MOULTRIE – Hugh B. Ward, D.Min., was recently named the 2023 recipient of the Walter E. Harrison, Jr., MD, Humanitarian Award. Ward received the honor at the 29th Annual Colquitt Regional Medical Foundation Love Light Ceremony held in the Kate Jeter Serenity Garden.
This award, named in honor of the late Dr. Walter E. Harrison, Jr., is presented annually to an individual health care worker who demonstrates a commitment to compassionate health care service and community outreach. These were the guiding principles of Harrison’s medical career.
Harrison believed in helping those in need, and he practiced this belief both at home and in medical missions abroad. The Colquitt Regional Medical Foundation established the award following Harrison’s death in December 2010.
Ward’s first act of service with the hospital was when he was appointed as a Colquitt County Hospital Authority Trustee in 2005. He then joined the Colquitt Regional team officially in 2009 as chaplain.
In his nomination letters, Ward was described as a “selfless person who often interrupts his personal schedule to hurry to the side of a person in need of comfort.” It was also said that “he meets people where they are and ministers to their spiritual and physical needs which is so important to their healing.”
“Although he is not a clinician, Hugh has become an essential part of our organization and an integral member of our care team,” said Colquitt Regional President and CEO Jim Matney. “He has provided guidance and counsel for thousands of patients, family members, employees, and countless others. We are so grateful he is part of the Colquitt Regional family and for his tireless dedication to our organization. He is tremendously worthy of this great honor.”
Notably during his tenure, Ward established the Colquitt Regional Medical Foundation Chaplain’s Fund to assist low-income patients who need home healthcare equipment, transportation, medicine, and other essential needs.
In addition to his two terms on the Hospital Authority, he spent 22 years as the senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Moultrie. Ward has also served in numerous capacities throughout the community including the Colquitt County Library Board, The Children’s Advocacy Center, Covenant Counseling Center, and Kiwanis Club of Moultrie.
A graduate of Asbury College, Ward went on to serve in the Marine Corps and receive a Master of Divinity degree from Columbia Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation.
Ward and his wife, Dottie, have two daughters, Katie and Mandy, and they have five grandchildren, Logan, McLean, Jacob, Ansley, and Cole.
“Hugh has a passion for people and it is evident to everyone he meets,” said Colquitt Regional Medical Foundation Chairman Judd Lasseter. “He is always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty and generously gives his time and talents.”
Previous recipients of the Harrison Humanitarian award include Debra Hayes, RN, Alex Shivers, LMSW, Dr. Tamara Johnson, Dr. Billy Ray Price; David Spence, RT (R, ARRT); Karen G. Hart, RN, CMSRN; Barbara James, RN; Dr. D.W. Adcock; Dr. Patricia Lee June; Denise Linnenkohl, RN; and Dr. Seth Berl.
The annual Love Light Ceremony was held on Monday, Dec. 4, in the Kate Jeter Serenity Garden. Santa, along with VIP Tree Lighter Kyle Tucker, flipped the switch to light up over 40 trees in the garden. Tucker was born with brain damage and has dealt with multiple disabilities throughout his life, which has led him to be a patient at Colquitt Regional over the years. His parents are Chelsea Tucker and Kevin and Abbie Tucker, and he has a twin brother named Carter, along with three older brothers, Caleb, Cameron, and Mark.
Each light on the Love Light tree symbolizes a gift in honor or memory of a loved one. The purpose of Love Light is to annually benefit the Colquitt Regional Medical Foundation’s Children’s Fund, which was established to provide medical equipment for obstetric, nursery, and pediatric services. In addition, proceeds from this year will aid in the capital campaign fund for medical education.
The public is invited to visit the Love Light Garden of Trees by driving by or stopping to take a stroll. The garden will be fully lit each evening at sunset until Jan. 6.