Nurse recognized for working 50 years at Whitfield Regional Hospital

Whitfield Regional Hospital honored a nurse with 50 years of service during a ceremony on Thursday. 

Staff, city leaders, family and friends recognized Jenny Long, LPN, for reaching 50 years of continuous service to the hospital and the community it serves. 

CEO Doug Brewer told the crowd that moments like this are rare in most hospitals, but not at Whitfield. In his eight years as CEO, he said Long is the third nurse he has recognized for reaching the half century mark. Even so, he made clear that her impact stands out. 

Brewer described Long as the embodiment of what nursing should be, especially in the hospital’s geriatric psych unit, where she has spent much of her career. He spoke of her steady presence, deep loyalty and love she has shown to “literally 50 years’ worth of patients.” He added that watching her work is to witness the heart of nursing in action. 

Demopolis Mayor Woody Collins presented Long with a proclamation designating Feb. 26, 2026, as “Jenny Long Day” in the City of Demopolis. Collins said he has known Long and her family for many years and joked she must have started working at age 13. 

The proclamation praised Long’s patient-centered care, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion. It recognized her as a mentor to colleagues and a steady professional through decades of change in health care. It also acknowledged her resilience and her unwavering commitment to the mission of Whitfield Regional Hospital. 

Hospital Board Chairman Charles Singleton presented Long with a framed copy of the proclamation.