The July retirement of a member of the Escambia County Healthcare Authority made way for another county resident to serve on the board.

Emilie Mims, secretary of the Escambia County Healthcare Authority, announced her retirement at the authority’s meeting in July. In an August meeting of the Escambia County Commission, Debbie Rowell was named to replace Mims in the position.

The Escambia County Healthcare Authority is the governing body over D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital and Atmore Community Hospital. Board members are appointed by the Escambia County Commission.

“Emilie has been a valued asset to the citizens of Escambia County for many years as a board member of the Escambia County Healthcare Authority,” chairman, Ruth Harrell said. “We are grateful to have worked beside her and are thankful to Emilie for her years of service and dedication.”

William Grissett, board member, agreed with Harrell stating, “We wish Emilie nothing but the best as she moves into retirement. She has provided a great service and we want to thank her for her dedication and loyalty to the citizens of our county.”

D.W. McMillan Hospital administrator, Chris Griffin said Mims will be remembered for her unselfish devotion and distinguished service to the healthcare needs of the citizens of Escambia County and to the Escambia County Healthcare Authority.

Rowell is the owner and broker at Southern Real Estate, active in the Atmore Rotary Club and is a lifelong resident of the Atmore area.

“We are very fortunate to have a qualified individual like Ms. Rowell appointed to the Healthcare Authority,” Grissett said. “I am confident she will have a very positive impact on serving the healthcare needs of Escambia County.”

D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital is governed by the Escambia County Healthcare Authority Board of Director, D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital is an acute care hospital that has been a part of the Brewton, Alabama, community for over fifty years. The hospital’s facilities include an eight-bed intensive care unit; a 24 hour emergency room; general medical, surgical and obstetrical services; and a women & infants unit. In addition, D.W McMillan offers programs and support to area citizens through health education. Please visit their website at www.dwmmh.org.