The Cherokee County Health Care Authority has appointed Brad Hinton as administrator of Cherokee County Health & Rehab Center.  Hinton, a longtime executive for hospitals and long-term care facilities, succeeds Administrator Cindy Cline, who is retiring from full-time duties at CCHRC.  “It’s a huge responsibility when you’re taking care of someone’s mother and daddy and grandmother and granddaddy,” Hinton said last week. “People expect the best that you can do, and that’s what I strive for.”  Cline said, “It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as administrator, and I’m looking forward to slowing down.”

CCHRC, which has 185 beds, is governed by the Health Care Authority, a nine-member board appointed by the County Commission. The health-care complex, which includes The Rehab Center and Cherokee Village Assisted Living, is county owned.  Eric Ellis, chairman of the Health Care Authority, said he thinks Hinton will “build on the good work Cindy Cline and her team have done.”  Hinton’s extensive experience at skilled-nursing facilities and especially his leadership at a county-owned nursing home made him a top candidate, Ellis said.  “Because we’re county owned, we’re patient driven, not profit driven,” Ellis said. “We make sure residents get the utmost care that they need.”

A native of Tuscaloosa, Hinton most recently worked for the Jackson County Healthcare Authority as chief administrator and community relations director. He said his own experiences have shaped his determination to provide top-notch skilled nursing care.  “I have empathy for people because I’ve been there,” he said. “My dad had Alzheimer’s, and he was in a secure unit. I remember the struggles when I was a caregiver.”  Hinton said he encourages people in the community to visit Cherokee Health & Rehab to see old friends and relatives and to make new friends.  “Even when health problems prevent many activities, people still need social interaction,” Hinton said. “They need good food. They need someone to talk to.”