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The Wellstar Foundation raised more than $900,000 toward combating the behavioral health crisis facing Georgia during its 23rd annual Starlight Grand Gala on April 23 at The St. Regis Atlanta. 

Sponsored by ApolloMD and Bank of America, the black-tie event was emceed by Condace Pressley, Director of Community and Public Affairs at WSB-TV, and included a cameo video from Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson, both of whom were born at Wellstar’s flagship hospital in Marietta, Georgia, Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center.

Atlanta Hawks Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins also energized the sold-out crowd by hopping on stage to add two tickets to the auction for NBA playoff game four between the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks. Wilkins, who partners with Wellstar as a health ambassador, also shared impassioned words on destigmatizing mental health and how it has impacted his own family. 

This message was echoed by Wellstar physician leaders Dr. Ryan Breshears, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, and Dr. Avril Beckford, Chief Pediatric Officer, who have witnessed firsthand the concerning rates of substance use, anxiety, depression and suicide among adults and youth rapidly increase throughout the pandemic. 

Julie Teer, Wellstar Foundation President, said, “The Gala was a monumental step in helping our Wellstar Foundation bolster collaboration among healthcare workers, community providers, and private and public sectors to enhance the well-being of every community we serve; this includes a pivotal philanthropic focus on behavioral health which is needed now more than ever. Caring for one-in-six Georgians, Wellstar is not only uniquely positioned but committed to transforming healthcare for everyone in Georgia through corporate and community partnership.” 

Kim Gresh, Owner and President of S.A. White Oil Company, Inc., was celebrated as Philanthropist of the Year and David Bottoms, President at The Bottoms Group and Chair of the Wellstar Foundation Board of Trustees, was presented with the Exemplary Service Award.

As one of the largest and most integrated not-for-profit health systems in Georgia, Wellstar is the state’s largest safety net health system and was recently ranked among Modern Healthcare’s top 10 providers for charity care in the nation. 100% of Gala proceeds support Wellstar’s commitment to expand behavioral health services across its 11 hospitals and every community it serves. To make a tax-deductible donation or for information on future Foundation events and corporate partnerships, visit wellstar.org/foundation.  

Access to care close to home is something many take for granted until that care is no longer available. Georgia’s rural hospitals provide critical care to residents when and where they need it. However, industry shifts and economic challenges have forced many rural hospitals to close their doors, forcing millions of people to commute — some for hours — to receive the care they need. 

Recognizing this strain on rural hospitals and the communities they serve, the Georgia legislature launched the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit program. Through this program, Georgia taxpayers receive a 100% state income tax credit on contributions made to qualifying rural hospitals such as Wellstar Sylvan Grove Hospital. 

Dollars making a difference

As in past years, contribution limits will be removed on July 1, 2022. Given recent enhancements and increased interest, the program is anticipated to reach its $60 million cap soon after the contribution limits are removed, making now a pivotal time for Sylvan Grove donors to pre-register for unlimited contributions. By registering your contribution early, you help ensure facilities like Wellstar Sylvan Grove Hospital receive the assistance they need.

Starting May 16, 2022 at 9 a.m., our administrative partner — Georgia HEART— will accept pre-registrations to be loaded on a first-come-first-serve basis once the limits are removed. The Wellstar Foundation is offering to assist Wellstar Sylvan Grove Hospital contributors with this pre-registration process. Contact the Foundation at [email protected] for assistance or click here to pre-register directly with Georgia HEART on May 16, 2022.

Since 2016, Wellstar Sylvan Grove Hospital has received a total of $10 million through this program. As facilitated through the Wellstar Foundation, every dollar has accelerated critical upgrades, including a full renovation of the hospital’s emergency department, radiology department expansion and leading-edge innovation, such as advanced CT scanning technology, that enhances physicians’ abilities to make better-informed medical decisions.

Providing PeopleCare

Advancements in treatments and technology benefit the residents of Butts County — patients like Mary “Lee” Nelson, a retired Butts County teacher who turned to Wellstar Sylvan Grove Hospital’s outpatient rehabilitation center for post-surgical physical therapy. The outpatient center was recently renovated with state-of-the-art equipment made possible through tax credit program contributions.

The former elementary grade teacher spends her retirement days traveling with her husband Bill, tending to her flower gardens and caring for her chickens. With such an active lifestyle, when Lee learned that she needed a knee replacement in 2021, she knew her local hospital would be able to provide the high-quality, compassionate care needed to get her back on her feet safely and quickly. Now, a few months after completing her physical therapy, Lee shares that she “feels normal again” and able to enjoy all the things that once brought her life so much joy.

How you can help

Through corporate and community partnership, the Wellstar Foundation is fueling innovation and action to address the vital needs of diverse communities in Georgia, including urban, suburban and rural communities. Wellstar is committed to delivering world-class healthcare to everyone close to home. Philanthropic support of the Wellstar Foundation is advancing innovation and expanding resources to create a healthier Georgia for all. To learn more, visit wellstar.org/foundation or contact the Wellstar Foundation at (770) 956-GIVE (4483).

As Wellstar continues to invest in providing quality health care in our communities, primary care patients can now receive care at the new Wellstar GME Internal Medicine Clinic – which also serves as a residency clinic for physicians in Training. Located at 747 South 8th Street, Suite B in Griffin, the clinic, along with the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a ribbon-cutting event on April 26 at 12 pm.

The GME Internal Medicine Clinic is dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to people in the community. “We are your partners in providing whole-person care offering prevention strategies to help you achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Ashok Kumar Kanugula. “This may include routine checkups, managing chronic diseases, immunizations (influenza, tetanus) and age-appropriate screenings (bone density, blood panels), as well as treatment for acute issues, such as abdominal pain and respiratory infections. We can also provide information about nutrition, exercise and mental health.”

The clinic accepts a range of payment options and has established relationships with a variety of health insurance carriers. And to better serve the community, the clinic delivers services to those in need through Wellstar’s Financial Assistance Program.

In addition to providing care for patients, the clinic serves as a graduate medical education (GME) facility, training resident physicians. Residents will begin training at the clinic in July.