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  • Wellstar Receives $5.5M Healthy Start Grant to Improve Maternal Outcomes in West Georgia
Article Category: Highlights

Wellstar Receives $5.5M Healthy Start Grant to Improve Maternal Outcomes in West Georgia

Published on June 07, 2024

Last updated 11:55 AM June 07, 2024

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If it’s true that women’s health is community health, then it will take a community approach to overcome the biggest barriers to positive maternal health outcomes.

Georgia is facing a maternal mortality epidemic where Black and brown women are three to four times more likely than white women to die from childbirth. The state ranks among the worst in the nation for maternal mortality rates. Yet 89% of these deaths are preventable.

“For too many women in communities around our state, there is a lack of access to care, especially preventative care and screenings that can be lifesaving. At Wellstar, we’re doing something about it,” said Julie Teer, senior vice president of Wellstar and president of the Wellstar Foundation.

Over the past few years, Wellstar has been committed to addressing the increasing maternal mortality rates in Georgia through its doula labor program, which provides high-risk women with the additional support they need to have a healthy pregnancy. The doula assists them through the pregnancy, labor and delivery, as well as the immediate postpartum period.

Now, with the recent award of a $5.5 million Healthy Start grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Wellstar can expand to a more collaborative approach that will convene a community consortium composed of more than 20 diverse, multisector partners to advise and inform activities. The group will also develop and implement plans to improve perinatal outcomes.

The Wellstar Healthy Start program will integrate into the OB/GYN care delivery model at Wellstar to directly impact the communities with the greatest need, including Spalding, Butts and Troup counties. In fact, Troup County ranks among the worst maternal and infant mortality rates in the state.

This funding enables Wellstar to provide individual and group perinatal and parenting education, expand prenatal and postpartum care for high-risk patients through nurse navigators, and increase access to community-based doulas. Additionally, it will provide important wrap-around services and care coordination for the entire family for services that address individualized challenges directly related to racial disparity and the social determinants of health, such as housing, food insecurity, domestic violence, lack of education/employment and access to transportation.

Over the five-year span of this grant, the Healthy Start program will support 3,500 women, fathers, caregivers and infants at Wellstar West Georgia, Wellstar Spalding and Wellstar Sylvan Grove Medical Centers and beyond.

To learn more about the Wellstar Foundation and how you can get involved, visit wellstar.org/foundation.

This blog post is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $5.5 million with 0% financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS or the U.S. government.

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West Georgia Medical Center Spalding Medical Center Sylvan Grove Medical Center
Womens Health
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Find Specialized Pelvic Health Care at Wellstar

Pelvic health conditions such as bladder leakage, pelvic pressure and recurrent urinary tract infections affect many women, particularly after childbirth or during midlife. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, nearly one in three women will experience a pelvic floor disorder in her lifetime. Despite how common these conditions are, many women delay seeking care—often living with symptoms that can significantly impact daily activities, sleep and overall wellbeing.

Urogynecology is a specialized field focused on diagnosing and treating pelvic floor conditions. Care begins with a comprehensive evaluation, followed by a personalized treatment plan based on each patient’s symptoms and goals. Many women benefit from conservative therapies such as pelvic floor physical therapy, lifestyle changes and medication. When needed, minimally invasive procedures are available to help reduce recovery time and support a quicker return to normal activities.

“Many women assume these symptoms are something they have to live with, but that is not the case,” said Wellstar Urogynecologist Dr. Sarah Huber. “By expanding access to urogynecology services, we are helping women get the care they need sooner, in a setting that is convenient and connected to their overall health.”

Wellstar brings together OB/GYN clinicians, urogynecology specialists, primary care physicians and specialized pelvic floor physical therapists to deliver coordinated care. This team-based model helps ensure a more seamless experience for patients, from initial evaluation through treatment and follow-up.With access to both routine and specialized care in one system, women can more easily address sensitive health concerns and take steps to improve their quality of life.

With locations in Augusta, Acworth, Hiram, Marietta, East Cobb and Smyrna, specialized pelvic health care is right in your community.

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Highlights

Commemorate Cancer Survivors Day with Wellstar

Wellstar supports people with cancer throughout their journeys, from early screenings to diagnosis to treatment. But our encouragement and dedication to delivering world-class, compassionate care doesn’t end in remission.

Across our system, Wellstar honors the bravery and strength of survivors every day, rejoicing in each milestone. This National Cancer Survivors Day, we are proud to pay tribute to the people who have conquered cancer and offer hope to those still fighting. This year’s Cancer Survivors Day theme—Saddle Up for Survivorship—exemplifies our commitment to being a steadfast source of encouragement for cancer survivors and fighters across Georgia. 

Several Wellstar facilities will host events—and you can be a part of the celebration!

Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers in Cartersville
June 5
1 PM to 3 PM
65 Cloverleaf Drive, Cartersville
Contact Mary Ellen Smither at [email protected] or (678) 858-1146.

Wellstar Cobb Medical Center
June 5
12 to 2 PM     
4040 Hospital West Drive, Austell
The event will be held in the parking lot across from Tranquility Hospice located at 4040 Hospital West Drive.
Contact Ashley Dapremont at [email protected] or (470) 732-4523.

Wellstar Douglas Medical Center
June 6
11 AM to 1 PM
6167 Prestley Mill Road, Douglasville 
Douglasville First United Methodist Church 
Contact Diane Harris at [email protected] or (470) 644-5411.

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
June 5
11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
320 Kennestone Hospital Blvd., Marietta
Cancer Center
Contact Leena Augustine at [email protected]. 

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center
June 6
2 to 4 PM
3000 Hospital Blvd., Roswell
Main lobby in hospital
Contact Sarah Bentley at [email protected] or (770) 751-2556.

Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
June 7
2 to 4 PM
144 Bill Carruth Parkway, Hiram
Atrium
Contact Kellie Mitchell at [email protected] or (470) 644-8106.

Wellstar Spalding Medical Center
June 5
12 PM to 2 PM
608 South 8th St., Griffin
Cancer Center
Contact Sherry Connell at [email protected] or (470) 935-5526.

Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
June 5
10 AM to 12 PM
111 Medical Drive, LaGrange
Enoch Callaway Cancer Center
Contact Stephanie Hand at [email protected].

Learn more about cancer care at Wellstar.

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Wellstar Cobb Medical Center Supports Women and Families With Comprehensive Maternal Care

Whether you’re planning to grow your family, expecting a baby or navigating the early days of parenthood, Wellstar Cobb Medical Center supports women and families across Cobb County with expert, compassionate maternal care.

The Women’s Center at Wellstar Cobb was the first hospital in the Wellstar system to achieve a Level III Maternal Care designation from The Joint Commission and the Georgia Department of Public Health and open a dedicated Obstetric Emergency Department. Families have access to comprehensive services including OB/GYN care, maternal-fetal medicine, labor and delivery, a Mother/Baby Unit and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for premature and critically ill newborns. The Women’s Center also features recently refreshed spaces designed to enhance comfort and privacy, elevating the patient experience.

By combining advanced technology, family-centered care and personalized support, Wellstar Cobb creates a warm, welcoming environment where women and families feel safe, respected and supported throughout their care journey.

OB/GYN care

The OB/GYNs at Wellstar Cobb provide personalized care for women through every stage of life. Our team offers a range of maternal services, including:

  • Family planning and sexual health
  • Prenatal care and delivery
  • High-risk pregnancy care
  • Postpartum care and support
  • Infertility evaluation and treatment

Beyond pregnancy and postpartum care, OB/GYNs also support women’s long-term health through preventive screenings, gynecologic care, menopause care and wellness services tailored to individual needs.

Maternal-fetal medicine

Maternal-fetal medicine specialists care for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies. These experts work closely with OB/GYNs to monitor both mother and baby, helping families navigate complex conditions with clarity and confidence.

At Wellstar Cobb, our maternal-fetal medicine team treats women with high-risk factors such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, infectious diseases and multiple births. Specialists also use advanced imaging, genetic screening and fetal monitoring to help identify and manage complications as early as possible.

Women experiencing high-risk pregnancies may receive care in the hospital’s dedicated antepartum unit (APU), where specialized nurses partner closely with maternal-fetal medicine physicians to support patients with personalized care and education.

APU care teams also create opportunities for comfort, connection and encouragement during extended hospital stays—from baby showers to themed experiences—helping patients feel supported throughout their pregnancy journey.

Labor and delivery

Wellstar Cobb offers maternity services designed to help mothers and babies stay safe and comfortable throughout labor, delivery and recovery. Because every birth experience is different, care teams prioritize shared decision-making and support birth plans that include midwives and doulas.

Labor and delivery teams work closely with NICU specialists whenever advanced support or monitoring is needed. The onsite Level III NICU allows newborn specialists to provide immediate care for mothers and babies. Wellstar Cobb provides care for both routine and high-risk deliveries, including babies born as early as 22 weeks.

Care continues beyond delivery, with teams across the Women's Center working together to support families as they prepare for the transition home.

Mother/Baby Unit and Women’s Unit

Following delivery, families receive continued care in the Mother/Baby Unit, where private rooms and a family-centered couplet-care and rooming-in approach helps minimize separation between parents and babies whenever possible. Care teams support skin-to-skin contact and every family's unique feeding and bonding journey while providing education and guidance as families prepare to transition home.

In addition, the Women’s Unit provides specialized gynecologic and surgical recovery care, combining clinical excellence with emotional support to help patients navigate recovery, unexpected diagnoses and sensitive health experiences with dignity, empathy and expertise.

Admission, Discharge and Education (ADE) nurses play an important role across both units, helping families feel informed, prepared and supported throughout their stay with personalized education and discharge guidance. Their collaboration with teams across the Women's Center helps ensure seamless, coordinated care from admission through discharge.

Obstetric Emergency Department

The Obstetric Emergency Department at Wellstar Cobb provides 24/7 specialized care for patients who are 20 weeks pregnant through six weeks postpartum. Patients are evaluated directly by board-certified obstetric providers, who work closely with maternal-fetal medicine experts, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, nurses and midwives to deliver coordinated care.

Services include rapid diagnosis and treatment for urgent pregnancy concerns, fetal monitoring and ultrasound, and care for pregnancy-related or postpartum complications. Specialists also provide emotional guidance and resources for families, including support during high-risk pregnancies or loss.

“Pregnancy can bring moments of uncertainty and having immediate access to obstetric experts can make all the difference,” said Dr. Jessica Williams, OB/GYN medical director at Wellstar Cobb. “The Obstetric Emergency Department allows us to respond quickly, provide clarity and help families feel supported from the moment they walk through the door.”

NICU

Wellstar Cobb is home to a Level III NICU providing advanced care for premature and medically complex newborns. The care team includes neonatologists, neonatal nurses and respiratory therapists specially trained to care for critically ill newborns.

Having a Level III NICU in Cobb County allows families to access world-class care close to home during some of life's most critical moments. Families can remain near their support systems while their baby receives specialized care.

“Our diverse team of experienced neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners brings the highest level of training to each newborn’s care,” said Dr. Kathryn Rhyne, medical director of the NICU at Wellstar Cobb. “Treating every baby with love and compassion, we work together with our patients’ families to make their time spent in the NICU as smooth as possible.”

Recent NICU updates reflect Wellstar Cobb’s commitment to high-quality care for mothers, babies and families across Cobb County. Designed to create a bright and welcoming environment, the renovated space helps families feel more comfortable and connected during a challenging time. Parents have access to 24-hour camera streaming so they can securely check in on their baby remotely.

Lactation services and breastfeeding education are available in the NICU and across the Women’s Center. The hospital also supports a milk depot program that helps provide donor milk for premature and medically fragile infants in the NICU.

Throughout the NICU stay, care teams partner with parents in their baby's care, encouraging bonding through skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding support and involvement in care whenever possible. The goal is to help every family feel informed, supported and connected.

Resources and support

Wellstar Cobb offers educational resources and programs for patients before, during and after pregnancy.

Community outreach efforts, including an annual baby shower hosted at the hospital, invite expecting and new parents to tour the hospital, connect with community resources and learn more about topics such as car seat safety, pain management options and doula support.

My Pregnancy Journey includes trimester-specific guidance on physical and emotional changes, nutrition, wellness and medication safety. Women and families can also access classes on childbirth, breastfeeding and newborn care, along with mental health and parenting resources.

Learn more about maternal care services at Wellstar Cobb.

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