As published in the Millen News, 04/22/2025
Since its return to a hospital authority, Jenkins County Medical Center (JCMC) has leaned on trusted relationships and strategic partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability and success. One of the most enduring and impactful of those partnerships is with Strategic Healthcare Partners (SHP), a managed care consulting firm that has worked alongside JCMC since the very beginning of this transition.
SHP has been a consistent and committed ally to JCMC, providing essential expertise and guidance in the complex and ever-changing world of healthcare finance and operations. From the early days of hospital authority governance through today, SHP has worked hand-in-hand with both past and present leadership to help JCMC remain financially sound and operationally strong.
“The healthcare environment today requires rural hospitals to think differently, adapt quickly, and use every available resource,” said Andrea Graham, CEO of Jenkins County Medical Center. “Our relationship with Strategic Healthcare Partners reflects that commitment. This partnership is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared vision of what rural healthcare can and should be. SHP has helped us navigate challenges, find opportunities, and strengthen our position so we can continue to serve our community for years to come.”
SHP was founded by Mike Scribner, a seasoned healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience in hospital finance, managed care, business office operations, and strategic planning. A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Scribner also holds a Master’s degree in accounting. His extensive knowledge and practical experience in healthcare financial management have been instrumental in guiding rural hospitals like JCMC toward long-term stability.
Further strengthening this partnership is the presence of Lindsey Clay, a financial analyst for SHP who also serves as Chief Financial Officer for Jenkins County Medical Center. Clay holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in accounting from South University and has worked in the healthcare industry since 2016. She brings a strong background in revenue cycle management, financial management, and cost accounting to her role.
Having Clay embedded within the organization provides a direct connection to SHP’s expertise on a daily basis, ensuring financial oversight, sound decision-making, and real-time collaboration. Her role helps bridge the gap between outside consulting and internal operations, making the partnership even stronger and more beneficial to the hospital and the community it serves.
“Having the opportunity to work inside the organization every day allows me to see firsthand the challenges rural hospitals face, and the hard work that goes into ensuring our community has access to essential healthcare services,” said Clay. “Our partnership is about more than just numbers and contracts. It’s about supporting the people who live here and making sure this hospital remains a vital part of the community.”
As Jenkins County Medical Center looks to the future, its leadership remains steadfast in its belief that partnerships like the one with SHP are essential to preserving and protecting rural healthcare.
