Published on February 23, 2010

Chairman Bell endorses Southern Regional Medical Center plan to offer open heart surgery

Chairman Eldrin Bell is also requesting the support of Clayton County residents

Jonesboro - Clayton County Board of Commissioners Chairman, Eldrin Bell, has issued the following statement in support of Southern Regional Health System's plan to apply to the Georgia Department of Community Health for authority to establish an open heart surgery program at the system's hospital in Riverdale:

"I am very excited to learn that Southern Regional has decided to seek state authority to establish an open heart surgery program.  Not only is this a vital service that is long overdue in Clayton County and the Southern Crescent, but the program will also generate new jobs in the county and throughout the Southern Crescent community.           

 "As chairman of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners and the Clayton County Board Health (District 3-3), I am well aware of both the causes and the costs of heart disease in our community.  From a public health perspective, I am determined that we do more to address the various factors that contribute to chronic diseases, including diet, smoking and lack of exercise.  We also have to address the treatment side, and the addition of an open heart surgery to the hospital's outstanding cardiac care center will save even more lives and improve the quality of life for those who receive this critical service.

"I strongly urge the citizens of Clayton County to get behind this initiative.  On proposals of this type, the Georgia Department of Community Health puts a lot of stock in community support.  They want to hear directly from citizens who would be helped by from this service.  If they don't hear from us, they'll think we don't believe it's important - and it's very important!  "You could say it's as serious as a heart attack.

"I've heard countless stories over the years from Clayton County people who would be better off today if we already had this service right here in the county.  Now I'm asking them to take the time to tell those stories in a way that will help the Department of Community Health make the right decision.  Your life, or the life of someone you love, could depend on it!

"The easiest way to help is to go to http://openheart.southernregional.org/ and follow the instructions to submit an e-mail expressing support for Southern Regional's request to offer open heart surgery in the county.  That simple action could help save lives and improve the quality of life in Clayton County and the Southern Crescent."

For media inquiries for Chairman Bell, please contact Jamie Carlington at (770) 477-3211.