1 in 4 patients at Tennova in Clarksville being treated for COVID-19, resources stretched

By Keely Quinlan September 9, 2021 11:29 am

Clarksville NowKeely Quinlan. Tennova Healthcare - Clarksville.

Update, 2:30 p.m.: According to Wooten, Clarksville’s current COVID-19 census of 74 hospitalized is the highest number of inpatients recorded to date, and they’re urging the public to get vaccinated.

During the winter’s previous peak, the highest COVID-19 inpatient number was 50, Wooten told Clarksville Now.

Additionally, Tennova has placed a multi-functional tent, or alternative care unit, outside of their emergency outpost in Sango as part of the hospital’s surge plans that have been in place throughout the pandemic.

Wooten said that while the tent is not actively being used, it is available if needed. The tent is fully enclosed, and has its own lighting and HVAC units.

“Despite the recent increase of COVID-19 cases in Clarksville, Tennova Healthcare remains prepared for all patients, COVID-19 related or otherwise. We have adequate Personal Protective Equipment, medications and supplies at this time,” Wooten said Thursday afternoon.

Wooten continued to say that those who are having a medical emergency should still seek health care immediately, as they’re still able to treat those who urgently need it.

“Above all, we cannot over-stress: Get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination remains the best strategy for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” Wooten said.

Previously:

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – One out of every four patients hospitalized at Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville was receiving treatment for COVID-19 as of Wednesday, and the hospital said its resources are being stretched.

“The surge in COVID-19 patients locally and across the state is stretching the resources of our 270-bed hospital,” Tennova spokesperson Sandy Wooten told Clarksville Now on Thursday.

To give a better picture of the local situation, the hospital unveiled a new dashboard on Wednesday that breaks down how many beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients.

The new COVID-19 dashboard from Tennova Healthcare – Clarksville, last updated on Sept. 8, 2021 (Courtesy Tennova).

Tennova in Clarksville has 270 beds total, to include the critical care and general medicine units, inpatient rehabilitation, family birth center and a joint replacement center.

According to the new dashboard, out of the 74 hospitalized for COVID-19 treatment, 64 are unvaccinated and 10 have been vaccinated. Also out of the 74 hospitalized, 24 patients are in the ICU as of Wednesday, with 15 of those on ventilators.

Additionally, 86.5% of the patients getting treatment for COVID-19 at Tennova are unvaccinated.

The new dashboard will be updated three times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – via the hospital’s social media channels.

From 38 to 74 hospitalized in 2 weeks

In June and July, Wooten told Clarksville Now that the rolling average for COVID-19 inpatients was seven per day. And just under two weeks ago, there were only 38 hospitalized at Tennova with COVID-19.

“Due to the high volume of patients, we are asking asymptomatic individuals who want a COVID-19 test for return to work, or school or possible exposure to COVID-19 to visit another site,” Wooten said Thursday.

“Our ER team needs to remain focused on addressing medical emergencies and treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please come into the ER for a medical screening examination. Triage is used to prioritize the order in which patients are seen in the ER – individuals who are experiencing acute symptoms will be top priority,” Wooten continued.

To get a COVID-19 test

COVID-19 testing is available at the Montgomery County Health Department, at 330 Pageant Lane. Staff-administered PCR tests are available from 8-10 a.m., Monday-Friday. Self-administered PCR kits are available 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

The City of Clarksville has added new drive-through testing locations at Heritage Park and the Crow Recreation Center.

Beginning Sept. 7, Heritage Park soccer parking lot at 1241 Peachers Mill Road will serve as a COVID testing site Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. A tent with equipment has been set up in the parking lot closest to the road.

The Crow Recreation Center parking lot at 211 Richview Road will serve as an alternate COVID testing location, but only on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Pets of the Week

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Dogs and cats of all ages, breeds, and sizes are available through area animal rescues and shelters, as well as opportunities to help homeless animals through foster programs, donations and help with fundraisers and other family-friendly activities. Contact a rescue near you to learn more.

Surry

Sandy

Nathan

Nala

Lady

Kilo

Bella

Atti

Montgomery County Animal Care and Control

Lady is a 2 and a ½-year-old female Anatolian Shepherd weighing 90 pounds. She is current on all vaccinations, microchipped but not spayed yet. Anatolians are known as LGD, Livestock Guardian Dogs. If you are looking for a great protector for your farm, ranch, or even over your family, then Lady might just be your girl. Anatolians are devoted to their people. For more details, MCACC will be able to answer your questions.

Surry is a female 5-month-old kitten weighing about 4 pounds with a stunning white coat and black tail. She is litter trained. MCACC will be able to answer any questions about Surry. She is looking for a family who will spoil and love her. Find them at Montgomery County Animal Care and Control, 616 N. Spring St., 931-648-5750, www.facebook.com/MontgomeryCountyAdoptionServices

Cats Are Us

Nala is a very sweet, 3-year-old short-haired Tabby with gorgeous whiskers. Nala is of sensitive temperament and would do best as an only cat without other pets or small children. She needs a calm, stable home with a predictable routine and tons of affection to be her best self. She is up to date on vaccinations, declawed, spayed and litter trained. If you would like to meet Nala she is currently available at PetSmart on weekends from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment through Cats Are Us, 931-503-0053, www.facebook.com/catsareustn

Dover County Humane Society

Nathan is an adorable male grey and white Tabby kitten. He is affectionate and very playful and litter trained. He does currently carry the FIV antibodies but it’s hopeful he sheds those as he gets a bit older. Nathan will be neutered, age-appropriate vaccinations will be current, flea and tick treatment, dewormed, and has tested negative for Feline Leukemia. You can find him through the Humane Society of Dover-Stewart County, 931-305-8212, www.petfinder.com/shelters/TN113.html

Stewart County Faithful Friends Animal Rescue

Bella is a very sweet, pretty, 4-year-old female Australian Shepherd mix. Bella craves attention and will “pet” your hand for love. Bella does need to be the only dog in the home and does not care for cats. She is intimidated and hesitates around people wearing hoodies or any hats and it takes her a bit to feel safe and warm up, so a family who is understanding and patient with Bella is a must. She is good around respectful children. She knows her basic commands, is house trained, and understands ” want to go outside”. She sleeps in her kennel with a pad and loves her big pillow by your feet where she will gladly stay and keep you company. Find her through Stewart County Faithful Friends Animal Rescue, 931-627-1459, https://www.facebook.com/scffar2010/

Companion Pet Rescue of Middle Tennessee

Atti (Atlas) is an energetic, handsome, 3-year-old Pit Bull terrier mix with very pretty markings. He is crate trained, current on vaccinations, and neutered. He loves children, loves to play, but might do better with older children as his high energy could be a bit much for smaller children. Prefers a no-cat home, but does well with polite, social dogs. Atti, through no fault of his own, has been looking for his forever, loving home for over a year. Come give Atti a look. He can be found through Companion Pet Rescue of Middle Tennessee, 615-260-8473, https://www.facebook.com/companionpetrescueofmiddletennessee/

Two Ladies Caring Dog Rescue

Sandy is a delightful 2-year-old female Terrier mix and weighs 16 pounds. She is up to date on all vaccinations, is spayed, microchipped, and house trained. She does well with other dogs and children but absolutely loves her people the best. If you are looking for a gentle, playful, loving companion then look no further. You can find her through Two Ladies Caring Dog Rescue, 931-217-1587, www.petfinder.com/shelters/TN505.html

Sagley’s Biker Bully Farm

Kilo is a handsome, smart, energetic, athletic, 3-year-old male Pit mix. If you are into racing, agility, jogging, hiking, dock diving, or any outdoor activities, then Kilo is your guy! Kilo will be best suited to a home environment where he can be challenged and help offset all that energy. He is the perfect pup for an adventurous, active family. Come meet Kilo and for more information, you can find him through Sagley’s Biker Bully Farm, 408-355-5493, https://www.facebook.com/Sagleys-Biker-Bully-Farm-0/13131668363592

Rep. Curtis Johnson of Clarksville named chair of House Select Committee on Redistricting

By ClarksvilleNow.com September 9, 2021 10:55 am

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – As the Tennessee General Assembly takes up redrawing political lines in response to the 2020 Census, a Clarksville legislator will be in charge of the bipartisan committee doing the work.

Deputy Speaker Curtis Johnson, R-Clarksville, will chair of the first-ever bipartisan House Select Committee on Redistricting, according to a news release.

“Having served for 17 years in the House, Deputy Speaker Johnson’s institutional knowledge and experience make him the ideal person to chair the Select Committee on Redistricting,” said House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, who named Johnson to the position. “He and all of the members on this bipartisan panel will play a critical role as part of a transparent, public process that will produce both fair and constitutional redistricting plans representative of all Tennesseans.”

Johnson is one of 16 House members to serve on the Select Committee on Redistricting, which will include four Democrats. The panel’s first meeting was held Sept. 8 and featured public comments and a summary of the guidelines that will be utilized throughout the entire process.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as chair of the bipartisan House Select Committee on Redistricting,” said Johnson. “I appreciate the trust Speaker Sexton has placed in me, and I look forward to working with both my Republican and Democratic colleagues to create redistricting plans that are representative of the distinctive voices of all Tennesseans.”

Speaker Pro Tempore Pat Marsh, R-Shelbyville, is the committee’s vice-chair. Additional members include:

Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, R-Signal Mountain
Rep. Kevin Vaughan, R-Collierville
Rep. Gary Hicks, R-Rogersville
Rep. Karen Camper, D- Memphis
Rep. John Crawford, R-Kingsport
Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby
Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Nashville
Rep. John Holsclaw, R-Elizabethton
Rep. William Lamberth, R-Portland
Rep. Antonio Parkinson, D-Memphis
Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore
Rep. Sam Whitson, R-Franklin
Rep. Ryan Williams, R- Cookeville
Rep. John Mark Windle, D-Livingston

For more information, go to the Tennessee House of Representatives redistricting page.

Deputy Speaker Johnson is also a member of the House Commerce, House Government Operations, House Insurance, and House State Government Committees, the House Business & Utilities and Public Service Subcommittees, and the Joint Commerce, Labor, Transportation, and Agriculture Committee.

Johnson lives in Clarksville and represents Tennessee House District 68, which includes part of Montgomery County. He can be reached by email at: Rep.Curtis.Johnson@capitol.tn.gov or by calling 615-741-4341.

Community tributes begin today to honor Rev. Jerry Jerkins, who died at 88

By Chris Smith September 9, 2021 9:30 am

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A series of events are planned today through Saturday to honor the Rev. Jerry Jerkins, who died last weekend at age 88.

The retired pastor of St. John Baptist Church and civil rights activist died Aug. 28. He is survived by his wife, Naomi Jerkins, along with his children and grandchildren.

There will be three events to honor Jerkins:

Community-Wide Tribute: Today, Sept. 9, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Burt-Cobb Community Center, 1011 Franklin St. Mayor Joe Pitts and Naomi Jerkins invite church leaders, business and political leaders to attend.

Memorial Musical: Friday at 6 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church, 301 Fairview Lane.

Homegoing Celebration: Viewing Saturday from 10-10:50 a.m. with celebration at 11 a.m., at St. John Baptist Church, 1833 Tiny Town Road. Interment will be Monday at 10 a.m. at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West Hopkinsville, Kentucky.