Today, it has been exactly one year since the announcement that Atlanta Medical Center would be closing, causing anger among city leaders who vowed to halt any new development until healthcare services are restored. Presently, the buildings remain vacant, and it is unclear whether any progress has been made in restoring healthcare services or determining the future use of the property. On August 31, 2022, Wellstar Health System announced the closure of AMC by November 1. As a result, many adjacent medical offices also shut down, leaving a sizable area empty. Some officials have been reluctant to discuss the status of the hospital site, with requests for comments from the Atlanta Mayor’s office going unanswered. County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts mentioned that he is unaware of Wellstar’s plans for the site. Wellstar has since confirmed that it currently does not have a plan, but is engaging with the community and evaluating potential solutions. A redevelopment ban has been imposed on the site for six months, with the possibility of an extension if no agreement is reached to bring back medical services by the October 15 deadline. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has expressed his intention to extend the ban, which would prevent Wellstar or a potential buyer from redeveloping the property until the community’s healthcare needs are met. The site is highly sought-after for development in the city’s Old Fourth Ward area. The closure of AMC has had significant consequences, with nearby emergency rooms and recovery beds becoming overloaded. Dr. Robert Jansen, Chief Medical Officer at Grady Health System, reported a 35% increase in trauma patients since the closure. In a recent podcast episode, Mayor Dickens expressed disappointment in Wellstar and confirmed his commitment to the redevelopment ban until healthcare services are addressed. He also suggested that Morehouse School of Medicine could potentially operate a hospital at the site. Councilmembers Keisha Waites and Amir Farokhi have expressed their concerns over the lack of progress for the site and have proposed various solutions, including transforming it into an equity center that provides healthcare services and other amenities. While the future of the downtown AMC site is being discussed by the city of Atlanta, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners has been working on addressing the loss of hospital services at AMC-South in East Point. Morehouse School of Medicine has reached an agreement with the county to establish a new outpatient clinic to improve healthcare access in the area. The clinic will be located at 1513 East Cleveland Ave. and is expected to begin providing services by October 31. The agreement includes financial support for the clinic’s start-up and operational costs.
