Like many cornerstone hospitals, in 2021 we struggled to keep up with the needs of patients suffering from COVID-19, most of whom were not vaccinated against the infection. The crush of patients was aggravated by an explosive increase in the need for trauma care and rising numbers of people testing positive for HIV/AIDS.

But it was also a year in which we achieved great progress in other ways. Our Food as Medicine program celebrated its first year and distributed over 400,000 pounds of food. We reached a milestone in the construction of the Correll Pavilion, which will house some of our specialty services and outpatient surgery facilities. And the pandemic forced us to find new ways to consult with patients – using both video and phone consultations – which means we can see patients more efficiently and deliver care more effectively.

In all, admitted nearly 35,000 patients, responded to almost 170,000 911 calls in Atlanta and South Fulton, and managed 700,000 virtual and in-person visits.

Click Next to learn about some of 2021 milestones.