“How much did you weigh when you were born?” Dr. Alfred Brann asks the first time we talk.

It’s not a typical, get-to-know-you kind of question, but it seems almost normal coming from Brann. He’s a pediatric neurologist who specializes in perinatal medicine and reproductive health in the United States and developing countries.

Each year, worldwide, nearly 1 million babies die on the day they are born, according to a new report from Save the Children. Giving birth is also risky for mothers; nearly 800 women die every day during pregnancy or childbirth. While we’ve made significant strides in reducing child and maternal mortality rates since the 1970s, there are still many lives to save.

“Almost all newborn deaths originate from preventable and treatable causes,” the report authors write. “We already have the tools available to save about three-quarters of the newborns who needlessly die each year.”

Brann has worked his entire life to ensure that moms and their babies have the best chance of survival.

In 1983, he co-wrote the American Academy of Pediatrics’ first official “Guidelines for Perinatal Care,” which is still being used by doctors to ensure pregnant women and their infants receive quality care.

Now, as director of the Global Collaborating Center in Reproductive Health at Emory University in Atlanta, Brann’s primary focus is on preventing low birth weight by improving women’s health care.

Brann recently spoke with CNN about his work and the personal loss that inspired his passion. The following is an edited version of that interview:

CNN: Why are you so passionate about this issue?

Dr. Alfred Brann: My mother died during my birth in 1934 in Arkansas. She was 30 when I was born. She was born in the 1900s and she went to college — unusual for (women at that time).

I think if there had been a cesarean section possibility, then my mother would have survived. It was unclear whether she had an old rheumatic heart disease that may have affected a valve. Or … there was a lot of malaria at the time. The possibility might have been that she had malarial heart disease and was really tired out and couldn’t make labor.

They had to pull me out. My mother died shortly after that.

CNN: What are the most common health issues associated with a low birthweight?

Brann: A low-birthweight infant is at greater risk for respiratory distress, bacterial infections, gastrointestinal tract problems and the effects of jaundice. In surviving infants weighing less than 3.5 pounds, problems of neurodevelopmental disabilities include cerebral palsy, impaired mental development, blindness and hearing deficits.

CNN: The center at Emory has developed what’s called a “systems approach” to reducing maternal and infant deaths. Why is that important?

Brann: We have to treat the triad of the mother, the fetus and the newborn in a very special, continuous way. There has to be a systems approach to care.

(Infant) mortality, you see, we don’t have a vaccine to prevent that. It’s not like polio; it’s not like smallpox. From the moment a little girl is born… all the things that influence her life, all the factors that influence her life, are extremely important.

We clearly understand that the missing link in all (maternal and infant deaths) is the absence of women’s health. That’s not pregnant women’s health, you see. It’s women’s health.

It’s critical that we change our whole view, that the woman is more than a vessel for making children. Her health is very vital.

CNN: What’s the goal of the center?

Brann: “The role in those in leadership must be to continuously reevaluate what is unacceptable.” That’s (a quote) from the doctor that eradicated smallpox.

I’ve sort of moved from (saving) the high-risk, critical, intensive-care tiny babies to finally asking myself, “Where are all of these babies coming from, and can we have fewer?”

Yes, we need continued research on finding out why things happen. But there is a moral imperative in implementing what we already know works. And the collaborating center has been about that mission.

CNN: What have you’ve learned working in developing nations?

Brann: We’ve probably … worked in some 30 different countries. (We are) in active projects right now in Russia and in Mexico. We have been working in Cuba a number of years. Our center is working in places like Afghanistan, and the Central Asian republics, some in sub-Saharan Africa. I’ve worked in all those regions.

The message, I think, there is the fact that if you do not have malaria, then the issues surrounding women’s health and pregnancy outcomes — whether it’s in the delta of Mississippi, in south Fulton County in Atlanta, Islamabad, in Beijing, in Havana, in Mexico City — all around the world, the issues of women’s health are the same.

CNN: What do you mean?

Brann: Women in low-resource settings have difficulty controlling their lives. You didn’t choose your parents, and… you didn’t choose your color of your skin. You didn’t choose the country in which you’re born. If you think carefully, that probably influences 90% of our (health) outcomes. We have maybe 10% left.

It’s just great to be involved in helping to improve a system of health care through which we never ask to come.

We work within ministries of health, and also within universities, so that we can help design systems that influence all of the population.

CNN: What is most crucial for a woman to have a healthy baby?

Brann: Not too early, not too many, not too soon and not too late.

The best outcome for a healthy pregnancy is to be wanted, planned and have access to prenatal care with appropriate nutrition and delivered by a skilled attendant … followed by access to modern contraception for appropriate child spacing.

Long-term agreement supports the Grady Health Foundation

ATLANTA — Two of Atlanta’s most recognizable institutions – Grady Health System and Coca-Cola – are coming together. Grady Health System announced today that Coca-Cola is the official beverage provider for the system, which includes Grady Memorial Hospital, six neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children’s affiliate.

“Grady is excited to be able to offer our visitors and staff an outstanding array of beverage choices and, at the same time, enhance the Grady Health Foundation’s ability to fund important programs and services Grady provides to our patients,” said Lindsay Caulfield, Senior Vice President of Planning and Marketing, Grady Health System.

As part of the long-term agreement, Coca-Cola will provide financial support to the Grady Health Foundation, a nonprofit that supports Grady Memorial Hospital, Georgia’s largest safety net hospital. The funding supports education, capital renovation, research and development and advanced medical technology to better serve Atlanta’s indigent, uninsured and critical care patients.

“Coca-Cola has a history of supporting organizations and venues in our hometown of Atlanta, and our ongoing relationship with Grady is something we are proud of,” said Pam Stewart, Region Sales Vice President, Foodservice On-Premise at Coca-Cola Refreshments. “We look forward to providing a wide variety of beverage choices to Grady’s visitors and more than 5,000 employees, and to supporting the work Grady does to keep all Georgians healthy.”

ATLANTA, Ga. – “You never know what’s going to happen,” said Dr. Leon Haley, Jr. “But we operate under the assumption that something will happen.”

Dr. Haley is the Deputy Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief of Emergency Medicine at Grady Hospital.

“We train as if every day could be the next event,” he said.
He helps lead the team of a powerful staff – operating one of the largest emergency departments in the country.

It’s a busy place that treats more than 100,000 patients per year.

Not to mention, Grady is home to the region’s only level one trauma center and one of only 2 burn centers in the state.

“Every disaster is not a 9-11. There are a lot smaller ones. We’ve had a bus accident since I’ve been here. we’ve had a shooting since I’ve been here,” said Dr. Haley.

It is evident Dr. Haley has proven himself time and again that he is not only fit to lead; he is also a history maker in the making.

“It’s a tremendous degree of responsibility,” he said. “So, I’m trying to be a good example for this emergency department.”

The published author and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Emory University has a resume chock full of accomplishments and sprinkled with awards and recognition for his work and service to the community.

“It’s very important for me to give back,” Dr. Haley said.

Yet, it is his natural charisma, wit of course and personality that continues to humbly set him apart from his peers.

“I always want to remain humble,” he said.

“Those who get chosen for leadership. It’s a great burden that comes along with it,” Dr. Haley said. “But I accept it and I try to make a difference.”

So, what does a graduate of Brown University, University of Pittsburgh and the University of Michigan, the husband and father of three, credit for his success?

“You know I have great faith in the lord,” he said. “I had great parents – still do. And, I have great family.”

We are proud to honor and recognize Dr. Leon Haley Jr. for his accomplishments.

As the chief psychologist at Grady Hospital, Nadine Kaslow deals with emotionally-charged situations on an almost daily basis.

“When there’s a crisis, when something happens, I’m often the person called in to help people cope or heal,” said Kaslow, 55. “I’ve developed a reputation; people trust me and depend on me to help out when other services are struggling.”

Kaslow often finds herself working not just with patients, but with staff members as well.

Among the most difficult situations Kaslow has helped others handle were a colleague’s suicide and the traumatic delivery of a baby.

“When those things happened, everyone was upset and scared, wondering what they could have done differently,” she said. “I went and helped them cope. I think part of the reason I can be very nurturing and supportive is because trauma and crisis don’t scare me; they engage me. When other people might run from it, I run to it.”
To keep her own equilibrium, Kaslow turns to ballet, a passion she’s had since she was a 3-year-old growing up in Philadelphia.

“Ballet is an important part of my identity,” said Kaslow, who danced professionally with the Pennsylvania Ballet. “But when I had to make a decision which career to choose, I made the psychology decision.”

As opposite as the two talents seem, Kaslow found a way to merge dance and psychology. After taking classes with the Atlanta Ballet, she floated the idea of becoming a psychologist to the company, a position she’s been filling now for about five years.

“I work at Grady because I’m passionately committed to working with under-served and underprivileged populations,” she said. “Dancers are under a different kind of stress, so I may do a wellness program for them or work with them individually as they struggle to cope effectively.”

Along with her work at the ballet, Kaslow devotes considerable time to teaching and training interns, residents and post-doctoral students at Grady and Emory, where she is a professor in the behavioral sciences. She also runs Grady’s program for abused and suicidal African-American women. Her dedication recently earned her the Inspiring Mentor Award from the Grady Health Foundation. Kaslow, along with two Grady physicians, will be feted at the Foundation’s White Coat Gala March 16.

“What drew us to her was the work she does with women and children,” said Lisa Borders, president of Grady Health Foundation. “At the same time, she is adding to the pool of knowledge and teaching residents. There are multiple dimensions to the work she does.”

Kaslow said being recognized by her own institution is a major accomplishment.

“I don’t think there’s a higher honor,” she said. “But I don’t do it to get honors. One of the things that matters to me most is mentoring the next generation of psychologists, physicians, nurses and health care professionals.”

ATLANTA – About one out of every eight babies in this country is born too soon. Many of those newborns will spend their first months of life in an intensive care unit. For their parents, the experience can be overwhelming.

Becoming first-time parents was scary for Robert and Michelle Williamson. Their baby, Michelle, was born by emergency caesarean section three months early. She weighed 15 ounces and could fit in the palm of her dad’s hand.

“When she first came out, it just really touched my heart. Almost brought me to tears, when I first saw her, that small,” said Robert Williamson.

Since then, Michelle has been in Grady Memorial Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, gradually learning to breathe without a ventilator, to nurse and to grow. She has tripled her weight.

“It’s amazing to see her from 15 ounces up until 3 pounds and two ounces. You know that transformation, because she was so small, and now she’s really big,” said Michelle Williamson.

Emory/Grady neonatologist Dr. Bill Sexson says medicine has gotten much better at helping the tiniest preemies like Michelle survive.

“But I think the real issue to talk to folks about is that oftentimes, even if you’re to survive, there’s going to be some residual, there’s going to be some problem with development,” said Sexson.

Premature babies are at higher risk of lung problems, developmental delays, and other complications that Sexson says concern him.

“Because they’re the things you may not know about for a year, or two years, five years,” Sexson said.

A major focus of both Grady and the March of Dimes is preventing pre-term births. Sexson says they’re working with mothers who’ve had one very premature baby and are at high-risk of having another to delay getting pregnant again for at least a year and a half, giving them time to get as healthy as possible.

“Then you’ve optimized your chance for that next baby to be normal and not a preemie,” said Sexson.

And Dr. Sexson encourages parents to look beyond the NICU, imagining their babies at 2, or 4, or 6, because he says no matter how small, or sick a preemie is in the NICU, “the best predictor of how a child will do long-term is how well they’re nurtured, and educated, cared for at home.”

If all goes well, Michelle Williamson will leave the NICU in about week. Michelle and Robert can’t wait to take her home.

“And read her little stories, and change her diapers like we do here, and be able to feed her and hold her,” Michelle Williamson said.

March of Dimes is working to get a better idea of what causes preterm deliveries and what can be done to stop them. The organization is working with Georgia and other states to dramatically reduce the number of preterm births by 2014.

To read more about preterm births, and get pregnancy tips, visit www.marchofdimes.com.

Whitney Houston’s longtime saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, and Monica Pearson, longtime Channel 2 anchor, team up for charity Saturday night.

Whalum will perform and Pearson emcees at Travel In Pink, benefiting the Grady Health Foundation. The event, presented by Delta, with Grey Goose Cherry Noir serving as the official liquor sponsor, will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum, Hangar 2, 1060 Delta Blvd. Individual tickets start at $150 and you must purchase in advance. Click here for details.

“I’m happy to be a part of it,” said Whalum, an 11-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist whose latest album is “Romance Language,” in honor of his wife of 32 years.

He was also to share stories of his working relationship with Houston, who died this year at age 48.

“I toured with her for seven years,” Whalum said. “I think those were her best years. She knew we had her back. It was a lot more than just, we worked for her. We were a family. When you’re on the road, you are by default a family. You’re out there and you really develop a long-term relationship.”

Whalum and Houston connected spiritually as well as professionally.

“I used to do Bible studies for her and the band,” he said. “She called me ‘Bishop.’ It was my mission to keep me connected.”

His most famous saxophone solo on Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You,” has been heard countless times, especially shortly after her death. At her insistence, the song was performed live for the movie “The Bodyguard.”

“When she did the song she was very specific, she said she wanted to do the song live for the film,” Whalum recalled. “That was a big no-no. They do those scenes a million times and with a singer, you have to watch her vocal chords.They said, ‘no we can’t do it.’ She said, ‘then you’re going to have to find a singer.’ She said, ‘if I sing it we’re going to have to do it live for the film and my band is going to play.’ Sure enough we were able to do it. The rough mix of that song is what made the record.”

Whalum was introduced to Houston through a colleague, and described his time with her as a “detour” from his recording career. He was sad, but not shocked, to hear of his friend’s passing.

“It was a mixture of incredulity and ‘I’m not surprised,’” he said. After playing with her on so many occasions it was heartbreaking to play for Houston one final time, at her memorial service. Hearing the song “I Will Always Love You” took on a tragic new meaning, he said.

“I’m connecting with this song on a different level,” he said. “Spiritually speaking it’s a horizontal love scenario. Vertically I look at it spiritually, like God saying, ‘I love you more than any other human.’ This whole message was a completely different meaning. It was indescribably difficult.”

He looks back on his time with Houston with gladness, though.

“It was such a blessing to back up a world-class artist,” he said. “It paid a lot of money of course. It was a great opportunity. We traveled all over the world. She was great.”

ATLANTA – With more than 600 guests in attendance, the 2^nd Annual White Coat Grady Gala raised $866,000 for the Grady Health Foundation this past weekend. The money raised was a solid repeat performance of the inaugural event in 2011. A black-tie dinner and awards ceremony held at the Georgia Aquarium, the fundraising event also honored Atlanta’s Healthcare Heroes who support Grady. Toasts and standing ovations were given as the honorees accepted their awards and their inspirational stories were told through video tributes. Recipients included:

• Ada Lee and Pete Correll Healthcare Legacy Award | Mr. Tom Bell  – Credited for raising $320 million for Grady, Pete Correll explained that without Mr. Bell, the doors of Grady would not be open.
  
  
• Senior Sage Award | Dr. Alfred W. Brann – Pioneered neonatal and perinatal care around the world, even while battling cancer. His mother died while giving birth to him and he dedicated his life to his practice.
  
  
• Next Generation Healer Award | Dr. Tamara R. Espinoza – Dreamed of becoming a veterinarian as a child, but chose a career as an emergency medicine physician instead, specializing in traumatic brain injuries.
  
  
• Inspiring Mentor Award | Dr. Ken L. Wilson – Served at Grady and in the military in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. A real-life hero who, while in the Middle East, started a program that provided shoes to Afghan civilians.

The event was co-chaired by Kelly Loeffler and Jeff Sprecher along with June and Michael Tompkins. WSB-TV Anchor, John Bachman was the emcee. Notable business leaders in attendance included: Philanthropists Ada Lee and Pete Correll, Grady Health System President & CEO John Haupert, Delta VP Tad Hutcheson, FDHA Chair Tommy Dortch and many more.  Funds raised at the event will go towards new equipment, technology, and medical research for Grady Memorial Hospital, the metro region’s premier Level 1 Trauma Center and largest public hospital in the southeast.

The Grady Health Foundation is once again counting on support from the community. A tribute video shown at the Gala, created by Turner Broadcasting, has been nominated for a People’s Telly Award. To help Grady Health Foundation and Turner earn a spot among their peers, click the link and rate the video with a “thumbs up”: http://www.youtube.com/tellyawards?x=jkoimRwpFls.

The Gala was presented by The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority in conjunction with Delta Air Lines, AdCare Health Systems, Alston + Bird, The Coca-Cola Company, General Electric, Kaiser Permanente, King & Spalding, Turner Broadcasting, Ada Lee and Pete Correll, AGL Resources, Coca-Cola Enterprises, The Marcus Foundation, Georgia-Pacific, Georgia Power, Norfolk Southern, ICE, Regions Bank, WSB, AT&T, Chamberlin Edmonds, Compass Group USA, Inc., EPIC Systems, James Starr Moore Foundation, June and Michael Tompkins, Kelly Loeffler and Jeff Sprecher, SKANSKA, Waffle House Foundation and Yancey Bros. Co.

ATLANTA – Save the date for the 2^nd Annual White Coat Grady Gala, a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony benefiting the Grady Health Foundation and honoring Atlanta’s healthcare heroes. The gala raised more than $869,000 for the health system in its inaugural year, and the hospital was able to give $227 million of uninsured care in 2011. This would not have been possible without the generosity of the community, and we invite you to join us on March 17, 2012 at the Georgia Aquarium as we recognize our outstanding philanthropists and awe-inspiring physicians.

Tom D. Bell, Jr. | Ada Lee and Pete Correll Healthcare Legacy Award – Currently the Chairman of Mesa Capital Partners, Mr. Bell has developed a wealth of experience in corporate management, governance and leadership in both the public and private sectors during his 40 year career. He presently serves on seven boards, including Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation, Regal Entertainment Group, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Alfred W. Brann, Jr., M.D | Senior Sage Award – Dr. Brann is a Professor of Pediatrics and Gynecology/Obstetrics and Global Health at Emory University. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Emory University Center for Ethics and is the Director of the Global Collaborating Center in Reproductive Health in Atlanta (GCC/RH/ATL).  He served as a senior surgeon in the U.S. Public Health Service and chairman of the Committee on Fetus and Newborn of the American Academy of Pediatrics, among many roles in his career.

Tamara R. Espinoza, M.D. | Next Gen Healer Award – Dr. Espinoza is a practicing emergency medicine physician at Grady Memorial Hospital. She is a co-investigator in the multicenter Progesterone for Traumatic Brain Injury (ProTECT) and is involved in a second trial funded by the Department of Defense. Additionally, Dr. Espinoza volunteers at Grady High School to discuss teenage alcohol abuse.

Kenneth L. Wilson, M.D., FACS | Inspiring Mentor Award – Dr. Wilson was a Deputy Clinical Commander at the 344^th Combat Support Hospital in Salerno, Afghanistan from 2010-2011. He spent several months at the 801^st Combat Support Hospital in Kuwait City, Kuwait in 2007 and was the Chief of Surgery at the 948^th Forward Surgical in Al Kut, Iraq in 2003.  He is an Attending Surgeon and Trauma Resuscitation Committee member at Grady Memorial Hospital, and an Assistant Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine.

From patron sponsor to table sponsor, the White Coat Grady Gala has a number of opportunities for individuals and businesses to support this local institution. “Every gift truly makes a difference and helps us continue to meet our mission of caring for those without health coverage and ensure our medical availability 24/7/365 for the entire community,” says Lisa Borders, President of Grady Health Foundation. Visit http://www.gradyhealthfoundation.org/good-causes/white-coat-grady-gala/ or contact 404-489-1550 for more information.

The 2^nd Annual White Coat Grady Gala is presented by The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority in conjunction with Delta Air Lines, AdCare Health Systems, Alston + Bird, The Coca-Cola Company, General Electric, Kaiser Permanente, King & Spalding, Ada Lee and Pete Correll, The Marcus Foundation, Georgia-Pacific, Georgia Power, Norfolk Southern and ICE.  More sponsors: www.gradyhealthfoundation.org.

ATLANTA – Start your engines! After the thrilling success of last year’s inaugural event, Grady Health Foundation is excited to announce the 2^nd Annual Rock-N-Ride, scheduled for June 23, 2012. More than just an unforgettable ride through Atlanta and an electrifying music festival, the event benefits the Grady Health Foundation and the Gold Shield Foundation of Metro Atlanta.

The Ride: The motorcycle ride will begin at Killer Creek Harley-Davidson in Roswell and will finish outside the infamous Hard Rock Café on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta. Registration is now available at http://www.gradyhealthfoundation.org/good-causes/rock-n-ride/individual-sponsorship/. Entry starts as low as $40 and includes a pre-ride party at Killer Creek Harley-Davidson, a commemorative ride pin and t-shirt, along with parking at the festival. Proceeds go towards both causes.

The Rock: Peachtree Street (between Harris Street and Ellis Street) will close down for an afternoon of festivities and live music with a line-up of performers rocking out on two stages*. Other happenings include mouthwatering food and drink vendors, an artist market with one-of-a-kind pieces and a boot drive, all in the name of two great foundations. Participating in the motorcycle ride is NOT required to enter. The music festival portion of Rock-N-Ride is free and open to the public, and a small donation at the boot drive on-site is appreciated. Every gift makes a difference.

The Reason: Grady Health Foundation raises funds for state-of-the-art medical equipment, facilities and programs for Grady Hospital and its nationally acclaimed emergency room. Staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, Grady Hospital depends on contributions to advance the work of physicians and the services they provide. Going hand-in-hand with emergency services, Gold Shield Foundation of Metro Atlanta is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to families of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed or injured in the line of duty. Tragedy is unpredictable, but through generosity and support, we can continue to ensure that the best quality care is available when it is needed the most.

The 2012 Annual Rock-N-Ride is sponsored by the Hard Rock Café, 97.1FM The River, Southland’s Full Throttle Magazine, Killer Creek Harley-Davidson and Q&A Events. For more information on vendor opportunities, becoming a sponsor, registering for the ride or donating to the event, please visit: www.gradyhealthfoundation.org/good-causes/rock-n-ride/.

*The music line-up has not been announced yet. Please stay tuned for details soon!

In spite of the continued downturned economy – or maybe in spite of it – Grady Health Foundation, its staff, volunteers and donors have made this year one of our most exciting, eventful and fruitful. Through the unprecedented support of The Woodruff Foundation and many other donors and allies, Grady Hospital continues to offer premier Level 1 trauma care to the metro Atlanta region and beyond.

Grady’s board appoints new CEO

This year was one of new beginnings. The Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation Board of Directors appointed John Haupert President and CEO of Grady Health System and he began work with us in October. We are excited to have him lead our team!

Grady White Coat Gala

We invite you to SAVE THE DATE for the second annual White Coat Grady Gala, a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony to be held March 17, 2012 at the Georgia Aquarium. In association with our premier partner, Delta Air Lines, we will honor some of Atlanta’s healthcare heroes, outstanding philanthropists, along with our awe-inspiring physicians.

Rock-N-Ride

On Saturday, June 25, people came from across the state to a packed Peachtree Street, to experience our first “Rock-N-Ride” event. AirTran Airways presented the activities featuring motorcycles and music. The event, benefiting Grady Health Foundation and Gold Shield Atlanta was a rousing success, honoring Georgia’s First Responders and closing historic Peachtree Street for the first time in Atlanta’s history. The 2nd Annual “Rock-N-Ride”, scheduled for June 23, 2012. Don’t miss out!

Opening of Marcus Trauma Center

Through the remarkable and ongoing support of philanthropist Bernie Marcus, Grady Memorial Hospital was able to renovate and update our trauma center. This 12,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility allows Grady to deliver the best possible trauma care available in the nation 24/7/365. In 2010, Mr. Marcus enabled the creation of the Marcus Stroke Center. We are grateful for his ongoing support and the vision he brings to the health care needs of our community.

Launching of the Walk-In Center

The health system opened a new venue to handle minor medical casualties without an appointment. The center allows less acute issues to be addressed in a more appropriate and accessible setting. Fellow healthcare provider, Kaiser Permanente, offered its support through contribution of the full cost of the center. Patients are able to come in as they need services and be seen on a first-come, first-saved basis. This Kaiser gift ensures multiple levels of medical need are accommodated in the most timely and cost-effective manner.

Unveiling of Angel II Ambulance

This month, Grady cut the ribbon on our newest support vehicle, the Angel II Ambulance. Georgia ranks among states with large numbers of premature and low birth weight babies. This vehicle, provided in collaboration with the March of Dimes, serves as a mobile intensive care unit, monitoring an infant’s condition in transit. The unit will transport approximately 500 sick neonates to Grady and regional hospitals throughout the state of Georgia.

Building the Board, Building the Brand

The work that goes on behind the scenes to make all of our efforts come to life is the result of efforts by dedicated staff and board volunteers. Grady Health Foundation has a truly amazing board of directors and a staff who has worked diligently to ensure that our programs and activities are shared with the community. Our team has delivered an updated, streamlined website to enable broad awareness about our work and tools that will ensure our work continues.

I am humbled when I recount the accomplishments this year. Through your support, we have delivered critical health care to thousands, trained the next generation of Georgia’s physicians and continued groundbreaking research. Having said that, there is still much more work to do. We invite you to consider a gift to the health system to continue the great work that is underway.

As we all take a breath from our hard work and look toward the opportunities of a new year, I want to thank you for your generosity of spirit and financial support. With a grateful heart, I wish you and your family a peaceful, prosperous and joyous holiday season.

Most sincerely,

Lisa M. Borders, MHA
President
Grady Health Foundation