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Article Category: Newsroom

Wellstar Center for Health Equity Awards Grant Funding to Eight Local Organizations to Improve Patient Access and Care Through Technology

Published on February 18, 2025

Last updated 04:13 PM February 18, 2025

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Everyone deserves high-quality healthcare and social services—no matter where they live. But people in many communities simply don’t have access. At Wellstar Center for Health Equity, we believe technology can be part of the solution. That’s why we created the Community Transformation Program (CTP) in 2020.

Each year, CTP invites local organizations to request support for a new or existing tech-based initiative that addresses health disparities in our communities. The winners receive a $10,000 grant to help fund their initiative. They also receive capacity-building support through:

  • Mentoring and coaching
  • Networking opportunities with other funding organizations
  • Opportunities to learn about innovative technology solutions from Catalyst by Wellstar
  • Brainstorming sessions
  • In-person site visits
  • Mid- and end-of-year evaluations
  • Participation in the CTP’s annual Community Transformation Summit

This holistic approach ensures each organization’s tech initiative thrives. To date, CTP has touched over 18,000 lives in vulnerable populations across Metro Atlanta and beyond.

Meet our fifth cohort of partner organizations

This year, CTP chose eight organizations to be part of our growing network of difference-makers. These partners exemplify the diverse approaches needed to tackle our region’s complex challenges.

Each organization is in a unique position to make a profound impact. They include:

  • Be Well, Black Girl—This initiative is launching a resource portal to empower Black women and girls to prioritize their well-being.
  • CareLink of Northwest Georgia Inc.—CareLink is introducing language-interpretation services to better serve non-English-speaking patients.
  • Cobb Collaborative—The collaborative’s technology platforms provide families with information about and support for early childhood development.
  • Milestones Community Development Corporation—The organization is creating a comprehensive digital platform to address social determinants of health for South Atlanta residents.
  • Open Hand Atlanta—The organization’s new enterprise resource planning system streamlines meal production and delivery for vulnerable populations.
  • Rock Springs Clinic—The clinic addresses transportation barriers and integrates telehealth solutions to improve healthcare access for rural communities.
  • Roswell Organization for Community Development—The organization’s telemedicine program improves healthcare access for Black and Hispanic populations in North Fulton and Cherokee Counties.
  • Troup Cares Inc.—This organization is upgrading its telehealth program to provide comprehensive care for uninsured and underinsured residents.

A friendly image of sponsors

A history of success

The organizations participating in CTP make a difference—sometimes in unexpected ways. Last year, Bethesda Community Clinic transitioned from being a brick-and-mortar practice to a fully mobile healthcare model. The clinic used CTP funds to equip their mobile health vehicle with telehealth kits. Patients sit inside the clinic’s vehicle, and doctors meet with them virtually. The doctors use the kits to conduct a full health assessment. This new model enables many more patients to receive care they otherwise may not have access to.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation learned about the clinic’s care model and enlisted them to bring these telehealth kits into hotels. This model provides care to victims of human trafficking and serves as a lifeline for rescue. The FBI is now exploring this model as a standard nationwide.

A shared vision for a healthier Georgia

This year’s CTP partners represent another step toward a Georgia where every individual can achieve their full potential. Wellstar is transforming lives by empowering our partners to address inequities with innovative, community-focused solutions. Success stories like this demonstrate that when we work together, there’s no limit to what we can do.

Learn more about Wellstar Center for Health Equity and our initiatives

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Panelists speaking at Health Connect South 2025

Newsroom

Catalyst by Wellstar Joins Health Connect South to Drive Healthcare Innovation

ATLANTA – Healthcare leaders from across the Southeast convened at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta Wednesday for the 12th annual Health Connect South summit, a high-energy gathering that showcased the region’s brightest minds and boldest ideas in health innovation.

The summit drew hundreds of professionals from across the healthcare spectrum—from hospital systems and research institutions to startups and government agencies—all united by a shared mission: to advance health through collaboration.

One of the day’s standout sessions was the panel “Innovation and the Changing Face of Healthcare Delivery,” which brought together a dynamic mix of voices leading change in the industry. The panel featured Moses Ike, venture principal at Catalyst by Wellstar; Jesse Goodwin, PhD, chief innovation officer at the Medical University of South Carolina; and Chris Lee, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Huxley Medical. The discussion was moderated by Greg Jungles, HealthTech catalyst at Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC).

The conversation tackled some of the most pressing questions in healthcare today: How do we deliver care more efficiently? How can startups and health systems work together to scale innovation? And what role does venture capital play in shaping the next generation of health solutions?

“Innovation isn’t just about the latest app or device—it’s about reimagining how we care for people,” said Ike. “It’s about building systems that are smarter, faster and more compassionate.” 

As principal of venture at Catalyst by Wellstar, Ike is at the forefront of healthcare investment strategy. He leads efforts to identify and support early-stage startups that are tackling real-world challenges in health-tech, healthcare services and business efficiency, including Rheaply, CalmWave and Gabbi.

“We’re not just investing in companies—we’re investing in the future of care,” Ike added. 

Catalyst by Wellstar, launched by Wellstar Health System, manages a $100 million venture fund, making it one of the largest early-stage, multi-sector healthcare corporate venture funds in the country. The fund is designed to fuel cross-industry solutions that can transform how care is delivered, accessed and experienced.

Throughout the panel, speakers emphasized the Southeast’s growing role as a hub for health innovation. From Atlanta’s thriving startup ecosystem to Charleston’s research-driven medical community, the region is increasingly seen as fertile ground for bold ideas and scalable solutions.

“This panel showcased the incredible momentum in our region—from academic institutions to venture-backed startups—all working together to transform healthcare,” said Jungles.

Known as the largest healthcare gathering in the Southeast, Health Connect South has built a reputation as a launchpad for new partnerships and transformative conversations. This year’s theme centered on breaking down silos and building bridges across disciplines to shape the future of care.

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Panelists speaking at Health Connect South 2025

Newsroom

Wellstar Leader Addresses Rising Cancer Rates in Younger Women at Health Connect South

At this week’s Health Connect South conference, Dr. Steven McCune, oncology service line physician lead, joined an impactful panel discussion titled “Women First: Collaborating for Better Cancer Care, Redefining Outcomes for the Next Generation.” The conversation brought together Dr. McCune and other regional experts to explore the alarming rise in cancer diagnoses among younger women.

Research shows that women under 50 are 82% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than men in the same age group. Historically, cancer research and treatment have focused primarily on older patients.

“If you come see me for breast cancer, we’re about 10 to 20 years too late,” said Dr. McCune. “We want to work on prevention rather than treatment. This is about working together and collaborating to provide access to care in Georgia.”

Dr. McCune highlighted the Wellstar Center for Genetics —the largest genetic risk assessment program in Georgia—and its focus on identifying younger women at higher risk. Building on that commitment, Wellstar Women’s Health is championing Gabbi, an innovative tool that uses data and technology to expand access to advanced breast cancer risk screening. Supported by Catalyst by Wellstar, a program led by Dr. Hank Capps, Gabbi reflects Wellstar’s commitment to advance healthcare innovation to improve patient outcomes. Wellstar is also partnering with the Medical College of Georgia to train medical students and residents, helping expand the physician workforce and improve access to care across the state.

The panel, moderated by Dr. Kristin Higgins, chief clinical officer at City of Hope Cancer Center, featured leading voices in the field, including Dr. Lynn Durham, president and CEO of Georgia CORE, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing oncology research and education.

“We work with health systems throughout the state, and we want to make sure that Georgians are getting the best cancer care they can get,” said Durham. “I’m a three-time cancer survivor and luckily I am cancer-free today because of clinical trials and the incredible care we have right here in Georgia.”

Together, the panelists discussed:

  • The impact of rising cancer rates on younger women.
  • Gaps in care, awareness and research that need to be addressed.
  • Opportunities for health systems, nonprofits and national organizations to collaborate in new ways.

Dr. McCune also stressed the importance of trusted primary care relationships.

“It’s easy to say a person needs to be their own advocate, but I think in the course of a busy day we have to take a step back and listen to people,” McCune said. “The best thing people can do is have a relationship with a primary care doctor where you’ve built a sense of trust.”

By participating in this regional forum, Wellstar continues to elevate its voice in the broader healthcare community—reinforcing our commitment to addressing the toughest challenges in cancer care through innovation, collaboration and compassion.

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Wellstar AirCare Completes First ECMO Patient Transport

When every second counts, having access to advanced technology and expert care can make all the difference. On September 10, Wellstar AirCare completed its first patient transport using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)—a lifesaving therapy for people with severe heart or lung conditions.

Taking Flight with Lifesaving Technology

For months, Wellstar teams prepared for this moment. Perfusionists, cardiovascular surgeons, flight crews and many others came together to ensure that patients who need ECMO could safely and quickly receive it—even when ground transportation was improbable or impossible.

Their work paid off. This month, AirCare One lifted off with its first ECMO patient on board. The crew worked quickly to stabilize the critically ill cardiovascular patient and minimize bedside time at the referring hospital. Once in the air, they successfully transported the patient to the ECMO center.

“The AirCare and ECMO teams made this success possible through countless hours of planning, education, crew resource management, dry runs, training flights and simulations,” said Zack Lancaster, executive director of Air Medical Transport. “The program is safe, efficient and ready, and it will be a game-changer for many.”

A friendly image of ECMO

What Is ECMO?

ECMO is an advanced therapy that supports patients with serious cardiac or pulmonary conditions such as heart attack or pneumonia. By temporarily taking over the work of the heart and lungs, ECMO gives the body time to heal after trauma, organ failure or in preparation for major surgery.

Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar MCG Health Medical Centers are among the few facilities in Georgia with the expertise and technology needed to provide this advanced treatment.

Expanding Access to Care

The successful AirCare transport marks an important milestone for Wellstar—and for the communities we serve. With the ability to rapidly transport ECMO patients by helicopter, more people across Georgia can reach lifesaving care when they need it most.

“This mission represents a new chapter for AirCare—not only as Wellstar’s dedicated critical care transport team, but also as a trusted regional partner in ECMO patient care,” Lancaster said.

Following the transport, leaders at the referring hospital praised the AirCare team for their professionalism and expertise, noting that Wellstar is now their first choice for advanced cardiovascular ICU and cardiac support transport.

Learn more about Wellstar AirCare.

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