The Hospital Authority of Colquitt County recently announced that Colquitt Regional Medical Center’s new rehab facility will be named in honor of the Vereen Family as The Vereen Rehabilitation Center.

The naming recognizes the Vereens as longtime supporters of the medical community in Colquitt County, according to a press release from the hospital.

“Beginning in the 1930s, the Vereen Family has been committed to bringing quality healthcare to our community,” the press release said. “When the Public Works Administration approved a funding request for the construction of a new hospital in Moultrie contingent upon the community matching the request, Mr. W. C. Vereen began a grassroots campaign for the community to match his personal donation of $50,000. The community matched his gift, and Vereen Memorial Hospital was built.

“Over the years, the Vereen Family still values access to quality healthcare in our county,” the release continued. “W. C. Vereen, Jr. was a member of the Hospital Authority for 20 years (1953-1973) and served during the time when Vereen Memorial was expanded in 1954. Barbara Bunn Vereen served selflessly on the Hospital Authority Board for a term (1985 – 1999) and held the position as Quality Assurance Committee chair.”

“We are honored to name one of our newest facilities after the Vereen Family to show our sincere appreciation of their heritage involved in the history of Colquitt Regional Medical Center,” said Jim Matney, president and CEO of Colquitt Regional Medical Center. “By naming the rehab facility in honor of the Vereen Family, their legacy will be preserved for generations to come.”

The new facility will house Colquitt Regional Medical Center’s rehab services in one convenient location, including Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies, as well as the Wound Care Clinic.

In addition, the Hospital Authority has announced the completion of the acquisition of Moultrie Physical Therapy. Marcus Wells, PT, and his staff will join Colquitt Regional Medical Center’s team of physical therapists.

“We’re excited to combine Moultrie Physical Therapy with our excellent rehab team to create a true center of excellence,” Matney said. “Both organizations enjoy a regional reputation of providing exceptional care, and now we will be joining forces to enhance this service in our new 13,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art rehab center.”

The development of the new facility would not have been possible without the generous contribution made by the Waldo DeLoache Charitable Trust in 2012, the hospital’s press release said.

“A generous pledge was made by the Waldo DeLoache Charitable Trust to be paid over the next five years to Colquitt Regional Medical Foundation to assist with the construction of the new rehab facility and the hospital’s expansion,” Matney said “To show our gratitude, Colquitt Regional is dedicating the lobby of The Vereen Rehabilitation Center in honor of Mr. Waldo DeLoache.”

The public is invited to attend the open house and ribbon cutting on May 28 at 1:30 p.m. at The Vereen Rehabilitation Center at 3100 Veterans Parkway South.