Athens Regional named 2011 Large Hospital of the Year

The Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals has named the 2011 Large Hospital of the Year.

The Alliance made the designation at its annual conference this past weekend.

Athens Regional was recognized for its long-term practice of taking care of those people who can’t pay for their health services. Athens Regional gave away $40 million in charity care in 2009, which is more than all other area health care facilities combined. The current dire economic situation is putting more people out of work, which is increasing the number of those with Medicaid or no health insurance.

The hospital has also provided support to more than 40 non-profit organizations. This translates into more than $300,000 last year alone to support various causes important to the community. 

Athens Regional is also helping assemble groups to work on some of the state’s toughest problems. It has been active in workforce development, partnering with MCG and UGA on a four-year, medical-education program.  Such programs can alleviate a shortage of physicians in the state. The physician workforce program has the potential to generate $1.6 billion additional dollars annually and create more than 10,000 additional jobs statewide.

The Alliance is “proud to recognize Athens Regional for its contributions to the Athens community,” said Alliance President, Monty Veazey. “Our state’s not-for-profit hospitals are committed to improving the health of their communities.”