Providing free mental health counseling to Macon’s homeless population, educating senior citizens about the dangers of falling and recognizing unsung community heroes are just a few ways Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital are proud to invest in the health and well-being of our community.

Those efforts are among those included in Piedmont’s 2024 Community Impact Report. Part of a federally regulated non-profit healthcare company, Piedmont’s two Macon hospitals work to target strategic initiatives to help improve the overall health of the community. The annual report details how Piedmont’s team members are making a positive difference by supporting patients, community members and partners through education, sponsorships and increased access to services.

“Our Community Impact Report is more than a summary of programs we offer and partnerships we have built. It’s truly a reflection of the real needs in our neighborhoods,” said Robin Parker, executive director of Community Development and Patient Support Services at Piedmont Macon. “Guided by our Community Health Needs Assessment, it ensures that every effort we make as a non-profit hospital is driven by data, shaped by listening to the community and focused on addressing the most pressing health needs facing Middle Georgia.” 

Every three years, each Piedmont hospital conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment in collaboration with local stakeholders. These assessments identify and prioritize health needs using local, state and national data, along with input from community members and health-care experts.

In fiscal year 2024, which ended last month, Piedmont collectively across all its hospitals invested more than $607 million in community impact, expanding access to care and improving the health of those who live in Georgia. 

A few of the highlights of Piedmont Macon’s efforts:

• Honoring local heroes making a positive difference in the health and well-being of our community by presenting our quarterly Community Hero Award.

• Empowering our employees to give back and support local nonprofits by participating in the Blue Jeans for Charity fundraiser each Friday.

• Bringing free health education to seniors in Macon Housing Authority communities, with on-site presentations on nutrition, heart health, stroke awareness and fall prevention.

• Raising awareness of homelessness by sponsoring the annual Daybreak Sleep Out.

• Improving access to care for unhoused individuals in our community through weekly mental health counseling and support of the Sheridan Respite, a safe post-operative recovery space. Both are offered in collaboration with Daybreak. 

“As a hospital committed to making our community healthier, we believe raising awareness of the health needs of Middle Georgia is one of our key responsibilities,” said Stephen J. Daugherty, CEO of Piedmont Macon. “Then we help meet those needs with our Piedmont services, and through our community outreach efforts and our strong partnerships with other agencies. By meeting people where they are and addressing their needs, we’re building a healthier Middle Georgia for everyone.”

For every $1 in tax benefit received, Piedmont provided $2.09 in community support across Georgia for fiscal year 2024, demonstrating its commitment to reinvesting in the communities it serves. Visit www.piedmont.org to view the full 2024 Community Impact Report.