CENTRE– Home health care, hospice services, and the cost of coverage took center stage Thursday at the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism‘s monthly breakfast. ProHealth Home Health & Hospice sponsored the Oct. 8 gathering at the chamber office on the Gadsden State Cherokee campus.

Joy Perry welcomed members and guests. She congratulated chamber board member Daniel Steele and his wife, Carly, on the birth of their daughter. Perry also recognized elected officials, board members, and chamber ambassadors in attendance. She noted that the Great Alabama 650, which began at Weiss Lake, had ended early amid weather concerns.

Perry congratulated Centre Mayor Jay Howell on the city’s Fall Festival, which she said drew a record number of vendors.

Terry Dean offered a blessing, and Tony Hathcock led the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests then enjoyed breakfast provided by Coosa Corner and spent time networking. Afterward, Perry recognized the Leadership Cherokee class and introduced Jan Martin, a care transition coordinator with ProHealth.

Martin described ProHealth as independently owned and praised its staff for finding ways to help patients. She also recognized employees who handle the paperwork and logistics of care as insurance practices change. Martin discussed the company’s expansion and acquisitions in Pennsylvania and Texas. She expressed pride in its presence on Main Street in Centre.

According to ProHealth’s service information, its home health offerings include skilled nursing, home health aides, physical, occupational, and speech therapy. They also include infusion and IV therapy, wound care, medical nutrition therapy, and support from medical social workers. Its hospice program focuses on comfort and symptom management. The program also offers emotional and spiritual support to patients and families facing life-limiting illness.

Much of Martin’s presentation focused on helping families understand their insurance coverage. She said copays can create financial strain and encouraged patients to ask questions about their plans, including Medicare Advantage coverage. She said coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on a patient’s plan and circumstances. Martin invited attendees to speak with ProHealth staff about home health, hospice, and insurance questions.

Martin also spoke about her ties to Cherokee County. She has worked with companies in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. Still, she said she remains proud to tell people she attended school in Cherokee County. She thanked the chamber and encouraged residents to visit ProHealth’s downtown Centre office.

Later, Leann Lockridge recognized Lori Harris as Cherokee County’s 2026 Fierce Woman of the Year. Harris leads the Children’s Advocacy Center of Cherokee County. She received the award at the Advancing Women to the Top conference in Gadsden on Sept. 17.

Lockridge also welcomed guests and chamber members. Door prizes closed the gathering. The chamber holds its breakfast on the second Thursday of each month.

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