It’s quite remarkable to think back to our system’s humble beginnings when a group of ambitious, young clinicians, not being satisfied with the services available to the public, relentlessly lobbied for a new hospital to better meet the needs of the community. Their persistence – answering the call to serve others – came to life when we opened our doors as Charlotte Memorial Hospital in 1940.
Today, nearly 80 years later, we’re proud to say that we’re known as one of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations. And our mission, to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all, is forever bound to our rich heritage.
Leading Change
Over the years, we’ve led through times of change, always accommodating to better fit the times and the growing needs of the communities we’re privileged to serve. As we look ahead to an increasingly complex and competitive landscape, we must continue in our evolution as well.
Whether it’s improving health for vulnerable communities by providing access to care through virtual care technology, giving hope to the parents of a sick child through an innovative cancer treatment, or providing healing for a patient in the emergency department through integrated behavioral health services, as a community-focused, non-profit system, we wake up each and every day dedicated to leading the transformation of care.
With our patients and communities at the heart of what we do, and innovative and sustainable health solutions in our sights, our goal is to bring together health care organizations, patients and public service agencies to build healthier communities and system of care that will sustain the test of time.
Planting the Seed
Our organization has never shied away from change. Shortly after opening our doors, our leaders helped form the foundation of what would become the U.S. Army’s 38th Evacuation Hospital Unit. This military hospital unit was made up of civilian physicians, nurses and business leaders who felt compelled to serve their country by caring for the sick and injured during World War II.
In the decades that passed, our organization began to blossom. We weathered the storms of change. We became a destination to treat patients who had some of the most severe injuries and complex medical cases. As we grew, we never lost sight of the roots of our organization to provide care - for all.
We know that providing the best care can no longer be limited to traditional care settings, hospital walls, or geographical borders. A key component of preserving the mission of non-profit hospitals is protecting and building the communities they support. Wherever there was a need, we rose to face the challenge: cancer; heart care; children’s care; surgery and transplant; behavioral health; rural care. When the scope of medical care began to change, we led the way, helping to transform our communities by keeping them healthy – not just taking care of them when they became sick or injured.
A Gathering Place
Since the inception of Carolinas Healthcare System, the name has been tied to the region, and more specifically, North and South Carolina. During this time, the system has been a source of pride for the communities we have been privileged to served.
The decision to undergo a name change to Atrium Health was done so with purpose, including evaluating more than one hundred names and conducting consumer research on the best of them. We narrowed it to one to find a name that captures the heart of who we are, and who we have always been. The name Atrium Health allows us to grow and impact as many lives as possible and deliver solutions that help communities thrive.
We know that now is the time to improve health for more people. Healthcare organizations across the country are coming together to build the most efficient and effective ‘system of the future’ to endure the changes of the industry. While we continue to lead the way in developing and delivering transformative methods of care, we are committed now more than ever to creating our own health ecosystem with like-minded organizations to preserve our mission and extend it to more communities to help more people. The recent announcement regarding our intent to form a strategic combination with Navicent Health, in Macon, Georgia, is an example of that intent in action.
Atrium Health – The Future
A true brand is defined by the heart of an organization – its people – not a specific name or logo. And for nearly 80 years, many people have tirelessly worked to build an organization rooted in its people and surrounding communities to provide compassionate care regardless of name. Our vision is to be the first and best choice for care. Atrium Health allows us to do that and exemplifies our long-standing commitment to what everyone deserves – compassionate, world-class care. And while our name may be changing, the heart of who we are remains the same.
The future of Atrium Health will be defined by our approach to best serving communities in need, where they are, by convening, advocating and partnering with systems similar in mission with the goal of continuing to improve the health of those we serve.
Atrium Health is a gathering ground, where diverse thinking comes together and connections are made. Our new name proudly stands for our ambition to work with partners to build something new and better more lives, bringing health, hope and healing – for all.
Learn more about Atrium Health.
................................................................................................................................................................................................