Solutions to healthcare challenges in Atlanta and south Fulton County require a new hospital, clinics and community collaboration.
Dr. Mari Chiles reacts to her family holding up signs for her after receiving her diploma during the graduation ceremony at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta in May. In 2023, the medical school partnered with Ernst & Young and Fulton County to examine healthcare access across the region. (Ben Gray for the AJC)
By Valerie Montgomery Rice – For The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3 minutes ago
When cities develop economic and community development strategies, they often focus on attracting major employers, revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding housing or creating new destinations for commerce and entertainment.
Atlanta is doing all of those things.
From the Beltline to Centennial Yards, we are investing in projects that will help shape our city for generations to come. These investments matter, creating jobs, attracting talent and strengthening communities.
But as a physician and president and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine, I believe there is another form of infrastructure that deserves equal attention: healthcare access.
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Atlanta, South Fulton Co. function as healthcare deserts
Valerie Montgomery Rice, M.D., is president and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine. (Courtesy of Morehouse School of Medicine)
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Atlanta Medical Center, which closed in 2025, served the surrounding communities for more than a century. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)
3 solutions to address community healthcare challenges
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Atlanta has an opportunity to become a national model
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