Open Heart Campaign—Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Certificate of Need, and why is it needed?
2. Who manages the CON process?
3. Where will Southern Regional Health System (SRHS) set up its open heart program?
4. Will the program require new construction?
5. How much money is needed?
6. How can I help?

Q. What is Certificate of Need, and why is it needed?

A. A Certificate of Need (or CON) is an official determination by the state that a proposed project to add new services or facilities is needed and is otherwise in the public interest.  The goals of the program include ensuring access to services while at the same time avoiding the unnecessary duplication of services.

Q. Who manages the CON process?

A. Georgia’s Department of Community Health manages the process and is responsible for granting approvals.

Q. Where will SRHS set up its open heart program?

A. The open heart program will be established at SRHS's main campus in Riverdale. The hospital is centrally located within Clayton County and serves as the best location for meeting the needs of residents in Clayton, Henry, Fayette, and other Southern Crescent Counties.

Q. Will the program require new construction?

A. No, the program will not require new construction.  SRHS already has state of the art operating rooms and support space necessary to provide open heart surgery services.

Q. How much money is needed?

A. SRHS will be able to bring an open heart surgery service to the community for less than $ 3 million.  The project entails only modest facility renovations, and primarily involves the acquisition of equipment.

Q. How can I help?

A. Your support, and the help of your friends, family and associates, is critical. It can be as simple as helping to spread the word in our community or making a contribution to assure that Southern Regional's open heart program is among the best in the nation.