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Article Category: Highlights

Save Lives, Don’t Drive—When to Call 911

Published on February 07, 2025

Last updated 10:45 AM May 12, 2025

Illustration of an ambulance

When a stroke or heart attack strikes, every second matters. Saving time could mean saving a life, and it’s crucial that medical treatment starts right away. That’s why in the case of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately—don’t drive yourself or another person to the hospital. 

Emergency Medical Service crews are trained to start life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital, minimizing damage to your heart or brain. They can also conduct and interpret electrocardiograms to diagnose a heart attack in the ambulance. 

You also don’t want to drive if you are experiencing a heart attack or stroke yourself because your condition could worsen on the way to the emergency department and impact your ability to stay safe on the road. 

“If you're having an emergency, which could be severe abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness that you can't really explain, you've got to call 911,” said Dr. Ed Malcom, an emergency medicine physician at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. “The ambulance and the EMS services will get you to the emergency department in a safe way, and we will get you taken care of.” 

When a patient has a heart attack, ambulance crews communicate with our cardiac team on the way to the hospital, bypassing the emergency department and diverting directly to the cardiac catheterization lab, where our team is ready to restore blood flow to your heart. Calling 911 means reopening the heart artery sooner. And when someone has a stroke, it’s also crucial to take action right away—the sooner you seek treatment, the more brainpower can be saved. 

“Time is the most important factor,” said Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Zussman. “Saving time can be the difference between having a permanent stroke or making a good recovery.” 

To learn more about how Wellstar treats heart attacks and strokes, visit our heart care and neuro care pages. 

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Highlights

Live to the Beat Powered by Wellstar: Celebrating a Year of Impact

What began as a bold idea—bringing cardiovascular health education into the heart of our communities—has now culminated in a joyful, music-filled celebration that honored the success of a powerful one-year pilot program of Live to the Beat at First Baptist Church East Point and Mount Olive Seventh Day Adventist Church. From inception to execution, this journey has been a testament to what can happen when community, clinical partners and courageous participants come together with one mission: to live longer, stronger, healthier lives—one beat at a time.

Final Class Check-In & Celebration

We opened our final sessions with a check-in, inviting participants to reflect on how they’ve been incorporating their support networks into daily life since our “A Family Affair” class. Their stories affirmed the power of connection and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who help you thrive.

After the check-in, we transitioned into a formal celebration that included: 

  • A brief agenda to thank everyone—from stakeholders and service line leaders to our participants and guest speakers 
  • A powerful recap of success metrics from each church
  • A joyful closing moment that quite literally had everyone “living to the beat” with music, dancing and smiles all around!

Mount Olive: Setting the Bar High

With 18 dedicated members, Mount Olive consistently exceeded expectations:

  • 90% average attendance
  • 100% 5-star rating in both knowledge gained and overall satisfaction
  • 82% reported positive behavior change in daily life
  • 61% saw improvements in their average blood pressure readings
  • Three participants shared that their clinicians reduced the dosage or number of their medications
  • Two reported more regular visits to their doctors since joining the program

From their energy in the classroom to their commitment at home, Mount Olive’s cohort has become a model of what’s possible when knowledge meets action.

First Baptist: Stepping Boldly into Wellness

With 14 committed participants, First Baptist brought steady engagement and deep personal growth:

  • 74% average attendance
  • 80% reported positive behavior change
  • 43% saw improvements in their average blood pressure readings
  • Two participants reported a reduction in medication dosage or number
  • Three reported more regular visits to their doctors since joining the program
  • 4.69 rating in knowledge gained and overall rating of 4.77 out of 5

Their thoughtful conversations, openness to growth and willingness to step outside their comfort zones truly made this cohort shine. And yes—we danced our way into what’s next.

Looking Ahead: The Beat Continues with Art Pharmacy

While the classroom sessions have come to a close, our participants’ journey is far from over. As a next step, all graduates will now enter the next phase of Live to the Beat through our new partnership with Art Pharmacy—a social prescribing organization that connects individuals to arts and culture-based experiences to support long-term health and well-being.

Graduates will receive one “social prescription” per month for the next six months, focusing on connection, creativity and continued wellness. This phase was designed with intention—to ensure the momentum continues beyond the classroom and into real life.

We’ll also be conducting a 6-month follow-up to evaluate how behavior changes have been sustained over time, using lessons learned to inform the next cohort launching in September.

National Impact: CDC Foundation & LTTB Ambassadors

We were honored to have representatives from the CDC Foundation join our final celebrations to share how graduates can become Live to the Beat Ambassadors for the national campaign. Many participants expressed excitement about using their voice to inspire others to begin their heart health journeys too—a beautiful full-circle moment of community-led change.

One Chapter Ends, A Movement Continues

As we officially close out this year-long pilot, we stand in awe of what was accomplished—and energized for what’s ahead. To our participants: thank you for your courage and commitment. To our partners, service line leaders and supporters: thank you for believing in the vision.

Together, we proved that heart health isn’t just clinical—it’s cultural, communal and deeply personal. And as we prepare for the next chapter, one thing is certain:  The beat goes on… and it’s only getting stronger.

Keep reading
John Elliot smiles after getting control of Parkinson’s symptoms with the Wellstar Parkinson’s and Tremors Program and a procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS).

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JohnElliottCare

John Elliott was a builder who enjoyed meeting with clients and planning their future homes. But the effects of Parkinson’s disease made it hard for him to meet with clients and live his life. Then he found a new sense of hope thanks to the Wellstar Parkinson’s and Tremors Program and a procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS). His experience is a powerful testament to the value of comprehensive care and how his neurologists, functional neurosurgeon and nurse navigator helped him rebuild his life. 

Symptoms that were hard to shake

 

John has been building custom homes in Marietta for 45 years—a career defined by personal relationships with his clients. He loves spending time with his family, hunting, fishing and bushhogging the multi-generational family farm.

But in 2015, John’s hands began to shake. A former client and friend who was a retired neurologist recommended he see Dr. Thomas Holmes, a Wellstar neurologist. 

A DaTscan, a type of nuclear imaging test that takes images of the brain, helped Dr. Holmes see a loss in John’s dopamine-producing neurons, which indicates Parkinson’s disease. The progressive neurological disorder affects a person’s motor functions and movements. 

At first, medication helped. But years after his diagnosis, John’s medications were barely effective.

“A big part of custom home building is your interaction with your client,” John said. “Meeting with the customer became somewhat of a problem.”

His tremors and involuntary mouth movements left him feeling embarrassed.

“I kind of went into a shell and didn't want to see people because they would make comments, particularly about the mouth movement,” he said. “You want to hide.”

Keep reading
Child flexing arms and posing as a superhero.

Highlights

Better Together: Your Child. Our Expert Care.

Some things are just better together: Peanut butter and jelly. Popsicles and summer days. Stethoscopes and superheroes. When it comes to your child’s health, there’s no better combo than your love—and our expert pediatric care. That’s why Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is here to partner with your family.

Playfully styled Wellstar Children's Healthcare of Georgia logo, which incorporates a rainbow and has the feel of a child's illustration.

Our name and logo may have changed, but the mission to care for children, teens and your family remains the same. 

“Our new name represents a powerful collaboration, bringing together more pediatric specialists in Georgia to create a comprehensive system of care,” said Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Pediatrician-in-Chief Dr. Valera Hudson.

Where kids’ healthcare is “better together”

At Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, a child’s health is strengthened by a partnership between parents and pediatric specialists. Our physicians and advanced practice providers listen and get to know each child from the moment they’re born into young adulthood, collaborating with parents to deliver tailored care.

“We never forget that you know your child best—from their unique needs to what makes them tick,” said Wellstar Chief Pediatrics Officer Dr. Carrie Stinson. “We trust your instincts, and we’re here to support you as you help your child grow into a healthy, well-prepared and incredible human being.”

A checkup for every child, from toddlers to teens

Every kid should have a well-child exam each year. “When you have babies and toddlers, it’s routine—you’re scheduling these frequently,” said Dr. Stinson. “But when kids get older and busier, these visits may fall off your radar.” Staying on top of these vital checkups helps keep focus on your child or teen’s well-being, including their physical health and development as well as their emotional, social and behavioral health.

Navigating life’s most challenging moments

 

During visits to Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, pediatricians, pediatric specialists, nurses and other dedicated team members use the latest technology and innovative therapies to treat common illnesses and complex conditions. In our Pediatric Emergency Departments and imaging centers, specially trained Child Life Specialists aid children and their families during challenging healthcare moments—helping them understand and cope with unfamiliar or scary situations.

A long legacy of care

 

Our new name builds on a rich history of pediatric excellence throughout Georgia. For decades, we’ve worked hard to make sure our communities have access to the pediatric care they need—from preventive care to emergency care and specialty care, including cardiologists, neurologists, urologists, ENTs, orthopedics, therapists and more. 

Care in Augusta 

Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia in Augusta has been a leader in the state for nearly 30 years. We’re home to: 

  • Pediatric primary care and specialty care
  • A 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Department
  • A dedicated Level II Trauma Center
  • A Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • The only Level I Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in the region
  • A Level IV Epilepsy Center
  • One of two Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Centers in the state
  • Clinical trials for a variety of childhood conditions 
  • Summer camps and support programs for children with specific health conditions

Care in Metro Atlanta
 

Our communities in the Atlanta area have access to:

  • Pediatric primary care and specialty care
  • Pediatric Emergency Departments at Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Paulding Medical Centers 
  • An Inpatient Pediatric Unit at Wellstar Kennestone in Marietta 
  • Level III NICUs at Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Cobb
  • Level II NICUs at Wellstar Douglas and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Centers
  • Wellstar Children’s of Georgia Pediatric Center in Kennesaw offering a range of high-quality, child-centered services

Care in West Georgia

In West Georgia and central West Georgia, families can access:

  • Pediatric primary care in LaGrange
  • Level II NICUs at Wellstar Spalding Medical Center in Griffin and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange

Our growth chart: how we’re keeping up with your kids

As you measure your child’s growth, we’re growing too! We continue to invest in our teams and facilities across Georgia so your child can have a healthy future.

In Metro Atlanta, Wellstar continues to grow care for Cobb County’s youngest residents. A new tower at Wellstar Kennestone, slated to open spring 2026, will feature an expanded NICU with more beds to meet the needs of our families.

In Augusta, Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia has unveiled a welcoming and fresh child-friendly lobby. Families visiting the campus will soon benefit from the addition of the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness. This new space brings neurology and psychology services together under one roof, providing a dedicated place for families to find help for their children's behavioral health needs.

"We’re passionate about caring for kids,” said Dr. Hudson. “Our dream is to get beyond just treating and intervening when there’s a crisis—we aim to help families thrive.”

Whether preventing illness or treating chronic conditions, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is committed to helping children heal so they can do more of what they love.

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