Development Authority donates $100,000 to WellStar Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Douglas County Economic Development Authority donates to support the creation of the Pediatric Emergency Department at WellStar Douglas Hospital.

May 24, 2019 (Douglasville, GA) – The Douglas County Economic Development Authority believes access to quality healthcare is essential in creating an optimal quality of life, which is a critical element of successful economic development strategies and supporting the creation of a dedicated space for pediatric emergencies fits within our quality of life priorities. The Douglas County Economic Development Authority Board of Directors voted last month to support the Pediatric Emergency Department through a donation of $100,000. The WellStar Pediatric Emergency Department construction is slated to begin later this year.

WellStar Douglas Hospital has offered exceptional healthcare to patients of all ages in the Douglas County area since 1948. Currently, the WellStar Douglas Hospital offers a 29-bed emergency room with no dedicated space for pediatric patients.

Ron Wilson, Chairman of the Board for the Douglas County Economic Development Authority commented, “Young patients in the Emergency Department face situations that they do not need to be exposed to at a time they are experiencing their own sickness or trauma. Having a dedicated space for children to receive exceptional care and meet their specific needs is what is best for us as a community. I am excited about the creation of the pediatric emergency department and I am thrilled the Development Authority is able to support it not only from a financial perspective but also as we continue to promote Douglas County’s growth.”

# # #

Douglas County Economic Development Authority is an independent agency charged with economic development and operates under a nine-member volunteer Board of Directors appointed by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. The mission of the Authority is to bring quality jobs and opportunities to Douglas County through continued growth in new and existing industry.

WellStar Douglas Hospital provides critical care to patients in Douglas County and surrounding areas. Serving a growing family community, WellStar Douglas Hospital Emergency Department volume has increased 29 percent since 2010 with 20% of the visits being pediatric in 2018.