parenthood event.
"My aim with this event was to empower not only moms but dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents –anyone, really, to instill the confidence to embark on this new role," she says.
The event focused on holistic support and resources for new parents, emphasizing mental health, community wellness and parental selfassurance. With the collaboration of community
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partners like Tanner Health, the event showcased nearly 40 vendors, providing everything from lactation consulting to mental health resources.
"The primary focus was on the vendors,” Victoria explains. “I wanted every individual, organization or nonprofit able to positively influence a parent to participate in this event," she said.
The enthusiastic feedback was overwhelming. Attendees left feeling more self-assured and interconnected, armed with valuable insights and resources.
The triumph of the event has inspired Victoria to make it perennial.
"We intend to continue this in the coming years,” she says. “The feedback was phenomenal. People were expressing, 'I didn't realize how much I needed this.'"
Tanner Health’s Role in Empowering Parenthood
A standout feature of the Empowering Parenthood event was its strong partnership with Tanner Health.
"Tanner Health was among the first organizations I felt had to be part of this," Victoria shares. "They played a pivotal role in both expertise and resources."
From lactation consultants to pediatricians, Tanner Health brought in professionals who could address queries and offer guidance in a relaxed, informative setting. "Dr. Shannon Couvreur addressed every question those women had. And then the pediatrician, Holley Beam, MD, was there, ensuring every query – no matter how unconventional – was answered," says Victoria.
The involvement of Tanner Health not only lent credibility to the event but underscored the significance of accessible healthcare support for new parents.
"Having their support was priceless,” Victoria relates. “It showed the community they are not alone and trusted resources are available to aid them through challenging times."
Moving Forward With Hope
Looking ahead, Victoria envisions expanding the Empowering Parenthood event to include more speakers, diverse topics and more community engagement.
"Next year, we want to add more speakers, more
topics and offer sessions based on the feedback we received. We want to make the event even more comprehensive and impactful," she shares.
Victoria hopes that her narrative and efforts will motivate others to help their communities.
"I've always advocated for mental health,” she says. “Even before my pregnancy, I struggled with some depression and anxiety. When this happened, and I encountered postpartum depression, it magnified. I knew if there was a purpose in my story that could help even one parent, one mother struggling in the dead of night, in tears, unsure of what to do … If it could help that one person, it would be worthwhile.”
Victoria’s work is far from over. She sees a future where every new and expecting parent feels confident and supported.
This inspiring story is a call to action for everyone to learn from her experience and to be inspired to support and empower others.
For those interested in more information or in getting involved, find the Empowering Parenthood event at extension.uga.edu or follow their Facebook page at UGA Extension Carroll County. WGW
See more about the comprehensive women’s care services available at Tanner Health at TannerWomensCare.org.
West Georgia Out of the Darkness Walk
Sunday, October 27th, 2024
Carrollton, GA
Check-In: 2:00pm EST
Walk Start: 3:00pm EST
afsp.org/WestGA
For Women By Women
Passion and advocacy results in new mental health services for women during and after pregnancy
By Ronda Faries
Pregnancy and childbirth bring profound changes – not just physically but also emotionally – to women. It is a time filled with joy and anticipation, but it can also be overwhelming – especially when mental health challenges arise. For perinatal and postpartum women, understanding their psychiatric care options is vital to ensuring their well-being and that their babies thrive.
To ensure that moms-to-be and new moms in Tanner's care could receive mental health care seamlessly and even more quickly, changes needed to be made.
Behind the scenes, four seasoned Tanner Health leaders decided to apply their passion for women’s health care by working together to develop integrated programs for women in the community. That group – comprised of Marcy Edwards, MA, the director of Willowbrooke psychiatric services, Moe Boles, RN, MBA, vice president of maternal and child services, Michelle Dykes, executive director of women’s services and urology services at
Tanner Medical Group and Willowbrooke at Tanner Executive Medical Director Kenneth Genova, MD – had one primary goal: to remove barriers often experienced by female patients seeking treatment across disciplines and between hospitals and practices. This included improving collaboration and speeding up referrals and appointments.
A Team Comes Together
For the four women now seeing patients as part of Willowbrooke at Tanner’s new women’s mental health services team – Heather Ford, MD, Yesha Thakkar, DO, Patti Fleischman, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, and Taylor Lee, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC – it is no accident that they now find themselves helping women who are struggling before and after childbirth.
With strong endorsement and assistance from all levels within Willowbrooke at Tanner, the behavioral health service of Tanner Health, as well as Tanner
Tanner’s new women’s mental health services team l-r: Yesha Thakkar DO, Taylor Lee, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Patti Fleischman, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC and Heather Ford, MD.
Women’s Care, this team first stepped forward more than a year ago to provide advocacy, support and care for moms-to-be and new moms in west Georgia and east Alabama. The fruits of their labors are the streamlined referral and access processes now in place and the women they are helping.
“It's interesting there were quite a number of us who were interested in women's mental health from different experiences in our life,” says Dr. Ford, a board-certified psychiatrist with Willowbrooke Psychiatric Center in Carrollton who specializes in treating children and adolescents – as well as women in the new women’s mental health services clinic. “When I was in residency, I had the opportunity in my third year to do a full year in the women's mental health clinic at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, and that's where my passion started – along with the fact that I'm also a mother and I could really relate to these women in the struggles they are having, especially in that postpartum period.”
Dr. Ford describes sharing her interest in women’s mental health services during her interview with Dr. Genova.
“I mentioned to Dr. Genova that this was something I was interested in," she says. "Little did I know that there were other physicians and a nurse
practitioner out there who also had the same passions. As Patti came on to work with me, we started talking about it, as well as Dr. Thakkar.
From those discussions and with Dr. Genova and others, we formed a team to start offering these women’s mental health services to women in our area.”
a registered nurse, where she worked in postpartum and labor and delivery.
“The passion for me and this program came from my past experience as an RN,” says Patti. “I worked in postpartum and labor and delivery before and saw the need that patients have for mental health care –especially during that time. It's often overlooked or women are afraid to ask for help. And that's where the passion really comes from for me. Most of the providers on our team have all had some sort of experience with postpartum anxiety or depression or just some mood disruption during that time, so that kind of drove all of us to get this program running to help our community.”
During her residency rotations, Dr. Thakkar, who is board-certified in psychiatry and sees patients at Willowbrooke Psychiatric Center in Villa Rica, had worked in women's health services at Grady Hospital and the Atlanta VA Hospital.
“Working with women closely there made me realize that I have a passion for treating women, not just a certain age range or certain mood disorders, but I have a passion for treating women and helping them live the best lives that they can live,” says Dr. Thakkar. “After completing my first year at Willowbrooke at Tanner, that's when we started to develop this clinic for women's mental health services. We realized that we have enough staff to provide this very useful service for the community.”
Dr. Heather Ford meets with a patient at Willowbrooke Psychiatric Center's new women's mental health services clinic in Carrollton.
Patti Fleischman, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC says her passion for the program came from her past experience as
A Safe Place for Women to Discuss Mental Health
Taylor Lee sees the team’s new women’s mental health clinic as a place where “women can come to feel safe, supported and understood.” She explains that during her own experience with postpartum depression, she learned how isolating that can be. She wants to make sure no woman feels like she must go through it alone.
“By expanding these discussions, we can create a community where women feel safe to seek help, share their stories and support one another,” she says. “My hope is that by advocating for women’s mental health, we can make it easier for women to reach out and get the care they need. I think about the women I’ve worked with and I know how important it is for them to have a space where they can openly discuss their mental health without fear of judgement. Our center offers that space. By providing specialized care tailored to the unique needs of women, we’re not just helping individuals – we’re strengthening our entire community. Women who receive the support they need are better able to take care of themselves and their families, creating a ripple effect of wellness and strength.”
In west Georgia and east Alabama, many women struggle with perinatal and postpartum depression, anxiety and the overwhelming responsibilities of balancing work, family and self-care. “Women are trying to do it all, often at the expense of their own well-being,” Taylor shares.
Recognizing Perinatal Anxiety and Postpartum Depression
Perinatal anxiety, which can be persistent and debilitating, affects many pregnant women and is characterized by excessive worry and fear during pregnancy and even after giving birth.
Symptoms include:
• Constant worry about the baby’s health
• Intrusive thoughts about harm coming to the baby
• Difficulty sleeping or relaxing
• Physical symptoms such as dizziness and sweating
Perinatal anxiety is common and treatable. Seek help if you have these symptoms.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is more intense
“By providing specialized care tailored to the unique needs of women, we’re not just helping individuals – we’re strengthening our entire community.”
– Taylor Lee, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
than the "baby blues," which often resolve within a couple of weeks after childbirth. PPD can develop any time within the first year. Symptoms include:
• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or inadequacy
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
Early intervention and treatment are key. Seek help if you have these symptoms.
Considering Psychiatric Medication During and After Pregnancy
One of the most challenging decisions for expectant mothers facing mental health issues is whether to continue or start psychiatric medication during pregnancy.
It's crucial to balance the risks of medication with the impact of untreated mental illness on both the mother and baby. A mental health provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits.
“Often, physicians, psychiatrists and nurse practitioners are hesitant to continue medications
or treat a woman who recently became pregnant or after pregnancy because of some old-fashioned ways and some stigma associated with taking medications during pregnancy and postpartum,” says Dr. Thakkar. “Often what happens is that when I see women, they tell me their old doctor has told them to stop the medications.
“We realize that the symptoms are severe enough that we recommend they continue their medications, and we work very closely with them and the therapist to get their needs met. By continuing their medications or recommending medication changes, we enhance the quality of their lives, strengthen the bond they have with their babies as well as the rest of the family, and in general help them with developing better coping mechanisms that they continue even after a postpartum period.”
The Referral Process for Women’s Mental Health Services
The new women’s mental health services team works closely with obstetricians and gynecologists at Tanner Healthcare for Women, who may identify women in their perinatal and postpartum period dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and even psychosis. When an OB/GYN puts in a referral order through Epic, Tanner Health’s electronic health record system, the order comes directly to the team, and they can get a patient scheduled quickly.
According to Patti, the team is currently expanding to the remaining Tanner Medical Group OB/GYN offices, as well as into the maternity centers in Carrollton and Villa Rica, so that when patients are there and need to be seen right away, that can easily and quickly happen.
“This allows the patients to bypass the standard procedure of going through Willowbrooke’s
assessment services and delaying any care that they would need,” Patti says. “So those referrals come straight to us and we reach out within 24 to 48 hours to quickly get them into our office to get the care that they need.”
“Our women's mental health team is made up of all women and all of us are mothers, so there is a level of understanding and compassion because we've been there,” explains Dr. Ford. “We are all in need of support, especially as we are pregnant and become mothers. We go through many different kinds of emotions and there may even be diagnosable psychiatric conditions that come about during that time. So many of these mental health conditions are treatable, and you will be a much better person – a better mother – when you can put yourself first and get the care that you need and that you deserve.”
Dr. Thakkar adds: “You are not alone. There are many women who go through the same thing that you're going through. You do not have to struggle in silence. Please come to us. Please talk to us. Use us as a resource because we are here to help you.”
What’s Next?
“You do not have to struggle in silence. Please come to us. Please talk to us. Use us as a resource because we are here to help you.”
– Dr.Yesha Thakkar
“With women's mental health services, we hope to offer a range of care to women through their lifetimes,” says Dr. Ford. “We want women of all ages to feel supported, to feel that their mental health conditions are real and recognized, and that there is treatment and help.”
“We hope to branch out into specific services for women cardiology and oncology patients, and then hopefully, down the road, expand to allow some other local hospitals to utilize our referral process also for their patients,” Patti says. “Especially with maternal mental health, there aren’t any providers in this area aside from us who have been trained for that.” WGW
If you or someone you know has any of the perinatal or postpartum symptoms described above, please reach out for help at Willowbrooke Psychiatric Center by calling 770-812-3530 or speak with your OB/GYN as soon as possible.
See more at WillowbrookePsychiatricCenter.org.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Prioritize Your Health!
At Tanner Women’s Care, your well-being comes first. Our caring team is dedicated to supporting every stage of your life with comprehensive services tailored just for you.
Nurturing Preventive Care: Family planning, menopause support, weight loss, wellness exams
Embracing Obstetrics: Prenatal care, ultrasounds, postpartum support
Empowering Gynecology: Endometriosis care, hormone therapy, infertility support
Encouraging Breast Care: Mammograms, diagnostic screenings, 3D imaging
Why Choose Tanner?
Experience compassionate, personalized care that empowers you to feel your best at every stage of life.
Make self-care a priority! Schedule your appointment today!