On Thursday, April 11th, Houston Healthcare renamed its Pavilion Med-Stop the “Fred Graham Pavilion Med-Stop” in memory of Mr. Fred Graham, a former Board Chairman and Vice-Chairman who served the Houston Healthcare System, Inc., Houston Hospitals, Inc., & Hospital Authority faithfully for 17 years. Mr. Graham passed in December 2023.

A ceremony was held at the Med-Stop revealing signage for the newly named facility and paying tribute to Mr. Graham.

“Mr. Graham was one of the hardest working board members I’ve ever known,” said Tommy Stalnaker, Chair, Houston Hospitals, Inc. “He advocated for healthcare within this community and had a strong desire to see it be the best it could be. He was a steadfast supporter of the hospital’s mission to improve the healthcare of the communities we serve by providing patient- focused, high-quality, cost-effective services while promoting health and wellness.”

Mr. Graham, a retired attorney, was appointed to the Houston County Hospital Authority in 2007, marking the beginning of a 17-year journey with Houston Healthcare. His passion for the health system was evident as he ascended to significant roles, including Chairman of the Houston Hospitals, Inc. Board of Trustees and, most recently, Vice Chairman of the Houston Healthcare System, Inc. Board.

According to Houston Hospitals, Inc. board member and medical staff member Appavuchetty Soundappan, MD, Mr. Graham’s favorite phrase was, “Let me see what I can do.” He recounted a time when a patient needed care and was unable to receive it. Mr. Graham became aware of the situation and saw to it that the obstacle was removed, so the patient received care. “Let me see what I can do” was never a hollow phrase. It came with action.

Mr. Graham’s care for his family and friends, fellow board members, the community at large, and especially Houston Healthcare team members was evident at the ceremony as numerous elected officials, Houston Healthcare board members, physicians, and team members who worked shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Graham were in attendance.

Retired Senior Executive Director of Human Resources for Houston Healthcare, Mr. Mike O’Hara said, “In one of our many talks, Mr. Graham told me, ‘Michael, the folks doing the work at Houston Healthcare are not simply an expense, they are our most valuable asset. Without them believing in us, we cannot succeed. If you treat them right, they will do right.’”

According to Dr. Ivan Allen, Chair, Houston Healthcare System, Inc., “If there was ever a board member who truly advocated for the team members of Houston Healthcare, it was Mr. Fred Graham.

The Fred Graham Pavilion Med-Stop is one of three urgent care facilities known as “Med- Stops,” which serve as outpatient departments of Houston Healthcare. It’s located inside the Roy H. “Sonny” Watson Health Pavilion at 233 North Houston Road, Suite 140 A, Warner Robins, GA 31093. For more information, visit www.hhc.org.