Wellstar Innovation Series Explores Future of Healthcare

As we look forward to the Fourth of July holiday, fireworks, swimming, and grilling offer plenty of fun summer activities for families across Georgia. However, it's important to be cautious with fireworks, which can quickly turn your Independence Day celebrations sour.

While public fireworks displays have safety measures in place, fireworks at home may be less safe, especially for kids. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024, with burns accounting for 37% of all emergency room visits.

Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, a Wellstar pediatrician and representative for the American Academy of Pediatrics, warns that the most common injury from fireworks is a hand burn.

“But it can be worse, such as a hand fracture, cuts or even the loss of a finger,” she said. “Facial injuries, including burns and eye injuries, are also common. If you're going to handle fireworks, please be very careful.”

Dr. Earl Stewart Jr., an internal medicine physician and medical director of health equity with Wellstar Health System, has seen many times how climate and extreme weather can impact health. He reminds families that summer celebrations can bring a range of seasonal health risks.

“We often see more water-related injuries this time of year, such as drownings, boating accidents, and even head or spine injuries from diving into shallow water,” he said. “And with Georgia’s extreme heat, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sunburns. Even surfaces like metal components of playground equipment and seat belts can cause burns after they’ve been exposed to the sun for long periods.”

Dr. Stewart also noted the importance of being mindful of summer pests and plants.

“Insect bites, allergic reactions, poison ivy, bee stings and even snake bites can quickly turn a fun day outdoors into a medical emergency. Vigilance and preparation equate to staying safe and alive,” he said.

As for sparklers, Dr. Dolgoff cautions parents not to underestimate their danger.

“Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. They account for a high percentage of injuries, emergency room visits, and fires every year. The sparks can cause burns and eye injuries.”

She also recommends soaking used sparklers in a bucket of water before discarding them.

If your family plans to participate in Fourth of July activities, remember the word FIRE with these essential safety tips:

• Families: Never hold a lit firework in your hand or point it at another person. Children should never handle fireworks, including sparklers.
• Injury: Only light fireworks outdoors, away from people, homes and flammable materials. Wear protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries.
• Run Away: Move away quickly after lighting a firework. Don’t light more than one at a time and never try to re-light a dud.
• Extinguish: Keep a bucket of water nearby to douse fireworks that don’t go off or cause a mishap. Soak both used and unused fireworks before discarding.

ATLANTA, GA (June 30, 2025) — Today, leaders from across the city gathered in the Old Fourth Ward to mark the beginning of a long-anticipated transformation. The ceremonial demolition at the northwest corner of the former Atlanta Medical Center site signaled the launch of BLVDNEXT, a major redevelopment that will reconnect neighborhoods and restore opportunity in the city’s core.

Spearheaded by The Integral Group, in partnership with Wellstar Health System and the City of Atlanta, BLVDNEXT represents one of the most significant private investments in the area in decades. The 22-acre site will become a mixed-use community designed for long-term value and neighborhood inclusion. Plans include a mix of housing options – both for sale and for rent – green spaces, retail, health and wellness, and amenities that serve the community and invite people in.

“Atlanta is always growing and always changing. This redevelopment project is grounded in the values we share as a city: inclusiveness, opportunity, and respect,” said Doug Shipman, president of the Atlanta City Council. “The Integral Group and Wellstar are following through on the City’s work to determine how this site can best meet the community’s needs for future generations – affordable housing, restaurants and retail, and health and wellness. I’m looking forward to seeing this vision come to life.”

“This project is about more than the physical structures, it’s about building on the history of this place to create a future where community, connection, and opportunity thrive,” said Candice L. Saunders, President and CEO, Wellstar Health System. “Today, we want to recognize all the people who have made this a special place and who are working toward its vibrant future.”

Located between Ralph McGill Boulevard and Highland Avenue, the site lies at a pivotal point between Midtown and Downtown. Its redevelopment offers a rare opportunity to mend the urban fabric and create new connections that benefit the surrounding communities.

“BLVDNEXT represents the kind of work that cities need more of – development that begins by listening, is shaped by purpose, and delivers long-term value,” said Egbert L. J. Perry, Chairman and CEO of The Integral Group. “The project is about reconnecting a vital part of Atlanta and doing it in a way that respects both its history and its potential. For us at Integral, this is a responsibility – and an opportunity – to get it right.”

Work is already underway to develop a detailed implementation plan that builds upon the City’s prior planning and reflects the voices of residents. Redevelopment at this scale, in this location, doesn’t happen often. The property’s redevelopment is being guided by a land-use plan that had extensive community input and was approved unanimously by the Atlanta City Council with support from Mayor Andre Dickens.

Today is about making the most of that opportunity – with care, with clarity, and with a commitment to doing it right.

About BLVDNEXT

To ensure the public remains informed and engaged, the development team has launched www.BLVDNEXT.com, a dedicated website providing regular updates on project milestones, community stories, and opportunities for public feedback. The site serves as a central hub for media and residents alike, offering access to visuals, background materials, and the evolving vision for the site. It reflects the project’s commitment to transparency and to keeping community voices front and center throughout every phase of redevelopment.

About The Integral Group

The Integral Group is a 300-person company founded in 1993. Today the company has developments and investments in more than 18 U.S. cities. The Integral Group’s portfolio includes master planned, mixed use developments, as well as affordable, workforce and class “A” multi-family housing. The company’s portfolio ranges as far west as San Francisco and as far east as Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.integral-online.com.

About Wellstar Health System

Wellstar personalizes the patient experience. We call it PeopleCare and it's only possible thanks to our 33,000 team members who provide compassionate care for every stage of life. PeopleCare also means we serve our communities as a non-profit health system, providing more than $1 billion annually in charity care and other community benefits, and operating the largest integrated trauma network in the State of Georgia. We embrace innovation and technology, nurture early-stage companies through our venture firm Catalyst by Wellstar, and train future generations of caregivers with academic institutions including the Medical College of Georgia. Wellstar honors every voice, earning Newsweek's recognition as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, and one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. To learn more, visit Wellstar.org.